Welcome to our live coverage page for the special season two premiere of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on FOX here at eWrestling.com, where we will be providing the absolute fastest and most-detailed live results coverage of the October 16, 2020 episode of the weekly blue brand program.
Tonight’s edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown has the blue brand prepared for the season two premiere of the weekly WWE on FOX show, with a jam-packed lineup full of big matches and segments scheduled for the show this evening.
eWrestling.com reporter Matt Boone announced a number of possible SmackDown season premiere *spoilers* for tonight’s show. Scheduled for the program is Roman Reigns battling Braun Strowman with the WWE Universal Title on-the-line, The New Day will compete in their “Farewell Match” against the trio of Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sheamus, plus much more.
Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results for the Friday, October 16, 2020 episode of the weekly WWE on FOX blue brand show, written by our popular female eWrestling.com reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter @JamieRush312.
Show Opener
“Are you ready for a good time??” We see the opening credits begin for Friday Night SmackDown which kicks off with newcomer Seth Rollins! The former Monday Night Messiah has taken his place on SmackDown along with others switched over.
We enter the ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando Florida for the Season Premiere of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on FOX sponsored by Progressive.
Announcer’s Table
Michael Cole is joined by Corey Graves on commentary as they kick things off talking about the new faces of SmackDown and we see the whole SmackDown roster standing at the top of the stage together.
In Ring: The McMahon’s Welcome The WWE Universe For The Season Premiere
Stephanie McMahon and the COO of WWE, Triple H are announced as they stand in the center of the ring. Stephanie shouts, “Welcome to the season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown!!” Triple H then adds, “Ya know, season premieres they’re exciting. It means all new action, all new drama, all new excitement, and tonight, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Including in our main event, for the Universal Championship it’ll be the Monster Among Men (the crowd boos) taking on the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns!”
Stephanie says, “Not only that, the New Day, will take on the team of Sheamus, Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura!” Triple H’s turn as he states, “The charasmatic enigma Jeff Hardy will compete against the super freak, super freak…” Stephanie interrupts, “Rick James is here?” Triple H states, “No, Lars Sullivan!” Stephanie goes on, “Making his very first appearance in the ThunderDome, Daniel Bryan!” The crowd begins a “Yes! Yes! Yes!” chant! Triple H adds, “There are a lot of new faces on SmackDown, starting with… Kevin Owens!” Stephanie announces, “Aleister Black!” Triple H states, “Not to be outdown by the Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn!” The crowd boos. Stephanie adds, “Mr. Money-In-The Bank, Otis!” The crowd pops for the better 1/2 of Heavy Machinery!
Triple H then states, “Defending their SmackDown Tag-Team Championships for the first time… Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford!” The crowd chants, “We want smoke! We want smoke!” Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode sneak attack The Street Profits which turns into an all out brawl with the new roster of SmackDown!
Kevin Owens gets a Running Cannonball off the apron onto Cesaro and Nakamura at ringside! Montez Ford flies high over the top rope landing on Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode at ringside.
Lars Sullivan Enters
“The Freak” Lars Sullivan runs down the ramp and Clotheslines Ford and Dawkins with ease, Kalisto is nearly put through the barricade by Sullivan who then enters the ring. Sami Zayn retreat quickly, though Apollo Crews and Chad Gable stand off with The Freak who are taken down as a two-for-one. The Freak clears the ring and lays waste as he growls staring into the camera. Jeff Hardy sneaks up behind Sullivan and looks for the Twist of Fate, sending Sullivan out of the ring. The two stare each other down as Hardy’s music sounds and we get announcements for this evening.
Quick Announcement
We are reminded that the Universal Championship Match between Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman later tonight! As we head to commercial break!
Michael Cole welcomes us back to the ThunderDome as he notes that Jeff Jarrett is in the virtual crowd this evening, as we see Jarrett wave from his screen. Corey Graves notes Jarrett is at home with his baby this evening but will be joining
Jeff Hardy vs. Lars Sullivan
We kick off the first match up of the evening with both superstars already in the ring. The referee signals for the bell and our first match of the evening is officially underway! Sullivan dominating the early goings, throwing Hardy around and hitting Heavy Crossface Strikes. Sliding Lariat gets two, Sullivan then goes for the Diving Headbutt on Hardy, but misses! Jeff now throwing hands, he gets a Jawbreaker, the Manhattan Drop but Sullivan blocks the double leg! Sullivan is able to block as Hardy attempts a Twist of Fate. This leads to Sullivan shoving Hardy to the floor.
