For the first time in his career, AJ Styles has won the Intercontinental Championship.
The finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament aired on SmackDown tonight, with Styles defeating Daniel Bryan to win the title. Bryan went for the running knee near the end of the match, but Styles caught him and hit the Styles Clash. Styles then connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to get the win.
The match went through four commercial breaks and was called an instant classic on commentary after it was over.
Styles did a brief interview after the match and said he’s the best champion that WWE has ever seen.
Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in the first round of the tournament and then got a bye to the finals. Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in the first round and Sheamus in the semifinals. The semifinals were originally supposed to be Styles vs. Elias and Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy, but that was changed after the hit-and-run angle involving Elias, Hardy, and Sheamus.
Styles was traded to SmackDown for “future considerations” at the start of the tournament.
Sami Zayn, who hasn’t appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 36, was Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant last month. On social media, Zayn has been pushing that he’s still the rightful champion. He tweeted about Styles vs. Bryan earlier this week: “Two guys who will put on a match that will no doubt be a wrestling clinic, to prove once and for all just who is the bigger fraud.”
After an angle on tonight’s SmackDown shook up the semifinals, the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are now set.
Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles will face off in the finals of the Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown in two weeks (Friday, June 12). Bryan advanced to the finals by defeating Sheamus on SmackDown tonight, while Styles automatically advanced after Elias was taken out of the tournament.
Tonight’s SmackDown opened with an angle where there had been a hit-and-run accident outside of the WWE Performance Center. Elias was hit by a car and the driver of the vehicle fled. It was revealed to be Jeff Hardy’s rental car and there was a bottle of alcohol found in it. A disoriented Hardy was found and taken into police custody, and Elias was also removed from the tournament due to being unable to compete.
Bryan vs. Hardy and Styles vs. Elias were supposed to be the semifinal matches. Styles wanted to move on to the finals automatically, but Bryan said he wasn’t a coward and wanted to face a new opponent. Sheamus won a 10-man battle royal and faced Bryan in the semifinals in the main event.
Hardy returned at the end of the show, with Bryan hitting the running knee and pinning Sheamus after Sheamus was distracted. Hardy then attacked Sheamus until he ran off.
WWE Digital has learned Jeff Hardy was released from custody by the Orlando police after successfully passing the required sobriety tests, therefore absolving Hardy of the charges of public intoxication, driving under the influence, and the hit-and-run on Elias earlier tonight.
Elias was found injured in the parking lot with an abandoned car nearby before Friday Night SmackDown began. Hardy was taken into custody after being found dazed not from the scene but reemerged as Sheamus battled Daniel Bryan in the night’s final match.
Stay tuned to WWE social and digital channels for the latest updates on the developing situation.
Both semifinal matches in WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are taking place on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles vs. Elias are the first round matches for the tournament. Hardy and Styles advanced with wins on last week’s SmackDown, defeating Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura respectively. Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in the first round two weeks ago, while Elias defeated Baron Corbin.
Sami Zayn was Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant earlier this month.
A Tag Team Champion Summit edition of A Moment of Bliss will air on tonight’s show. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day will join Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross for the segment.
Sonya Deville vs. Lacey Evans has also been announced for tonight. Last week, Deville & Dolph Ziggler defeated Mandy Rose & Otis in a mixed tag match. Deville vs. Evans was set up when they went back and forth on Twitter this week.
With NXT/Performance Center wrestlers serving as fans, tonight’s show will be the first SmackDown since March to have any sort of a crowd.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started outside of the WWE Performance Center. There was an apparent hit and run accident involving Elias. The police and ambulance were on the scene. Elias was on the ground, and EMTs put him on a stretcher.
Renee Young noted a witness saw a car crash and injure Elias. The witness also saw a person in black pants and a black shirt runoff. The smashed car was on the side of the parking lot on the curb. The cops checked the vehicle and found that it belongs to Jeff Hardy.
Kayla Braxton was with Universal Champion Braun Strowman outside. Strowman was also a witness to the crash. He saw the car crash, and somebody ran out.
The police, Jamie Knoble and Jason Jordan found Jeff Hardy passed out near the scene. He was wearing black pants and a black shirt. The cops noted Hardy smells like alcohol and asked him if he was drinking. The police then handcuffed Hardy and put him in the back of the squad car.
Young pointed out that Hardy appears intoxicated and is getting arrested. Young also said Elias is going to a local medical facility.
The segment was done well. The scene came across chaotic but did play on Hardy’s real-life issues.
Back from the break, Adam Pearce addressed the SmackDown roster. Pearce noted Elias is injured, and Jeff Hardy’s going to jail. Sheamus said he wasn’t surprised that Hardy got arrested again. Daniel Bryan told him to relax.
