WWE SmackDown live results: Firefly Fun House returns
Friday Night SmackDown takes place from the WWE Performance Center tonight and features the brand’s fallout from Backlash.
Bray Wyatt and the Firefly Funhouse return tonight. Wyatt hasn’t been around since unsuccessfully challenging for Braun Strowman’s Universal Championship at Money in the Bank last month.
At Backlash, Strowman retained his title against The Miz & John Morrison in a handicap match. Strowman is expected to appear tonight.
Miz & Morrison will also appear on the show for a Miz TV segment with Mandy Rose as the guest. It will focus on Rose’s feud with Sonya Deville.
AJ Styles won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Daniel Bryan in an excellent match in the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament last week. Tonight, there will be a championship presentation for Styles.
Matt Riddle making his SmackDown debut is also still advertised for the show. A lawyer for Riddle issued a statement today denying the sexual assault allegation that was made against Riddle.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
They recapped AJ Styles defeating Daniel Bryan in the finals of the Intercontinental Championship tournament.
Intercontinental Championship Presentation
Renee Young was already in the ring. The SmackDown roster surrounded the ring. Young noted Styles survived Daniel Bryan in an instant classic last week to win the title.
Styles bragged about his accomplishments and noted he’s the face that runs the place. He told the guys around ringside that this is the closest they’ll get to the title.
Styles asked Young to start the presentation but stopped her. He noted there’s only one person qualified to present him with the title, Daniel Bryan. Bryan reluctantly got in the ring.
Styles demanded that Bryan put the title around his waist. Styles said he’s trusting Bryan not to do anything stupid and show some respect.
Bryan finally put the title around Styles’ waist. Bryan congratulated Styles, but he wanted him to say it louder. Bryan grabbed the mic and praised Styles. He said Styles has the opportunity to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. All Styles has to do is defend that belt every week against guys like Shorty G, Gran Metalik, and Big E.
Styles isn’t giving away handouts. Only a select few are going to get a title shot.
Styles noted everyone has to earn a title shot, and Bryan’s going to the back of the line.
Bryan is okay with that but thinks Styles should defend against Drew Gulak. Bryan pointed out that Gulak defeated Styles a few weeks ago. Styles refused and is only going to defend against the number one contender.
Suddenly, Matt Riddle’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Riddle introduced himself, but Styles cut him off. Styles knows who he is, but all he sees is some guy in his ring with no shoes.
All Styles sees is another guy asking for a handout. Riddle’s not asking for a handout. He heard that Styles is the face that runs the place, but Riddle is the Bro that’s going to run the show.
Styles didn’t like that comment and attacked Riddle. Riddle fought back and knocked Styles to the floor.
Styles was furious and demanded a referee.
This was the typical opening segment and title celebration. Styles and Bryan were good in their roles. Aside from Riddle’s debut, it was just a basic segment.
Matt Riddle defeated Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles in a non-title match
The roster stayed around ringside for the match. Styles refused to put the title on the line.
Riddle hit a German suplex to gain an early advantage. He followed up with a series of gut-wrench suplexes. Riddle then hit Styles with a vicious kick to the side of the head for a near fall.
Styles fought back and hit Riddle with a standing dropkick. Riddle rocked Styles with a series of kicks in the corner, but Styles gave Riddle a clothesline to the apron.
Riddle tried to pull Styles to the floor, but he kicked off, and Riddle collided with King Corbin. Riddle and Corbin went face to face.
Back from the break, Styles was firmly in control with a chin lock. Styles used a snap suplex for a near fall. He followed up with a knee drop, but Riddle fought back.
Styles caught Riddle’s leg and hit a dragon screw whip. Riddle missed a high kick, and Styles used a chop block on Riddle’s injured knee.
Riddle fought back and hit a fisherman suplex. Styles missed a charge in the corner.
Riddle hit a foreman in the corner and followed up with another suplex.
Riddle missed a kick and standing moonsault but hit the senton for a near fall. Riddle locked on the Bromission, but Styles countered into the calf crusher.
Riddle made it to the ropes in front of Bryan. Bryan and the other faces checked on Riddle. Styles shoved Bryan and got in his face.
Styles attempted the phenomenal forearm, but Riddle caught him and hit the Bro Derek for the win.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves put Riddle’s win over huge and as a significant SmackDown moment.
The babyfaces celebrated with Riddle in the ring.
Riddle and Styles had a really good match. Riddle looked good in his debut. Obviously, there was no mention of the recent allegations. Styles lost his first match since winning the title.
Jeff Hardy was in the back, getting ready for an interview with Renee Young. He was in a trance with a faraway look.
They recapped the Sheamus-Hardy feud.
Jeff Hardy Interview
Renee Young interviewed Hardy in the back. Hardy is doing better, but it’s been a struggle recently. Young noted Hardy’s feud with Sheamus has been tough to watch because Sheamus is making it so personal.
Young pointed out that Hardy had a chance at redemption at Backlash but failed. Hardy admits he’s lost before. There are times he just moves on, but other times the doubt starts to creep in.
Hardy admits that he’s an adrenaline junkie and an alcoholic. He said Sheamus is just another bully and obstacle in his way.
In the back, Kayla Braxton approached Shorty G. She pointed out that his opponent Mojo Rawley is taller and bigger. Shorty G laughed it off and said he’s fought big guys before. He mocked Rawley for being friends with Gronk.
Rawley appeared behind Shorty G. Shorty G pointed out that his enemies don’t know he’s got eyes in the back of his head. He turned around and knocked Rawley down.
