{"id":104325,"date":"2020-09-11T09:10:41","date_gmt":"2020-09-11T14:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=104325"},"modified":"2020-09-11T09:10:41","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T14:10:41","slug":"wwe-friday-night-smackdown-primer-9-11-why-bayley-why-phenomenal-challenge-for-hardy-were-really-glad-youve-become-our-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2020\/09\/11\/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-primer-9-11-why-bayley-why-phenomenal-challenge-for-hardy-were-really-glad-youve-become-our-friend\/","title":{"rendered":"WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN PRIMER 9\/11:  Why Bayley Why, Phenomenal Challenge for Hardy, We\u2019re Really Glad You\u2019ve Become Our Friend"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-2441294132\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><h3>WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN PRIMER<br \/>\nSEPTEMBER 11, 2020<br \/>\nORLANDO, FL. AT THE THUNDERDOME IN THE AMWAY CENTER<br \/>\nAIRS ON FOX NETWORK, 8:00 p.m. EST<br \/>\nBY FRANK PETEANI (@FrankPeteani), PWTORCH.COM SPECIALIST<\/h3>\n<p><em>Announcers: Michael Cole and Corey Graves<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Remembering 9\/11\/01<\/h4>\n<p>Today marks the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. at the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Let us remember those who lost their lives and those who lost loved ones including family and friends, on that terrible day. Here is Vince McMahon on the Smackdown episode which took place two days after the attacks:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Vince McMahon&#039;s speech on the live post-9\/11 SmackDown: Sept. 13, 2001\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I4NFIBaHnl4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>Top Three Developments from Last Week<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Paul Heyman cut his first promo representing Universal Champion Roman Reigns.<\/li>\n<li>Jey Uso defeated Matt Riddle, Sheamus, and King Corbin to earn the right to face his cousin Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at Clash of Champions. Jey replaced Big E, who had been scheduled for the match but was attacked by Sheamus. Paul Heyman talked Adam Pearce into getting Jey into the match. (Not that this will be brought up on TV, but Paul (as Paul E Dangerously) once managed the Samoan Swat Team in WCW. That included Fatu, who eventually became Rikishi, the father of the Usos. Jey asked Roman \u201cwhat\u2019s the deal with Paul E?\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>After failing to recapture the WWE Women\u2019s Tag Team Championship, Smackdown Women\u2019s Champion Bayley viscously attacked her partner and best friend Sasha Banks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Items Advertised by WWE<\/h4>\n<p>Tonight, we continue towards Clash of Champions which is slowly taking shape. Thus far, the matches are set for the Universal Championship and the WWE Championship. Here\u2019s what\u2019s on tap for tonight:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bayley to address last week\u2019s vicious attack on Sasha Banks.<\/li>\n<li>Jeff Hardy and A.J. Styles set for Intercontinental Championship showdown.<\/li>\n<li>Bray Wyatt to unveil newest character on Firefly Funhouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Bayley to Address Attack on Sasha Banks<\/h4>\n<p>Last week, Smackdown Women\u2019s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks tried to regain their recently lost WWE Women\u2019s Tag Team Championship from Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Jax and Shayna captured the titles from Bayley and Sasha at Payback.<\/p>\n<p>During the match Sasha attempted a running knee at Shayna, but she moved out of the way causing Sasha to hit the ring post and \u201cinjuring\u201d her knee. Later after fighting valiantly to stay in the match, Jax hit a splash on both Bayley and Sasha and scored the pin to retain the titles. Afterwards, Sasha would get medical attention which she refused. Then Bayley would go on a viscous attack that lasted several minutes. It ended when Bayley put a chair through Sasha\u2019s neck, and jumped on the chair off the ropes. Sasha then got medical attention.<\/p>\n<p>Bayley will address the attack tonight. Both women, who are usually vocal on social media, have been quiet all week. Sasha was on The Bump though, which is available on WWE\u2019s YouTube channel. They put out an update on Sasha\u2019s condition as well as Big E who was attacked by Sheamus as I mentioned earlier. Here\u2019s a link to that update:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">UPDATE: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/wNpELtByip\">https:\/\/t.co\/wNpELtByip<\/a> can now confirm new details about the injuries suffered by @SashaBanksWWE and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WWEBigE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@WWEBigE<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SmackDown<\/a>. \u2935\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4NikEIzkq5\">https:\/\/t.co\/4NikEIzkq5<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WWE\/status\/1303381333763411970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Frank\u2019s Analysis: Sasha is likely injured for real or could just want a little time off. There had been indications of issues between the two with passive-aggressive comments by Bayley, although I think people just saw an angle play out rather than people being mad at Bayley and feeling sympathy for Sasha. Everyone expected a turn, but I think people just want Sasha to be a babyface because they like her rather than having her actions on TV having people feeling bad for her. Both women have been equally unlikable for a long period of time.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Intercontinental Championship: Jeff Hardy (champ) vs. A.J. Styles<\/h4>\n<p>The Intercontinental Championship picture has become interesting to say the least in recent weeks. Jeff Hardy captured the championship from A.J. Styles just before SummerSlam after A.J. held the title since mid-June. A.J. won the title via a tournament after it was vacated when WWE said Sami Zayn was \u201cunable to compete\u201d shortly after WrestleMania.