By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Friday Night Smackdown on Fox
Aired live on February 7, 2020 from San Jose, California at SAP Center
[Hour One] A Goldberg video opened the show and ended with a graphic that asked who’s next… The AC/DC Smackdown opening aired and then pyro shot off on the stage…
Michael Cole and Corey Graves were on commentary. Cole hyped Goldberg’s appearance. Footage aired of “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt whipping Daniel Bryan in their strap match at the Royal Rumble, then Graves hyped Bryan appearing. Cole hyped the four-way match for a shot at the Smackdown Women’s Championship…
The Miz’s entrance music played and he walked onto the stage, then John Morrison’s theme played and he joined Miz in heading to the ring. The duo sat in director style chairs in the ring and introduced themselves. The Dirt Sheet opening narrated by Howard Finkel aired. The duo set up a video package on themselves that featured Miz’s Dad, Lance Storm, John Laurinaitis, and chronicled their reunion.
Big E and Kofi Kingston came out to the New Day theme holding buckets of popcorn. They acted impressed the Miz and Morrison “trailer” and then Kingston boasted that he was Miz’s Dad’s favorite WWE wrestler. Big E said the trailer had comedy and then laughed at the two of them for thinking they could beat them to win the Smackdown Tag Titles. Miz and Morrison responded to New Day’s laughter with their own mock laughter.
Jimmy and Jey Uso made their entrance. They did the “welcome to the Uso penitentiary” line and then Dolph Ziggler’s painfully awful entrance music played. Meanwhile, Miz and Morrison attacked Big E and Kingston from behind. Ziggler and Robert Roode walked to ringside. Cole said they would regroup and the first match would feature The Usos vs. Ziggler and Roode after the break… [C] The first ad featured an ad for the XFL’s return on Fox tomorrow…
Powell’s POV: The return of the Dirt Sheet was DOA tonight and the return of the XFL will be DOA tomorrow. The live crowd didn’t seem to have fond memories of the Dirt Sheet based on their near silent reaction to the Miz and Morrison video. Meanwhile, is anyone talking about the XFL this week?
1. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Roode and Ziggler performed a Zigzag into a spinebuster combo move on Jey and had the pin, but Jimmy broke it up. A short time later, Jey went to the top rope, but Roode shoved him to ringside. [C]
Jey was isolated by the heels and he eventually made the hot tag to Jimmy, who performed a top rope cross body block on Roode. Jimmy followed up with Samoan drops on Roode and Ziggler, who ended up in opposite corners. Jimmy performed and ass splash on Ziggler, then ran into a power slam by Roode.
Roode and Ziggler came back, but Jimmy hit them both with superkicks and then tagged his brother. Jey leapt from the top rope on Ziggler, who put his knees up and got a two count. Jimmy tagged back in and the Usos hit a double superkick on Roode. Jimmy performed a top rope splash on Roode and pinned him…
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso beat Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode in 12:30.
The broadcast team hyped Goldberg’s appearance for later in the show and hyped a recap of King Corbin being covered in dog food… [C]
Powell’s POV: A solid tag match. There was nothing particularly memorable about it, but it was well worked and the live crowd enjoyed it.
A slick WrestleMania video aired. We are 58 days away…
Powell’s POV: But are we 58 days away from paying a steep price for WrestleMania? We could be Vince McMahon makes good on his tease from the conference call.
Alexa Bliss was shown in her locker room when Nikki Cross entered. Bliss said she knows she can beat Bayley to win the title because she’s done it before. Cross reminded her that she has to get through the other three women in the four-way in order to get to Bayley. Bliss said you don’t become the first woman to hold the Raw and Smackdown Women’s Championships without having something up your sleeve…
Cole hyped the four-way as the main event of the show, then he and Graves narrated highlights of Roman Reigns and The Usos beating King Corbin, Ziggler, and Roode in the loser eats dog food match. Footage aired of the babyfaces pouring the dog food all over Corbin. Cole wondered what the last week has been like for Corbin. Graves said Corbin went to “the big game” and still got complaints that he smelled like dog food.
