Welcome to wrestling-edge.com’s results and coverage for tonight’s edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on Fox! WWE returns from their own Performance Center training facility in Orlando, Florida for the April 10, 2020 empty arena episode of Friday Night SmackDown!
Featured below are SmackDown results written by wrestling-edge.com’s newest female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter:Â @JamieRush312
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN RESULTS (4/10): (Performance Center) ORLANDO, FL.
SmackDown Show Opening
Tonight’s edition of SmackDown begins at 8:00pm on Fox with the WWE Forever opening theme music playing us into the Performance Center in Orlando, FL.
Braun Strowman In-Ring Promo
The NEW Universal Champion, Braun Strowman makes his way to the stage, smiling ear to ear with the championship belt around his waist as Strowman is officially announced. Strowman makes his way down the ramp and climbs into the ring as Michael Cole takes us into a video clip highlighting Wrestlemania 36 where Braun Strowman won the Universal Championship with a Power Slam on Bill Goldberg, ultimately getting the three count!
We head back to the ring where Braun Strowman is standing in the ring with a microphone, Strowman begins, “When opportunity knocks on the door, you answer it. Well at Wrestlemania, I did more than answer it… I knocked it off it’s hinges!” Strowman continues on to note he took Spear after Spear from Goldberg, and was still able to walk away the new Universal Champion.
Strowman continues to highlight moments of Wrestlemania when he is interrupted by Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance music sounding in the Performance Center. Nakamura slowly making his way down the ramp and entering the ring to interrupt Strowman’s celebration. Strowman speaks to Nakamura, “This should be funny… what do you want?”
Nakamura laughs before he begins speaking as he points to Strowman, “You said when opportunity knocks, you better open the door. Well, knock-knock…” Nakamura laughing again. Strowman continues to stare at Nakamura’s awkward body movements. Nakamura, continues, “…you are supposed to say, ‘who’s there'” laughing once again as he states, “well, Shinsuke Nakamura is here, knock, knock.” Nakamura continues to mock Strowman for celebrating his Wrestlemania victory, when the last time he saw Strowman, he beat him (along with Cesaro and Sami Zayn).
Strowman responds by telling Nakamura that nobody tuned in to Friday Night SmackDown to listen to Nakamura run his mouth, so instead of giving Strowman a history lesson, let him enjoy his night and victory celebration as he “nah-nah-knocks the crap outta (Nakamura)”. Nakamura tells Strowman to be careful what he wishes for, adding that Strowman reminds him of an old Chinese proverb “the weak are the meat, and the strong eat”.
Strowman states he also has an old Chinese proverb that anybody can understand in any language, “later tonight, you’re going to get these hands”. With that, Strowman quickly turns and shoves Cesaro over the top rope, turning back just in time to receive a Roundhouse Kick to the face from Nakamura. As Strowman staggers backwards, Nakamura quickly exits the ring and stands staring in at Strowman from the ramp. Nakamura and Cesaro exit up the ramp, leaving Strowman angry in the ring to end the segment.
Quick Announcement
The Miz and John Morrison are in the building, and will appear later tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
Also a still shot of Otis cradling Mandy Rose in his arms following his match with Dolph Ziggler at Wrestlemania 36, we will get an update on their unlikely romance later tonight.
Last, Wrestlemania Re-Match, new Women’s Tag-Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross defend their titles against The Kabuki Warriors! With that, we go to our first commercial break of the evening!
Video Clip
As we return from commercial break, we see a video clip of the Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. The Kabuki Warriors bout at Wrestlemania 36 where Bliss delivered the Twist of Bliss to ultimately get the three count victory over Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Wrestlemania 36 Re-Match for Women’s Tag-Team Title
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. The Kabuki WarriorsOut first are the new Women’s Tag-Team Champions, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross as their music sounds in the Performance Center. Bliss and Cross make their way down the ramp and enter the ring as they await their opponents for tonight’s Wrestlemania 36 re-match for the Women’s Tag-Team Championship! Cross leans into the camera as she enters the ring, hugging her championship belt and showing it off.
