Welcome to wrestling-edge.com’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown Results for July 17, 2020!
Tonight’s “Go-Home” edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown leads us into this weekend’s WWE Extreme Rules: Horror Show pay-per-view event airing this Sunday, July 19, 2020! We will see the return of Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House tonight with an all new episode!
Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results from Jul 17, 2020 written by wrestling-edge.com’s  newest female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter @JamieRush312.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown Live Results (7/17/2020) – Performance Center, Orlando, FL
Show Opening
Tonight’s July 17th 2020 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown is brought to you by Progressive, we are informed by Michael Cole on commentary. Corey Graves, also on commentary, welcomes us to the Performance Center in Orlando, FL.
Kick-Off Promos
AJ Styles is shown first stating, “Tonight, I defend my title against that barefoot bum! He beat me last night with the element of surprise. He is a flash in the pan, and this is still the house that AJ built!”
We then flash to Matt Riddle who states, “Last time was no fluke, after I beat him tonight, I will officially be the bro that runs the show”
Next we flash to Alexa Bliss who announces a surprise guest on A Moment of Bliss. Who is it? She doesn’t kiss and tell!
The Miz and John Morrison discuss Morrison’s match up this evening. Morrison mentions Jon Claude Van Damm and how he fought him on a yaht once. Miz again asks if Morrison is afraid of fighting The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman tonight. Morrison goes straight faced and states he’s terrified.
We next flash to Braun Strowman. Strowman says he hopes Bray Wyatt is watching as he beats Morrison tonight, starting the Horror Show early.
Nakamura and Cesaro hit a quick promo.
Finally, The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Big E kick it off, “Awwwwww people at home, don’t you dare be sour. Clap for your eight time champs and FEEL the power!!” as New Day head to the top of the stage!
Big E vs. Cesaro
One half of the SmackDown Tag-Team Champions, Big E makes his way down the ramp accompanied by his partner Kofi Kingston to await his opponent for this first match-up of the evening.
A clip from last Friday where Cesaro brought in a table and took out Big E and then slamming Kofi through Big E and the table in the ring.
Back inside the arena, out next is Cesaro who is accompanied by Nakamura. The crowd boos! The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins.
Cesaro is in control early on in this match. Big E with a Belly to Belly as he builds momentum followed by a Big Splash. Back Elbow followed by an Uppercut by Big E. Big E on the apron, a Splash to Cesaro who is laid out on the apron as we head to the first commercial of the evening!
We return from commercial break, Corey Graves reminds us the winner of this match gets to choose the stipulation for the Extreme Rules match-up this weekend. Cesaro counters a Spear by Big E. Cesaro gets a cover, Big E kicks out at two as the pace picks up in his match! Big E attempts a Stretch Submission.
Cesaro counters and hits the pin, Big E kicks out, Cesaro spins Big E followed by a Sharp Shooter! Kofi Kingston trying to help Big E focus and get to the bottom rope. Nakamura knocks Kingston to the floor at ringside and begins to laugh in Big E’s face. Nakamura delivers a kick the referee doesn’t see as he ducks as Cesaro delivers the Neutralizer for the three count pin and win!
Winner: Cesaro
After the Match
Cesaro and Nakamura pull a table from beneath the ring. Kofi Kingston launches himself over the top rope landing on both Nakamura and Cesaro for the save! The crowd claps along to “You Cannot!” as Kingston places Cesaro on the table set up at ringside.
Big E and Kingston set up on the apron, Nakamura drags Cesaro off the table for the save. Both tag-teams trash talk as we head backstage.
Backstage – King Corbin
King Corbin says Matt Riddle attacked him. Corbin then says AJ Styles is one of the best to step into the ring, and Riddle cannot even put his shoes on.
Corbin adds Riddle is ambitious, but this is the honeymoon phase. Corbin says Matt Riddle is playing with fire, and is going to get burned. After Riddle loses tonight, everyone will realize “the bro” is just “a little boy”.
In Arena
We see WWE officials setting up the ring for “A Moment of Bliss” which is coming up after the break!
