The May 1, 2020 edition of Friday Night SmackDown filmed live from Orlando, FL with a closed set at the WWE Performance Center.
With the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event only 9 days away, the May 1, 2020 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown is an action packed show with Money in the Bank qualifying matches for both the Men’s and the Women’s WWE roster.
Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results. written by Wrestling-Edge’s newest female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter: @JamieRush312
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN RESULTS (5/1): ORLANDO, FL.
SmackDown Opening
We start off tonight’s WWE Friday Night Smackdown with our commentators giving us a rundown of the matches and events scheduled for this evening, including the Women’s Money in the Bank match between Mandy Rose and Carmella, also Bray Wyatt is back with the Fire Fly Funhouse, tonight! We head to the stage…
Daniel Bryan In-Ring Promo
Out first is Daniel Bryan who has already qualified for the Money in the Bank match, as his music sounds in the Performance Center. Bryan makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring alone, holding a microphone.
Bryan begins, “It’s no secret, that I love this.” Bryan continues on to say he’s excited to be a part of the most unique Money in the Bank match in history, adding it’s not taking place in the ring, but at WWE Headquarters, starting from the ground floor, ending at the top of the Titan Towers. Bryan continues on to state he doesn’t know the rules for the match, nor the ettiquette.
“Is it true that Mr. McMahon has real dinosaur bones in his office? I don’t know, but I’m excited!” Bryan turns serious stating nine years ago, he couldn’t even get booked on SmackDown, but then, he won the MITB match and shortly after cashed it in on Big Show to become WWE Champion for the first time. Something some people thought was impossible.
Winning MITB match was pivotal moment in my career, that’s what spawned the “Yes!” movement, that’s what made Bryan believe he belonged in the WWE with the very best. Bryan then adds, he wished Drew Gulak would be able to join him at MITB and have a pivotal moment, just like Bryan did. Bryan states King Corbin took that chance from him.
With that statement, Bryan demands King Corbin come out to the ring. King Corbin’s music sounds, Corbin stands at the top of the ramp on the stage with a mic in hand, telling Bryan to be careful what he wishes for, especially calling out a king. Corbin then says, “Let’s take a look…” We go to a video clip from last Friday where Cesaro and Nakamura assisted King Corbin in attacking Drew Gulak with his sceptor.
Back in the Performance Center, Corbin continues, “I hope you don’t think you’re the only one entering the MITB match.” Corbin goes through a list of what he plans to do once in Titan Towers, finishing by stating he will stand tall looking down that ladder, as the victor at the top of the WWE Global Headquarters the victor of the MITB match.
Bryan responds, “Dude, what are you going to do if you win?” Bryan states he blew his chance, out of 23 winners, only like, 4 have blown it. Bryan adds that doesn’t make Corbin a king, it makes him a loser. Corbin tells Bryan to be careful or he could end up like his best friend Drew Gulak, or like Elias. Corbin continues on to add that they have both changed since their last wins at MITB, stating he is more determined and stronger.
While Daniel Bryan is just weaker and tired. Pointing out that Bryan had to hire Drew Gulak as a coach. King Corbin then states he’s smarter and stronger, and he will prove it here and now! Corbin heads down the ramp as we head to commercial break!
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin
As we return from commercial break we re-enter the Performance Center where Daniel Bryan and King Corbin are both inside the ring.
The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins. An early lock up, the two seperate. They lock up again, this time Corbin muscles Bryan into the corner, referee gets to three before Corbin breaks. Bryan with a kick to the thigh of Corbin.
Corbin lands Heavy Rights on Bryan, Bryan retaliates with a Kick to the back of the knee of Corbin. Bryan attempts to grapple with Corbin who is not too familiar with the ground game, attempting to quickly get back to his feet. Bryan grabs the leg of Corbin who is back down on the mat, Bryan landing kick after kick to the back of the knee.
Bryan locks in the Knee Bar, Corbin shouts, finally grabbing the bottom rope, referee forces Bryan to break the hold. Corbin lands a Front Face Lock take down on Bryan in the center of the ring. Bryan flips over, grabbing the foot of Corbin who is face down on the canvas now, Bryan keeping his focus on the injured leg of Corbin. Corbin regains his control, throwing rights to the face of Bryan.