Shorty G defeated Mojo Rawley
Rawley charged at Shorty G and backed him in the corner. Rawley was firmly in control, but Shorty G fought back and hit a Northern Lights suplex for a near fall.
Rawley dropped Shorty G on the ropes and hit a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Rawley slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Shorty G fought back, but Rawley recovered and hit a splash in the corner.
Rawley missed a charge in the corner, and Shorty G hit a German suplex. Shorty G hit a flying crossbody, but Rawley caught him. Shorty G recovered and used an inside cradle for the win.
Shorty G and Rawley had a fine match as they didn’t have much time.
Miz TV with Guest Mandy Rose
Miz noted that before they bring out their guest, they need to address the elephant in the room. Morrison thought he meant Otis. Miz said they were ready to be the co-Universal champion at Backlash, but the rules changed at the last second.
Miz and Morrison also had to worry about Otis cashing in his Money In The Bank. Miz then turned his attention to Otis’ girlfriend, Mandy Rose.
Miz and Morrison asked about Rose’s former friend Sonya Deville. They mocked Rose and praised Deville. Rose isn’t going to take this and went to leave.
They apologized and asked her to stay for the surprise. They introduced Deville, and she made her way to the ring.
Deville came out wearing a slick black suit. Deville mocked Rose and noted her greatest accomplishment is making out with Otis by the pool.
Rose noted Deville could hurt her physically but not emotionally. Rose said Otis had been there for her and by her side.
Deville isn’t mad anymore; she wants to know how to get the Mandy Rose treatment. Deville doesn’t understand how her physical appearance can do so much for her.
Deville promised to rip Rose apart and make her look as hideous on the outside, and she does the inside.
Rose and Deville brawled briefly, but Deville hid behind Miz. Deville ran off, and Rose slapped Miz in the face.
This was a good segment. Rose and Deville were great in their roles, in particular Deville.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defeated Lucha House Party in a non-title match
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Bayley and Banks were good on commentary at times but also took away from the match as well.
Lince Dorado and Kofi Kingston went back and forth. Dorado avoided Kingston with a backflip, and they both went for a dropkick.
Metalik hit a splash on Kingston off of Dorado’s shoulder. Big E made the tag and hit a belly-to-belly suplex. Lucha House Party fought back and hit huge dives to the floor.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro were watching the match in the back.
Back from the break, Dorado fought back, but Big E hit a splash for a near fall. Dorado recovered and hit a springboard stunner. Kingston and Metalik both got the tag. Kingston ran wild. Metalik attempted a crossbody off the middle rope, but Kingston hit a dropkick.
Lucha House Party took back over and rocked Kingston with a double superkick. Big E pushed Metalik off the top to the floor. Kingston hit a double foot stomp on Dorado.
New Day then hit the Midnight Hour for the win.
Nakamura and Cesaro jumped New Day after the match. The heels gave The New Day a vicious beat down. Cesaro and Nakamura are tired of being over looked.
This was a good tag team match with lots of fast-paced and hard-hitting action.
In the back, Dana Brooke, Tamina, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, and Lacey Evans were hanging out near the ring. They all want a shot at Bayley’s title. Bliss then noticed that Nikki Cross isn’t around and couldn’t find her.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Sheamus in the back. Sheamus acted remorseful for his actions after seeing Jeff Hardy’s interviewed. Sheamus laughed and said he is a bully. Sheamus’ only regret is he didn’t smash Hardy’s voice box. Sheamus told everyone to grab some champagne because he’s going to toast Hardy next week.
Bayley and Banks were still on commentary and were excited to party next week. Suddenly, Nikki Cross attacked the heels. Alexa Bliss ran down to help out Cross. Cross demanded a match with Banks right now.
Bayley accepted the challenge for Banks and agreed to the match.
Sasha Banks (w/Bayley) defeated Nikki Cross (w/Alexa Bliss)
Banks had the early advantage, but Cross caught Banks in the ring apron skirt. Cross took over and hit a crossbody block off the apron. She attempted a bulldog, but Banks countered and hit the backstabber for a near fall.
Banks slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Cross fought back and hit a tornado DDT for a close near fall. Banks caught Cross with a knee and attempted the Bank statement. Cross broke free of the submission. The finish came when Cross tried a sunset flip, but Banks rolled through and hit the Meteora for the win. Cross and Banks had a fine match.
They showed a Titus O’Neil video package and noted he’s a finalist for the 2020 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
The Firefly Funhouse is next, and Universal Champion Braun Strowman’s in the back watching.
The Firefly Funhouse
Bray Wyatt welcomed everyone back to the Firefly Funhouse. Wyatt got everyone up to speed on what he’s been doing. He joined a book club, learned new Tiktok moves, resurrected the dead, and learned how to knit.
Ramblin Rabbit showed up and noted Wyatt’s been upset about losing to Braun Strowman. Wyatt admitted that he did lose to Strowman.
Suddenly, Strowman’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Strowman noted Wyatt had his opportunity, and he failed. He said this game between them is over.
Wyatt said their chapter is over, but he wasn’t lying about resurrecting the dead.
Wyatt then turned into the Wyatt Family Bray Wyatt character. He told Strwoman he knows where to find him. All Strowman has to do is follow the buzzards. He held up the lantern, told Strowman to run and blew out the light.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles defends against Drew Gulak in Styles’s first title defense. Plus, Sheamus presents a toast to Jeff Hardy.