Sullivan then follows Hardy from the opposing side to head after Hardy. Hardy looking for Poetry in Motion, he gets caught and slammed on the apron! Back inside, beat the count, kick to the cut. Jeff Hardy with a Twist of Fate as he removes his shirt and heads to the top rope. The Freak is right back to his feet, Hardy is shocked! Sullivan grabs Hardy at the shoulders with a Freak Accident followed by the cover for the three count pin and win!!
Winner: Lars Sullivan
Quick Announcement
Daniel Bryan joins SmackDown tonight!
The New Day Entrance
Awwww ThunderDome, don’t you DARE be sour! Clap for your NINE time champs, and feel the power! It’s a ‘New Day’, yes it is! Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston make their way to the ring for their farewell match!” The crowd begins to chant, “New.. Day Rocks! New… Day Rocks!” as we head to commercial break!
Video Hype Reel – Bianca Belair
As we return from commercial break, we get a Bianca Belair hype reel.
In Ring – New Day Promo
Xavier Woods is playing the trumpet as the crowd chants, “New Day Rocks!” Big E begins, “After the last six years, ya boys, the NEW DAY, they finally found the one thing stronger than the POWER of New Day… and that’s the WWE Draft.” Xavier Woods then adds that while he and Kingston will stay on SmackDown, as Big E moves on to RAW. Kofi Kingston says they’ve had a week to think it over, and Kingston chokes up, adding he didn’t think he would get emotionally this early on! Kingston adds, “When I went on social media, you guys reminded me that we provided you with so many memorable special moments!” Xavier chimes in, “Yea, The one I saw The night we won two triple threat matches in order to become the longest reigning “W-W-E World Tag-Team CHAMPIONS! in history.” Kofi reminds of the sounds of the kendo sticks from The Usos. “Or the tears as you watched Kofi Kingston win his first World Championships.”
Xavier goes on to say it means something else, two guys who took a chance. A chance on someone who probably wouldn’t be here anymore. You guys trusted me with an idea, and it turned into the best six years of my life. Big E reminisces on Saturday mornings at Waffle House talking about families, kids, and… Big E’s tv? Kofi says he’ll get a family, with a laugh. Kingston says he never talked about it on television, but back in 2012 he was at a point in his career where he didn’t know if he wanted to do this anymore. Kingston was approached with an idea to do something.. special. Just, make special moments. Kingston says he’s so glad they did, they did so many great iconic things in the ring. But more importantly, he’s met two of the best friends he’s ever had in his life! Kingston says, “I fully see y’all as my brothers.” Xavier says, “We’re done with the sappy stuff. Tonight, we’re here to get it done… (singsong) ONE LAST TIME!” Kingston says, “And do you know WHY?” Big E begins, “New, Day Rocks! New, Day Rocks” as the crowd chants along!
New Day cut a promo, talking about how they’re going to be split across the brands now.
Backstage – Sheamus, Cesaro, & Nakamura
We head backstage where the heels are being interviewed quickly before they head out for tonight’s six man match against The New Day. Sheamus states, “The hip swiveling Muppets are gonna get taken down!” Cesaro says those “waffle eating” guys are going to get a farewell beating. Shinsuke adds they’re going to send New Day packing forever.
Sheamus Entrance
Finally Sheamus makes his entrance as his music sounds in the ThunderDome and the Celtic Warrior makes his way out to the stage for tonight’s 6-Man Tag-Team Match, Sheamus waits as the music sounds for his tag-team partners.
Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura Entrance
Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura make their way out next to their entrance theme and join Sheamus on the stage. The three make their way down the ramp towards the ring where their opponents wait. We head to commercial break!
The New Day vs. Cesaro, Sheamus, & Shinsuke Nakamura
We return from commercial break and the referee signals for the bell. The bell rings and so begins The New Day’s Farewell 6-Man Tag-Team match!. Things kick off in the match with Nakamura and Woods and they exchange holds. Woods hits Shinsuke with a knee to the gut and tags Kofi for a Standing Double Stomp. Nakamura performs a nice reversal and hits a Heel Kick. Cesaro tags in and hits an Arm-Drag/Leg-Split with Nakamura. Cesaro clobbers Kofi with a European Uppercut and forces him to the corner.