Bryan back to his feet, only to take a straight Right Strike to the face, Corbin states, “How does it feel?” as he grabs the hair of Bryan adding, “You’re just as pathetic as your coach.” Corbin lands Elbows to the collar of Bryan, telling him he’s washed up. Bryan begins throwing several kicks and strikes, coming back to life. Referee separates the two, Corbin takes advantage, taking Bryan back to the canvas.
Corbin lifts Bryan onto the top turnbuckle, a hard right hand drives Bryan to the outside. Corbin heads to the outside continuing to dominate the match. We head to commercial.
As we return from commercial Corbin still has control of the match, Bryan attempts to get back into the match as he builds momentum. Bryan landing multiple strong kicks to the hamstrings of Corbin. Bryan gets Corbin into a half Boston Crab, Bryan goes for a cover, Corbin kicks out at two. Bryan again goes for the cover, once again Corbin kicks out. A third time, to no avail. Bryan back to his feet, landing kicks to the injured left leg of King Corbin.
Corbin lands a Deep Six on Bryan as he catches him mid-ring, going into a pin attempt, Bryan kicks out. Bryan stomping Corbin on the apron, following up with a Suicide Dive, Corbin catches him. Corbin hits Bryan with a ladder, the match is called off.
Winner: Daniel Bryan via DQ
After the Match
King Corbin irate now, as the match is ended. Corbin throws a ladder into the ring. Corbin tells the ref that it’s his fault, Corbin looking for End of Days, Bryan retaliates, with a Yes Lock. Nakamura and Cesaro enter the ring attacking Bryan with the ladder.
Backstage
One half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alexa Bliss, is seen talking backstage with Universal Champion Braun Strowman, at which point Strowman walks away, heading towards the ring as we head to commercial.
Video Clip
As we return from the commercial break, Michael Cole sends us into a video clip that shows WWE Champion Drew McIntyre who recently gave a special gift to a veteran from World War II, Captain Tom Moore, who was celebrating his 100th birthday! Happy Birthday Moore!!
Braun Strowman In-Ring
Braun Strowman makes his way down the ramp as his music sounds in the arena. Strowman enters the ring with a mic in hand. Strowman looking angry and ready, begins to speak. Strowman states that last week was a “trip down memory lane” which included his past as the “black sheep” while working with the Wyatt Family, but points out it was his past. The PAST.
Firefly Fun House
Before Strowman can continue, the Fire Fly Funhouse music begins to play and Bray Wyatt appears on the screen above the stage. Wyatt is sitting in a rocking chair with several portraits of Superstars he’s come into contact with in picture frames with their eyes poked out. Wyatt begins, “Hello my Fire Flies…” as he waves innocently.
Wyatt continues to speak in a light and innocent voice, telling the little “fireflies” that it’s story-time, a story they would call “The Black Sheep” yowie wowie!! The story is told of a little black sheep who lived on a farm and had no sense of direction. Until one day he met a shepherd. The shepherd protected and took care of the black sheep. The two had fun times together.
One day the “selfish black sheep” decided to leave, looking for something else. That black sheep left without so much as a note. Wyatt stated that the black sheep leaving left the shepherd very sad. The story’s ending was a sad one because the shepherd never found the black sheep. Though if and when he finds him, he will bring the black sheep to the slaughterhouse.
With that, Strowman said he was done with the puppets. Strowman tells Wyatt if he has anything further to say, say it to his face. Wyatt stops, then waves and says “goodbye” with a cheeky smile.
Backstage
We see Sheamus working out with resistance bands as he prepares for his upcoming match. With that, we head to commercial break.
Make-A-Wish Video Clip
As we return from commercial break, Michael Cole announces that the show is being held at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Michael Cole then sends us in to a video highlighting the WWE’s ties with Make-A-Wish and World Wish Day.
Sheamus vs. Leon Ruff
Sheamus makes his way to the stage as his music sounds in the Performance Center. Sheamus heads to the stage, looking to Michael Cole at the broadcaster’s table and stares Cole down with anger in his eyes. Sheamus heads down the ramp and enters the ring with awaiting opponent Leon Ruff. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins.
To start things off, Ruff lands a Dropkick on Sheamus to the surprise of everyone, including Sheamus. Sheamus makes his way back to his feet, landing an Irish Curse Backbreaker on Ruff… then following up with two more. Sheamus continues to stare down Cole even during the match. Sheamus throws Ruff out of the ring. Sheamus continues to dominate throughout the match. Towards the end of the match, Sheamus sets Ruff up in the corner, landing a Brogue Kick followed by the three count for the win.
