WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN RESULTS (7/3/20): ORLANDO, FL.
Show Opening
Are you ready for a good time? The open package is shown as tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown kicks off for the July 3, 2020 episode. We are welcomed to the WWE Performance Center by Michael Cole.
In-Ring – Matt Riddle Interview, Broooo.
Michael Cole is in the ring as he announces newcomer to SmackDown, Matt Riddle. Riddle joins Cole inside the ring and the one-on-one interview begins. “How did it feel during your debut on SmackDown to take on AJ Styles, can you put that into words?” Riddle thinks, then responds, “Not really.” Riddle goes on to explain the feeling of getting the call from NXT and moving over to SmackDown and being able to celebrate his victory with the SmackDown roster after defeating AJ Styles during his introduction match.
Cole asks why Riddle wrestles without shoes. Riddle states it’s a long story, and that there was an indoor pool and outdoor snow answer involving frostbite and almost losing “the bros tootsies”. Riddle says he doesn’t care if it’s a wedding, bar mitvah, or hanging out with a bear… he never wears shoes.
Cole states he can’t wait to see what’s next for Riddle on Friday Night Smac…
King Corbin Interrupts
Cole is interrupted as King Corbin’s music sounds as Corbin makes his way down the ramp and joins Michael Cole and Matt Riddle inside the ring.
Corbin mocks Riddle’s answer for going barefoot to the ring. Corbin then states he’s there due to the “little stunt” Riddle pulled on last week’s Friday Night SmackDown. Riddle listens as Corbin continues on.
“You do you, bro.” Riddle responds after that long winded speech from Corbin. “Let’s go bro…” Corbin shakes his head and says Riddle doesn’t get to come in and just “get” a match with “the king”. Corbin then says, “your opponent is this guy…”
John Morrison & The Miz Enter
Corbin points up the ramp as the entrance theme for John Morrison and The Miz sounds and the tag-team partners make their way down the ramp and stand at ringside as we head to our first commercial break of the evening.
John Morrison vs. Matt Riddle
As we return from our first commercial break, the bell rings as both superstars are already in the ring. King Corbin joins Michael Cole on commentary. Cole asks Corbin who gave him the authority to make matches. Johnny Drip Drip in the ring with the Original Bro, nice. Morrison controls things early on in the match-up.
Morrison throws a kick. Riddle back at Morrison asks Morrison to hit him again. Morrison teased another kick and ended up poking Riddle in the eyes instead.
Morrison caught Riddle with a springboard kick. Morrison hits a Springboard Corkscrew Cross Body Block onto Riddle. Then goes for the cover, Riddle kicks out at two. Morrison caught Riddle with a Running Knee and got another two count, then showed frustration while Corbin questioned why Riddle wouldn’t quit.
A Suplex by Riddle onto Morrison. Riddle ended up on the apron and then he and Morrison threw simultaneous punches. Riddle drops Morrison on the back of his neck, both men are laid out in the center of the ring. The Miz looks on from ringside, concerned.
Morrison goes down in the center of the ring, Riddle falls off the apron. Riddle back to his feet on the outside, picks up his flip flop and hits King Corbin, who is sitting at the corner Announcer’s Table, then runs back to the the ring with Corbin chasing behind.
Corbin has to stop at the top of the apron as the referee puts his hand out, blocking the king. We head to commercial once again.
As we return from commercial break. Broton by Riddle followed by a German Suplex. Riddle looking for the Floating Bro, Morrison gets his knees up for the save. Morrison with the power to Riddle. A cover by Morrison, Riddle kicks out at two.
Riddle locks in the Bromission, Morrison using his core strength gets back to his feet. Morrison climbs the ring posts, Riddle looks to take Morrison down, Morrison flips Riddle to the apron. Morrison shifts his weight, dropping Riddle into the canvas. Morrison follows up with a Spanish Fly and the cover.
Riddle kicks out again! The two exchange blows as they make their way back to their feet. Riddle with a kick to the face of Morrison, then a High Knee. Dropkick by Morrison, Powerbomb and Running Knee by Riddle for the cover. This time Morrison kicks out.
