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WWE Smackdown Results – 3/20/18 (Daniel Bryan returns, Hype for WrestleMania 34)

Adam Martin
March 20, 2018
WWE Smackdown Results
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WWE Smackdown Results 3/20/18
WWE Smackdown Results
March 20, 2018
Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves
Results by: Adam Martin of Wrestleview.com

The show opens with a flashback to February of 2016 when Daniel Bryan was forced to announce his retirement from the ring live on Monday night RAW.

The video then shows all of the media attention on the announcement earlier today that Bryan has been medically cleared to make a return to the ring.

We go live to Dallas where a loud “YES” chant is already breaking out.

Daniel Bryan on being medically cleared to return

Here comes Smackdown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan to a huge reaction. Bryan gets up on the ropes to lead another very loud and huge “YES” chant. We see a shot of Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves standing and clapping for Bryan.

Bryan grabs a mic and gives a big smile as a loud “WELCOME BACK” chant breaks out. A loud “DANIEL BRYAN” chant breaks out. Bryan thanks the fans very much. He wants to address what happened to Shane McMahon last week, but unfortunately the two people he needs to talk with aren’t here yet. Bryan is going to talk about something else.

He talks about being depressed at times the last two years. Bryan says he was angry and mad at not being able to do what he couldn’t do. He instead focused on being grateful and he has a lot to be grateful for. “I have amazing family. I have amazing friends. I have the best fans in the world. And I also have an amazing, beautiful wife.” Bryan gets choked up.

He talks about how when he would get angry or depressed, his wife told him he needs to fight and fight for his dreams even if he was grateful for what he had. Bryan said she encouraged him to go see specialists and when he got good reviews, she encouraged him to see even more. A loud “THANK YOU BRIE” chant breaks out. Bryan said Brie told him to fight for his dreams. “So then, when I got depressed, I wasn’t just grateful. I decided to fight.” He talks about how at times he wanted to quit, but Brie encouraged him to fight.

Bryan said over the last two months, he asked WWE to re-examine his case and they set him to the best neurologists around the country. “You are cleared” is what they all told him. Bryan said being able to compete in this ring again felt impossible, but now it is possible. He thanks WWE and their doctors for giving him a chance and treating him as a human first and wrestler second. Bryan thanks every fan in attendance or watching at home because they supported him for this entire time. He also wants to thank Brie. Bryan gets choked up again. He thanks her for her support the last few years and he is grateful. He isn’t sure when or where he will get back in the ring. Bryan glances up at the WrestleMania 34 sign. The crowd starts a loud “WRESTLE-MANIA” chant. He asks the fans if that sounds like a good idea. The fans start a loud “YES” chant. Bryan isn’t sure if that will happen, but will Daniel Bryan compete in a WWE ring again? He starts up the “YES” chant.

Bryan leaves the ring and heads to the back.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev is up next.

-Commercial Break-

Backstage, referee Charles Robinson congratulates Daniel Bryan. He asks to let him know if Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn arrive. Dolph Ziggler walks up, congratulates Bryan and says he can’t wait to beat him. Bryan smiles and says Ziggler can certainly try.

We return live with Rusev already in the ring warming up.

WWE Champion AJ Styles is at ringside for tonight’s match.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev

Lock up and Rusev goes to work on the left arm of Nakamura. Rusev with a headlock takedown and Nakamura breaks free quickly. Nakamura catches Rusev with a kick to the head breaking up a lock up attempt. Nakamura with his “COME ON” taunt, throws a knee and body kicks at Rusev. Rusev catches Nakamura with a big spinning kick.