“A Moment Of Bliss”
We return to the arena, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are in the ring, on set for “A Moment of Bliss”. They note the 5 year anniversary of Evolution for the Women’s Division. Bliss says the LA Lakers are going to win the championship, Matt Riddle will become the Intercontinental Championship after beating AJ Styles, and Braun Strowman is going to win this weekend.
My next prediction is that my next guest is going to tear the roof off of this place this Sunday,” Bliss is interrupted as Nikki excitedly says, “It’s me right?” Nikki then gets hyped and enthusiastic as she states she will win in her match this weekend. Bliss apologies to Cross saying that she’s not the special guest tonight.
Bayley and Sasha Banks Join “A Moment of Bliss”
“A Moment of Bliss” is interrupted as Bayley’s music sounds. Bayley says Nikki needs to get used to disappointment as she will lose this weekend, where the chihuahua will have to return to Alexa Bliss’s shadow. Bayley states before Bayley and Sasha Banks enter the ring and beat the crap out of Alexa and Nikki, they need to clarify something.
Bayley shouts, “*Ding Dong* Bayley and Sasha Banks were the first Women’s Tag-Team Champions” Bayley goes on to say they paved the way and created the stage and ring for women to fight in. Bayley and Banks enter the ring after telling the cameraman to move out of their way.
Alexa says all that is special, but they didn’t let her announce her special guest…
Asuka Joins “A Moment of Bliss
Asuka’s music sounds as Asuka makes her way to the stage and begins down the ramp. Before Asuka makes it to ringside, Bayley and Sasha Banks attack Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in-ring. Asuka jumps in and Bayley and Banks are forced to retreat. Bayley shouts from ringside, “You aren’t supposed to be on this show! Go back to your show!” as we head to commercial break!
Daniel Bryan Weighs In On Intercontinental Championship Match Later Tonight
We return from commercial break and once again we see Daniel Bryan who is on a selfie-cam outside somewhere. Daniel Bryan states AJ Styles could be a long reigning Intercontinental Champion, but he believes if he isn’t careful, Matt Riddle could win. Bryan makes note that there is a special coaching session tonight.
Asuka & Nikki Cross (w/ Alexa Bliss) vs. Bayley & Sasha Banks
As we return to the arena, Sasha Banks and Nikki Cross are in the ring for this impromptu match-up. Banks and Bayley tag in and out keeping Nikki away from the opposing side of the ring making it impossible for Cross to make the tag.
Sasha Banks takes advantage of the referee’s distraction to attack Nikki from the outside. Bayley slams Nikki into the ring post as she tags in Banks. More double team action on Nikki. Finally Asuka tags in and takes it to Sasha Banks! Bayley tags in and Asuka takes both women down! Asuka with a Hip Attack knocking Bayley off the apron. Banks attempts a Baseball Slide on Asuka who blocks. Asuka tags in Nikki who has Bayley caught in the apron. Asuka with a Sliding Knee on Bayley, Nikki hits Banks with a Crossbody!
Nikki and Asuka jump on the announcer’s table and begin dancing together as we head to commercial break.
We return from commercial break and the match has returned to the ring. Asuka shoves Bayley across the ring. Bayley gets a pin attempt on Asuka who kicks out at two. Banks tags in after the back and forth exchange between Bayley and Asuka. Banks tags in Bayley once again.
Bayley Shoulder Shoves Asuka once again, then again next to Sasha Banks. Asuka struggles to get to Nikki Cross for the tag. The tag is made just as Bayley tags in Sasha Banks. Nikki sends Banks across the ring. Nikki with a Splash on Banks then drops Banks face first inside the ring. Nikki heads to the top turnbuckle and with a shout goes for a Crossbody. Banks rolls out of the way and hits a Basement Dropkick for the cover. Banks screams and heads over for the tag to Bayley.
Bayley heads to the top turnbuckle, Nikki grabs Bayley and drags her off the top. Bayley counters by throwing Nikki out of the ring. Tornado DDT on the outside by Nikki then throws Bayley back into the ring for the cover. Banks breaks things up at the two, Asuka enters the ring and attacks Banks.
Bayley attempts to make the tag and Asuka pulls Banks off the apron. Double Leg take down, Bayley uses the ropes for the assist during the pin on Nikki Cross for the three count.
