SmackDown off-air notes: Maverick manages EC3, Owens vs. Zayn

A former TNA Wrestling duo was reunited in a dark match prior to last night’s SmackDown in Brooklyn, New York.

Before SmackDown’s post-WrestleMania episode got underway, Luke Harper defeated EC3 in a dark match. EC3 was accompanied by Drake Maverick, who was formerly known as Rockstar Spud in TNA. They were both allies and rivals together during their time in the promotion.

Dixie Carter tweeted about the pairing: “What a fantastic, ‘original’ idea!! Those two are [money] together…. @therealec3 @WWEMaverick #SDLive @wwe”

EC3 should officially be assigned to a brand in next week’s Superstar Shakeup. Maverick is the on-screen general manager of 205 Live and managed AOP on Raw prior to Akam being out of action with a knee injury. Maverick has accompanied Rezar during matches on Main Event since then.

Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn in the dark match after last night’s 205 Live. Pat Laprade wrote about the match: “Sami tried to convince Kevin not to fight him. It worked. But he then insulted him. So KO came back and said since both were off Mania, they should be ready for a match. KO did a stunner right off the bat for the quick win. He then did two more stunners, well, just for fun!”