5 Biggest news stories from WWE SmackDown (March 13, 2020)

By Kartik Arry
Modified Mar 15, 2020 10:26 IST
John Cena and Bray Wyatt confronted each other in front of an empty audience!
John Cena and Bray Wyatt confronted each other in front of an empty audience!

From Triple H's constant jokes on commentary to Bray Wyatt and John Cena's unique confrontation at the end of the episode, this week's edition of SmackDown featured several contrasting moments.

First of all, WWE performers and other personnel who made last night's episode of SmackDown deserve commendation for entertaining fans during times like these.

A live edition of SmackDown from an empty Performance Center was certainly a unique experience for fans and critics alike. Of course, WWE aired live under these circumstances because of the Coronavirus outbreak, and despite that, they managed to deliver a show that will be remembered for its peculiarity in the future.

Here are the 5 biggest news stories from this week's episode of WWE SmackDown (March 13, 2020).

#5: Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak formed an alliance against the threat of Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro

Sami Zayn and Daniel Bryan's paths crossed on SmackDown this week.

A few months ago, Zayn had offered Bryan an alliance of sorts. But in typical babyface fashion, Bryan never agreed to join forces with the current Intercontinental Champion.

Now, Zayn's title victory became possible with the help of Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro, whereas Bryan has been in a program with Drew Gulak on the Blue brand.

As Bryan wanted to seek insight from his Elimination Chamber opponent after their old-school battle at the Pay-Per-View, the YES Man's backstage confrontation with Zayn and his goons led to an impromptu match against Cesaro later on the show.

We all know that Cesaro and Bryan could have put an absolute banger in front of a live audience, and with that key element missing from last night's episode, the bout relatively suffered quite a bit as a result.

Daniel Bryan may have defeated Cesaro for now, but his alliance with Drew Gulak might be an interesting thread to explore in the upcoming weeks.

#4: Jeff Hardy returned and defeated King Corbin in front of an empty audience

Jeff Hardy had been out for nearly a year's time because of an injury. However, The Charismatic Enigma made a successful return just in time for WrestleMania 36.

Hardy appeared in a backstage interview, but he was quickly interrupted by King Corbin, who pointed out that things had changed a lot since the last time Jeff was doing weekly shows.

Because of King Corbin's feud with Elias, The Drifter joined the commentary team - alongside Triple H & Michael Cole - as Jeff Hardy took on one of SmackDown's top heels in singles action.

A live audience's presence was crucial, especially since it was Hardy's in-ring return. Still, both performers made the best out of the situation, and Hardy won the match with a little distraction from The Living Truth.

Hardy's victory against Corbin seemed like a justifiable decision since the occasion revolved around the former's return, and despite being one of the most relevant heels in WWE today, losses rarely hurt Corbin's momentum at this stage of his career.

#3: Asuka attacked Alexa Bliss as Paige failed to make a scheduled appearance during the episode

Sasha Banks and Bayley questioned the commentary team about Paige's scheduled appearance on the show, and Triple H berated Michael Cole about the same in an entertaining way.

Apparently, Paige failed to appear because of travel issues due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But pushing travel issues aside, if the rumors about Paige making a comeback in the squared circle are true, then it would make sense for WWE to save that for a later date in front of a packed crowd.

If Paige were to return, then an immediate feud with Bayley could liven things up for the Blue brand.

As Sasha & Bayley wrestled the team of Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross last night, the latter team would face defeat thanks to an interruption by Asuka from Monday Night RAW.

A Women's Tag Team Titles match between The Kabuki Warriors and the team of Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross seems inevitable at this point. It is about time that WWE recognizes its Women's Tag Team Division at this year's WrestleMania event.

#2: Roman Reigns answered fan criticisms of him main eventing WrestleMania against Goldberg

Roman Reigns has earned the good side of the fans since his successful battle with leukemia.

Now, The Big Dog has set his sights on winning the title he never lost in the first place. Goldberg just happens to be the Universal Champion at the moment, and both Superstars will clash in a 'Battle of Spears' at the Grandest Stage of them All.

But last night, Reigns addressed criticisms regarding The Big Dog jumping back to the main event scene.

He also vowed to destroy Goldberg and take back the Universal Title from the part-timer at WrestleMania 36.

This interview could have gone sideways in front of a live audience, which is why Reigns benefited a lot from answering fan criticisms in an empty Performance Center. The Big Dog looked comfortable as he finally addressed the elephant in the room.

It was only a matter of time until Reigns would climb back to the top spot he held in this company for several years.

In a year where a couple of WrestleMania feuds have grown organically, Reigns vs. Goldberg hasn't had an extensive buildup yet.

#1: John Cena and Bray Wyatt's theatre-esque confrontation left viewers to decide who is the hero and villain of this story

Sometimes, silence potentiates the quality of a segment rather than a performance in front of a live audience.

John Cena has mastered the art of promos for years now, and the weight of his statements made an impact on viewers sitting at home.

Until now, the general public viewed this feud as Bray Wyatt's redemption for what John Cena did to him six years ago.

But is John Cena the one to blame here?

As the leader of the Cenation said himself, Superstars who blame others for their failures always end up short of expectations whenever presented with an opportunity. Cena's character always kept pushing for the top and never blamed anyone else (but himself) for his setbacks.

Nowadays, several Superstars tend to blame a 'higher power' for illogical creative decisions in WWE. While wrestlers aren't always to blame for poor creative decisions most of the time, Cena took this opportunity to present Wyatt as an overhyped gimmick who has wasted several opportunities throughout his career.

In a rare appearance, 'Fun House' Bray Wyatt called out Cena's hypocrisy for making this all about himself instead of the future.

In silence, this feud has excelled in making us ponder over who is the antagonist and protagonist of this whole fiasco.

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