The crowd tries to hype our beloved bro, Riddle picks up Morrison again, Miz on the apron, Riddle knocks Miz off the apron. Corbin is up on the apron, Riddle goes to hit Corbin, Corbin jumps off the apron. Morrison tries to take advantage of the disruption with a roll up. Riddle kicks out and is able to get the cover on Morrison for the three count and the win!
Winner: Matt Riddle
After the Match
Riddle quickly exits the ring and throws his hands up in victory as he looks back at the ring from the ramp. Riddle walks backwards up the ramp dancing in celebration when AJ Styles comes out onto the stage and attacks Riddle from behind! Suddenly Drew Gulak comes out for the save, knocking AJ Styles to the ground, the two begin to brawl. We head to commercial break!
Backstage
Sarah Shreiber walks up as King Corbin is talking backstage with The Miz and John Morrison, clearly upset that Riddle just won his match again. They say Riddle may not have had his feet cut off as a kid, but he’s going to make sure to take Riddle out at the knees!
AJ Styles vs. Drew Gulak
We head to the ring where Styles and Gulak are already in the ring. The bell rings and the match begins! Gulak is thrown from the ring early on in the match, taking things to ringside. Styles bounces Gulak off the apron.
Gulak looks to have injured his knee as Styles makes his way back to his feet and smiles. Styles with a Calf Crusher on Gulak. He then starts talking trash to Gulak as he jams the knee and ankle of Gulak into the canvas once again before dragging Gulak to the ropes.
Styles puts Gulak’s foot on the ropes and continues to torture Gulak as he stomps the knee and ankle of Gulak. Gulak throws multiple right hands at Styles. Styles looks for the Calf Crusher, Gulak counters, putting a tremendous amount of pressure on Styles neck and arm. Styles struggles to get his hips out from under Gulak.
Styles struggles to the ropes and grabs the bottom rope for the break. Styles heads to the outside of the ring, hitting himself and then the Plexiglas as the count continues. Gulak with a Baseball Slide under the bottom rope, knocking Styles to the floor grasping his chest as Gulak re-enters the ring. The count continues as we head to commercial break.
We return from commercial break and Styles is back in the ring with Gulak who is driving his shoulder into the Phenomenal One. Styles finally attempting to turn things around, hitting a Brain Buster for the cover. Gulak kicks out at two. Styles argues with the referee then gets back to his feet.
We see Daniel Bryan on Zoom once again, Bryan is asked why he allowed Gulak to become his coach. Bryan said he wanted to learn from Gulak once he realized Gulak knew move for move and studied people. Back in the ring, Running Back Breaker by Styles for a cover.
Styles hits Gulak with an elbow as he sits up. Gulak rolls up Styles. Styles rakes at the eyes of Gulak with his hair covering as the referee couldn’t see. Gulak begins throwing hard rights, driving Styles into the corner of the ring. Gulak, looking to rally, continues throwing strikes at Styles.
Bryan states Gulak has a heart that just won’t quit. Styles with a Chokehold in the center of the ring on Gulak. The crowd begins to cheer and stomp for Gulak who gets back to his feet. Gulak lifts Styles, throwing him face first into the top turnbuckle.
Gulak catching his breath as both men struggle back to their feet. A Dropkick by Gulak on Styles, then another, then another, then one more! Styles walks towards Gulak, Gulak drops Styles on the canvas for a two count! Styles rolls away from Gulak. Gulak lifts Styles onto the top turnbuckle then up to the top rope.
Styles slides under Gulak, dropping him jaw first into the turnbuckle. Gulak sidesteps Styles. Styles with a Powerbomb then the Styles Clash, leaving Gulak motionless in the center of the ring. Styles shakes his head “no” and lifts Gulak up, dragging Gulak to the ropes and hanging him over the ropes. Styles heads to the apron, loading up. Styles with a Phenomenal Forearm for the three count.
Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: AJ Styles
Backstage – Bayley and Sasha Banks
We see Bayley and Sasha Banks laughing and getting ready for their “Tribute To The Golden Role Models” when we return from commercial break!
Bayley & Sasha Banks Celebration In-Ring
As we return from commercial break, Sasha Banks is dancing to her entrance theme at the top of the ramp, then Bayley’s music sounds. The two make their way down the ramp, showing off their belts to the crowd and then to Michael Cole as they enter the ring, holding their belts high.
Sasha Three Shows, and Bayley Three Brands! Bayley goes on to state that nobody shows them respect. Bayley takes it back, stating someone has respect for them. The Undertaker! Bayley then mocks ‘Taker saying he called her and belittled himself while boasting on Bayley.
Bayley then asks why wait for the Horror Show when they could have it, tonight?! Sasha Banks then points to the jumbotron and a video package airs showing both the Role Model and Legit Boss highlighting their accomplishments in the WWE.
As the video ends we return to the ring and the two begin chanting “Thank you Bayley!” and “Thank you Sasha!” back and forth as they dance around the ring.
Enter Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
Alexa and Nikki make their way down the ramp and stop short of the ring. The two both pull out a piece of paper with “facts” on it as well. Bliss starts off saying the video package was “inspirational”. She then begins to read “facts” about her tag-team partner Nikki… “Did you know that Nikki is not only a WWE Superstar, but she’s also the queen of Scotland and is 325th in line to the throne in England.” Cross then states, “Bliss is the first women to drive across Antarctica in a go-cart.” The two then say “you’re the best, no you’re the best” over and over then stop suddenly staring hard at Bayley and Banks.
Alexa and Nikki enter the ring. Bliss asks if they know how ridiculous they sound. Banks calls Nikki a hyper little runt. Nikki states she has heart, and that she could win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Banks sets a match between Bayley and Alexa Bliss. Bliss accepts as Bayley looks on, not too happy it seems. We head to commercial break.
Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley
As we return from commercial break, the two female superstars are already in the ring. The bell rings and the match begins. Alexa is in control to start the match off. Alexa gets a cover on Bayley for the two. Alexa once again drops Bayley and hits the cover, Bayley kicks out again.
A Clothesline by Bayley for the cover, Bliss kicks out at the two. Bayley throws her shoulder into Bliss in the corner, Bayley confidentally dropping Bayley to the canvas. Bliss with a hard strike on Bayley. Nikki tries to get everyone hyped up as she hits the announcer’s table.
Bayley with a Running Bulldog, following up with a pin attempt. Bliss kicks out at two. Bayley continues stomping on Bliss’s hand as she looks to Nikki at ringside laughing. Nikki starts getting more upset. Nikki tries to hype Alexa once again, and Bayley tries to kick Nikki through the ropes.
Nikki jumps up on the apron and Bayley sends Alexa to Banks for a strike that the ref didn’t see as he’s trying to get Nikki off the apron. Nikki then runs around the ring and Clotheslines Sasha. Bayley then shouts at Nikki through the ropes, daring her to do something.
Nikki finally gives in and throws a hard strike at Bayley. The ref calls for the bell.
Alexa Bliss Disqualified Due To Nikki Cross
After the Match
Nikki gets Alexa Bliss disqualified as she strikes Bayley who dared her. Nikki continues to attack Bayley inside the ring until Sasha Banks pulls Bayley to ringside for the save. We head to commercial break.
Video Package – Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman
As we return from commercial break, Michael Cole and Corey Graves send us to a video package explaining the origin story of Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman.
We see clips of a swamp, snakes, the woods, and scary/odd random objects. Then it switches to clips from old matches from the Wyatt Family. Finally a clip of Braun and Bray’s match where he put the Black Sheep mask on and later stomped on it.
We then see Strowman looking scared as Bray says, “What’s wrong, looks like you’ve seen a ghost” as Bray wears the old Wyatt Family get up with long hair and all. Then the Horror Show Extreme Rules Wyatt Swamp Fight Match set up is shown with Braun telling Bray, “Let’s go home” and Bray blowing out the lantern.
