WWE returns from their own Performance Center training facility in Orlando, Florida with another empty arena show, as the “Road to WrestleMania 36” continues tonight with Friday Night SmackDown.
On tap for this week’s blue brand program is the official WrestleMania 36 contract signing between Goldberg and Roman Reigns for their WWE Universal Championship showdown, as well as an appearance by WrestleMania 36 Host and NFL legend formerly of the New England Patriots — Rob Gronkowski.
Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results from March 20, 2020 written by wrestling-edge.com’s Newest Female Reporter: Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter: @JamieRush312.
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN RESULTS (3/20): WWE PERFORMANCE CENTER IN ORLANDO, FL.
The Road to WrestleMania 36 continues when Friday Night SmackDown kicks off LIVE from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.
Are you ready for a good time? WWE Friday Night SmackDown starts off with the opening theme as usual, leading into our first announcements of the evening.
In-Ring Show Opener
Michael Cole welcomes us to the Performance Center in Orlando, FL. Announcing Goldberg and Roman Reigns are both in the Performance Center to sign the contract for their bout at Wrestlemania. John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania will be re-visited. Paige returns tonight to confront Bayley.
Michael Cole In-Ring
We see Michael Cole standing in the center of the ring in the empty Performance Center. Cole begins, “Wrestlemania is too big for one night, so it will begin Saturday, April 4th and go into Sunday, April 5th hosted by Rob Gronkowski.” Cole sends us into a video clip highlighting Gronkowski.
Michael Cole and Mojo Rawley (w/ Rob Gronkowski) In-Ring
We come back to the ring after the video promo for Gronkowski, where Michael Cole introduces Rob Gronkowski’s best friend, Mojo Rawley. Rawley grabs the mic from Cole’s hand saying he’s not introducing him properly, as he smacks him on the butt. Cole scooting across the ring, then Rawley loudly shouts into the mic, “For the first time EVER… Robbb Gronkowskiiii”.
Gronk’s music sounds as he starts dancing on the stage and on his way to the ring as strobe lights and beams of blue stream across the Performance Center. Gronk enters the ring as he joins his best friend Mojo Rawley. Everyone is hyped in the ring as Michael Cole welcomes Gronk.
Cole begins by asking Gronk if it’s always been a dream of Gronk’s to be a part of Wrestlemania. Gronk says, “Michael, let me tell you something, I’ve been watching since the 2nd grade, in the nose bleeds of the arena in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.” Gronk continues to say he has been there to support Mojo Rawley, when there were only 5 people in the stands. Then when Rawley was in the ring and there were thousands in the stands. To now, where there are no people, and he’s still there.
Gronk finishes his statement saying this time, he’s hosting, and he’s ready for anything baby! Rawley adds the WWE is different than the NFL, sharing they don’t just get hit in the ring, they get hit out of the ring, backstage, etc. Rawley states he’s there to watch Gronk’s back. They point out to Cole this is how they do things, as they continue to hype each other up.
Their friendly shoving hype-fest is cut short as music sounds for King Corbin. Gronk suddenly looking serious as he stares up the ramp as Corbin walks to the top of the ramp with a microphone in hand. Corbin mockingly congratulates Gronkowski for becoming the host of Wrestlemania, yet adding he’s setting himself up for failure if he’s taking advice from his “little buddy” Mojo.
As Corbin makes his way up the stairs and into the ring, he tells Gronkowski that his name is King Corbin, and as King, he expects to be greeted as such, stating they should get on their knees and bow down to their king. Gronk responds, “Nahh, we don’t get on our knees.” Mojo laughs. Corbin states he knows this goes, as Gronk is a “party boy”.
Corbin points our he’s been to the NFL, and if Gronk wants to have a good time at Wrestlemania, he better fall in line. Otherwise the party will be cut short. As Corbin goes to speak once again, we hear the familiar strum of the guitar from backstage. Corbin drops his chin to his chest. Gronk smiles and points up the ramp.
