Friday Night Smackdown Results 7/3/20

Matt Riddle vs. John Morrison

The show started out with Michael Cole interviewing Matt Riddle. King Corbin came out to the ring with a promo against Riddle. Corbin then sets up a match between Riddle and John Morrison. Corbin joined Cole and Corey Graves at commentary for this match. John Morrison is joined by his tag team partner The Miz at ringside. Riddle and Morrison both showed off strong strikes and strong kicks and high knees. The Miz distracted the ref as Morrison rakes the eyes of Riddle. However, Morrison was not able to take advantage. Before commercial break, Riddle flips his flip flop at commentary angering Corbin. Riddle hits Morrison with the Final Flash Knee Strike that sends Morrison’s teeth flying. Miz and Corbin try to distract Riddle but Riddle rolled up Morrison for the win. Then AJ styles attacked Matt Riddle from behind while Drew Gulak came to attack Styles and help Riddle.

Result: Matt Riddle defeats John Morrison via pinfall.

Grade: B+

Drew Gulak vs. AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship

Drew Gulak’s partner Daniel Bryan was on commentary via a Zoom call. Styles immediately began going after the legs to set up for the calf crusher. Gulak later on took advantage of the match. Styles left the ring in frustration of not being able to put Gulak away, and to recuperate and catch his breath. Gulak then hit the champion with a baseball slide. Styles has Gulak stunned and could have easily ended the match. However, Styles wanted to make a statement and hit Gulak with another Phenomenal Forearm for the victory.

Result: AJ Styles defeats Drew Gulak via pinfall to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Grade: C

Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross’s rivalry with Bayley and Sasha Banks have been one of Smackdown’s best feuds. Bliss took control of the match early on and went right after Bayley. Bayley then took control and out muscled Bliss. Bliss used a strong right hand to temporarily create some separation. Sasha Banks interfered with the match as the ref was distracted dealing with Cross. Bayley then was able to pick up the win even though Cross was able to have the champs avoiding a fight.

Result: Bayley defeats Alexa Bliss via disqualification

Grade: C-

Kofi Kingston vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The rivalry between The New Day and Cesaro and Nakamura continues as Kofi and Shinsuke square off in singles competition. Big E and Cesaro were at ringside cheering on their partners. Right off the bell, Kofi attacked Shinsuke. Cesaro and Big E were heavily involved as both were ejected making sure the better wrestler won with no distractions. After the commercial break, Nakamura took control of the match. Kingston whiffed on a Trouble for Paradise but was able to hit the SOS for a two count. Nakamura recovered from the SOS and a double stomp to hit Kingston with the Kinshasa for the victory.

Result: Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Kofi Kingston via pinfall

Grade: B+

This episode of Smackdown was above average. There was no match in my opinion that stole the show and was exciting to watch. However, the promos that took place were well booked and added to rivalries and storylines. With that being said, I would give this episode of Smackdown a B-.