Welcome to eWrestling’s Friday Night SmackDown results coverage for August 28, 2020!

The August 28th edition of WWE SmackDown is set for an action packed episode as the blue brand continues to air from the WWE ThunderDome. Ewrestling.com’s own Matt Boone’s SmackDown preview for tonight reminds us that TONIGHT: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman will set the stage for their No Holds Barred Triple Threat Universal Title Match, and Big E joins “Miz TV” after a contentious exchange on “Talking Smack” with The Miz.

Featured below are WWE Friday Night SmackDown results for August 28, 2020 written by eWrestling.com’s most popular female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter @JamieRush312.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown (08/28/20)

Show Opening

In Memory of Bullet Bob Armstrong 1939-2020 opens SmackDown, followed by the WWE Forever logo as we immediately go into Last Sunday’s SummerSlam where Fiend took on Strowman for the title!

Video Clip – SummerSlam Strowman vs. Fiend

We get a video clip of the match between Braun Strowman and The Fiend, Sister Abigail followed by another Sister Abigail for the three count pin and win! Fiend becoming champion once again! Suddenly Roman Reigns enters stating, “This has always been mine, you’re just a freak in a mask!!”

Backstage – WWE Security Team

“Tonight is a very combustable night. Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, and The Fiend are all in the building.” Adam Pearce states as he speaks to the WWE Security team backstage. Pearce announces the WWE Chairman is also here, “Mr. McMahon” sign on the door. Pearce knocks on the door and enters to speak to McMahon.

Backstage – Entering Mr. McMahon’s Office

“Boss, here it is, we’re ready to rock and roll” attempts a handshake, then attempts a fist bump, finally attempting a shoulder bump. McMahon says he seems nervous. McMahon then says he has a mission for him which involves Roman Reigns, The Fiend, and Braun Strowman. McMahon hands a contract for the triple threat match at this weekend’s Payback pay-per-view. The chairman states he needs signatures from all three superstars for the match. Vince tells him to start with the Fiend as the night is young. Vince says Fiend could be anywhere, including on the other side of the door for all we know. Vince tells him that he can see Bray at the Firefly Fun House later tonight. Vince then hands him a zipped up suit in in a protective liner. McMahon ends by stating, “Don’t fail me.”

Enter The ThunderDome!

We then enter the ThunderDome! We pan the “audience” of screens with fans faces and we are informed that SmackDown is brought to us by Progressive!

In-Ring – Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy’s music sounds in the ThunderDome as Hardy makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring. Pyro going off as Hardy climbs to the top turnbuckle inside the ring.

We see a clip from last Friday where AJ Styles attacked Jeff Hardy during the attack by Redemption, causing Jeff Hardy to wear a brace on his knee during his Intercontinental Championship match. Hardy hit Styles with the knee brace and followed up with a Swanton Bomb for the three count pin and win!

Man it’s good to be standing in the WWE ThunderDome tonight! After what Styles did to my knee, I’m tickled pink to be standing anywhere. So tonight, I’m ready to defend my…

AJ Styles Interrupts

Styles music sounds as AJ Styles walks out to the stage and begins, “Is this real? Is it? Because you seem pretty proud of yourself after what you did last week Jeff Hardy. Not about what you accomplished, about what you DID!” Styles begins walking down the ramp towards the ring. Styles continues, “You, are a liar. And you… are a cheat!” Styles says Hardy can blame him for his knee injury if he wants, adding he has had injuries too. However Styles didn’t whine and cry to a doctor to get an illegal object put on his knee. Styles says he had the match beat with the Styles Clash until Hardy brought the “illegal object” into the match. Styles says the medics will not medically clear AJ.

“That sucks, I was going to give an open challenge to anyone back there tonight for the Intercontinental Championship, everyone… but you.” Hardy informs Styles.

A right hand by Hardy knocks Styles to the canvas as we head to commercial break.

Announcer’s Table

As we return from commercial break, Cole announces that Shinsuke Nakamura has accepted the open challenge for the Intercontinental Championship with Jeff Hardy.

AJ Styles is sitting at the commentary table with Michael Cole for this match. Graves states, “You were basically fighting against the Terminator” about Hardy’s knee brace. Cole adds that AJ Styles “claims to not be medically cleared”. Cole mentions that Hardy is again wearing the knee brace during tonight’s match with Nakamura.