“Hello, I am Elias.” Elias begins. Corbin asks if Elias is following him everywhere he goes as he keeps showing up everywhere over the last few weeks. Elias states he has a song he wants Corbin to hear. Corbin agrees to listen, if Elias will go away afterwards. Elias once again begins to strum on his guitar as he makes his way down the ramp.
Gronk and Rawley begin dancing behind King Corbin in the ring, Corbin looks on to Elias on the ramp as he sings. Elias begins, “Ohh Corbin can’t you hear how dumb you sound? Gronk could rip your head off and spike it like a touchdown. (Gronk imitates spiking a football behind Corbin) So it’s off with your head, I don’t think you’ll survive. I just wish there were actually people here, to see it live…”
Corbin interrupts Elias saying that’s enough, then turns to Gronk and asks if he thinks it’s funny. Corbin removes his robe and drops it to the mat, Gronk takes off his jacket at the same time, seemingly ready to fight. Corbin says, “I know you know something about getting hurt, it can happen real easy.” Mojo steps behind Corbin and kneels down as Gronk shoves Corbin who falls over Mojo.
Corbin gets back to his feet and starts towards Mojo as Elias enters the ring and grabs Corbin.Elias then spins Corbin and throws him through the ropes to the ramp. As the host of Wrestlemania, Gronk says he doesn’t have the ability to make a match, however he’s advocating that King Corbin and Elias have a match at Wrestlemania.
Cole interjects that it’s great to have Gronkowski as the host of the two night Wrestlemania event as Gronk, Rawley, and Elias play it up inside the ring. Corbin still complaining and pointing up the ramp. Elias puts on Corbin’s crown that was left in the ring.
Announcements By Michael Cole
Goldberg’s dressing room door is shown as Cole reminds us that Goldberg is here for the contract signing.
Nakamura and Cesaro are seen with Sami Zayn as they head towards the stage for their tag-team match which is coming up next according to Cole.
Daniel Bryan & Drew Gulak vs. Nakamura & Cesaro
We see Drew Gulak and Daniel Bryan as they make their way out to Bryan’s music. Once again, they attempt the “Yes” chant as they make their way down the ramp, Cole states they tried it last week as well. Bryan and Gulak enter the ring, continuing their “Yes” chant as we go to our first commercial break of the night.
As we come back from commercial, we see highlights of Daniel Bryan asking Drew Gulak for wrestling tips, then Daniel Bryan and Cesaro’s bout later that evening, where Gulak came to the aid of Bryan.
Back in the ring, Bryan and Gulak are preparing for their match as they stand in the ring awaiting their opponents. Cesaro’s music sounds as Cesaro comes out, waiting at the top of the ramp as his tag-team partner makes his way out. Nakamura’s music sounds as Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn accompanies him to the ring.
All three make their way down the ramp and enter the ring as the lights come back in the Performance Center. the bell rings and the match begins. Nakamura and Drew Gulak start things off in this tag-team bout. Sami Zayn joins Michael Cole on commentary.
Cole asks Zayn why they attacked Gulak and Bryan after the match. Zayn stutters his way through an answer stating it was justice. Nakamura tags in Cesaro. Cesaro attempting to gain control as Gulak gets a leg lock on Cesaro. Gulak tags in Bryan. Nakamura is thrown out of the ring.
Cesaro comes in for the save, taking control of the ring. “Good one! A true master of the craft!” Sami Zayn shouts to Cesaro as Cesaro clears the ring. We go to commercial break.
As we once again come back from commercial break, Cole asks Sami Zayn who has joined him on commentary for this tag-team match up, what he thinks of this match thus far. Zayn responds that he’s loving it. Cesaro gets a pin attempt on Bryan back in the ring. Bryan kicks out at two.
Cesaro once again gets a pin attempt on Bryan who kicks out at two once again. Back to his feet, Bryan with a kick on Cesaro as Bryan gets to Gulak for the tag. Cesaro tags in Nakamura. Body shots and kicks by Gulak. German Suplex for the cover by Gulak on Nakamura. Nakamura kicks out at two.