AJ Styles was happy and said he guesses he takes on Bryan in the finals. Bryan disagreed and noted maybe they should pick somebody to take on. Styles called Bryan stupid and told him to take the free ride. Styles noted he’s taking the bye and going straight to the finals.
Every one argued, and they all wanted a chance back in the tournament. King Corbin said he and Sheamus should face Bryan, and the winner takes on Styles. Dolph Ziggler was furious and pointed out he’s not Jack Tunney.
Pearce announced a battle royal next, and the winner takes on Daniel Bryan. The winner of that match takes on Styles in two weeks in the finals of the I.C. tournament.
Both segments featured a lot of talking, but it was a nice change from the typical opening segments in the ring.
Battle Royal: Sheamus Eliminated Jey Uso To Advance To The I.C. Title Semi-Final
Participants: Gran Metalik, King Corbin, Drew Gulak, Jey Uso, Lince Dorado, Cesaro, Shorty G, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura
This was a good and fun battle royal. They gave Shorty G and Jey Uso a chance to shine in the match.
Cesaro pressed slammed Ziggler over the top rope, but he held on. Sheamus started yelling at Micahel Cole, and Shorty G almost eliminated him from behind. Corbin dumped Dorado on the apron, but he held on. Dorado attempted a springboard into the ring, but Corbin eliminated him.
Gulak tried to dump out Corbin from behind. Corbin fought back and eliminated Gulak.
Metalik hit a double springboard elbow on Corbin and Ziggler. He walked the middle ropes, but Ziggler rocked him with a superkick, and Corbin eliminated Metalik.
Ziggler tried to double-cross Corbin, but Corbin eliminated Ziggler instead. Corbin celebrated, but Uso rocked him with a superkick to eliminate Corbin.
Back from the break, Sheamus and Cesaro worked together against Shorty G. On the other side of the ring, Nakamura backed Uso in the corner.
Shorty G used an armbar in the ropes on Sheamus and followed up with a tornado DDT.
Uso made a comeback and hit a series of superkicks. Cesaro attempted to eliminate Shorty G, but he held on. Shorty G fought back and eliminated Cesaro.
The final four were Nakamura, Sheamus, Shorty G, and Uso.
Shorty G and Nakamura went back and forth. Shorty G recovered and eliminated Nakamura.
Nakamura tried to get back in the ring, and the referees tried to stop him. Cesaro then jumped back in and eliminated Shorty G.
The final two entrants were Uso and Sheamus. Uso missed a high cross body but hit a superkick and almost eliminated Sheamus. Sheamus held on and dragged Uso to the apron. Sheamus and Uso fought on the apron.
Uso attempted a superkick, but Sheamus caught the leg and pushed him into the ring post. Sheamus then hit the Brogue kick to eliminate Uso for the win.
Sheamus takes on Daniel Bryan in an I.C. title semi-final tournament match later tonight.
In the back, Sonya Deville promised to defeat Lacey Evans tonight. Evans appeared in the background and pushed Deville to the ground.
Shorty G argued with Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro in the back. Shorty G was furious that he had the opportunity taken away. Cesaro mocked Shorty G and challenged him to a match. Shorty G knocked Cesaro down and accepted the match.
Sonya Deville vs. Lacey Evans
They had a short and basic match. It was fine until the double count-out finish.
Deville and Evans went back and forth to start. Evans got down in the amateur wrestling position and let Deville apply a waist lock, but Evans broke free. Evans mentioned Mandy Rose and mocked Deville.
Deville was furious and rocked Evans with a straight right hand. Evans fought back and dropped Deville face-first. Evans tied up Deville in the ring apron and rocked her with forearms.
Deville broke free and took Evans down on the ground. They fought around ringside and were both counted out. Evans recovered and threw Deville ribs first into the announce table.
Evans demanded Deville get back in the ring. Deville grabbed the headset and noted she’d face Evans on her terms. Deville then walked off.
Another Forgotten Sons vignette aired. They’ll no longer turn the other cheek, and their blood is on your hands. Now it’s time for your blood to be on their hands.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were speaking in the back when The New Day surprised them. They linked arms and made their way to the ring.
A Moment Of Bliss With SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day
This was a fine segment. There wasn’t much to it, and it was more about setting up Alexa Bliss versus Sasha Banks. Bliss and Nikki Cross wasted no time and introduced their guests The New Day. Cross gave The New Day pancakes, and they gave Bliss and Cross coffee beans.
Bliss and Cross asked about the New Day’s possible challengers. They said they’ve noticed The Forgotten Sons making a name for themselves. The New Day asked Bliss and Cross about The IIconics and other challengers.
