5 Biggest news stories from WWE SmackDown (May 22, 2020)

#2: Sheamus failed to crush Jeff Hardy's comeback in the main event

.@JEFFHARDYBRAND has done it!!#SmackDown #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/tZqxRRA0ch

— WWE (@WWE) May 23, 2020

WWE has huge plans for Jeff Hardy's singles run at the moment. They ran weekly video packages for Hardy's eventual comeback on WWE SmackDown, and Sheamus was the one who objected to it right away.

After a recent brawl, both men were pitted against each other in the first round of WWE's Intercontinental Championship tournament.

The match itself was an enjoyable encounter between both Superstars. At one point, Sheamus had complete dominance over The Charismatic Enigma, but in the end, Hardy dodged a devastating Brogue Kick to roll up Sheamus for the victory.

It seemed like WWE was setting up The Celtic Warrior for a dominant run in 2020, and that is why Hardy didn't put down Sheamus in a definitive manner this week. After all, it would be a premature way to end Sheamus and Hardy's feud right away.

Sheamus looked as if he wasn't done with his rival anytime soon. This animosity could factor into next week's episode, where The Celtic Warrior might cost Hardy in the latter's Semi-Final bout with Daniel Bryan.

NEXT WEEK on #SmackDown!#ICTitle @WWEDanielBryan @JEFFHARDYBRAND @IAmEliasWWE @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/9BqsFbKhvA

— WWE (@WWE) May 23, 2020