Corbin was shown entering the production truck. He dragged a man out of the truck and said, “Let’s see you do your job now.” Corbin threw the guy down the steps outside the production truck. Sonjay Dutt and Shawn Daivari showed up and checked on the crew member, then Adam Pearce told a smirking Corbin that he’d gone too far…
Elias played his guitar in the ring. Elias introduced himself and started to sing a song when he was interrupted by Cesaro’s entrance theme. Sami Zayn walked out with Cesaro and mockingly said he was sorry to interrupted Elias. He said it was just like when Elias interrupted him last week. Elias said that just in case Zayn hasn’t been paying attention the last two and a half years, it’s a miracle if he doesn’t get interrupted.
Zayn continued to vent about being interrupted and Shinsuke Nakamura losing the Intercontinental Championship. Zayn said Elias would pay at the hands of Cesaro. Zayn said everything that was about to happen to Elias was what he brought on himself… [C]
2. Elias vs. Cesaro (w/Sami Zayn). The match was joined in progress. Cole noted that new Intercontinental Champion Braun Strowman would appear later in the show. Cesaro slammed Elias’s head into the ring post casing, then knocked him off the apron. Zayn stood over Elias and laughed at him.
Later, Cesaro performed a deadlift superplex and then covered Elias for a two count. Elias stuffed a Neutralizer attempt, but Cesaro came right back with a popup uppercut for another near fall. Elias rallied and performed a top rope elbow for the win…
Elias beat Cesaro in 7:30 of television time.
Powell’s POV: Elias wins the battle of two guys who lose all the time. It really is sad to see Cesaro stuck in this role, and while Sami is fun as the obnoxious heel manager, he feels just as wasted as the two men he manages. Yes, Shinsuke Nakamura had an Intercontinental Title reign, but there was nothing memorable about it, especially once he oddly formed a tag team with Cesaro while still holding the belt.
Cole hyped Charlotte Flair as the guest on Tuesday’s WWE Backstage…
Goldberg was shown having a microphone attacked to his collar. He appeared to be sitting in his garage between two cars. Graves said Goldberg would join them after the break to let them know who’s next… [C]
Another XFL ad aired, then Cole hyped the two Fox games that will be held this weekend…
Cole and Graves were shown on camera talking about Goldberg and who was next when they probably got their answer in the form of King Corbin interrupting them. Corbin told the fans that they should all bow down and listen to what their king has to say. Corbin said last week was an abomination and Roman Reigns should have lost just like “your 49ers should have lost to my Kansas City Chiefs.” The fans booed loudly.
[Hour Two] Corbin questioned when the Usos were going to realize that they are carrying dead weight. He said that if Reigns was as tough as he says he is, he would have faced him one on one during their match at the Royal Rumble. Corbin claimed he would have won that match and then won the Rumble match had that happened. Corbin demanded one more match with Reigns.
Corbin said the show wouldn’t go on until he got Reigns in the middle of the ring. Corbin barked at fans for thinking it’s funny that he was humiliated with the dog food. He found asked a fan along the barricade if he enjoyed it, then poured a drink over his head.
Roman Reigns made his entrance and worked over Corbin at ringside. Corbin ended up in the ring, then rushed out the other side and ran to the back. Reigns took the mic and called for Corbin, who didn’t return. Reigns called him a coward and said that if he wanted another match then they would do it inside a steel cage. Reigns approached the fan that Reigns poured the drink on and shook his hand while making his way to the back…
Powell’s POV: Well, so much for my Goldberg vs. Corbin theory. This Reigns vs. Corbin feud may never end.