Gulak with an Arm Bar as he goes for the cover once again on Nakamura who kicks out. Back to his feet and Nakamura tags in Cesaro. Nakamura with a kick on Gulak and Cesaro follows with an Uppercut mid-air as they double team Gulak. Bryan is knocked to the floor on the outside.
Cesaro tags in once again, Gulak taking Uppercuts by Cesaro. Bryan not on the apron as he was knocked off. Gulak takes damage. Bryan finally back on the apron gets the tag. Gulak holds Cesaro as Bryan makes his way to the top, jumping over both men and grabbing Cesaro for the roll up and three count pin for the win.
Sami Zayn jumps up and begins shouting to the referee saying “another injustice for the good guys! He was illegal!
Winners: Daniel Bryan & Drew Gulak
After the Match
Sami Zayn is still complaining to the referee about officials not doing their job. A “Yes” chant is started up in the ring by Gulak and Bryan as they celebrate their victory.
Michael Cole announces that Roman Reigns and Goldberg will be in the ring tonight at the same time to sign the contract for their match at Wrestlemania. Cole then mentions we will be taking a look back at John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 30. Finally pointing out that Paige is here tonight for her return.
Ringside Commentary
We go to Michael Cole who states that over the next three Sundays on broadcast television, Wrestlemania events will be shown in their entirety. This Sunday will be Wrestlemania 30 The Encore. With that, we go to commercial break.
Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship is highlighted for Wrestlemania as we come back from commercial break.
Backstage With Gulak and Bryan
“It’s time to breathe deep and stretch deep,” Gulak speaks to Daniel Bryan. Sami Zayn appears with Cesaro and Nakamura close behind as Zayn begins his rant on Bryan. Zayn states that that was a mediocre performance and Bryan should not be celebrating that victory.
Zayn continues on to say that Gulak cannot teach anything to Bryan other than how to continue to be mediocre. Zayn adds that Bryan is only squeaking by, the same way Gulak squeaked his way on to the WWE roster. Zayn ends asking when Bryan is going to start listening to the “Great Liberator”.
Gulak starts towards Zayn who is quickly surrounded by Cesaro and Nakamura. Zayn smiles and asks Gulak what he’s going to do, stating he is untouchable. Bryan leans in and reiterates, “Untouchable?” Bryan asks Zayn to put his money where his mouth is and defend his Intercontinental Championship against Bryan and Gulak’s mediocre teaching.
Zayn agrees, saying if Gulak can somehow, someway defeat the artist Nakamura next week, one-on-one then Zayn will happily agree to an Intercontinental Match at Wrestlemania. Gulak states he doesn’t even need to think about it, he’s in.
In-Ring With Michael Cole
Michael Cole welcomes his guest, the former 3 time Women’s Champion, former General Manager of SmackDown, a Pioneer in the Women’s Evolution, and now the host of WWE Backstage on FS1… Paige.
Paige thanks Michael Cole for having her, from the jumbotron above the ramp. Paige is interrupted before she can continue as music sounds for Bayley who states, “She no-shows last week and now this??” Bayley makes her way down the ramp with Sasha Banks by her side.
Bayley and Sasha Banks In-Ring Speak To Paige Via Skype On Jumbotron
Bayley dismisses Michael Cole as she states, “We got this.” Bayley and Sasha Banks standing in the center of the ring looking up to the jumbotron where Paige still sits on live video feed. Bayley begins, “Hey Paige, so glad you could finally show up. Welcome, to our show.” Paige responds saying Bayley is funny and has a way with words.
Bayley points out that she’s a role model, as well as a poet, adding that Paige could say whatever she came to say so the world and WWE Universe could forget about her as they had been doing. Paige on Skype from Los Angeles mocks Bayley stating no one past, present, or future can touch her and the role model era is now. Bayley mocks Paige’s accent stating, “that’s right baby girl” then mumbles to Banks she even did the accent.