Winner: Sheamus
After the Match
Sheamus heads to the broadcaster’s table where he stared down Michael Cole and began to talk trash about Jeff Hardy.
Video Clip – Jeff Hardy Final Part
As the video clip begins, we see Hardy’s most recent knee surgery, followed by Hardy training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida as Hardy vigorously trains for his 2020 return to the WWE ring. We then see several highlights in a montage, finally noting that Hardy has the biggest part of his journey to face, which is overcoming the darkness of his past issues with substance abuse.
Broadcaster’s TableÂ
Michael Cole announces that Jeff Hardy will be here for next week’s SmackDown, Sheamus chimes in “So will I” to end the segment.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Mandy Rose vs. CarmellaOut first is Carmella as her music sounds in the arena. Carmella makes her way down the ramp and enters the ring, awaiting her opponent. Out next is Mandy Rose as her seductive music sounds over the speakers in the Performance Center, Rose heads down the ramp, entering the ring with Carmella. The referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and the match begins.
Back and forth action between the two female superstars to start off this qualifier for the Women’s Money in the Bank match. Carmella eventually takes control in the match, landing a kick to the head of Mandy, followed by a pin attempt. Mandy kicks out at two. Mandy attempts to get back to her feet, Carmella does a good job of keeping Mandy on the canvas.
Mandy finally able to get back to a standing position, landing a Body Slam on Carmella, followed by a quick cover, Carmella kicks out at two. At this point, Sonya Deville’s voice is heard over the speakers, we see Sonya at the top of the ramp holding a microphone. Sonya attempts to distract Mandy with talk of their former days as best friends.
Sonya points out that about this time last year, Mandy only made it to the Money in the Bank match because Sonya gave Mandy her spot. Mandy lands a Back Breaker on Carmella as Sonya continues. Carmella retaliates with a Spear as Sonya quiets down to “watch the show”. Carmella lands a Superkick on Mandy, followed by the cover for the three count, the win, and a spot at the Money in the Bank match!
Winner: Carmella
After the Match
Carmella celebrated her victory, which is cut short as Sonya heads down the ramp and attacks Mandy. Sonya throws several punches, connecting hard, followed by throwing Mandy to the floor at ringside. Mandy enraged, shouting that Sonya will never be better than her. Sonya lands a Running Knee, sending Mandy into the steel stairs.
At this point trainers and referees run to the aid of Mandy, attempting to seperate the two, Sonya still irate, screaming at Mandy about how she will end her, ruin her life. The commentators make note of the Otis vs. Ziggler match for later tonight.
Backstage
Mandy Rose is pretty beat up, so Otis heads to her side, to check on his little lady.
New Day vs. Forgotten Sons
Out first is Kofi Kingston and Big E representing New Day as their music sounds in the Performance Center. Kingston and Big E have their Tag-Team Championship belts with them as the nine time tag-team title holders make their way down the ramp and enter the ring, awaiting their opponents. Out next are Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake representing the Forgotten Sons. Cutler and Blake make their way down the ramp and enter the ring with their awaiting opponents.
The Miz & John Morrison – Guest Commentary Alongside Cole and Graves
The Miz and John Morrison’s music sounds in the arena before the match is able to start. The Miz dances at the top of the stage along with Morrison as their slow-mo entrance plays. Kofi, Big E, Cutler, and Blake watch as The Miz and John Morrison head over to the broadcaster’s table, taking a seat at the table as guest commentary. Corey Graves tells Michael Cole that they want nothing to do with him, so they can keep social distance.
New Day vs. Forgotten Sons (continued)
At this point, the bell rings and the match begins. Cutler in first for Forgotten Sons, Big E enters for New Day. The Miz makes a joke about a Tiger Mask, but he’s no Tiger King, adding that they would get Michael Cole a date with Carol Baskis. Cutler and Ryker tag in and out quickly to keep control of the match. Big E lands the tag as Blake takes a Belly to Belly by Big E. Blake lands a Suicide Dive on Big E.
Blake lands a Suicide Dive onto Big E as we head to commercial.