Kofi jumps over Cesaro and tags Big E who hits a splash. Woods tags in and throws Big E onto Cesaro with a splash for a two-count. Sheamus tags in and hits a double team with Cesaro, then they pose together as The Bar. Woods dropkicks Sheamus in the knee, then the head and makes the tag for a Frog Splash from Kofi. Cesaro runs interference and Nakamura pulls the top rope down to send Kofi flying over the ropes to the floor.
The heels go out and work together to suplex Kofi on the floor. Nakamura gets Kofi inside for a two-count and tags Cesaro who stomps Kingston down in the corner. Cesaro hits a slam and the heels continue to make quick tags to isolate Kofi in their corner. Kofi rallies and tries to make a tag but gets picked up and slammed into the corner. Sheamus shoves Kofi off the top rope to the floor. We head to commercial break.
As we return from commercial break, Kofi roll-up Sheamus for a two-count. Kofi hits the S.O.S and both men make tags. Big E runs hot over Cesaro and knocks Sheamus and Nakamura off the apron. Big E hits the big splash and starts clapping. Big E wants the big ending but Cesaro escapes and hits a Gut-wrench Suplex.
Cesaro spins Kingston in circles in the ring, Shinsuke jumps in with a Dropkick and Cesaro launches Kofi into Sheamus’s shoulders, a little White Noise as Big E breaks things up and looks for the Big Ending. Nakamura with a Dropkick. Woods with a Missile Dropkick. Sheamus and Kofi left inside the ring. Kingston lands a headbutt to the trash talking Sheamus. Big E tags in and Sheamus is flattened and with a hook of the leg, Big E covers Sheamus for the three count pin and win!
Winners: The New Day!
After the Match
We head into replays from the match, with all the high flying maneuvers from throughout the match for one final time on SmackDown!
We return to the ring where Big E hugs Woods and Kingston. Woods is crying as is Kingston as Big E is seen saying, “I love you man, for real, I can’t thank you enough man…” The three superstars of The New Day hug it out then raise their hands in victory!
Quick Announcement
Still to come tonight, Bayley and Sasha Banks will sign the contract for the Hell in the Cell match!
Backstage Interview – Otis
Kayla Braxton welcomes Mr. Money in the Bank, Otis. Otis is told it’s been a challenging few weeks capped with the Miz suing him for the MITB contract.
Sami Zayn enters and interrupts stating he’ll speak for Otis as Otis is probably used to having his buddy talk for him. Zayn says there are winners, and then there are Otis’s. Otis shoves Zayn sliding across the hallway floor. Zayn looks stunned as he points at Otis.
In-Ring – Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan’s music sounds as we return to the ring. Bryan makes his way down the ramp towards the ring as the crowd begins to chant, “Yes! Yes!”
Brie Bella and Birdie are seen watching from the virtual crowd as Daniel Bryan begins, “Wowwww… I’ve watched it from home, but seeing this in person… I LOVE being inside the ThunderDome! Especially for the Season Premiere of SmackDown!” Bryan says not to get him wrong, he loves to be at home, but with that said, he could not wait to come back to experience the ThunderDome for himself! Bryan then runs down tonight’s list of matches and events for the Season Premiere.
Bryan says he’s excited for new people on the roster, Bianca Belair, The Riott Squad…” Bryan says there are men he cannot wait to square up with, “Kevin Owens, Aleister Black, Apollo Crews… “I cannot wait to get into the ring with some of these men.”
Seth Rollins Interrupts
Seth Rollins music sounds, Rollins gets mid-way down the ramp and lifts the mic, “I’m so glad your wife Brie allowed you off Daddy-duty long enough to share in the excitement of… The ThunderDome!” Rollins continues, “You forgot the most important acquisition in the draft, the man that is going to lead SmackDown into the future…” Rollins climbs into the ring… “That’s me.”