Intercontinental Championship MatchJeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The referee signals for the bell and the first match of the evening is officially underway! Snapmare by Jeff Hardy. Hardy gets the cover on Nakamura who kicks out at the two. Nakamura focuses on the injured right knee of Jeff Hardy as he slams Hardy’s knee to the canvas.

Picture-in-Picture

We see Cesaro backstage responding to Shinsuke Nakamura possibly being “more ambitious”. Cesaro states “I stepped away for one second, when I come back, Shinsuke is gone. No heads up, no text message. So no, Shinsuke is not more ambitious than me, maybe more impulsive. Everyone wants to hold two titles these days. So good luck… partner“

Back to the match, Jeff Hardy tries to turn the momentum in the match up though he’s almost unable to stand on both legs now. Nakamura catches Hardy in the mid-section. Nobody home as Hardy attempts a wild shot. Hardy looks to Suplex Nakamura, to no avail. Nakamura set up over the top rope, Hardy drives Nakamura towards the announce table. Hardy sends Nakamura flying into Styles as the match continues, and we head to commercial break!

As we return from commercial break. Whisper in the Wind by Jeff Hardy. Hardy takes out Nakamura. Styles continues telling Cole to “Shut Up” on commentary. Styles says Nakamura is doing
a great job. Nakamura from the second rope, cover by Shinsuke, Hardy kicks out at two. A nearfall almost taking the title from Hardy as quickly as he obtained it. Shinsuke looking to end this match, Hardy side-steps Nakamura. Hardy looks for the Twist of Fate, Nakamura counters looking for a Sleeper Hold. Twist of Fate by Hardy on Nakamura. Hardy heads up top for the Swanton Bomb for the cover and gets the three count to retain the title!

Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Jeff Hardy

After the Match

Immediately after the match, AJ Styles states, “You used the right knee!! I’m not cleared, but you DID use the right knee!”

Styles inside the ring says, “If I were cleared, I’d kick you in the mouth. You didn’t earn it, you cheated!”

As Hardy makes his way up the ramp, he stops at the top of the stage and looks down at Styles inside the ring when suddenly…

Sami Zayn Returns!

Zayn’s music sounds in the ThunderDome as Sami Zayn walks out holding his title belt in Hardy’s face “There’s ONE Intercontinental Champion and YOU are looking at him. I’ve never been defeated, do you understand?!” At the bottom of the ramp, Styles stands looking up at both Zayn and Hardy.

Zayn kicks Hardy in the face as Hardy looks down at AJ Styles. Zayn shouts, “Fraud! Fraud! Fraud!” as he points in Hardy’s face. Styles state, “You’re in trouble. I’m gonna hurt you.” Hardy begins clapping for Styles before blowing a kiss to the crowd.

Sneak Peek: FireFly Fun House

We get a glimpse of Ramblin’ Rabbit who is shining the title belt inside the Firefly Funhouse as we head to commercial break!

Backstage – Sami Zayn

“Oh happy dayy….” Sami Zayn sings as we return from commercial break. “Do you not follow my Twitter, are you not a journalist? What was wrong around here is Jeff Hardy pretending to be IC Champ, and AJ Styles before him. I won this March 18th 2020, then successfully retained it against Daniel Bryan.” He is asked why he hasn’t been able to defend the title over the last five months. Zayn states, “I have many many valid reasons!” Then adds “I am the champion, thank you” in french after announcing he is Canadian.

FireFly Funhouse

“Hello everybody, and welcome to the Firefly FUNHOUSE!” Wyatt says it’s great to be back with all his friends as he hugs his chest and makes a heart with his hands.

Wyatt says, “Something is missing… I can’t think of what it is… Wait, I know!”

In a flash Wyatt has the Championship Title in his hand and he begins cheering and celebrating. Wyatt turns serious, “And Roman, it’s been a long time man. It’s really good to see you again” Wyatt states in a monotone voice.

The doorbell rings. “It’s Postman Pearce” making his rounds, looking for Wyatt to sign the contract for Fiend. Wyatt says, “Why would I sign it?” Pearce says, “Sometimes… it, it seems like there’s a connection between you two.” Wyatt says, “If I know HIM like I think I do, I just signed a couple of death warrants!” In a kind voice Wyatt states, “And remember…. Let me in. It was good to have ya!”