As we return from commercial break, Kofi Kingston lands a high flying move from the top turnbuckle. Both members of Forgotten Sons fly through the middle ropes, back in the ring, Blake continues to dominate Big E. Blake tags in Cutler. Cutler and Big E go back and forth, Blake charges at Big E in the corner of the ring, Big E retaliates as he spikes Blake out of the corner, driving him to the mat.
Both Big E and Blake head to their respective corners, attempting to make the tag. Cutler and Kingston tag in at the same time and things take off! Kingston lands a Dropkick on Cutler, following up with a Flying Right Hand. Kingston lands a Boom Drop in the center of the ring. A few close count pinfall attempts, Cutler finally looking for a tag, Blake isn’t in the corner. Blake finally tags himself in as Cutler is being dominated by Kingston.
Blake hits the tag following a Back Breaker on Kingston. Kingston kicks out of a pin attempt by Blake and the match continues on. More back and forth between the two tems, finally Cutler lands a Power Bomb on Kingston, landing Kingston into Blake’s knee. Cutler and Blake finish off the match as they double team Kingston, Blake hits the cover for the three count and the win.
Winner: Forgotten Sons
Quick Announcement
Michael Cole gives a quick announcement for next Friday’s SmackDown including- Tamina Snuka & Lacey Evans vs. Bayley & Sasha Banks, Daniel Bryan & Drew Gulak & ??? vs. Cesaro, Nakamura, & King Corbin, and finally, Bray Wyatt vs. Braun Strowman. Cole adds that the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank matches will take place simultaneously.
With that, we head to the ring for tonight’s WWE SmackDown main event!
Money in the Bank Qualifier Match
Otis vs. Dolph ZigglerWe go to the ring for tonight’s final blue brand Money In the Bank qualifying match. Otis is out first as his music sounds in the Performance Center. Otis makes his way down the ramp, looking up to the briefcase and the ladders set up in the arena before entering the ring, awaiting his opponent. Out next is Dolph Ziggler as his music sounds. Ziggler heads down the ramp and enters the ring with awaiting opponent, Otis.
The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the main event match-up officially begins! Otis and Ziggler quickly head at one another in the center of the ring. Otis is the first to connect, landing a fury of fists, followed by launching Ziggler over the top rope to the floor at ringside with a Hard Elbow. Otis heads to the outside, bringing Ziggler back into the ring.
Otis remains in control of the match, dominating Ziggler for a good several minutes, Ziggler unable to catch a break anywhere. Ziggler finally looking to take control, attempts to dominate Otis, to no avail as Otis quickly overpowers him, laying Ziggler out on the canvas once again. At one point, Otis catapults Ziggler into the corner, Ziggler lands with a hard thud into the turnbuckles. Somehow, Ziggler ends up on the floor outside of the ring.
Ziggler looks to take advantage of the space between him and Otis as Ziggler attempts to catch his breath and evaluate injuries, Otis has other plans as he heads to the outside, dragging Ziggler back into the ring for more punishment.
As the match presses on, Otis continues to dominate Ziggler. Otis lands Ziggler on the canvas and makes the cover for a close two count in the middle of the ring. Next, Otis attempts to charge Ziggler who is leaning in the corner of the ring, Ziggler side steps Otis just in time. As Ziggler moves, Otis hits the ring post shoulder-first and rolls through, landing outside of the ring on the floor. At this point, it’s Ziggler’s turn to follow Otis to the outside.
 The referee begins the count, Ziggler takes Otis for a ride, landing Otis face-first into the barricade at ringside. Ziggler rolls back in. Otis is still down as the referee keeps counting and we head to our final commercial of the night.
As we return from the commercial break, Otis and Ziggler are going back and forth inside the ring. Ziggler lands a Big Dropkick, sending Otis to the mat. Next, Ziggler lands yet another Dropkick into the ropes. Ziggler stands on Otis and the referee warns him. Ziggler keeps Otis grounded now, raking his face. The referee warns him and checks on Otis as Ziggler keeps him down, talking trash.
Finally, Dolph attempts the Fameasser, Otis blocks and pushes Ziggler away. Ziggler then raked Otis’s eyes causing Otis to be temporarily distracted as Ziggler lands the ZigZag for a close near fall. Otis uses the rest of his strength to toss Ziggler with a Big Suplex, followed by the Caterpillar for the win.
Winner: Otis
After the Match
We see Otis celebrating his victory, looking up to the Money in the Bank briefcase as the show comes to an end.
That’s all folks!