Rollins walks up to Bryan, “Since I have you here, I have a very important question to ask you. Daniel Bryan, which side of history do you want to be on? Because when it comes to the ‘greater good’… you’re either with me, or against me.” Bryan watches Rollins as he continues, “A man of your intellect, I assume would be smart enough to stand beside me, and help me mold the FUTURE of this industry, in my vision.” Bryan says, “Oh, that’s an awkward silence.” Bryan continues, “I’m all for, changing the future for the better. I wanna save the planet, I wanna do all these things. I wanna make SmackDown as good as it can possibly be. But to be quite honest, your vision seems a little short sided, self indulgent, self centered… and to be quite frankly, kinda a little bit dumb. Just kinda dumb.” Rollins laughs, “You don’t mean that.” Bryan continues, “Yea, I kinda do, I listen to you, it’s just kinda dumb.” Rollins continues to laugh, “Bryan, it’s not dumb” Bryan states, “It’s kinda dumb like a sports coat with no shirt…” Rollins continues to say it’s not dumb as he throws a right, knocking Bryan to the canvas. Bryan retaliates and begins to throw Yes Kicks until Rollins retreats up the ramp. Rollins looks stunned on the ramp.
The Mysterios
Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio head towards Rollins who then retreats BACK into the ring. Bryan takes his leave. Rollins is left with the Mysterios.
Murphy Enters
Murphy slides into the ring as his music sounds. Murphy is standing between The Mysterios and Seth Rollins. Everyone wondering which side Murphy is on. Murphy then stands next to Rollins. As Rollins looks back at The Mysterios, Murphy turns on Rollins and pulls Rollins legs out from under him. Murphy pummels Rollins. Rollins finally escapes and retreats stumbling up the ramp.
Murphy extends an olive branch as he lends his hand for a handshake. Dominik denies Murphy. Murphy turns to Rey. Rey hesitates, but shakes his head no as he exits the ring. Murphy nods and returns his hand to his side as the Mysterios exit the ring.
The Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford make their way down the ramp as their entrance theme sounds in the ThunderDome, making their way into the ring for their first match on the blue brand! We head to commercial break.
We return to the ring as the bell rings and the match begins. Ziggler and Dawkins kick things off in this tag-team match up. A little back and forth action until Ziggler tags in Roode. Roode takes Dawkins down. Roode tags in Ziggler again. Ziggler is hoisted up in the air by Roode and landing a Leg Drop on Dawkins. Roode stomps Angelo in the corner and hits a Suplex for a two-count. Roode knocks Ford off the apron and tags Ziggler for a double-team Fame-Asser. Roode and Ziggler continue beating on the Champions and the referee tries to stop them but they refuse and he calls for the bell.
Winners By Disqualification: The Street Profits
After the Match
Roode and Ziggler continue the beatdown after the match, hitting Dawkins with a spinebuster/Zig-Zag combo, then Montez comes back and takes them both out with a huge crossbody off the top.
Progressive Match Flo – Sasha Banks vs. Bayley
Cole turns the attention to this week’s Progressive Match Flo which he notes is Banks vs. Bayley from last week for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. We head into the clip.
Video Clip – “Last Week” Sasha Banks vs. Bayley
We see a replay of Sasha Banks and Bayley’s title match last week that ended in a disqualification.
Hell in the Cell Match Contract Signing
Sasha Banks makes her way to the ring as her music sounds in the ThunderDome as she is about to sign the contract for their upcoming Hell In A Cell match. We head to commercial break.
We return from commercial break as Bayley’s music sounds in the ThunderDome and she stands tall at the top of the stage holding her signature steel chair in her hand. Bayley raises the chair as pyro goes off behind her. Bayley then makes her way down the ramp towards the ring.
“Sasha, as the challenger, you will have the opportunity to sign first.” Sasha states, “I have been waiting for this moment for a veeery long time.” Bayley chimes in, “So have i, talk about baggage, huh? I want to be done with this and get rid of you so I can continue my historic reign as the longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion of all time. I mean Michael, what are we talking, three hundred and… I dunno, I lost count.”
“How about you look me in my face and say it again. I mean look at you. That look in your eyes. You been waiting to turn on me all this time, I just beat you to the punch. I get it, that’s why you’re so upseet right now. It all makes sense. “Turn on you? Bayley, if I wanted to turn on you, I woulda done that years ago. Friends dont turn their backs on each other. When you got left behindf at NXT, who was the first person to call you? Who brought you in as a partner? Me.”
Banks continues, “When I was by your side when you won your first RAW Championship. We’re just gonna forget about the tag team titles three hundred and seventy plus days, of the smackdown women’s championship. But lets not forget who helped you every single time. You turned your back on me. You tried to end my career, and at Hell in a Cell, I’m gonna end YOU. Because I’m Sasha Banks and my name is bigger than you. And when I walk out with your SmackDown women’s championship, that’s just gonna be the icing on the cake.” Sasha stands up and pushes the pen over to Bayley.