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring. Banks threw her jacket at Bliss, but Cross held Bliss back. Bliss pointed out there are five champions and asked about Banks not having a belt. The New Day thought that was hilarious.
Banks noted they put the women’s tag team belts on the map and promised to win them back. Bayley then said that Banks is going to prove that they’re the best tag team by taking on Bliss.
Banks wasn’t ready to compete, so Bayley ran to the back to get her shoes. Bliss then dropkicked Banks out of the ring.
Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss
This was a decent match that continued to tease problems between Banks and Bayley. However, the commentary distracted from the action in the ring a bit.
Bayley and Nikki Cross joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cross was going crazy on commentary, and Bayley was getting annoyed. Bayley threatened to hit Cole, but Cross promised to protect him. Cross cheered on Bliss, and Cole joined in on the cheering.
Banks paid tribute to Hana Kimura by wearing a black Hana armband.
Banks had the early advantage, but Bliss took over. Bliss hit the double knees for a near fall. Banks regained control and hit the Meteora for a close near fall.
Banks backed Bliss in the corner, but Bliss fought back. Bliss dropped Banks face-first on the mat. Bliss climbed to the top, but Bayley and Cross jumped on the apron. Bayley pushed Cross into Bliss and knocked her off the apron.
Banks then hit a springboard into the ring and rolled up Bliss into a sunset flip for the win.
Shorty G defeated Cesaro (w/Shinsuke Nakamura)
This was a good match while it lasted, and it was just starting to pick up momentum when it ended.
Shorty G hit a running dropkick and jumped Cesaro at the bell. Shorty G hit a moonsault for a near fall. He followed up by attacking Cesaro’s leg.
Cesaro recovered and rocked Shorty G with a vicious clothesline.
Cesaro was firmly in control and hit a gut-wrench suplex for a near fall. Shorty G recovered and went back to the leg. Cesaro caught Shorty G and hit a huge powerbomb for a close near fall.
Cesaro attempted a back suplex off the top, but Shorty G landed on his feet and applied the ankle lock. Cesaro fought back and rocked Shorty G with a hard uppercut.
Cesaro attempted several pinfall attempts but couldn’t put Shorty G away. Cesaro attempted a powerbomb, but Shorty G rolled through for the win.
Earlier today, Otis, Mandy Rose, and the Money In The Bank briefcase hung out by the pool. They had some champagne, and Rose took a nap. Otis decided to jump into the pool. Rose then had a dream.
In the dream, Otis got out of the pool and walked towards Rose. He ripped off his shirt, and they kissed. Rose was having a hot and steamy dream until Otis did a cannonball in the pool.
This was a parody of the famous pool scene from Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Rose and Otis then had an intense makeout session in the pool.
In the back, Kurt Angle talked about his past but said this is about the future. He’s here to introduce the next face of SmackDown. Angle noted he had the honor of officiating his last match in NXT.
They showed a Matt Riddle video package.
In the back, Kayla Braxton noted they’re excited about Matt Riddle’s upcoming debut. Sheamus interrupted and said first they made a big deal out of Jeff Hardy, and now it’s Riddle.
Sheamus promised to defeat Daniel Bryan later. Bryan and Sheamus went face-to-face. Bryan kicked Sheamus in the shin and walked off laughing.
They recapped Universal Champion Braun Strowman feuding with The Miz & John Morrison.
Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-final: Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus
This was a good match, although it did drag at times. Sheamus had the early advantage with a side headlock. Bryan fought back and nailed Sheamus with a series of kicks in the corner. Sheamus recovered and rocked Bryan with a hard clothesline.
Sheamus slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Bryan fought out and hit a running clothesline. Bryan then dumped Sheamus to the floor and followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Bryan was in control and worked over the arm. Sheamus broke free and backed Bryan in the corner. He then followed up with a series of elbows. Sheamus rocked Bryan with a knee, which sent him to the floor.
Sheamus then tossed Bryan into the barricade. Sheamus then demanded that Michael Cole start a Yes Chant, which he reluctantly did. Sheamus hit a clothesline off the top for a close near fall.
Bryan tried fighting back, but Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus followed up with the Texas Cloverleaf, but Bryan made it to the ropes to break the hold.
Bryan climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Sheamus cut him off. Sheamus attempted a superplex, but Bryan knocked Sheamus off. Bryan followed up with a missile dropkick. Bryan hit a series of Yes kicks, but Sheamus tried the Irish Curse backbreaker. Bryan held on and rolled up Sheamus for a near fall.
Sheamus hit White Noise for a close near fall. Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick, but Jeff Hardy walked down to ringside. Sheamus yelled at Hardy. Bryan then hit the running knee on Sheamus for the win.
