The April 24, 2020 edition of Friday Night SmackDown airs live on the FOX network, coming to us from the closed set at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida!
The Game’s 25th Anniversary special edition of Friday Night SmackDown is set to be an action packed event with a look back at Triple H’s growth through the World Wrestling Entertainment ranks along with a celebration fit for The Game!
Also for tonight, Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defend their titles and Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches continue on SmackDown, set to air on Fox tonight beginning at 8:00pm EST.
Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results from April 24th, 2020. written by Wrestling-Edge‘s newest female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter @JamieRush312.
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN RESULTS (4/24): ORLANDO, FL.
New Day In-Ring Celebration
“Ohhhh People at home, don’t you daaare be sour, clap for your EIGHT time champs, and feel the power!!”
Big E hops on the broadcaster’s table as he shouts, “eight time, eight time!” before heading over to the right with Kofi Kingston. Cole sends us into a video clip from last Friday’s SmackDown Triple Threat Tag-Team Match (Big E vs Jey Uso vs The Miz). Big E hitting The Big Ending on The Miz for the win!
The New Day dance and announce their victory, and becoming the new (eighth time) tag-team champions! Kofi states, “Put some respect on his name, chest bump me dawg, clap for Big E!” to which Big E replies matter of factually, “There’s no one here to clap, not a soul. Not a.. soul. But there’s nothing like having our girls wrapped around our waist!” Big E goes on to mention last night’s adventures, Kingston stops him, telling him not to go there.
Kingston shares that he is proud to have The New Day’s name X’d next to some of the greatest tag-teams in the company. Big E makes a joke about more wins than Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Bucks, adding it’s just jokes.
The New Day’s celebration is interrupted by Lucha House Party, coming out congratulating New Day, stating their eight time win is what they’d call, “Lucha-lit”. However what’s NOT Lucha-lit, is the fact that they keep getting looked over when it comes to title defense matches with the current holders of the title. As they continue, they’re interrupted by “Awweessoomme!” over the speakers in the Performance Center.
The Miz and John Morrison make their way to the stage, joining Lucha House Party, The Miz begins, “Really? Really?? You guys are acting like you’re legitamite champions. You beat me in a singles match for the tag-team championship.” John Morrison adds the other unfair matches they were forced to have for the titles. The Miz says he doesn’t know who is pulling strings for Kingston and Big E, but The Miz and John Morrison elevate those titles. To which Morrison says, “Hey Hey”
The Miz continues, “We elevate the entire tag team division” to which Morrison responds, “Ho Ho.” The Miz then states they want their tag team titles back, right here, right now. Before New Day can speak, Lucha House Party interrupts the rant, as Dorado begins, “Hey, Hey Hey… Quiete La Boca!” (Shut your mouth) to The Miz and John Morrison. In spanish they continue on to ask something of The Miz I couldn’t translate quick enough.The Miz asks John what they just said, as he wrestled in Mexico. Morrison responds, “he said he respects you as a man, a warrior and a great american”. To which Big E states, “that’s not what he said.” The Miz asks again, “What’d he say?” Kingston says, “I’m not going to repeat it…” The Miz looks to Lucha House Party stating in a deeper tone, “What’d he say??” Gran Metalik begins, “He said you’re a b…” the music for Forgotten Sons interrupts the response.
The Miz asks if they can help them, stating they don’t know these guys with a laugh. “My name is Steve Cutler, that’s Jaxson Riker, and that’s Wesley Blake,” Cutler begins. Cutler goes on to state they served their country and since coming home they’ve been treated like trash. He goes on to state that he and his teammates will reign over the SmackDown tag team division and they will be forgotten no more.
The Miz looks stunned as he states, “How DARE you interrupt me, there’s a thing in WWE called respect, I’ve been here for 15 years, I’ve main evented Wrestlemania…” Cutler interrupts Miz responding, “You’re a poser! You’ve played a Marine in the movies. But standing in front of you is a real life marine, so maybe you should shut your mouth.”
