WWE Friday Night Smackdown Results (7/31/2020) – Performance Center, Orlando, FL
Show Opening
Tonight’s July 31st 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.
Opening Promos
Banks and Bayley cut a promo, this was followed by Cross cutting a promo on Sasha Banks. Big E cut a promo about feeling the power, and then Miz and Morrison laughed at Big E as a singles star. Naomi cut a quick promo. This was followed by AJ Styles and then Gran Metalik cutting promos for tonight.
Firefly Fun House
The familiar opening to the Firefly Fun House sounds as we head inside the fun house and are welcome by Bray Wyatt. Bray states he never wanted to hurt Braun Strowman. He only wanted to help him. Now “he (the Fiend) is awake” and he wants what Braun has (the title). He said until “he” gets what he wants none of you are safe. A serious stare, then a big smile and child-like wave goodbye as Bray shouts, “BYE!!”
Intercontinental Championship Title Match
AJ Styles vs. Gran Metalik
AJ Styles music sounds in the Performance Center to kick off the first match of the evening. Styles makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring, awaiting his opponent for the evening. Gran Metalik’s music sounds as he makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring for this Intercontinental Championship Title match. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins! They started out slow by backing each other into the corner. Styles hit a Backbreaker and gave Lince Dorado a dirty look.
Styles backed Metalik into the corner again and then whipped him into the opposite corner hard. Metalik avoided a Styles Clash, but he took a Hard Chop. Then Styles grabbed him, threw him down, and missed with an elbow.
Metalik hit a Rana that sent AJ out of the ring. Metalik jumped over the ropes as Styles slid in, so Metalik landed on the apron, but Styles Dropkicked him down. Then Styles went to jump down, but Metalik took out his legs in return. With that, we head to the first commercial break of the evening.
After commercial, AJ caught Metalik on the top rope. Metalik knocked Styles down and hit a crossbody from the top for a two count from referee Jessika Carr.
Metalik tried for a move, but AJ blocked it and Metalik took a bump. This was followed by some stiff kicks from Styles. He started focusing on the luchador’s left leg while they praised this move on commentary. Gran Metalik started fighting back and he hit a DDT for a two count. The PC crowd was really into this comeback for Metalik. Gran Metalik pulled a rope walking trick and landed a great dropkick for another two count.
AJ Styles came back with strikes and put Metalik down with a clothesline. Then AJ got on the apron and looked like he was going for his Phenomenal finisher, but Metalik avoided it and landed an enziguri.
Metalik went for another move off the ropes, and AJ Styles knocked him out of the air. Then Styles goes for a Calf Crusher. AJ Styles locks in the submission, causing Gran Metalik to tap, Styles getting the win and retaining his Intercontinental Championship title!
Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: AJ Styles
After the Match
AJ Styles celebrates retaining his victory over Gran Metalik. Commentary discusses the match as Styles suddenly delivers a cheap shot to Dorado, sending a message to the locker room, if you want some come get some. The Styles Clash follows with the crowd “booing”.
Backstage – King Corbin and Shorty G
We head backstage where King Corbin asks Shorty G if it hurts to be on the sideline. Corbin said he thinks that Shorty can become IC Champion. Shorty asked why Corbin is acting all friendly. Corbin said that G gets overlooked. Then “Barefoot Idiots” come in and get all the hype and opportunities.
Shorty G realizes Corbin’s intention, stating he knows Corbin wants him to take out Matt Riddle for Corbin. Finally, Corbin reiterates that the king’s ransom is up for grabs, and tells him to think about it.
Video Clip – Bar Match with Sheamus vs. Matt Hardy
We head into a video clip from the Bar Match between Matt Hardy and Sheamus that aired during last week’s SmackDown. Hardy ultimately claimed the victory.
Announcer’s Table
As we return from the video clip, we are informed that Jeff Hardy will be out next to announce his next step on his road to redemption. We head to commercial break.
In Ring – Jeff Hardy
As we return from commercial break, Jeff Hardy’s music sounds and Hardy comes out clear faced as the crowd cheers. The crowd claps and cheers for Hardy. Jeff gets on the mic and tells us he hasn’t felt this good in a long time. Hardy notes that the last few months have been rough with Sheamus, to which a fan shouts, “he sucks!” and Jeff says “and yeah, he sucks.”
Jeff admits, “I’m an alcoholic. But I’m more than that. I am a loving husband, and father, and a WWE superstar.” He said he’s grateful to be alive and well on SmackDown. Then, Jeff humbly states, “It makes me want to never let y’all down again. The struggle is real, but I want to make the most of my life. I am so grateful to be alive and well. Here, on SmackDown.”