-Commercial Break-

Back live, Nakamura is throwing elbows at Rusev. Rusev with a high knee, but Nakamura fires back with a jumping kick to the head coming off the ropes. Nakamura props Rusev up on the corner and connects with his big knee. Rusev counters a Kinshasa attempt and catches Nakamura with a kick to the back of the head for a close two count. Nakamura gets Rusev down in an armbar. Series of pinfall attempts. Nakamura rolls up Rusev for the win.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

After the match, Aiden English jumps in and starts attacking Nakamura. Rusev joins in with kicks to Nakamura as well. AJ Styles gets on his feet at ringside and takes his time removing his championship and vest. Nakamura gets the better Rusev and English inside the ring. Styles turns around and Nakamura smiles back at him.

A video package runs focusing on Asuka.

Backstage, we see Charlotte Flair watching the video when Natalya walks up. Natalya accuses Charlotte of being scared of Asuka. Charlotte said she’s actually looking forward to the challenge. Natalya says she is better than both of them and says Asuka is only undefeated because she hasn’t faced her yet. Charlotte challenges Natalya to a match.

-Commercial Break-

WrestleMania 34 is 19 days away.

Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura tells AJ Styles he didn’t need his help. Styles is aware of that. Nakamura says he has one more thing to say. Styles says let me guess: Nakamura will beat him at WrestleMania? Nakamura says Styles needs more confidence, but agrees he will beat him at WrestleMania with a knee to the face.

Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger

Dillinger with a waistlock and Corbin backs him to the corner. Dillinger with a headlock and hangs on when Corbin tries to slide out to break free. Dillinger with quick elbows. Dillinger avoids a kick, throws a chop and Corbin drops him with a big right hand. Corbin slides out and slides back in attempting his clothesline. Dillinger catches Corbin with a kick to the face. Dillinger avoids a chokeslam backbreaker attempt on the outside, tosses Corbin back in, goes to the second rope, but Corbin catches him. Corbin goes for End of Days, but Corbin lets Dillinger go. Corbin tosses Dillinger out. Corbin eventually gets Dillinger back inside the ring and hits the End of Days to pick up the pinfall victory.

Winner: Baron Corbin

Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is heading to the ring.

-Commercial Break-

Non-Title Match
Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya

Series of counters early with Natalya securing a takedown on Charlotte. Charlotte gets a front face lock and Natalya counters that into a roll up for a two count. Charlotte springboards over Charlotte in the corner and gets a roll up for a two count. Charlotte works over the head of Natalya, drops down, wraps her legs around Natalya’s head and flips Natalya around the ring into another pinfall attempt for a two count. Charlotte with a diving roll up from the ring apron for a two count. Charlotte catches Natalya with a boot. Charlotte does a little strut as Natalya tries to recover on the outside.

-Commercial Break-

Back live, Natalya connects with tons of stomps to Charlotte in the corner and gets in the face of the referee. Natalya with a snapmare, steps over the back of Charlotte, but Charlotte is back up dropping Natalya with a quick clothesline. Charlotte with chops to Natalya. Natalya drops Charlotte, but Charlotte responds with a big boot. Charlotte goes for the Figure Four setup and Natalya quickly breaks free. Charlotte with a backbreaker and facebuster to the corner on Natalya. Natalya with a sitdown powerbomb on Charlotte for a close two count. Natalya gets a Sharpshooter applied. Charlotte reaches out and gets to the bottom rope to break it up. They brawl to the outside and Charlotte cuts off Natalya with a big spear. Charlotte tosses Natalya back inside and immediately gets the Figure Four applied. Charlotte yells at her to tap. Natalya sits up and slaps Charlotte. Natalya is trying to counter out. Charlotte drops down over the ring apron keeping the Figure Four applied. Natalya finds a way to break free. Charlotte is going up top and Natalya cuts her off. Natalya with a superplex on Charlotte off the top rope.

Carmella’s music hits. She walks down with the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Carmella hands the briefcase to the referee. The referee hands off the briefcase, but we never get an official announcement. Charlotte levels Carmella with a big boot. Natalya runs up and rolls up Charlotte to pick up the pinfall victory.

Winner: Natalya

After the match, we see a very unhappy Charlotte Flair reacting to the loss.

Jimmy Uso is in action next against Harper.