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-1879356825\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Sami returned a few weeks ago claiming to still be the champion after Jeff retained the title over Smackdown Tag Team Championship co-holder Shinsuke Nakamura. He continued to do so last week when he came out to cut a promo, only to be interrupted by Jeff and then A.J. A.J. went after Jeff, and then Sami joined in only to have A.J. attack him. Ultimately, Sami landed a Helluva Kick on Jeff and hustled away with \u201chis title.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tonight, Jeff defends against A.J. Here\u2019s A.J. and Sami talking a little trash:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">WHAT?! This is a public slap in the face. Who posted this?!? Nicky, was it you? Who even authorized this match? Why wasn\u2019t I consulted?  <br \/>I will make sure this is an exhibition match, not for any fraudulent title. THIS IS BOGUS! DO YOU HEAR ME? I\u2019M CHOKING ON MY OWN RAGE<br \/>&#8211; SZ <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sCW8SUnV6r\">https:\/\/t.co\/sCW8SUnV6r<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SamiZayn\/status\/1304158683438493696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 10, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The people want a real champion. Y\u2019know someone who is not only awesome in the ring and has great hair&#8230; but someone who will actually SHOW UP.  I\u2019ll take back MY <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ICTitle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ICTitle<\/a> and you can have your Twitter account. Seems fair to me?<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Smackdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Smackdown<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AHfSVTSqQ7\">https:\/\/t.co\/AHfSVTSqQ7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AJStylesOrg\/status\/1304176245685583872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 10, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Frank\u2019s Analysis: I get the sense we\u2019re heading for a screwy finish to set up a triple threat match at Clash of Champions. Truthfully, while I\u2019m not the guy that advocated for triple threats, this may be a story where it\u2019s justified.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>New Character on the Firefly Funhouse<\/h4>\n<p>Last week on an edition of the Firefly Funhouse, Bray Wyatt told us he would be introducing a new character for the \u201cFunhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Recently, Alexa Bliss has been acting in an odd way after being assaulted by Bray when he was feuding with Braun Strowman. A few weeks ago, she revealed a \u201cdreadlock\u201d in her hair in a backstage segment with Tamina and her best friend Nikki Cross. She then smashed the mug she gave Nikki when they first became friends. Last week, she apologized to Nikki, and then hugged her quickly and left.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s hard to say and probably even doubtful she\u2019s the new character, but you never know.<\/p>\n<p><em>Frank\u2019s Analysis: I have no idea what they have planned, nor do I care to speculate. They\u2019ve advertised a new character on the Funhouse before and didn\u2019t deliver. That\u2019s not my issue, it\u2019s more the fact that this has nothing to do with professional wrestling. If Alexa aligns with Bray, that would be interesting.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Other Match Results and Segments from Last Week<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Miz &amp; John Morrison defeated Heavy Machinery (Otis &amp; Tucker). After the match, Morrison ran off with Otis\u2019 Money in the Bank briefcase. Later, it was revealed that the contract was in a lunch pail Otis carried around. Morrison opened the briefcase to find a sandwich.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Final Thoughts<\/h4>\n<p>I will be on Wrestling Night in America with long-time Pro Wrestling Torch columnist Greg Parks. I always look forward to joining Greg and talking the big events in wrestling. I\u2019m sure the big stories of Smackdown will come up (Roman, Jey Uso, Bayley-Sasha, Intercontinental Championship situation). I\u2019m overall positive on Smackdown. I like the paring with Heyman and Roman, Bayley getting a chance to stand on her own now, and what\u2019s next for the IC title. We\u2019ll see if things move in a good direction!<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2510408136\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><em>Follow Frank on Twitter @FrankPeteani. Questions and discussion are welcome. Thank you for reading!<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-1551044478\"><div id=\"pwtor-3467957252\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN PRIMER SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 ORLANDO, FL. AT THE THUNDERDOME IN THE AMWAY CENTER AIRS ON FOX NETWORK, 8:00 p.m. EST BY FRANK PETEANI (@FrankPeteani), PWTORCH.COM SPECIALIST Announcers: Michael Cole and Corey <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2020\/09\/11\/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-primer-9-11-why-bayley-why-phenomenal-challenge-for-hardy-were-really-glad-youve-become-our-friend\/\" title=\"WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN PRIMER 9\/11:  Why Bayley Why, Phenomenal Challenge for Hardy, We\u2019re Really Glad You\u2019ve Become Our Friend\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":104330,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,52,4403,27,5893,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-104325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-prowrestlingnews","category-opnionandanalysis","category-smackdown-primer","category-specialists","category-tvprimers","category-news_wwe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2020\/09\/bayley-sasha.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104325"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104331,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104325\/revisions\/104331"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}