King Corbin Enters
King Corbin’s music sounds as he comes out and interrupts Jeff Hardy. Corbin states he is tired of hearing about Hardy’s sobriety. “I get it Jeff, your life, it sucks. But shut up, and deal with it!” I gotta deal with Matt Riddle, who can’t find his shoes, and tonight I have a fight with the idiot Drew Gulak, I am losing my mind.”
Then he told Jeff that he’s disappointed in him. Corbin said he would offer him the King’s Ransom to take out Riddle, but Hardy is too concerned with attending AA meetings and collecting coins. Jeff responds, “I have learned over the years, if everyone around you is the problem, maybe the problem, is you.” The crowd cheers.
Drew Gulak Quietly Enters
Suddenly, Drew Gulak comes in from behind, attacking King Corbin as we go to commercial break.
Drew Gulak vs. King Corbin
As we return from the commercial break, the match is officially underway. Gulak taking control early on in this match-up. Corbin attempts to turn things around as he stomps Gulak near the apron, then takes him on in the corner. Both superstars go in for a lock up. Corbin looks for a huge chop, but Gulak gets out of the way and hits several strikes in return. Big right hand by Corbin and attempts a pin but gets nothing.
Corbin Snapmares Gulak to the mat and lays in Hammering Elbow blows from behind. Corbin puts Gulak in a neck wrench, but Gulak gets to his feet and throws rights into Corbin’s ribs. Gulak tries to take Corbin to the corner but Corbin hits a big one-handed sidewalk slam. Corbin stands over Gulak and tries to wrench the right ankle. He keeps adjusting as Corbin attempts to change his stance. Gulak flips Corbin to the grown then locks in the Yes Lock! Corbin makes it to the ropes and the ref breaks the hold.
Finally, Gulak takes Corbin down over and over with Dropkicks and Springboard moves. Gulak heads to the top turnbuckle, but doesn’t deliver. Corbin hits the Deep Six!
Riddle Comes Out During Match
“Broooooo!” sounds over the Performance Center speakers as Matt Riddle makes his way out to the stage, distracting Corbin. Gulak attempts to take advantage of the distraction, but Corbin reverses it into The End of Days, and Corbin puts Gulak away for the three count pin and win.
Winner: King Corbin
Big E vs The Miz
This was Big E’s first real steps in a singles push apparently. After a short start, Miz took some punches to Big E, but then E caught Miz with an abdominal stretch. He spanked The Miz to the “New Day rocks” chant.
Miz slapped Big E and then he tossed him over the top rope. Then Big E sent The Miz into the ring post and the barricade. Morrison kicked Big E after he threw Miz in the ring. This allowed Miz to hit a dropkick through the ropes.
Big E went back inside and Miz climbed up top to hit a move and get a two count. Big E put Miz on the apron and clotheslined him down. Then Big E nailed some shots on Miz’s chest and went for a splash, but Miz moved and Big E hit nothing but apron.
After commercial, Miz had Big E down with a headlock. Big E got up, and took a kick to the head for a two count.
Big E came back with some belly to bellies. Then he nailed a splash on Miz before getting the crowd going with a clap. Miz returned fire and nailed some Hey Hey Hey Kicks, but he missed the last one. Big E picked Miz up, but Miz got away. Then Miz wrapped E’s leg around the rope and kicked him before landing two running knees, but the third was met with an uranage from Big E for a two count.
Miz blocked Big E’s spear with a knee to the face. John Morrison nailed a kick on Big E and Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale for a two count. Then Miz got on a figure 4 until Big E got a rope break.
Morrison almost kicked Big E again, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and threw him out. Miz wasn’t happy about that. Big E rolled Miz up for a two count and then got a stretch muffler submission for the win.
Winner: Big E
Backstage – Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura are backstage celebrating being champions. In come the Lucha House Party and Cesaro says it’s not good to see them. Nakamura asks if they like to party as Cesaro tells Nakamura it’s a champions only party. Nakamura and Cesaro tell them they aren’t champion as Cesaro makes fun of Metalik for not winning the Intercontinental championship match earlier.
Backstage – Sheamus
Sheamus says in retrospect, he shouldn’t have agreed to fight Jeff Hardy in a bar. He fought him in his natural environment, he gave him home field advantage. He smashes beer bottles onto Jeff’s head but Jeff kept getting stronger. Sheamus says he is not making excuses, what’s done is done. He doesn’t have to worry about pushing Jeff to the bottle, it’s only a matter of time. Just six back, relax and let nature take its course. He says that’s bad news for the SmackDown locker room because now he is their problem.