Out next are Asuka and Kairi Sane as the Kabuki Warriors entrance music blares over the Performance Center speakers. They enter the ring with Bliss and Cross as the match is officially announced. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins!
Kairi Sane is in first for the Kabuki Warriors, Asuka climbs through the ropes to her corner as the bell rings. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are finishing their discussion inside the ring in their corner, Sane immediately runs across the ring delivering a Double Super Kick to Bliss, on the attack of Alexa Bliss. Sane with a fury of fists, sending Bliss into the corner. Kabuki Warriors double team Bliss in the corner and exchange quick tags to dominate the match early on.
Sane grabs Bliss by the hair, hitting Bliss with a shot to the kidney. Bliss flips over and rolls Sane quickly for a pin attempt, Sane kicks out at two. Sane back to her feet angry, stomping the foot of Bliss as she drags her to the corner for a tag to Asuka. Asuka delivers a few good shots before making the tag to Sane again. Sane with a Basement Dropkick for another pin attempt, Bliss kicks out at two.
Bliss delivers a Drop Kick to Sane, looking for the tag, unable to find Cross. Asuka exits her corner looking for Cross. All four women end up on the outside of the ring. Cross slams Asuka’s face into the mat, finally diving onto her as we go to commercial break.
As we come back from commercial break, Asuka is shouting in the center of the ring, we hear from the commentator’s desk that during the break, it’s been all Asuka as she turned things around throughout the break. Bliss and Cross still teaming up well for the defense. Cross kicks out at two as Sane goes for the cover. Sane continues to drag Cross across the canvas, Cross hits a reversal for the two count, Sane kicking out. Sane returns the pin attempt, Cross kicking out at two this time.
Sane drags Cross to her corner as she high fives Asuka for the tag. Asuka dropping stomping on Cross in the corner followed by a Running Shoulder into Cross in the Kabuki Warriors corner. Cross rolls Asuka up for a pin attempt, Asuka kicks out. Cross crawls to Bliss, hitting the Bulldog on Asuka for then hitting the tag to Bliss. Bliss fired up as she goes after Sane who tagged in. Bliss with a Moonsault attempt, Sane hits a Spear for the counter.
Finally, a Twisted Bliss off the top and onto the floor, making their way back into the ring, Cross hits a blind tag and then a Fisherman Neck Breaker from Cross onto Sane for the three count!
Winner and STILL Women’s Tag-Team Champions: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross
With that, we go to commercial break!
As we come back from commercial break we see “Elias” in lights at the top of the ramp. We pan backwards as we hear the familiar strum, seeing Elias standing on the very perch that King Corbin tried to end Elias’s career on as he dropped him to the ground below. Elias states that he has a song to sing about Corbin and the events. As video footage begins to play from the match with , we hear the song from Elias where he talks about winning the match at Wrestlemania 36.
Commentator’s Table
We head to ringside as Elias’s song ends, we see Corey Graves and Michael Cole discussing the song Elias just sang. Cole states it was a record breaking weekend with over 9 million social media interactions. Cole then discusses the history between Otis and Mandy Rose as video clips switch one by one as we hear the entire story from Otis asking Rose to a Valentine’s date to his bout with Ziggler at Wrestlemania 36 where Otis ultimately carried Rose away in his arms, happily ever after.
Back at the commentator’s desk, Cole announces Sonya Deville and Dolph Ziggler as Ziggler’s music plays them into the Performance Center. Ziggler stomps towards the commentator’s desk, Sonya asking Graves if he thinks it’s funny, stating that Mandy Rose was her “best friend”. Ziggler states it’s “doctored footage” and “identity theft is real” as he and Sonya state they just want to talk to Mandy Rose.
Tucker Speaks To Ziggler and Deville
Tucker’s music sounds as Ziggler and Deville continue to harass Michael Cole and Corey Graves ringside at the commentator’s desk. Tucker begins as he speaks to Ziggler, “I can see you’re busy, and I’m sorry to to interrupt your meltdown…” Tucker continues, “but I can see that you are smitten with my man Otis’s kitten, Mandy and I got some pictures for you to see, you deserve these.”
