On August 14, 2020, WWE SmackDown aired live from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, delivering a night filled with tension and unexpected developments centered around the Alexa Bliss Braun Strowman drama. The ongoing conflict between Bliss and Strowman took center stage, intensifying the complex narrative involving Bray Wyatt’s Fiend and numerous intertwined rivalries, shaping the key moments of the broadcast.
The event began with a recap of the recent chaos caused by the faction Retribution, their attacks contributing to an unsettling atmosphere. With extra security bolstered around the arena to prevent disruptions, the show aimed to progress its unfolding story lines, notably Bray Wyatt‘s psychological tactics to lure Braun Strowman back to SmackDown. The night promised a standout Triple Brand Battle Royal in which the victor would earn a shot at Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at the upcoming SummerSlam.
Opening Matches Highlight SmackDown Turmoil While Retribution Threatens
The first bout featured Big E facing off against John Morrison in a match delayed by Retribution‘s sudden invasion. Amid eerie lighting and chaos erupting ringside, Retribution assaulting both competitors underscored the pervasive sense of danger. Big E’s spirited performance culminated in his submission victory, but not before Sheamus intervened post-match, assaulting Big E and signaling further turmoil. The disruptive faction’s actions backstage escalated, including destruction of interview sets and spray-painting the WWE logo, amplifying their menace.
Simultaneously, backstage segments deepened the tension, including Miz’s regrets for failing to assist Big E sooner, and Baron Corbin’s insistence on leadership of a fractured locker room, establishing growing divisions and alliances. Nikki Cross’s emotional reunion with Alexa Bliss revealed underlying personal connections, setting the stage for the intense Bliss-Strowman interaction later in the program.
Triple Brand Battle Royal Sets Up Key Title Match at SummerSlam
The Triple Brand Battle Royal included a variety of contenders like The IIconics, Tegan Nox, Shotzi Blackheart, and Lacey Evans, among others, who each aimed to become the challenger for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship. Bayley and Sasha Banks opened the match with formal yet bombastic introductions disrupted by Asuka’s sudden attack on both women, signaling the unpredictability of the contest.
Throughout the battle royal, eliminations occurred swiftly, with notable fighters such as Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Tamina, Nikki Cross, Bianca Belair, and others removed one by one. As the combatants dwelled on brutal exchanges, the climax narrowed to Shayna Baszler and Asuka. Despite Bayley‘s desperate attempt to interfere, Asuka ultimately prevailed, winning the nine-minute battle royal to claim her SummerSlam title opportunity. This surprising outcome added fresh intrigue to the championship storyline heading into the pay-per-view event.
Promos and Backstage Encounters Build Character Motivations and Rivalries
Backstage, Mandy Rose addressed criticism about her image and work ethic following a haircut at Sonya Deville’s hands. Calling herself the Bikini World Champion who balanced multiple jobs to reach WWE success, Rose accepted Deville’s hair-versus-hair match challenge, promising a brutal confrontation. Sonya, confident in her victory, sarcastically foresaw Rose’s hairless fate, setting up another emotionally charged feud for the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Matt Riddle’s tension with King Corbin intensified backstage after a confrontation disturbing his focus and plans. Chad Gable later apologized for prior missteps and his involvement with Corbin, seeking reconciliation with Riddle. Yet Corbin exploited the situation, insinuating dominance and manipulation, expanding his control within SmackDown’s fractured roster.
A.J. Styles Introduces New Championship Statistical System Amid IC Title Drama
A.J. Styles took the microphone to address ongoing distractions amid SmackDown’s chaos, declaring that statistics and merit would now determine challengers for his Intercontinental Championship. Introducing the Phenomenal Intercontinental Statistical System (P.I.S.S.), Styles portrayed himself as a fighting champion uninterested in undeserved opportunities. This segment took a humorous, self-aware tone as Jeff Hardy interrupted, demanding his chance—a challenge Styles vehemently denied.
The ensuing altercation saw Hardy attacking Styles and marking his name on the new title contender board, escalating their rivalry. Joseph Park, the alter-ego of Abyss from Impact Wrestling, appeared in a comedic role supporting Styles during the segment, adding layers of levity amid the tension. The storyline served as a satirical dig at wrestling ranking systems while cementing the Styles-Hardy feud for future matches.
Mid-Card Action Offers Competitive Flair with Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura Matches
Chad Gable faced Sheamus in a match where Gable showed solid offense, applying key holds like the ankle lock and attempting pinning maneuvers. Despite his efforts, Sheamus ultimately secured victory with a Brogue Kick, continuing his momentum and underscoring Gable’s underutilization within the roster. The bout reinforced Sheamus’s role as a dominant powerhouse.
Later, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro teamed to confront Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado of Lucha House Party. After interference from Kalisto, Metalik secured a victory over Nakamura with a precise top rope flying elbow. The encounter furthered the ongoing tag team and singles competition narrative, highlighting the technical skills of the participants.
The Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman Confrontation Escalates to a Dramatic Showdown
The highlight of the evening was the emotionally charged segment featuring Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman standing face-to-face in the ring. Bliss attempted to reason with Strowman, confronting the drastic change in his demeanor influenced by The Fiend. She reminded him of their past friendship, appealing to the man she once knew, only to be met with cold dismissal and accusations of manipulation.
Bliss’s frustration culminated when she slapped Strowman repeatedly, demanding he “wake up.” Strowman’s response shifted unexpectedly as he lifted Bliss overhead, parading her before releasing her violently. The lights flickered ominously, and The Fiend appeared in the ring, with Bliss incapacitated and Strowman’s demonic laughter echoing through the arena. The Fiend’s chilling plea, “Let me in,” closed the show, deepening the dark mystery enveloping this storyline.
“They seem to be hiding behind current events as an excuse for this wanton destruction.” —Michael Cole, Commentator
“What do you know about statistics?” —A.J. Styles, WWE Superstar
“We had fun with each other and we became best friends.” —Alexa Bliss on Braun Strowman
“I’m going to rip you limb from limb, and I will eviscerate you. And before you take your last breath, you will look up at me as I consume your entrails.” —Braun Strowman
Significance and Anticipation Surround Ongoing Alexa Bliss Braun Strowman Drama
This episode of WWE SmackDown marked a critical turning point in the Alexa Bliss Braun Strowman drama, setting the stage for a highly anticipated confrontation at SummerSlam. Bliss‘s nuanced performance contrasted with Strowman’s more blunt, volatile portrayal, showcasing a gripping psychological battle influenced by Bray Wyatt’s sinister presence. The intertwined feuds involving Retribution, the women’s division’s championship chase, and escalating personal rivalries contributed to the show’s intense and unsettled tone.
As WWE transitions away from the Performance Center with promises of live shows involving interactive audience participation, the storytelling is poised to deepen, particularly the dark, unsettling arc revolving around Bliss, Strowman, and The Fiend. Fans can expect this dramatic thread to unfold further with high stakes and emotional intensity at upcoming events, promising captivating entertainment driven by intricate character interplay and escalating conflict.