Winner: Bayley & Sasha Banks
After the Match
Nikki Cross looks stunned, shaking her head “no” over and over as she stands in the center of the ring.
Quick Announcement
A final message from Bray Wyatt in a brand new Firefly Funhouse later tonight!
Backstage – Miz and Morrison
Six foot nine, over three hundred pounds. They call him the “monster among men”. Miz says in every move the hero slays the monster and becomes a legend. Morrison says, “in every horror movie, there’s a best friend that steps up and helps when the hero isn’t ready”.
Miz says he isn’t sure as he isn’t much of a horror guy, but he knows Morrison will do great. Miz pats Morrison’s chest and walks off. Morrison looks nervous as we head to commercial break.
Firefly Fun House
“We’re really glad that you’re our… that you’re our…” the Firefly Fun House theme is chopped and skewed.
We see Bray Wyatt in his former Wyatt Family gear, hawiian shirt and all. Wyatt states Braun Strowman was a lost sheep when he found him. Wyatt states he saved him and created a monster. Then he left. Looking around the swamp, Wyatt states, “This, this is a place where darkness comes to light and all the horrors of the world, feel right at home. Once you’ve been here, you can never truly leave, a part of you… will live here forever.”
Wyatt continues, “But I know you Braun, I know the truth. I know the monster I created is just scratching and wanting to come home. That monster still lives within you.” Flashes of evil laughter from Braun. “You didn’t embrace the monster you were destin to be, so I am forced to destroy the monster that you’ve become. You know where to find me, come home… run!”
John Morrison w/ The Miz vs. Braun Strowman
We return to the arena where John Morrison’s music sounds and Morrison makes his way to the stage accompanied by The Miz. Both men pose for their slow-motion entrance. Morrison makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring, Miz with him. Out next is the Universal Champion, Braun Strowman. A thousand yard stare by Strowman who picks up the mic.
Strowman states, “I am ready and willing to walk through the gates of hell to slap the devil in his face. And that’s because that’s the only way I can end this. I have to go to the swamp and the last thing I want is for him to turn into the Fiend. I have to go home and end him before he ends me!”
Fired up, Braun Strowman drops the mic and walks over the top rope. “BRAY WYATT I HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING!” Strowman paces the ring to begin the match. Strowman runs across the ring and throws Morrison across the ring. Strowman then hits a massive Splash on Morrison in the corner followed by turning Morrison inside out with a Clothesline. Strowman steps onto Morrison in the center of the ring with both feet.
Strowman picks up Morrison and slams him onto the canvas as he begins to laugh maniacally. Strowman squeezing the breath out of Morrison (a former move from “The Wyatt Family” days) followed by a Power Slam for the three count. The Miz looking on from ringside in fear. Morrison laid out in the center of the ring. Strowman shouts loudly and roars.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the Match
Braun Strowman says, “Bray Wyatt I hope you were watching, I’m coming home.” Strowman drops the mic and laughs like a crazed man once again. Strowman throws his title belt over his shoulder and walks up the ramp, looking back one more time with an evil smile followed by a crazed look in his eyes whispering, “I’m coming home”
In-Ring After the Match
The Miz shouts “Come on!” as he is knelt beside teammate John Morrison. Medical staff come out with a back board to help Morrison out of the ring. Morrison is holding his shoulder. Miz tells Morrison to use the ropes. Morrison still holding his neck. Miz helps Morrison exit as Lacey Evans makes her entrance.
Lacey Evans Entrance
We see Lacey make her way to the ring for her upcoming match as we head to commercial break.
Lacey Evans vs. Naomi
We return from commercial break and get a video clip highlighting the events leading up to tonight’s match up. We return to the ring where Evans states, “After tonight, Naomi’s ‘glow’ will be nothing more than a little ‘sparkle'” as she laughs and the lights go out.