“We can strike anywhere at anytime, and you wouldn’t see it coming” Blake states, then turning to Big E and attacking. It turns into an all out brawl inside the ring. Miz and Morrison run off as Forgotten Sons savagely attack New Day inside the ring. Ryker Powerbombs Kingston into Big E, adding “you won’t forget us now.”
Quick Announcement
Qualifier match between King Corbin and Drew Gulak when we return from commercial break.
Triple H Celebration Video Package
As we return from commercial break, “This Connecticut blue blood knows what being a gentleman is all about” 1995 Hunter Hearst Helmsley then a montage of HHH delivering The Pedigree to several superstars.
Backstage
Miz and Morrison are walking quickly backstage angrily they have lost their minds if they think they can just show up and disrespect the greatest tag-team of the 21st century!” They are asked what they thought about Forgotten Sons and what just happened. Morrison confused and Miz respond, “Sons? We’re talking about Lucha House Party, they instigated everything, we’re you watching?” They then state they will get a match tonight to settle this as they walk off.
Money in the Bank Qualifier Match
Drew Gulak (w/ Daniel Bryan) vs. King CorbinOut first is Drew Gulak as his music sounds in the arena, Daniel Bryan by his side as they hype up and make their way down the ramp, Gulak entering the ring. King Corbin slowly struts down the ramp towards the ring Cole states Gulak hopefully knows hat he’s in for as he sets up for a video clip from last Friday’s SmackDown as the “Highlight of the Night” is shown (King Corbin attacking Elias backstage, then brutally beating him over the back with his guitar).
The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins. Cole informs us that Elias has a broken finger and a bruised larynx making him unable to play or sing. Corbin quickly throws Gulak out of the ring. Corbin shouts, “You think he belongs in the ring? This is for big boys.” Gulak re-enters the ring and Corbin asks if he’s lost his mind. Gulak giving it his all, Corbin continues to dominate the beginning of this match. Bryan shouts, “Go for the leg!”
Gulak finally knocks Corbin down. Gulak with a sliding kick through the ropes, knocking Corbin to the outside of the ring. Gulak follows up knocking Gulak into the broadcaster’s table as Cole asks, “Who will qualify for Money in the Bank? When we return…” as we go to commercial.
As we come back from commercial break, Corbin has regained control of the match. Gulak continues to give it his all as he makes himself get back up each time Corbin knocks him to the canvas. Corbin gets a pin fall attempt on Gulak, Gulak kicks out at two. Gulak lands a strike to the jaw of Corbin, then rolls Corbin up for a quick two count. Daniel Bryan shouting words of encouragement from ringside. Corbin stomping the legs and body of Gulak who is trapped sitting in the corner. The referee demanding Corbin let Gulak up.
Gulak picks up momentum as he fights his way out of the corner, strikes and forearms. Corbin misses wildly as Gulak drives Corbin into the corner with a Dropkick. Corbin retaliates looking for the Choke Slam, Gulak rolls through with a Sunset Flip for the two count. Gulak and Corbin with more back and forth action, Gulak heading to the top for a Diving Lariat.
Out of nowhere Nakamura and Cesaro attack Daniel Bryan on the outside of the ring, Gulak’s chance slips through is fingers as he is distracted by the attack at ringside, Corbin blindsides Gulak and lands the three count pin for the win and qualifier for Money in the Bank.
Winner: King Corbin
After the Match
King Corbin clearly not done with his sadistic attacks, takes his scepter and heads to the corner as Cesaro and Nakamura hold Gulak in place, viciously assaulting Gulak in the center of the ring!
Video Clip
Money in the Bank 2014 is highlighted stating, “Where they risk it all”.
Daniel Vidot vs. Sheamus
Sheamus wins as soon as the match starts with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus shouts and demands respect.
Winner: Sheamus
Video Package
Chapter three of the Jeff Hardy Redemption documentary plays, showing his return to Wrestlemania 33 in 2017 until his injury that lead to his time away.