Paige goes on stating it’s bad enough hearing Bayley run down the ladies locker room week after week, totally against the Women’s evolution movement. Paige continues that any lady that can lace up her boots and enter the ring shows courage and they should be commended not treated badly by bullies like Bayley and Banks.
Bayley replies that it’s not her fault that she’s the baddest, adding she’s beat everyone… stopping to say “unless you want to do something about it…”. Bayley then points out that Paige cannot do that because she didn’t bother to show up. Paige responds, “Oh, edgy Bayley is out, I understand.”
Paige continues on to share that Bayley is right, Paige can no longer do what she loves, it was taken away from her, and she doesn’t wish that on anyone, not even Bayley or Banks. Paige then changes speeds, saying it’s Wrestlemania season, baby! And you know what that means! Paige said she can’t wait to see who takes the title from Bayley. Paige then informs Bayley that she spoke to her good friends at Fox and she will be announcing Bayley’s championship title match at Wrestlemania.
Bayley responds saying that’s funny because there wasn’t going to be a match at Wrestlemania, and Bayley was going to skip that and go straight to the Hall of Fame. Paige then informs Bayley that she will be defending her title against Lacey Evans and Dana Brooke. Bayley jokes, want to add a third? Paige agrees, adding Tamina. Bayley states she knows Paige is jealous, but three people, wow, Bayley is only one person.
Paige then adds that along with Lacey, Dana, and Tamina, now there will also be Naomi. At this point Sasha Banks takes the microphone, calling Paige a bitch and yelling, “How dare you do that to my friend!” Paige responds to Banks, “I’m glad you chimed in, because now I can name the final contender in Bayley’s 6-Pack Elimination Match, and that will be… You.” Banks mouth is a gape, as she looks to Bayley.
Bayley exits the ring quickly, scratching her head with her belt bouncing off her thigh as she rushes up the ramp, leaving Sasha Banks in the center of the ring, a different attitude appearing across the face of Banks.
Michael Cole sends us to commercial break.
Michael Cole Speaks To WWE Universe
As we come back from commercial break, Michael Cole once again welcomes us back to Friday Night SmackDown at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL stating with all going on in the world right now, he hopes that they can entertain the fans and take their minds off some things for a while.
Cole turns to Wrestlemania, adding that John Cena was going to take on The Fiend Bray Wyatt. Cole then sets up a video that would take us back to 3 weeks ago when John Cena stated he wouldn’t be going to Wrestlemania, then the events that followed leading to the match that is now set between Cena and The Fiend. A video clip airs highlighting the events.
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 2014
Cole reiterates that Cena will be taking on The Fiend in just a few weeks at Wrestlemania as he sends us in to the video of a former Wrestlemania bout between Cena and Wyatt. The video starts where Wyatt drops to his knees shouting to Cena, “Give the fans what they came to see…. Finish me!! Finish me!!”
Wyatt determined to expose Cena for the monster he truly is, according to commentary from Cole during the original event. Cena takes down Wyatt early on, the crowd split down the middle with “Let’s Go Cena!” chants coming from half the fans and “Let’s go Wyatt!” coming from the other half of the fans.
Back and forth action between the two superstars, Wyatt shouting to the crowd, “This is your hero? This is the one you call hero??” as he continues to land elbows on a beaten down John Cena. Cena with an explosion of anger as he hits a Clothesline on Cena followed by a flurry of fists on Wyatt who is laughing as Cena continues to attack him. The referee breaking it up momentarily.
John Cena clearly conflicted as he looks out into the crowd in a rage as he pants, Wyatt laying helplessly in the corner of the ring as we go to commercial break.
As we come back from commercial break, Cena and Wyatt continue to go at it in the ring at Wrestlemania. (At one point in the match, Cena turning back to his own ways with “You Cant C Me” as Wyatt does a back-bend bridge with a smile freaking Cena out. Pretty cool part of the match, figured I would point it out.)