Pictures flash on the screen behind Tucker, Tucker showing pictures of Otis and Mandy working out together, then sharing a healthy snack of bananas (Tucker states “the couple that works out together, stays together” as he continues). Tucker states that Otis and Mandy are clearly busy, but after last week, Tucker and Ziggler have some unfinished business. Ziggler tells Tucker to come down then!
We go to commercial break.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Tucker Knight
As we come back from commercial break we see a video clip from last week’s match where Ziggler delivered a Zig-Zag to Tucker onto the steel stairs at ringside.
We come back to tonight, both men are already inside the Performance Center ring, the bell rings and the match begins, Tucker immediately delivers a hard right to Ziggler. Deville with the distraction to give Ziggler the ability to retaliate and gaining the upper-hand early on. An early cover to no avail, following a cover by Tucker, Ziggler kicks out at two. Tucker catches a Big Elbow to the nose. Tucker launches Ziggler into the corner.
The match heads to ringside for a bit, Tucker slamming Ziggler into the ring-post on the outside of the ring. Tucker rolling in to break the count, then back out. Deville grabs the attention of the referee as Ziggler puts a thumb into Tucker’s eye. Ziggler slammed into the announcer’s table by Tucker to turn the tables. The match heads back to the ring, A Super Kick by Ziggler onto Otis for the cover and the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Commentator’s Desk
Michael Cole discusses the Triple Threat Match from Wrestlemania 36 as a video reel of clips are shown as it’s described that John Morrison ultimately made his way to the top of the ladder to grab the title belts as Kofi Kingston and Jimmy Uso make the way to the top of the ladder (and a second ladder). All three holding the titles as they fight it out on the top of the ladders for the titles. Kingston and Uso knock Morrison off the ladder, Morrison seen at the bottom of the ladders, still holding the titles!
We come back from the video clip as we get an announcement that “The Dirt Sheet” with The Miz and John Morrison is up next, following the commercial break.
Video Promo For “WWE Backstage”
As we come back from commercial break, we receive an announcement that WWE Backstage will air this Tuesday at 11 EST on FS1 with special guest, Edge (fresh off a successful Wrestlemania 36!).
“The Dirt Sheet” With The Miz and John Morrison
As we re-enter the Performance Center, we are welcomed by The Miz and John Morrison who have set up their “set” inside the ring. Morrison states even when his glass is all the way full, it’s “half full”. The Miz is back, beginning with stating “we retained our SmackDown Tag-Team Championships at Wrestlemania”, Morrison interrupts, stating that HE retained the SmackDown Tag-Team Championships. Morrison then adds that he is the first person in history, to retain the tag-team championships by himself.
The Miz then states HE is the first person in history to retain his tag-team championship from his couch. They both say in unison, “that’s good news”. They then state that this Wrestlemania was the most talked about, most watched Wrestlemania in history, again in unison, “that’s good news”. Miz then states that Otis received his first kiss, while Mandy’s mom had to watch her daughter get kissed by Otis, The Miz says in a questionable response, “that’s…” Morrison moves on to “The Undertaker beat AJ Styles in the Boneyard Match”.
A clip from the Boneyard Match appears on the screen behind them of Styles crying, “Don’t make me” as Undertaker tells him to take it like a man. They continue to state more “good news”, ending it with John Cena disappeared during the Firefly Fun House match at Wrestlemania, adding”that ‘You Can’t See Me’ line finally worked.” as they state once again, “that’s good news!” Morrison declares the best news of all, their hit single “Hey-Hey” has been trending and went gold today. Miz adds that it’s Pee  Wee Herman’s favorite song. Morrison then tells fans to get close to their t.v.’s because they know what the people want, they are going to sing “Hey-Hey” live in 3… 2… Miz begins and Morrison continues, they rap their Miz and Morrison “Hey-Hey” song. “hey hey ho ho… let’s go!”