“Bring it to the flo'” as strobe lights flash with neon lights. Naomi slides down the ramp and jumps around finally into the ring
Sliding Knee followed by a Slap on Evans. Lacey with a Shoulder to the mid section from the apron followed by an Elbow Drop onto Naomi inside the ring. Lacey attempts to slam Naomi into the top turnbuckle, then drops Naomi to the canvas. Naomi gets her knees up for the block as Lacey flies off the ropes. Naomi with a Split for the cover, Lacey kicks out at two. Full Nelson followed by an Elbow to the jaw by Naomi.
Lacey ducks out to the apron, Naomi connects with a massive kick. Lacey grabs a handful of Naomi’s hair and ties it around the bottom rope. Naomi finally gets free and turns to walk into a Women’s Right for the three count pin and win!
Winner: Lacey Evans
After the Match
Lacey fans herself with her hand and smiles as we head into replays.
Backstage – Jeff Hardy
Charly Caruso states Sheamus has mocked Jeff Hardy, toasted him, and had Miz and Morrison challenge Jeff to a “Bar Room Brawl”, how does he handle it? Jeff shares that he has to stand up to a bully like Sheamus.
Hardy says, “Thanks to Sheamus framing me for drunk driving, I don’t get to be a part of the main event.” Sheamus clocks Hardy who falls to the ground. Sheamus sits down next to Jeff and says he will continue to help Jeff cleanse his demons, then says he will see him next week as he shoves the mic into Hardy’s stomach. We head to commercial break.
Women’s Evolution Highlighted
As we return from the commercial break, it is stated that 5 Years ago #WomensEvolution was started as Charlotte Flair announced the female superstars to the ring.
Intercontinental Championship Title Match
Matt Riddle vs. AJ Styles (c)
Out first is the original bro, Matt Riddle! Riddle makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring. Out next, The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles. Styles makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring with Matt Riddle. The match is officially announced, scheduled for one fall for the Intercontinental Championship!
The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and this main event title match is officially underway!
Both superstars circle the ring, finally locking up. The two break. Riddle gets a Waist lock on Styles. Styles breaks free and delivers a few blows to the midsection of Riddle in the corner. Matt off the second rope with a Knee to the face of Styles! We head to commercial break!
As we return from commercial break Riddle looking for an Arm Bar. Fisherman Suplex on Styles, Riddle in control virtually from the get-go. Styles buys himself time as he plants Riddle face-first. Styles tries to maintain the advantage. Styles with a kick, attempting to focus on the left leg of Riddle. Styles looks for a Calf Crusher to no avail. Styles to the floor and Riddle hammers him with a Springboard Knee Strike! AJ frustrated and hammering the announce table, Matt follows him to mock him and decks him with a roundhouse. The Bro-To-Sleep by Riddle for the two count as we head to our final commercial break of the evening!
We return from commercial break as Matt Riddle runs at AJ Styles who blocks with a MASSIVE boot to the jaw or Riddle. Styles with a strike to the spine. Riddle off the top looking for the Floating Bro, Styles side-steps. Styles looking for the Styles Clash as Riddle holds onto the rope. Styles drops Riddle on the back of his neck for the two-count.
Riddle catches Styles and attempts the Bro Derek, instead hitting a Broton to a downed Styles. Riddle misses a Kick, Styles gets a Kick of his own. Styles locks in the Calf Crusher on Riddle. Riddle reaching for the bottom rope, Styles rolls Riddle in the center of the ring, Riddle flips over and looking for the Bromission. Styles reverses with a roll up pin for the three count!
Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: AJ Styles
After the Match
Matt Riddle looking genuinely shocked as Styles struggles to his feet, the referee handing Styles his championship belt. Riddle drops to one knee, holding onto the middle rope. Styles walks over to Riddle who gets back to his feet and stands face to face with Styles.
Styles nods and says, “That was close.” Styles puts out a hand, Riddle shakes his hand, King Corbin out of nowhere attacks Matt Riddle from behind, then continuously strikes Riddle, then drops Riddle in the center of the ring before Corbin retreats up the ramp.
The show ends with King Corbin putting his crown back on his head at the top of the ramp as he stares down at Matt Riddle still in the center of the ring!
This July 17, 2020 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown “Go-Home” episode is the last SmackDown before the July 19, 2020 WWE Extreme Rules: Horror Show pay-per-view.