Match Flo – Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle and King Corbins fued is highlighted where Corbin states Riddle doesn’t belong in a professional atmosphere like SmackDown. Then how Shorty G helped Corbin. “This is my kingdom, don’t you forget it” Corbin states as he sneaks up behind Riddle in a backstage interview, to end the video clip.

In-Ring – Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle makes his way down the ramp towards the ring as his music sounds in the ThunderDome. As Riddle jumps over the ropes and lands inside the ring, pyro goes off around him. Riddle has a mic in hand.

Riddle begins speaking to Corbin, “Anyone that proved I don’t belong on SmackDown is entitled to the King’s Ransom”. Riddle tells Corbin, “If you have something to prove, prove me wrong, now. Come on bro…” as we head to commercial break.

Matt Riddle vs. Shorty G

A massive Suplex by Riddle early on in the match. King Corin stands at ringside. Shorty G with a bridge cover, Riddle kicks out at two.

Winner: Matt Riddle

After the Match

Corbin attempts to sneak attack Riddle who ducks, expecting Corbin’s antics. Riddle with multiple strikes. Riddle sends Corbin out of the ring and continues to celebrate his victory.

Corey Graves and Michael Cole

Last week’s Talking Smack where The Miz spoke to Big E “When I’m in the ring, I will deliver, I feel like I’m on the path.”

“Miz TV, everybody know I don’t want to be on Miz TV.” Big E tells Miz and John Morrison to “do something” as Sheamus walks up. A huge six man match resulted

Otis and Tucker with Big E vs. Miz and Morrison with Sheamus in a 6 man tag-team match later tonight.

Backstage – Big E with Otis and Tucker

Big E opens his lunchbox, and hands a piece of meat to Otis as Bayley and Sasha Banks walk up and begin to mock them for “playing with their meat”. Bayley makes a smart comment about how some people are singles champions, and some can only handle tag-team championships. Big E looks confused as he slightly points to Sasha Banks… Bayley walks off telling Banks to “come on” completely oblivious to her stupid comment. Banks looks a little aggravated as we head to commercial break.

Backstage – Adam Pearce

As we return from commercial break, Adam Pearce is knocking on Roman Reigns private room door. No answer. Pearce walks off.

Backstage – King Corbin

King Corbin walks up to Kayla Braxton, stating this Sunday at Payback, “I’m going to prove Matt Riddle doesn’t belong HERE in my kingdom, on SmackDown!”

The Golden Role Models

As we re-enter the ThunderDome, Sasha Banks makes her way to the stage first doing her regular dance routine to her music as it sounds over the speakers inside the arena. Out next is Bayley as her music sounds and both women make their way down the ramp and enter the ring.

Video Clip – Montoge’ of Still Frames

We go through a series of pictures from SummerSlam where Sasha Banks took on Asuka in a match for the RAW Championship. Sasha Banks was forced to submit and lost her championship, Bayley not assisting in the match.

At Payback this Sunday, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will take on Sasha Banks and Bayley

Back in the Ring

“We are in the midst of one of the most difficult weeks of our career.” Bayley begins Bayley says they just fought to defend their titles. “You got me, Bayley Dos Straps… and you got my partner… *pauses* Sasha Banks.” Bayley says, even when we have the best of intentions, sometimes things don’t go as planned. “I also wanted to say, this is all my fault. I shoulda never let you challenge Asuka for the title. As your best friend, I should have known your history and how you cannot successfully defend a title…” Banks shakes her head. Bayley states, “We’re gonna mooooove forward. We are stronger together. You are not alone. You always say these tag-team championships represent us. On Sunday, we cannot lose.” Banks says, “No, we cant lose. I know you are worried, because we are challenging Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler, but I don’t want you to be. But I know exactly who I am and what I stand for. You are still my best friend and I will make sure…”

Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax Interrupt

Sasha, you had a bad week, and it’s about to get so much worse. The only person or people that I can’t stand worse than Shayna… are you two.

“I despise her, she absolutely sucks,” Shayna states, “But a chance to beat you two and win the titles, I’ll team up with anyone.”

Bayley asks for the point. Baszler states they are talking about anything but winning. Banks says, “I know what I want when I want and how I want it. This Sunday I will get my vengence and I will be walking out with my tag-team title, and there ain’t nothing y’all can do about that.”

Banks holds her title high above her head, as does Bayley.