The Usos interrupt the performance, Jimmy and Jey Uso saying, “Whoa Whoa Whoa… Hold Up!” Both Usos make their way into the ring, stating Pee Wee Herman has more street cred than both Miz and Morrison. Miz says, “How dare you, interrupt our performance.” Miz then discusses how Morrison won the titles. The Usos state that both Miz and Morrison are supposed to defend the title. Morrison says he knows they are trying to drive a wedge between the two of them, Morrison adds that Miz has his back, everyone else can have his front.
New Day interrupt as well, their music sounding as Big E and Kofi Kingston make their way out into the Performance Center, The Usos unable to finish their statement. Don’t you dare be sour! It’s a New Day, so feel the power! Kingston begins, “Y’all weren’t the only two people in that match.” Big E states they are not Lil Boosie on Instagram and can’t do whatever they want. Miz begins to say, “What part of not medically cleared do you not…” Kingston interrupts Miz stating they spoke to WWE upper management.
“Sooo we came out here to tell you, after speaking to WWE Management, Fxx Execs, Martha Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, and Freddie Prince Jr we have been informed that next week it will be Jey Uso vs. The Miz vs. Big E in a Triple Threat Match for the tag-team championships!”
The New Day’s music plays them out.
Quick Announcement
We are reminded that our main event later tonight is Braun Strowman vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.
Forgotten Sons debut is hyped on commentary as we go to commercial break!
Lucha House Party vs. Forgotten Sons
Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake of Forgotten Sons make their way down the ramp and enter the ring with Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado of Lucha House Party. An Elbow by Cutler early on, a tag made to Blake directly after. Blake throwing Dorado into the ropes, Moonsault off the ropes for the counter by Dorado who then tags in Metalik. Metalik gains the upper-hand on Blake. Cutler tags in and Dorado tags in as well.
Blake finally getting a cover attempt on Dorado, Dorado gets a shoulder up and the match makes its way back to it’s feet inside the ring. A Slap, an Elbow, and a hit by Blake onto Dorado. Dorado with Springboard Stunner. Metalik tags in as Cutler tags in, Metalik taking down both Forgotten Sons. Metalik to the top for the drop followed by a cover. Cutler jumps in to break the cover.
Dorado hits a Back Body Drop before being launched out of the ring. Metalik in the ring now with an Inzuguri, a Clothesline by Blake for the counter. Cutler tags in, a momentary double team, Cutler lands a Russian Leg Sweep hitting the pin as he states, “Forgotten no more!” for the three count.
Winner: Forgotten Sons
Backstage Celebration!
We see Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross backstage as they celebrate their win, Cross stating she feels unbeatable, Bliss stating, “I think you’re right.” Carmella and Dana Brooke enter, stating they want to challenge the “unbeatable”. Bliss says she’s sorry that they didn’t get a Wrestlemania moment, but they can’t just jump the line. Finally they agree to a match.
Carmella and Brooke celebrate the agreement for a title match as we head back into the ring where Sasha Banks makes her entrance, followed by Women’s Champ, Bayley.
We go to commercial break!
Sheamus vs. Cal Bloom
As we return from the commercial break, the music sounds for Sheamus as he makes his way down the ramp, entering the ring with waiting opponent Cal Bloom who made his way to the ring during the commercial break. The match is officially announced, the bell rings and the match begins.
Sheamus wastes no time as the bell sounds, as he begins to throw a fury of fists on Bloom inside the ring. As Bloom attempts to fight back with shots of his own, Sheamus counters and hits an Elbow, dropping Bloom to the canvas inside the ring. Taking advantage of the situation, Sheamus begins to stomp on Bloom who is unable to get back to his feet, even as the referee warns Sheamus. On the apron, Sheamus begins to throw strikes at Bloom once again, Bloom now attempting to power out of Sheamus’s line of fire. Sheamus backs up to allow Bloom back to his feet. Sheamus then lands a Brogue Kick for the cover and the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the Match
As Sheamus’s music plays the victor back to a standing position, Sheamus lets out a loud shout as we go into replays highlighting the match. When we return to the Performance Center, Sheamus is still trash talking and acting irratic, stopping at the announcer’s desk to look demonically at Graves and Cole.