We continue the next 30 minutes or so, seeing the rest of the John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt match at Wrestlemania XXX with commercial breaks in between, as Wyatt continues to attempt to bring the viciousness out of Cena and prove that he’s evil. Towards the end of the match, Wyatt kicks a chair to Cena and kneels in front of Cena, challenging him, once again shouting, “Finish me!” Cena ultimately taking the win, refusing to go to the dark side.
Michael Cole In The Performance Center
Michael Cole welcomes us back to Friday Night SmackDown as the match ends. Cole explaining that that is the night The Fiend was born, at Wrestlemania XXX.
Cole then sets up a video clip from last Friday Night SmackDown where Bray Wyatt explains to John Cena in the center of the ring how Cena took something from Wyatt that night at Wrestlemania XXX, though he also creating something, The Fiend.
As the clip ends, Cole reminds fans that Bill Goldberg and Roman Reigns are both in the arena tonight for the contract signing for their bout at Wrestlemania.
The Miz Promo In-Ring
Entrance music for The Miz sounds as lights begin flashing across the WWE Performance Center, the camera panning to the top of the ramp where The Miz makes his way to the stage. Next John Morrison’s music sounds as The Miz and John Morrison do their slow-mo pose before making their way down the ramp and entering the ring.
With that we go to commercial break.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross Interview
As we come back from commercial break, a video clip is shown from Last Friday’s SmackDown in the Performance Center where Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross took on Bayley and Sasha Banks. As Bliss exits the ring during that match, Asuka from out of nowhere attacks Bliss, causing a distraction where Banks hits the Bank Statement for the submission win over Nikki Cross.
Kayla Braxton welcome Alexa and Nikki stating they have been calling out the Kabuki Warriors. Nikki Cross quick and angry is slowed by Bliss who says she will handle it.
Bliss turns towards the camera and begins speaking to Asuka and Kairi Sane stating what Asuka did last week was only a game, a game that Bliss plays much better. Bliss then asks Cross what her schedule looks like for next week to which Cross responds, “wide open”. With that, Bliss challenges Asuka to a match on next week’s Friday Night SmackDown. Bliss finishes by stating, “this time, you can come through the front door.”
“The Dirt Sheet” (With Hosts: The Miz and John Morrison)
We come back to The Miz and John Morrison sitting in chairs set up in the center of the ring in the empty Performance Center. John Morrison begins the show stating in the last week he had taught himself to “whip” and “nae-nae”. Miz asks him if he’s serious. Morrison continues to brag about his skills.
The Miz shares that he feels they are missing something. Morrison says a room full of fans chanting Miz and Morrison “Hey Hey Ho Ho”, to which they do the now catch phrase quickly then move on. Miz then asks fans who they think they should fight at Wrestlemania.
They cut to footage of themselves dressed up as a unicorn and some other costume as they respond Miz and Morrison should go up against New Day at Wrestlemania. Cutting back to the empty arena, Morrison says he thought there wouldn’t be fans there tonight.
Miz states they must have snuck in. They shoot to another video clip of themselves in a different part of the arena seating dressed in different costumes arguing who they should fight. Next they dress in bacon stating Miz and Morrison should fight Tucker and Otis. They all argue with one another.
Miz and Morrison continue their banter in the ring as Heavy Machinery’s music sounds as we go to commercial break.
Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz & John Morrison
As we come back from commercial break, Miz and Morrison are in the ring and Otis and Tucker are now in the ring as well. Cole announces on commentary that if Heavy Machinery is able to win this important match tonight, they could go on to fight for the tag-team championship.
Miz in the ring with Otis, Miz getting a Side Headlock on Otis. Miz makes the tag to Morrison. Otis begins dancing as Morrison lands a big right hand. Otis states he can’t be stopped as Morrison drops him to a knee. Otis whips Morrison into the corner. Morrison slides under Otis and gets to the top, only to roll through.