Backstage – Braun Strowman At Food Table

Strowman has his back turned as he’s preparing something to eat at the food table backstage. Gulak sneaks up and hits Braun Strowman across the back with a steel chair. Strowman doesn’t even flinch, Gulak throws the chair to Adam Pearce who walks up to get Strowman to sign the contract for this weekend’s triple threat match at Payback. Pearce informs Strowman that it wasn’t him that hit Strowman, it was Gulak. Pearce continues on to state while they are there, he needs Strowman to sign the contract. Strowman states if Pearce wants him to sign the contract then he needs to get Gulak in the ring RIGHT NOW! Strowman walks off and Pearce agrees to do so, as we head to commercial break.

Backstage – Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura

We head backstage where Cesaro is talking to Nakamura, telling him that he needs to let Cesaro know if he has a match, that he wants to have his back etc.

Sami Zayn Joins

Sami Zayn walks up and hugs both men, though Nakamura and Cesaro look as if they want nothing to do with Zayn. Nakamura points out it’s been four months since they heard from him last. Sami starts to apologize and Cesaro chimes in that for four months, they heard nothing.

Zayn tries to round-about take credit for them being tag team champions by way of his giving them space to succeed. He then puts his IC title next to their tag team titles but Cesaro cuts him off, telling Zayn that they were having a team conversation, a tag team conversation when he walked in and they’d like to finish that conversation. Sami asks “So…you…you want me to go?” Nakamura answers, “Please.” Sami then says he has a lot to do and had to go anyways and tells them to do their thing. Zayn walks off.

Video Clip – Fiend vs. Strowman At SummerSlam

Once again we head into a clip from SummerSlam 2020 where The Fiend defeated Braun Strowman for the title, then Roman Reigns returned stating, “This has always been mine, you’re just a freak in a mask!” as he held Universal Championship belt high above his head!

Triple Threat No Holds Barred Match for the Universal Championship between Roman Reigns, The Fiend, and Braun Strowman at the WWE Payback PPV this weekend.

Braun Strowman vs. Drew Gulak

We return from the video clip and Strowman lands a Clothesline to Gulak inside the ring, knocking Gulak to the canvas. A Senton by Strowman. Clubbing Blows to the chest of Gulak follow with another roar from the Monster Among Men! Strowman lifts Gulak up from the canvas like a sack of potatoes. “You asked for this! Is this what you wanted?? Is this what you wanted???” as Strowman hoists Gulak up onto his shoulder before sending him slamming to the canvas with a Powerbomb. He then hoists Gulak up and hits the Running Powerslam, pinning for the win.

Winner: Braun Strowman

Kalisto vs. Cesaro (w/ Shinsuke Nakamura)

Lucha House Party’s Kalisto makes his way to the ring first. Out next, accompanied by Shinsuke Nakamura is Cesaro! Cesaro makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring with his opponent for the evening, Kalisto! The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and this match is officially underway! Off the second rope, Kalisto sends Cesaro flying to ringside.

Cesaro lands a Back Breaker for the cover on Kalisto who kicks out at two. Big Back Body Drop by Cesaro, sending Kalisto flying through the air and landing on the canvas hard! Kalisto with a roll up pin attempt. Cesaro with a Big Elbow and a hook of the leg for a two count nearfall.

Cesaro assists Kalisto back to his feet, then sends him into the corner. Kalisto with a Double Foot Kick to Cesaro. Off the ropes and Kalisto looks for a move, Kalisto with a DDT off of Cesaro’s body! Kalisto gets a two count. Kalisto takes Cesaro down again immediately for another two count. “Lu-Cha!” Cesaro counters.

Shinsuke Nakamura causes a distraction and Cesaro quickly gets the three count pin and win.

Winner: Cesaro

Backstage

Pearce announces to McMahon he has two of the signatures he needs, but Roman Reigns won’t answer the door. McMahon says, “Oh, so two out of three ain’t bad, right?” Pearce nods until McMahon states he’s wrong. He needs the third signature. He asks Pearce if he’d like to know how he’d do it. He would take Pearce and slam him head first into Reigns door until the door broke down and get the signature! Pearce states he’ll get the third signature and we head to commercial break.

Backstage – Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross

Nikki Cross shows the mug Alexa Bliss gave her over a year ago and checks on her best friend as she’s just been thinking about her. Bliss is smiles and happy to start. Alexa Bliss has her hair in pigtails, Nikki notices a single dreadlock in Bliss’s pigtail. Nikki then states she doesn’t feel it’s the best idea, as it reminds her of Fiend. Bliss’s face changes and says she thought best friends support each other no matter what, but she’s NOT being supportive, so she guesses they’re not best friends so so much for the ‘best friend’ mug! With that, Bliss takes the mug from Cross and slams the mug on the ground, smashing it.