Cole and Graves spoke with Goldberg, who was interviewed via satellite from his home. Cole said rumors were swirling and they wanted to ask him who’s next. Goldberg said he watched the Royal Rumble and it got him thinking and gave him the itch. Goldberg mentioned that Brock Lesnar is tied up with Drew McIntyre, then asked what about the WWE Universal Championship. Before Goldberg could issue the challenge, he was interrupted.
A Firefly Funhouse News introduction video aired, then Bray Wyatt was shown sitting in an office chair in the Firefly Funhouse. Wyatt acted like a news anchor and said that the bad news for Goldberg is that “he” accepts. Wyatt sent things over to Mercy the Buzzard, who said it will be a cold day in hell before “he” loses the Universal Championship.
Wyatt said he understood Goldberg was standing by. Goldberg said he wasn’t falling for Wyatt’s trick and intimidation wasn’t working on him. Wyatt started to say, “take it from me,” but he was interrupted. Goldberg said the only thing he’s taking from him is the WWE Universal Championship. Goldberg said The Fiend is next. Goldberg got up from his chair and walked away, then Wyatt said that wasn’t very nice. Wyatt waved goodbye to close the segment…
A dejected Daniel Bryan was shown sitting in a locker room. Heath Slater entered the room and sat down next to him. Slater said he didn’t think Goldberg knew what he was getting into. Slater said he was worried about Bryan. He said The Fiend beat the living hell out of Bryan and whipped him repeatedly. Slater said it was crazy for Bryan to want to be tied to Wyatt. “How stupid,” Slater said. He asked if Bryan was okay. Bryan asked Slater what he thought of the idea of meeting him in the ring on the spot. Slater looked concerned… [C]
Powell’s POV: It looked like Wyatt will be adding Goldberg to his Wall of Friendship, and Goldberg will be adding more Saudi money to his bank account.
A WWE Network “This Week In WWE History” video focused on Andre the Giant beating Hulk Hogan on The Main Event on February 5, 1988…
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Heath Slater. Slater’s entrance was not televised. Once Bryan was in the ring, a video package recapped the strap match from the Royal Rumble. The bell rang and Bryan ran across the ring and dropkicked Slater. Bryan tossed Slater to ringside, then hit him with a suicide dive that sent him over the broadcast table.
Bryan rolled Slater back inside the ring and performed a missile dropkick. Bryan threw a series of kicks at Slater. Bryan led the fans in a yes chant, then hit the running knee. Bryan grabbed Slater’s arms and kicked him in the face until the referee pulled him off. Bryan went back to the stomping, then applied the LeBell Lock for the win…
Daniel Bryan defeated Heath Slater in 1:45.
Powell’s POV: So Bryan is bitter and angry, yet in a good enough mood to lead fans in yes chants. Anyway, I wonder if he’s angry because Smackdown lacks strong heels for him to work with now that his feud with The Fiend appears to be over with?
The broadcast team hyped the women’s four-way main event and Braun Strowman as appearing after the break… [C]
After highlights aired of Braun Strowman beating Shinsuke Nakamura to win the Intercontinental Title were shown, Strowman made his entrance and was interviewed in the ring by Renee Young. Strowman was all smiles and said winning the Intercontinental Title is his greatest achievement. He said he’s done a lot in WWE, but one thing he hasn’t been able to do is hold a singles title over his head. “Until now,” Strowman yelled before holding up the title belt.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance theme played and he came out with Sami Zayn, who asked for a rematch. Strowman said he would defend the title any time, any place, including on the spot in San Jose. Zayn said he and Nakamura actually think before they act. He said they would be surgical and tactical and would use every resource at their disposal.
The Revival duo of Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder attacked Strowman from behind. Nakamura and Zayn entered the ring, and Nakamura put the boots to Strowman. The Revival whipped Nakamura toward Strowman, who punched him, then took out The Revival.