We head to commercial break.
Kofi Kingston vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
As we return from commercial break, we return to the arena. Out first is Nakamura accompanied by Cesaro as they make their way down the ramp and enter the ring. Out next is New Day members Kofi Kingston and his tag-team partner Big E. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match officially begins. Kofi and Nakamura kick things off stepping around the ring sizing one another.
Kingston takes control of the match, throwing the first blow. Kingston with a Dropkick as he knocks Nakamura out of the ring. Kingston off the ropes headed at Nakamura. Nakamura tries to sidestep, Kingston stops short before jumping through the ropes at Nakamura.
Kingston reversese Nakamura into the barricade, Big E runs over and laughs loudly in the face of Nakamura. Back in the ring for both of the superstars, Nakamura with a Kick to Kingston. Nakamura drives Kingston’s neck into the bottom rope. Cesaro with a cheap shot as the referee is reprimanding Nakamura for the foot into the neck of Kingston.
The referee kicks Cesaro out of ringside. Cesaro throws a fit as we head to commercial break.
As we return from commercial break, we return to the arena. Out first is Nakamura accompanied by Cesaro as they make their way down the ramp and enter the ring. Out next is New Day members Kofi Kingston and his tag-team partner Big E. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match officially begins. Kofi and Nakamura kick things off stepping around the ring sizing one another.
As we return from commercial break, Nakamura drops Kingston on his neck in the center of the ring. Nakamura then follows Kingston around the ring, exchanging blows. Kingston finally trying to fight his way back into this fight with multiple strikes. Nakamura lands a Back Elbow.
Nakamura slides out of the ring under the bottom rope, grabbing Kingston, running and striking Kingston then re-entering the ring for a pin attempt. Kingston kicks out. Nakamura with rights and lefts, Kingston looking to rally as he fights back. Kingston attempts to pick up the pace.
Kingston drops Nakamura then heads up top for a high flying attempt, Nakamura puts his knees up for the block! Nakamura with a pin attempt on Kingston, Kingston kicks out once again. Nakamura clearly upset, Nakamura explodes out of the corner, Kingston side steps and hits the SOS for a 2 1/2! Kingston stunned.
Finally, Both men exchange blows and grapples. Finally Kofi sets up for the Trouble in Paradise but Nakamura steps into it and avoids the kick, slapping in a sleeper! Kofi escapes but eats the running kick. Nakamura covers and gets the pin!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Quick Announcement
Michael Cole informs the WWE Universe that next week The New Day members Kofi Kingston and Big E will take on Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro for the WWE SmackDown Tag-Team Championship. We then head to commercial break.
Quick Announcement
Michael Cole informs the WWE Universe that next week The New Day members Kofi Kingston and Big E will take on Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro for the WWE SmackDown Tag-Team Championship. We then head to commercial break.
Sheamus’s Toast To Jeff Hardy
As we return from commercial break, Sheamus is inside a room somewhere that looks like a bar. Jeff Hardy makes his way to the ring where there are tables set up with alcohol bottles set up on them. Sheamus is on the jumbotron making a horrible poem for Hardy calling him a junkie and an alcoholic. Finally we look to Hardy standing inside the ring, bottles of alcohol surrounding him on tables set up everywhere. “You’ve got to be the sickest person I’ve ever met. Is it funny to you to make fun of the struggles I’ve had and other people have every day? To rub my family’s nose in it?” Hardy states.
Sheamus then states he isn’t trying to hurt Jeff Hardy, he’s trying to help him. Sheamus then adds he is Hardy’s friend. That’s why he sent his bartender personally. The bartender then puts a glass in the face of Hardy. Hardy then asks what’s the worst that can happen.
Hardy makes like he’s going to take a sip as the glass goes to his lips. Hardy then pours it on the bartender, breaking a bottle over his head then heading to the top turnbuckle with a Swanton!
Hardy’s road to redemption continues as Hardy stands at the top turnbuckle clapping and the show fades out! That’s all for the July 3, 2020 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