Lacey Evans Pre-Match Promo
Lacey Evans says she beat Naomi last time, she beat her at karaoke and yet people want to start a Naomi deserves better hashtag. If they want to feel sorry for her so bad, she’ll make them really feel bad for Naomi tonight.
Naomi vs. Lacey Evans
The bell rings and we are under way. Naomi runs towards Lacey but Lacey catches her and a power bomb by Evans. Lacey with a head lock as she slams Naomi face first onto the mat. Lacey grabs Naomi and wraps her around the ring post. Naomi drops to the outside as Lacey throws her face first into the ring post. Lacey slams her face first into the ring apron. She places Naomi’s hair in between the steel steps as Lacey gets in the ring an the referee starts to count to ten.
Naomi gets in the ring and a modified sunset flip onto the outside by Naomi. She gets Lacey back in the ring, goes for the cover but Lacey kicks out. Lacey throws Naomi into the corner, she goes for the Women’s Rights but Naomi reverses it into the back slide cover and gets the pin.
Winner: Naomi
Backstage – Mandy Rose and Otis
Mandy Rose is backstage with Otis and she says it has been a while since they had a proper date. She says she booked them a reservation at his favorite BBQ spot. Otis is excited and says they will have ribs, steaks and dessert. Mandy says she wanted to surprise him with a peach dessert and Otis gets even more excited. She tells him to go get ready, she will get ready and to meet back.
Sonya Deville walks in from behind looking at Mandy who walked away. We head to another commercial break.
SmackDown Women’s Championship Title match
Bayley vs. Nikki Cross
As we return from commercial break, Nikki Cross makes her way to the stage accompanied by Alexa Bliss. Nikki heads down the ramp and enters the ring as commentary discuss the last match-up between tonight’s two main event competitors. Out next is Bayley accompanied by Sasha Banks. Commentary continues their discussion and make note of Bayley cheating with Banks’ “BOSS” ring during the last match-up for the win. Both women in the ring, the match is officially announced. The bell rings and our main event title match up is officially underway!!
Bayley quickly gains control, getting Nikki for the cover and an early two-count almost ending the match as soon as it started! The match heads to the outside and Nikki slams Bayley into the ring post at ringside. Nikki continues to gain momentum as she goes after Bayley, and we head to commercial!
As we return from commercial break, back in the ring a Back Suplex with high angle delivered by Bayley for the cover, Nikki immediately kicks out. Bayley powers Nikki into the corner of the ring, Shoulder Shoves over and over until Nikki heads out of the corner. Nikki with a Crossbody for a Lateral Cross cover for a two count of her own. Second rope Tornado DDT by Nikki for the cover once again, Bayley kicks out and rolls under the bottom rope. Nikki follows Bayley and plants Bayley on the apron.
Sasha Banks comes over and checks on Bayley, Nikki goes for a dive on Bayley who rolls back in the ring. Nikki heads back in the ring and the Boss ring is in her hand. Nikki holding the ring, looking at it, finally throwing it at Sasha Banks. Nikki with a Suplex for the cover, and a 2 and a half count! Bayley heads over to the Announcer’s Table and mocks Nikki’s antics as she climbs on top of the table. Nikki slams Bayley to the ground at ringside.
The match returns to the ring. Crossbody Lateral Press for the two count by Nikki, Bayley rolls with a counter for a two of her own. The two continue to go back and forth with Back Slides and pin attempts. Finally Bayley with a Face Plant on Nikki for the three count pin and win.
Winner: Bayley
After the Match
Bayley tries to console and help Nikki to her feet, Nikki says no. Bayley tries once again. Again Nikki shakes her head no. Nikki finally shoves Alexa Bliss, knocking her to the canvas. Nikki exits the ring shaking her head, visibly angry and upset at the results of her match, leaving her best friend Bayley in the ring.
Almost tears in her eyes, Bayley stays seated inside the ring on the canvas. Suddenly, the lights dim, then fade to black. Suddenly The Fiend is behind Alexa Bliss alone in the ring. The Fiend kneels down and looks into Bliss’s eyes. Extending his arm, Fiend lifts up and goes for the Mandible Claw on Bliss as she shakes her head “no”. Fiend delivers and shoves her face to the canvas with the red glow surrounding him as the show comes to a close.