Strowman ran after Zayn, who fled the ring. Strowman hit both Revival members with shoulder blocks. Strowman grabbed Zayn, who escaped back into the ring. When Strowman followed, Nakamura caught him with a knee to the head. Nakamura followed up with a Kinshasa…
Powell’s POV: I don’t know, guys, rematches are just so antiquated. Or at least that’s what the McMahons once told us.
The broadcast team hyped Otis preparing for his Valentine’s Day date with Mandy Rose. Cole said we’d get a sneak peek after the break. Graves questioned whether they could show that on television… [C]
Cole said Otis was getting in date shape. A video aired of Tucker leading Otis through a series of workouts, which included him doing sit-ups and taking a bite of pizza each time he sat up. He also tried on date attire. Tucker ripped the sleeves off a jacket. They cut to Otis sitting down for a steak meal. Tucker stopped him from beating the steak with his hands. Otis stood up and accidentally knocked the table over. Tucker told him to cheer up, then they agreed that he was ready…
4. Sheamus vs. Apollo Crews. Sheamus’s entrance was televised while Cole hyped the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, but Crews was already in the ring. Crews caught Sheamus with a step-up enziguri. Sheamus came right back with a Brogue Kick for the win.
Sheamus beat Apollo Crews in 0:29.
After the match, Sheamus set up for another Brogue Kick, but Shorty G ran out and fought him. Sheamus quickly took out Shorty G with a Brogue Kick…
The broadcast team hyped the four-way main event… [C]
Powell’s POV: Man, this has been a flatter and more forgettable episode than usual, which is really saying something.
Cole and Graves ran through the WWE Super ShowDown lineup with The Fiend vs. Goldberg for the WWE Universal Title, Big E and Kingston vs. Miz and Morrison, Reigns vs. Corbin in a cage match…
5. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella vs. Dana Brooke in a four-way for a shot at the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Bayley was at ringside. Naomi had the only televised entrance. With her three opponents at ringside, Naomi performed a corkscrew plancha onto them.
Bayley stood over the pile and posed with her title and received some cheers and then a loud “Bayley” chant from her home area fans. Naomi shoved Bayley to the ground and got some boos. Bayley came right back and shoved Naomi into the ring steps. [C]
Late in the match, Bliss went for Twisted Bliss on Naomi, who put her knees up. Naomi performed a Rearview on Bliss. Carmella immediately superkicked Naomi twice and then pinned her.
Carmella defeated Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Dana Brooke in 11:45 to earn a Smackdown Women’s Championship match.
After the match, Bayley entered the ring and slammed Carmella’s face into the mat. Bayley left the ring and clutched her title belt while making a sinister face…
Powell’s POV: The live crowd was responsive to the match and everyone worked hard. And while I’m tempted to say that it’s nice that the women were featured in the main event slot, this just didn’t feel main event worthy due to how poorly the Smackdown women’s division has been booked. I felt Naomi was the best of the available options to become No. 1 contender because she missed time and wasn’t subjected to the bad booking, but she ended up taking the pin. Strange.
Overall, this was a very missable show. Fox is paying the big bucks for Smackdown and it’s the worst of WWE’s main three shows by a mile. Maybe you feel differently? Either way, let me know what you thought of the show by giving it a letter grade via our weekly post show poll on the main page. Dot Net Members will hear my audio review of this episode shortly. Have a great weekend.
After that debacle against Taker I imagine they’re only giving Goldberg layups from here on out. And there’s no bigger layup than squashing the enthusiasm vacuum that is Baron Corbin.
I’m surprised there is nothing on this Website about the Brett DiBiase story.
Smackdown has some talented people on it, but creatively, it’s the worst show by a mile. Outside of Wyatt and Sheamus, they portray their heels as inept clowns.
SD is giving FOX exactly what they want. Once you understand you’ll get why SD is the way it is.
so… what exactly is it they want?
Cuz if it’s supposed to be more ‘sports focused’, NXT is miles better. If it’s sports entertainment, Raw has it beat
They’ve got a pretty great roster but I have no idea what this product is supposed to appeal to