-Commercial Break-

Before the match, Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos head to the ring with mics in hand. They both get a pretty loud and positive reaction from Dallas tonight. Jimmy and Jey talk about the championship match they were having with The New Day at Fastlane…until The Bludgeon Brothers got involved. They add that’s okay because they are still here and they remain champions. The Usos question The Bludgeon Brothers trying to take away the WrestleMania moment they want and deserve this year in New Orleans.

-Commercial Break-

Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso vs. Harper w/ Rowan

We are live as Harper is throwing chops at Jimmy on the outside against the announce table. Back inside, Harper works over Jimmy in the corner with more chops. Harper continues the chops on Jimmy and connects with a charge in the corner. Harper misses another charge in the corner and he goes flying over the top rope to the outside. Jimmy jumps out and gives Harper a drop toe hold onto the screen on the side of the ring. Jimmy jumps back in and Rowan is standing inside. Jimmy with a superkick to Harper. Jimmy covers and Harper power kicks out. Harper with a superkick of his own, Jimmy avoids a powerbomb, throws a big boot and Harper trips Jimmy up on the top rope. Harper throws the head of Jimmy over the steel ring post and Jimmy falls back inside the ring. Harper levels Jimmy with a huge clothesline and picks up the pinfall victory.

Winner: Harper

After the match, Rowan jumps in with Harper as they chase off The Usos at ringside.

Jinder Mahal is headed to the ring next.

-Commercial Break-

We are back live as Sunil Singh introduces Jinder Mahal

Mahal says everyone booing him are hypocrites. “I have sacrificed everything for an opportunity on the grandest stage.” He talks about how he could be the biggest star in Bollywood, but he chooses to be here in WWE and restore honor to the WWE Championship. Mahal wants to make Smackdown Live the premiere show, but the fans continue to disrespect him. “You people should be worshiping the ground I walk on.” He says the fans claim to be open minded, but they just want guys like Randy Orton.

Bobby Roode’s music hits to interrupt Mahal’s promo.

Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal in a triple threat match for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania 34 is now official.

Roode tells Mahal respect is a two way street and Mahal deserves no respect. He says the only thing Mahal deserves at WrestleMania is “me beating you in the middle of this ring” and wining back his United States Championship. Mahal yells he beat him last week. Roode says when he does just that, it will be absolutely…Roode gets cut off.

Here comes WWE United States Champion Randy Orton. He tells Mahal to shut up and wants to tell Mahal why his name isn’t included when they talk about great champions around here. Orton says without the help of a “stooge” like Sunil Singh, Mahal just sucks. Mahal takes off his jacket and then tosses Sunil at Orton as he bails out.

Orton grabs Sunil, Sunil tries to bail and Orton pulls him off the ropes connecting with his DDT. Orton teases an RKO on Sunil. Roode runs up and hits his Glorious DDT on Sunil instead. Roode goes for the Glorious DDT on Orton. Orton counters and goes for an RKO. Roode counters as well. We get a stand off between all three men.

Becky Lynch and Naomi will team up next.

-Commercial Break-

WWE United States Champion Randy Orton and Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh is announced for next week’s Smackdown Live.

Tom Phillips informs us The Riott Squad will be in the Women’s Battle Royal.

Becky Lynch and Naomi vs. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan

Sarah Logan immediately grabs Naomi and tosses her to the corner. Liv Morgan gets the tag. Noami with kicks to both Logan and Morgan. Tag to Becky Lynch. Becky and Noami with a hip toss to Morgan. Morgan kicks at Becky and then tosses her face first into the middle turnbuckle. Tag to Logan who stomps away at Becky with help from Morgan. Logan with a big running knee to Becky. Becky gets tossed out of the ring by Becky and knocks Naomi off the corner avoiding a tag out. Becky with an armbar on Logan. Morgan jumps in to break it up. Naomi with the Rear View to Morgan. Logan taps out.