Later in the match, Morrison tags in Miz. Tucker throws Miz across the ring before Otis tags back in. A Shoulder Tackle by Otis on Miz. Morrison states, “You’re bigger than we thought, but not smarter.” Double team action on Miz by Tucker and Otis. Miz gets Sandwiched as Morrison comes in attempting to make the save.
Heavy Machinery dominating as Tucker goes off the apron taking out Morrison and The Miz. Otis exits the ring as well as Tucker makes his way into the ring, only to be flipped back out by Miz and Morrison. Miz flies through the ropes feet first into Tucker. Morrison with an Elbow to the chest of Tucker of a pin attempt.
Tucker kicks out. Morrison once again goes for the cover, again Tucker kicks out. Miz and Morrison continue to keep Tucker away from his corner, Otis unable to make the tag. Dolph Ziggler makes his way down the ramp, temporarily grabbing the attention of Otis.
Ziggler walks over to Michael Cole, putting on a headset as we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Morrison lands a big kick to the face of Tucker for another two count pin attempt. Double team by Miz and Morrison, Tucker flips it around, finally getting to Otis for the tag. (We get the static and circle of lights, then back to action). Morrison and Miz get Double Sandwiched in the corner.
Otis goes for the Caterpillar on a laid out Miz and Morrison, at that point Ziggler jumps up from the announcer’s table and grabs Otis’s attention, telling Otis he knows that he’s “smitten with his kitten” but thought Otis might want to see some pictures. Ziggler points to the jumbotron. Pictures of Mandy and Ziggler together are shown, Otis tearing up as he stares at the screen.
Ziggler says he’s sorry that Otis will never know that kind of love. Otis chases Ziggler, grabbing Ziggler as he tries to go over the barricade. Otis grabs a chair as Ziggler struggles backwards on the floor. Miz and Morrison grab Otis and throws him back in the ring. Otis has completely lost control.
Otis slamming Miz’s head into the announcer’s table then into the ring post. Otis then attacks Morrison. Otis wiped out both Miz and Morrison, looking back at the picture of Ziggler and Mandy Rose, Miz and Morrison driven through the barricade. Tucker attempts to calm Otis down.
The bell rings, ending in disqualification as Otis continues beating Miz and Morrison with a steel chair.
Winners: The Miz and John Morrison
After the Match
Otis still grabbing and throwing furniture. Ziggler at the top of the ramp, almost looking worried for what he has created. Tucker hugs Otis as he tells him it’s going to be ok.
Michael Cole announces the contract signing is next, after the break.
Contract Signing With Roman Reigns and Bill Goldberg
As we come back from commercial, we see Michael Cole standing in the center of the ring. A table and two chairs are set up as well. Cole reminds fans that Wrestlemania is a two night event, followed by adding that one of the matches is Reigns vs. Goldberg.
Cole welcomes Roman Reigns first to the ring as Reigns music sounds in the arena. Reigns walks down the ramp, his eyes lowered as he makes his way into the ring. Out next, Goldberg as smoke pours in and Goldberg makes his way down the ramp with the championship belt over his shoulder.
Goldberg enters the ring and stands on the opposite side of the table from Reigns. Cole says they can take a seat as they get down to the contract signing. Cole states they need to relax, the WWE Universe never saw this match coming, but it will in just two weeks. Cole asks Goldberg who he thought would take his challenge when he asked, “Who’s next?” at SmackDown.
Goldberg admits he had hoped it would be Reigns, but didn’t think he had the balls. Reigns then explains why he thought he should take the match. Reigns calls Goldberg a little “b**** bulldog” holding Reigns title that Goldberg never earned. With that, Reigns signs the contract. Goldberg then states that come Wrestlemania, Reigns will be the next victim of his headbutt. Goldberg flips the table and Reigns stands nose to nose with Goldberg as SmackDown comes to a close.
