AJ Styles defeated Daniel Bryan for the Intercontinental Title, Heavy Machinery reunited alongside Braun Strowman, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro shocked The New Day ahead of WWE Backlash.
Friday Night SmackDown Results: June 12, 2020
Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro def. The New Day
The New Day appeared ready to coast into WWE Backlash, but Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro had other plans with a challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Kofi Kingston & Big E had it cooking early in the match, but The King of Strong Style stopped an aerial assault from the former WWE Champion with a well-timed knee and secured the pin.
AJ Styles def. Daniel Bryan – Intercontinental Championship Match
A wild Intercontinental Championship Tournament culminated in an instant classic showdown as Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles battled for the title. In an epic clash, the two highly skilled competitors continually upped the ante with one impressive maneuver after another. Bryan appeared headed for another Intercontinental Title reign as he lined up a Running Knee, but The Phenomenal One caught his opponent, then hit a Styles Clash and a Phenomenal Forearm off the top ropes to hoist the prestigious title for the first time.
Braun Strowman & Heavy Machinery def. Dolph Ziggler, The Miz & John Morrison
The Universal Champion gave a stern warning to Mr. Money in the Bank and his teammate ahead of their matchup with Dolph Ziggler, The Miz & John Morrison. The alliance between Braun Strowman, Otis & Tucker appeared to be holding strong until King Corbin’s backstage approach of Mandy Rose forced The Workin’ Man Superstar to leave the ring and go after his peach. Otis returned to help the Strowman Express get rolling and finished off the massive win with a explosive Caterpillar to Ziggler.