Backstage – Miz & Morrison w/ Sheamus

The Miz and John Morrison are talking backstage as Sheamus walks up. They explain their plan to keep Tucker on the apron, then to also keep Otis from entering the ring, also while they’re at it, they’ll keep Big E out of the ring.

Sheamus looks confused as he states, “So you’re telling me you want to keep all three of our opponents out of the ring?” Morrison states, “exactly.” Sheamus shakes his head and tells Miz and Morrison to just follow his lead.

Big E w/ Heavy Machinery vs. Miz & Morrison and Sheamus

Out first are Tucker and Otis of Heavy Machinery as their music sounds in the arena. Big E makes his way out next to join his teammates as he exclaims, “Oh don’t you dare be sour! Clap for your eight time tag-team champion and FEEEEL the power! It’s a new day!” Big E joins Otis and Tucker and they make their way down the ramp. Big E enters the ring laying flat on the canvas doing “jumping jacks” of sorts. We go to commercial break.

Backstage – Roman Reigns

As we return from commercial break, finally Adam Pearce is able to get a hold of Roman Reigns. Reigns is looking at the contract as we return to the match at hand.

Miz and Morrison Entrance/Sheamus Entrance

We return to the arena where Miz and Morrison are finishing up their slow motion pose at the top of the ramp before heading down to the ring. Out next is their tag-team partner, Sheamus. Sheamus makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring with his partners and their opponents. Otis and John Morrison kick things off for this match up! Morrison attempts to throw Otis. Morrison then jumps off the second rope into Otis who is unphased as he shouts, “Oh yea!!” Otis and Tucker throw Big E into Morrison in the corner.

Tucker goes for the cover on Morrison, Sheamus breaks things up. Crossbody by Tucker off the second rope onto Morrison. Tucker tries to run the ropes but is stopped by Sheamus on the apron. Morrison tags in Miz. Miz mocks Otis’s hands on the head hip jirating dance. Miz tags in Morrison once again, holding Tucker as Morrison kicks Tucker in the mid-section. Morrison assists Tucker back to his feet. Tucker Strikes both Miz and Sheamus off the apron.

Morrison lands a Dropkick sending Tucker to ringside. Sheamus runs at Tucker, Dropkick stops Sheamus in his tracks. A Big Boot to Miz stops Miz short. Tucker returns to the ring and goes for the cover on Morrison when suddenly a cow bell sound interrupts the cover. The referee stops counting the pin and looks over at the ring announcer’s area where Sheamus had just struck the bell multiple times as a distraction. We go to commercial break.

As we return from commercial break, Morrison is still in control. Tag to Miz, heels working their control segment, springboard roundhouse kick Hart Attack gets Otis and E to break up a pin and Sheamus forces his way into the match but referee Charles Robinson didn’t see the tag and he’s not allowing it!

Morrison accidentally knocks the Celtic Warrior down off the apron and he throws a fit! He starts walking out, Miz tries to bring him back but Sheamus threatens him and he backs down! Sheamus leaves and Tucker tags Big in! E with the overhead belly-to-belly suplexes to the Miz! Fired up, hip swivel, off the ropes, Big Splash!

Clapping the crowd into it, but the A-Lister bails to the apron and snaps E’s neck over the top rope! Charging in… BIG HITS THE ROCK BOTTOM OUT OF THE CORNER BUT MORRISON BREAKS THE PIN UP WITH A SPRINGBOARD STOMP! Otis slams John and tears his shirt off… CATERPILLAR ON MORRISON! Miz got away, gets behind him, Skull-Crushing Finale!

But E’s the legal man and he slips back in for the Big Ending on Miz for the three count pin and win!

Winners: Big E & Heavy Machinery

Backstage

Roman Reigns says he’ll be at Payback on Sunday and he’ll win the Universal Championship that he never lost back, and that’s not just a prediction… that’s a spoiler.

THE CAMERA PANS TO PAUL HEYMAN SITTING NEXT TO ROMAN!

Paul E tells us to “Believe that.”

That’s the show, folks!

• PHOTOS: Multiple Fans Patch In EXTREMELY Inappropriate Images & Videos Via WWE ThunderDome (…)

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