Jeff Hardy “Chapter 1: The Rise” Promo
As Sheamus stands ringside, Graves and Cole discuss Jeff Hardy and his new series coming up in the next few weeks. We are sent into a video clip that highlights Jeff’s early career and even home videos from when Hardy was a pre-teen/teenager.
As the video ends, we are reminded that Nakamura vs. Strowman is the main event, and it’s coming up after the commercial break!
Quick Announcements
As we come back from commercial break, two quick announcements are made for Money In the Bank qualifiers Dana Brooke vs. Naomi first, then Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan is announced second.
Braun Strowman vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Finally it is time for tonight’s main event! Out first is the NEW WWE Universal Champion, Braun Strowman as his music sounds in the Performance Center. Strowman makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring where he awaits his opponent, Nakamura. Next, we see the regular entrance for Shinsuke Nakamura, accompanied by Cesaro (no Sami Zayn?).
Nakamura enters the ring with awaiting champion, Strowman. The match is officially announced, the referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins. Cesaro immediately causing a distraction early on to give Nakamura the early advantage over the new champ. Nakamura attempts to land a strike on Strowman, though Strowman quickly blocks and retaliates with a Big Boot. Strowman follows up with a Headbutt as he continues to be very vocal with his feelings about Nakamura.
Nakamura is dumped to the floor, landing at Cesaro’s feet. Strowman makes his way to the outside as Nakamura attempts to attack Strowman from behind. Strowman handles both Nakamura and Cesaro on the outside of the ring before finally rolling Nakamura back into the ring. As Strowman climbs the apron the climb back in himself, Nakamura lands a Knee on Strowman sending him right back to ringside. Nakamura heads to the outside again, charging at Strowman.
Strowman senses Nakamura’s intent and assists Nakamura into the barricade. Nakamura lands awkwardly as we go to commercial break.
As we come back from commercial break, Strowman still has the advantage in the match up, Strowman man handling Nakamura in the corner of the ring with ease. Cesaro once again attempts to help his friend Nakamura. A lot of back and forth action between the two superstars with a few close calls, finally Strowman hits a Power Slam on Nakamura for the three count pin and win!
Winner: Braun Strowman
Firefly Fun House
As Strowman is holding his title with his music playing, it is stopped short as the Firefly Fun House intro interrupts Strowman’s celebration once again (can this guy ever celebrate a victory??) Bray Wyatt appears on the screen. We are shown stills from his match with Cena at Wrestlemania 36. Strowman continues to watch from the ring as Wyatt congratulates him.
Suddenly inaudible whispers are heard from the head lantern by Wyatt’s head, Wyatt responds to the voices that he’s happy for Braun and that was a long time ago, telling the voices “no” and “Strowman has learned his lesson” he was sure. We then see stills of Strowman in The Wyatt Family. Wyatt explains Strowman turning his back on Wyatt after Wyatt saved him, Wyatt again saying he an forgive Strowman.
All the puppets think otherwise, Ramblin Rabbit being the only one to side with Wyatt. Wyatt states he wants Strowman to say he’s sorry,and he will forgive him. Strowman refuses, stating he will not partake in the head games of the Wyatt’s. Wyatt then informs Strowman he’s going to teach him about sharing. Wyatt adds Braun has something he wants back. It’s right there on his shoulder. As one circle closes, another begins again, Wyatt says. Since I brought you into this world, I’m going to have to take you out, Wyatt says. Wyatt laughs and waves goodbye as the Fun House music starts back up.
Strowman stops Wyatt, stating he wants to say something. Anytime Bray wants, Strowman is ready to “let you in”. Wyatt looks at Strowman with a blank stare. Strowman mimics Wyatt as he says goodbye and waves. Strowman’s music starts back up in the Performance Center, Wyatt still sitting in the Fun House with a blank expression on his face as he stares forward to Strowman.
That’s the show folks!!