After the match, Hardy jumped Sheamus, but Sheamus ran off. Michael Cole and Corey Graves noted they last time they saw Hardy; he was getting arrested.
Bryan advances to the I.C. title finals and takes on AJ Styles.
Next Week: The Miz & John Morrison have a warning for Universal Champion Braun Strowman. Also, Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defends against Bayley & Sasha Banks.
The first round of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament concluded on last night’s SmackDown.
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura renewed their rivalry, with Styles hitting the Phenomenal Forearm to defeat Nakamura and move on to the semifinals of the tournament. It was also announced that Styles has been traded to SmackDown for “future considerations.”
Jeff Hardy and Sheamus faced off in a tournament match in last night’s main event. Sheamus dominated throughout, but Hardy managed to pin him and move on to the semifinals.
Both semifinal matches will air on SmackDown next week. They are Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and Styles vs. Elias.
Charlotte Flair also faced off with Bayley in a non-title champion vs. champion match last night, Mandy Rose & Otis took on Sonya Deville & Dolph Ziggler, and the build to Backlash continued with it being announced that Braun Strowman will defend his Universal Championship against The Miz & John Morrison in a handicap match at the pay-per-view.
Both semifinal matches in WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament are airing on next week’s episode of SmackDown.
It will be Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles vs. Elias in the semifinals of the tournament on SmackDown next Friday. Hardy defeated Sheamus and Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in first round matches on tonight’s SmackDown.
The story for Hardy vs. Sheamus was that Sheamus dominated throughout but was pinned by Hardy at the end of the match. Styles pinned Nakamura in their match after hitting a Phenomenal Forearm.
It was also announced tonight that Styles is now on the SmackDown roster after being traded for “future considerations.”
Bryan advanced to the semifinals of the Intercontinental title tournament by defeating Drew Gulak on SmackDown last week, while Elias advanced to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Sami Zayn was Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant. He hasn’t appeared on WWE television since retaining the title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36. On Twitter, Zayn has been pushing that he’s still the rightful champion.
After the title was declared vacant, WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion kicked off on last night’s SmackDown.
Two first round matches took place on last night’s show. One featured two partners facing off, while the other continued a feud. Daniel Bryan submitted Drew Gulak to move on to the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Elias moved on to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the remaining first round matches. Both will air on next week’s SmackDown. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will face Elias.
In last night’s main event, men’s Money in the Bank winner Otis teamed with Universal Champion Braun Strowman to face The Miz & John Morrison. Otis needing to find a partner for the match was set up during his appearance on Miz TV earlier in the night.
After Otis & Strowman won, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman caught him.
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was on last night’s SmackDown as part of the brand-to-brand invitation. She accepted a challenge from Bayley for a non-title champion vs. champion match next week. Charlotte also tried to create dissension between Bayley and Sasha Banks by asking if Banks was her own woman or happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
On opposite sides of the bracket, Daniel Bryan and Elias have advanced to the semifinals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament.
The tournament kicked off with Bryan defeating Drew Gulak and Elias defeating Baron Corbin on SmackDown tonight. Bryan vs. Gulak was a matchup of partners, while Elias and Corbin are rivals.
After Corbin destroyed Elias’ guitar on the outside, Elias hit a jumping knee strike in the ring and rolled him up to advance to the semifinals. Bryan vs. Gulak aired later in the show, with Bryan winning by submission with a heel hook.
Bryan did an interview after his win and cut a promo about how he had to relinquish the Intercontinental title when he retired in 2015. Bryan said he’s never gotten another shot at the title, and he’s always wanted to make the Intercontinental title the championship of SmackDown and defend it every single week. Bryan said he wants the title to represent the absolute greatest wrestler in WWE.
Bryan and Gulak then shook hands and hugged after their match.
The first round of the Intercontinental title tournament will conclude with Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura taking place on SmackDown next Friday. Bryan will face either Hardy or Sheamus in the semifinals. Elias will face either Styles or Nakamura.
Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to the title being declared vacant this week. He hasn’t appeared on WWE television since his title defense against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
The bracket for WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion has now been revealed.
It’s an eight-man, single-elimination tournament. The left side of the bracket has Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus as its first round matches, while Elias vs. Baron Corbin and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the first round matches on the right side of the bracket.
Styles is taking part in the tournament despite being a Raw wrestler. When the bracket was announced on SmackDown tonight, it was said that Styles was going after one of the only titles that he hasn’t won in WWE.
The brand-to-brand invitation was announced on Raw this week, allowing for a limited amount of crossover between the Raw and SmackDown brands.
It was first announced on WWE Backstage this week that the Intercontinental title has been declared vacant. Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to that announcement. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since he retained the Intercontinental title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