Video Clip
Money in the Bank 2014 is highlighted stating, “Where they risk it all”.
Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) vs. the Miz & John Morrison
Both tag teams make their way to the ring as their entrance music plays in the Performance Center. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins with Miz and Dorado kicking things off. The Miz lands Dorado in the corner of the ring, attempting to get a cheap shot on Dorado, but Dorado ducks and retaliates with several kicks. Tags back and forth between Miz and Morrison.
Dorado attempts to fight back on Miz, Miz dominating the match as Morrison sings, “that was awesome!” Morrison tags in, landing a Running Knee following up with a Standing Shooting Star for the cover. Kick out. Morrison speaks Spanish to Dorado as he shoves him neck first into the rope. A hard take down by Morrison with a fury of fists in the center of the ring. Springboard Stunner by Dorado as Morrison makes the tag to Miz. Metalik makes the tag and heads to the top. Roll through.
Miz misses with a Big Boot. Metalik lands a big kick from the corner of the ring. Metalik heads to the top for a high flying move, Miz lifts his legs to drop Metalik and botch the move. Miz goes for Skull Crushing Finale, Metalik rolls through and lands the pin on The Miz!
Winner: Lucha House Party
Video Clip
A video clip is shown from Last Friday highlighting the on-going fight between Bayley and Lacey Evans.
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Lacey Evans vs. Sasha BanksBoth woman make their way down to the ring as their entrance music plays them in. Sasha Banks makes her way to the ring with Bayley by her side for support. The bell rings and the match begins.
A Running Knee as Evans has taken control of this match. Banks continues to target the injured hand of Evans. Banks lands a Meteora, Evans able to kick out of the pin attempt. Evans lands a Back Elbow on Banks. Banks lands face first in the turnbuckle. Bayley rooting for Banks from the outside. Evans smashes Banks face into the ring post over and over again. Bayley getting emotional on the other side of the ring.
Evans and Banks together on the top turnbuckle, Banks getting multiple body shots by Evans. Evans trapped on the top turnbuckle, Banks drives Evans to the mat for the two count. Banks looking for the Bank Statement, Evans rolls through forcing Banks to break. Back and forth pin attempts. Banks goes back to the injured hand of Evans. The Woman’s Right and lands the cover, Bayley lifts Banks leg onto the ropes. Evans goes after Bayley. Banks rolls Evans, the referee focusing on Bayley.
Banks now angry, “Stay out of this!” she shouts to Bayley. The Woman’s Right AGAIN and the pin for the three count!
Winner: Lacey Evans
After the Match
As Sasha Banks and Bayley make their way up the ramp after the match, Tamina’s music sounds as Tamina makes her way out and attacks Bayley with a Super-kick, leaving her laying flat on the top of the ramp.’
Video Package
Michael Cole sends us into the video package highlighting the history between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. All the way back to when Strowman was the “Black Sheep”.
Video Package of Mandy Rose/Otis and Sonya Deville/Dolph Ziggler Story
A video is shown highlighting the Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville falling out, along with the Otis and Dolph Ziggler feud.
Backstage
Carmella is seen getting ready for her upcoming match as Dana Brooke comes up and asks her about her qualifying match and tag title match being so close together, Carmella tells Brooke not to worry, she’s been inspired.
With that we head to commercial break.
Women’s Tag-Team Championship Match
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Carmella & Dana BrookeOut first is Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross as their music sounds in the Performance Center, both woman make their way to the ring and await their opponents. Carmella is out next, skipping to the ring as she awaits her tag-team partner Dana Brooke. Brooke and Carmella stand together, ready for tonight’s match. The bell rings and the match begins!
Brooke heads in as the bell rings going after Cross immediately. Brooke lands a Dropkick on Cross sending her to the outside of the ring. Carmella goes for a Crossbody off the apron onto Bliss, Cross blocks and attacks Carmella as Brooke dives to the outside onto Cross as we go to commercial break.