Bayley smacks it away, “i’m not signing it…” Banks says, “Go ahead, run. But I promise you, when you are locked in Hell in a Cell, there will be no where to run. And you WILL sign this contract. One way, or another.” Banks stares Bayley down. Bayley looks nervous as she looks at her belt then back to Banks.
Backstage – Braun Strowman
We head backstage where Braun Strowman is doing a last minute pump up for his Universal Championship Match tonight against Roman Reigns. We head to commercial break.
Universal Championship Title Match
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun StrowmanFormer Universal Champion, 380 pound Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman makes his way down the ramp and steps over the top rope to enter the ring. Strowman growls into the camera as he flexes at the ropes. Strowman paces the ring as he awaits his opponent.
Out next is the Samoan tribal chief and current Universal Champion, Roman Reigns who is accompanied by Paul Heyman. Reigns struts down the ramp not breaking eye contact , stopping at the bottom of the ramp, then looking down momentarily before continuing his glare into Strowman’s eyes. Both Superstars are announced as they stand across from one another inside the ring. We head to commercial break.
We return from commercial break and the two goliaths head in to one another and immediately lock up. Reigns throws Strowman from the ring. As Strowman makes his way up to the apron, Reigns Superman Punches Strowman back to the ringside area. Reigns manhandles Strowman early on. Strowman stumbles around the ring momentarily. Reigns with a boot to the face of Strowman for the cover. Reigns lays on the apron and pulls the rope down causing Strowman to fall over the ropes and to the outside. The referee gets to the count of fice before they re-enter the ring.
Strowman tries to regroup on the outside. Reigns runs in for a Superman Punch, Strowman shoves Reigns into the ringpost and then throws him over the announcer’s table Strowman whips Roman to the corner but gets caught with an uppercut and dropped with a big boot. Braun runs around the ring and shoulder tackles Roman over the barricade. We head into commercial break.
We return from commercial break and Strowman runs full force into the middle turnbuckle. Reigns runs at Strowman who catches Reigns in a Chokehold. Strowman slams Reigns face first into the canvas. Strowman shouts, “I’m finished with you!” Strowman hits a Chokeslam for the cover. Reigns gets his arm up at the two but “accidentally” gets a low-blow on Strowman (the second “accidental low blow” in two weeks during a match). Reigns then hits a Spear for the cover on Strowman. Strowman kicks out! Reigns looks shocked. Reigns gets preped for another Spear, Strowman catches Reigns but Reigns locks in a Guillotine submission hold. Reigns takes Strowman down to the mat. Strowman taps.
Winner and STILL Universal Champion: Roman Reigns
After the Match
Reigns raises his hands in victory as Jey Uso’s music sounds. Jey makes his way out to the stage and looks down at Reigns.
Reigns signals to Jey, “watch me” as he delivers another Spear to Strowman, taking him back to the canvas. Reigns then signals to Jey, “comeon…” Jey complies. “This is how we eat. This is how we take care of generations of our family. If i’m not at the top, I can’t do that Usse. I don’t wanna do this to you. If I can do this to him, imagine what I can do to you.” Reigns then continuously slams Strowman in the back with a steel chair. WWE Officials head in and pull Reigns back. Reigns again attacks Strowman with the steel chair.
Jey Uso jumps up on the ramp and enters the ring. Reigns drops the chair. “You have forced my hand, you are embarassing us. I love you. The simple factr that you are trying to take my place, it makes no SENSE But I still love you. Swing the chair.” Reigns kicks the chair to Usse. Jey picks up the chair as Roman turns his back and extends his hands. Jey drops the chair as Roman turns around smiling. Jey then lands a hard right knocking Roman backwards into the ropes. Jey then says, “I love you too” and strikes multiple times with the steel chair.
Multiple referees head in and WWE Officials grab Jey and hold him back when suddenly Reigns jumps in with a Superman Punch that takes Jey to the canvas. Reigns walks up close to Jey. “This is your last chance, then I have to turn my back on you…” Roman says quietly as Jey is laying on the mat with referees surrounding him.
The show ends.
**That does it for the SEASON PREMIERE of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on FOX Network! Let us know what you thought of tonight’s show in the comment section below. Also be sure to check back this Monday for LIVE results coverage for WWE Monday Night RAW! As always, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay awesome! **
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN LIVE STREAM & REACTION (10/16/2020)
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