WWE aired a special edition of SmackDown, last night at a time when the entire sports world is affected by Coronavirus. A closed-door show without any audience was in store which got telecasted from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Major WrestleMania buildup was there on the show where two major names, John Cena and Jeff Hardy made their return. Check out how those went by,
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Triple H was seen standing in the middle of the ring promising a show filled with entertainment, all the way. He then joined Michael Cole for the commentary as SmackDown began with pyros and laser works.
"Sit back, relax, and if you can, forget about the world around you, and let us put a smile on your face. WELCOME TO #SmackDown on @FOXTV!" – @TripleH pic.twitter.com/HLQ31bfqoW
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
Sasha Banks came out to kick things off on SmackDown alongside Women’s Champion Bayley. They went to Triple H asking where the returning Paige is. Cole noted that Paige is having a travel issue. So Banks went on a rant on her before Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross interrupted them and challenged in a match.
WHERE YOU AT, @RealPaigeWWE?! ⏰⏰@itsBayleyWWE & @SashaBanksWWE are waiting for you. #SmackDown @TripleH pic.twitter.com/0PrW8gbAkp
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 14, 2020
Thus, the SmackDown opening contest happened with the lineup of Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in tag team action. Cross hit a Crossbody on Banks where Bliss kicked Bayley from the ring, sending her face-first into the announce table. But the heel duo came back double-teaming on Bliss. Bliss made the tag to Cross but Women’s Tag Team Champion Asuka distracted her. Sasha locked in the Banks Statement to pick up the win via submission.
Wait. What is @WWEAsuka doing here?! #SmackDown @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/WImAV1zWJ3
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
That's a "W" for your ROLE MODELS @SashaBanksWWE & @itsBayleyWWE on #SmackDown!
They're so cool. pic.twitter.com/kHX3Jaj9vn
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
Michael Cole interviewed Roman Reigns about his WrestleMania match against Bill Goldberg. The Big Dog said the legendary name is not ready for a full-time schedule in WWE. So it’s only right that he takes the Universal Championship from him on April 5th.
"If I can main event a small town every single night, why shouldn't I main event the biggest show?"@WWERomanReigns has a question for YOU, critics. #SmackDown #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/BTDDNVoyGs
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
A backstage segment took place where Jeff Hardy returned on SmackDown to talk about his tough journey throughout last year. Corbin interrupted him mocking about Hardy’s alcohol and DUI issues. Hardy informed that he will face Corbin in a match, later the night.
Oh, you haven't heard?
The returning @JEFFHARDYBRAND faces King @BaronCorbinWWE TONIGHT on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/2lE1TNL6QI
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
In another segment on, Daniel Bryan praised Drew Gulak for his performance at Elimination Chamber. New Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Cesaro interrupted them to set up another match.
Without further ado…
The UNTOUCHABLE, #ICChampion @SamiZayn!! #SmackDown @WWECesaro @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/JhQa89a0ct
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
The Miz and John Morrison appeared on SmackDown to cut a heel promo on their successful title defense at Elimination Chamber 2020.
"If anyone DOESN'T think that I am the greatest wrestling technician that this business has ever seen, SPEAK NOW!" – @mikethemiz
???
There you have it. #SmackDown @TheRealMorrison pic.twitter.com/JT5kyj2Dag
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 14, 2020
Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro was the next matchup on SmackDown where the latter name took control hitting forearms and uppercuts. But Bryan rolled up Cesaro to get the quick win. After the match, Nakamura and Sami Zayn attacked Bryan as Gulak tried to make the save. Bryan hit a Suicidal Dive on Nakamura to escape the ring.
✅#ICChampion @SamiZayn on commentary.
✅@WWEDanielBryan & @WWECesaro in the ring.It's almost too good to be true. ? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/nCfTQV4qFj
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
Friends?#SmackDown @DrewGulak @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/kilqXkzPS5
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 14, 2020
Jeff Hardy vs. King Baron Corbin was the final match of SmackDown where Hardy tool control hitting some of his signature moves. Corbin came back hitting a Deep Six but we saw Elias strumming his guitar on the announce table. The distraction allowed Hardy to hit Twist of Fate and followed with Swanton Bomb to pick up the win.
Audience or no audience, this is still a beautiful sight. #SmackDown @JEFFHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/sHcImUUxvI
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
Michael Cole invited John Cena to the ring on SmackDown who cut a promo on his match against Bray Wyatt. He mentioned this match will be brutal. Wyatt soon appeared in the ring to confront Cena to have some words and send a warning. The arena went dark as we heard The Fiend laughing through the sound system to end the show.
The message always remains the same: NEVER. GIVE. UP.@JohnCena is here LIVE in the @WWEPC. Surreal.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/EWicFC0fBi
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
Let him in, @JohnCena.#WrestleMania #SmackDown @WWEBrayWyatt pic.twitter.com/V0HcAW74OM
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) March 14, 2020