As we come back from the commercial break, Carmella has control over Bliss. Bliss and Carmella go back and forth, Carmella giving smart comments after every few strikes. Cross ready to get in the ring, reaches for the tag, Bliss unable to get the tag as she is rolled up for the pin, Cross jumps in and breaks the pin fall attempt. Brooke lands a Flipping Elbow on Cross landing Cross on the outside of the ring.
Back in the ring, Bliss heads to the top, Carmella catches her in time, forcing Bliss back off the ropes. Cross tags in just as Carmella lands a move on Bliss. Cross goes crazy and gets a pin on Carmella, Carmella kicks out. Bliss tag back in and Carmella goes after Bliss. A modified 3D by Bliss and Cross for the three count pin and win.
Winner: Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss
As we head to commercial, we are told Triple H will be out next!!
Quick Announcements
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin next week!
Mandy Rose vs. Carmella and Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler next week!
Time To Play The Game – Celebration!
The well-known them music of Triple H blares over the speakers in the Performance Center as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Game!! 14 Time World Champion, Leader of some of the greatest factions in sports entertainment. Triple H begins, “Wow, it’s hard for me to even believe… 25 years. 25.” Triple H goes to continue and Shawn Michael’s music sounds!!
Michaels begins, “You didn’t think you were gonna have this celebration without me, did ya? And if your not down with that… eaasy, social distancing buddy.” Triple H states, “That’s the two words? Social distancing?” Michaels states he sent out invitations to hundreds and hundred of people that love and care for ya, well, we’re all here for ya. They show the empty seats in the Performance Center. Michaels says H still has it, he’s packin’ them in!
Michaels continues on, reminding they’ve been friends for 25 years, then says, “Remember… my…. 25th anniversary… show.” H states, “That was great.” Michaels asks what his favorite moment was. H says, “Sooo many moments. Sooo…” Michaels says, “Yea, you can’t because I didn’t have one!” Triple H says, “It didn’t happen? Office heads are gonna roll!” Michaels says all joking aside, then goes on to state DX was amazing, everything they touched turned to gold.
A video clip is shown from Michaels, HHH, and Chyna flubbing their lines in a blooper reel.
Back in the ring, Michaels says that was just the beginning for The Game, including countless Wrestlemania moments, again, a video package highlighting HHH’s losses at Wrestlemania. 2nd… 3rd… 6th… 8th loss…. 10th loss…13 losses…ending with Ronda Rousey throwing punches at Triple H. Back in the ring, Michaels says, “You weren’t that good.” H asks Michaels about his losses, Michaels says it’s not about him
Triple H continues on naming all the superstars he was lucky enough to share the ring with. Michaels states there was a “hiccup” when “you met her…” Michaels mocks Stephanie, Game’s phone begins to chime. Stephanie is on the live phone chat. H says Michaels wasn’t mocking her, Stephanie says, “I am watching live, I saw that. You tell that no good lazy eyed…” H hangs up. H says Stephanie says hi.
Michaels brings up Flair and Evolution, Games phone begins ringing. Flair says, “You can’t get away from me, wish I could be there with you guys!”. Flair says, “Don’t let Shawn Super-kick you at the end of the segment! God Bless!”
Games phone rings again, we head to commercial break as a voice is crying on the other end and H rolls his eyes.
As we come back from commercial break, Road Dogg Jesse James is on the phone!! RD is shocked they are on the air.
Suddenly, Vince McMahon heads to the ring! Michaels states they didn’t even get to the Katie Vick segment yet! Michaels then says he will let Game enjoy this moment with his father in law. Vince says normally he would hug H, under regular circumstances. Vince then jokes that if the fans were there, they’d be chanting, “Boring!” instead of “Triple H!”
Vince jokes around a bit, then says he loves Game…. and Michaels, adding that Games performance tonight was “rotten”. Vince states they should wrap it up, as McMahon leaves, he turns the lights off on H and Michaels. Crickets sound to end the show…
That’s all folks!
