Friday Night SmackDown results, Oct. 2, 2020: Sami Zayn uses another devious plan to defeat Jeff Hardy and retain title

Jey Uso def. AJ Styles

Jey Uso battles AJ Styles after The Phenomenal One called out the former Tag Team Champion. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Roman Reigns began the night once again demanding Jey Uso recognize him as The Tribal Chief. The exchange resulted in Uso accepting a challenge from Reigns for the Universal Title that The Big Dog promised would have “the highest stakes in WWE history.” Disturbed by the situation, AJ Styles emerged to let Uso know he didn’t feel the challenger was worthy of the repeated title attempts. The accusation enraged Uso, who leveled The Phenomenal One with a punch off the announce table to set the stage for their showdown.

Styles dominated the early going and kept the high-flyer grounded. A counter Samoan Drop helped Uso regain his confidence and go on the offensive. With his blood boiling, Uso stopped a Phenomenal Forearm and landed a Superkick and an Uso Splash in succession to claim the victory over Styles.

Otis def. John Morrison

As The Miz’s legal pursuit continues, Otis looks to take out his frustrations in a match against John Morrison. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Otis is ready to defend himself and his Money in the Bank contract in court next week, but he used his match against John Morrison to make his opening statement this week. Mr. Money in the Bank took out The Friday Night Delight in quick order. In the match’s final moments, Otis lit up the WWE ThunderDome with a crowd-pleasing Caterpillar and thunderous splash to secure the pin.

Sheamus def. Shorty G

Shorty G reignites his rivalry with The Celtic Warrior in an in-ring showdown. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

It was short and sweet for The Celtic Warrior in his win over Shorty G. The scrappy Superstar landed a few early blows, but Sheamus turned the tables quickly. After regrouping, the towering Superstar landed two huge Brogue Kicks to put an end to the clash.

Matt Riddle, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik def. King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro

The Original Bro teams up with two members of Lucha House Party to battle King Corbin & the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Matt Riddle formed an unlikely grouping with Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik to combine the Bro mentality with Lucha House Party. King Corbin helped the SmackDown Tag Team Champions impose their will and strength. After an inadvertent collision between Kalisto and Dorado, it appeared chemistry issues were about to undo another Lucha victory. But Riddle was there to save the day with a crushing Bro Derek on Cesaro to get the three-count. The win couldn’t cure what ailed Lucha House Party as Lince Dorado confronted Kalisto after the match while tensions continued to boil within the team.

Sami Zayn def. Jeff Hardy – Intercontinental Championship Match

The Great Liberator takes on The Charismatic Enigma in an Intercontinental Championship showdown. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Sami Zayn began the night by tossing Jeff Hardy’s old Intercontinental Championship into the trash, and he ended by defending his with another devious win over The Charismatic Enigma. Zayn’s ribs were noticeably injured as the new titleholder’s midsection was wrapped heading into the match with Hardy. The high-flying icon had Zayn scrambling after a sliding kick to the outside, but the champion evaded a big splash that resulted in Hardy’s crash into the barricade. Hardy made a huge maneuver with a Superplex off the top rope to drive Zayn’s injured ribs straight into the mat. Before the opening bell, it was revealed Zayn had removed the pad off one of the top turnbuckles. With the exposed turnbuckle in the back of his mind, The Great Liberator tripped up Hardy off the top rope and sent him face-first into the harsh surface. Zayn seized the opportunity and rolled up the challenger to once again emerge victorious from an Intercontinental Title Match by any means necessary.