Winners: Becky Lynch and Naomi

Backstage, Daniel Bryan is informed that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have arrived to the building. Bryan says he will confront them in the ring next.

-Commercial Break-

Daniel Bryan confronts Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

We return live with Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan in the ring. He says tonight has already been a big night for him. Bryan invites Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to the ring.

Owens and Zayn head to the ring smiling. Owens hugs Bryan and shakes his hand. Zayn also shakes Bryan’s hand. They both continue to smile when Owens grabs a mic.

Owens talks about seeing the news today that Bryan would be returning to the ring. He said they rushed over here as fast as they could to congratulate him. Zayn has a mic and says they wouldn’t miss this for the world. He says Bryan has been their biggest supporter since day one. Zayn says when the entire locker room hated them, Bryan was fair. He is even more excited that Bryan can return to the ring and Bryan smiles. Zayn says you can talk about the A show or the B show, but this is the dream show with guys like Bryan, Owens and Zayn on the roster. He adds that sounds like a dream team.

Bryan thanks them both for the kind words, but he didn’t bring them out here to hear praise like that. He brought them out here to talk to them about this. Bryan points to the screen and we see video highlights of Owens and Zayn attacking Shane last week, including a brutal powerbomb over a steel structure. Back live, Owens and Zayn are laughing and mocking the noise Shane made. Bryan asks them if they think that is funny. Owens says they got carried away a bit. Zayn says Shane kind of deserved it. Bryan doesn’t think they get it. “This is not a small thing. This is a big deal.” He wants them to understand what they did.

Bryan thinks they are two best performers in this generation. “And when Shane McMahon said that I was living vicariously through the two of you, he was right.” Bryan said every time they succeeded, he was happy for them and points out how they’ve known each other for over 15 years. He said what they did was more than just getting “a little” carried away and that they assaulted their boss. Bryan doesn’t understand because they won by being awarded a singles match at WrestleMania 34. He says imagine 10 years ago if they were told they were going to get a shot to fight each other at WrestleMania when they were on the indy scene. Bryan points out Shane was even going to leave and let Bryan run the show, but they still felt the need to assault the boss.

“Guys, I don’t get it.” He doesn’t want to have to do this. “Listen…I’ve been fired from this company twice and I came back a better man. You can learn and you can grow. And I hate that I have to do this. But Sami, Kevin, you’re fired.” Bryan says this doesn’t mean they are gone forever, but it does mean they are gone for now. Owens and Zayn are in shock. Bryan extends his hand to Zayn. Zayn shakes it. Bryan extends his hand to Owens. Owens shakes it. Owens teases that he is going to leave when he charges and takes out Bryan. Zayn mounts Bryan and starts throwing big right hands. Owens yells at Bryan that he did this. Bryan trips up Zayn and throws right hands. Bryan charges Owens and throws big kicks. Bryan with a german suplex to Zayn and leaping dropkicks to both in separate corners! Bryan is fired up! Bryan with Yes Kicks to the chest of Owens. Zayn tackles Bryan throwing lefts and rights. Owens props Bryan up in the corner. Zayn charges and connects with the Helluva Kick. Owens and Zayn stand over a knocked out Bryan. Owens yells in frustration and hits Bryan with a right hand as he tries to recover. Zayn grabs Bryan and tosses him out of the ring. Zayn throws Bryan at Owens. Owens grabs Bryan and gives him a Pop Up Powerbomb over the side of the ring apron. WWE officials jump in immediately.

Owens and Zayn are still upset when a stretcher is brought to the ringside area.

The show comes to a close with Bryan being placed on a stretcher.

Thanks for joining us tonight.

Our live coverage of WWE Mixed Match Challenge from Dallas is now in progress!

Quick Match Results:

* Shinsuke Nakamura def. Rusev
* Baron Corbin def. Tye Dillinger
* Natalya def. Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair in a non-title match
* Harper def. Jimmy Uso
* Becky Lynch and Noami def. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan

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