SmackDown results, Oct. 16, 2020: Roman Reigns sends brutal message with Universal Title victory over Braun Strowman

Lars Sullivan def. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy looks to end his SmackDown run on a high-note by slowing down Lars Sullivan’s bulldozing return to the squared circle. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Lars Sullivan bulldozed his way back into WWE action with a brutal beatdown of Jeff Hardy, Matt Riddle and The Miz last week. The Freak returned to the squared circle against The Charismatic Enigma and immediately came out charging. An injured knee grounded the high-flying Superstar, but Hardy nearly grinded out another win with a Twist of Fate. Sullivan was triumphant in his return though after a Freak Accident put Hardy away.

The New Day def. Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sheamus – New Day Farewell Match

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E team up one more time on the blue brand to face Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sheamus. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

The New Day started their Farewell Match with an impassioned speech to the WWE Universe and a promise that they will remain as strong as ever. Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sheamus tried to spoil the party with some early aggression. The trio of challengers looked for retribution after all suffering crushing defeats the week prior. An incredible combo started with Cesaro’s swing of Kingston into a Nakamura running knee that was followed up by a White Noise assist to Sheamus. After the dust settled, Big E and Woods teamed up for an earth-shattering double team maneuver to earn the emotional victory. The New Day embraced at the center of the ring and basked in their impeccable history on the blue brand.

The Street Profits def. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode by disqualification – SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match

The Street Profits battle Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in their blue brand debut. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

The Street Profits came to the blue brand in a shocking WWE Draft development and were looking to bring all the smoke in their debut as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. With "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair watching, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins put on a show against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. Frustrated by the unstoppable energy of The Street Profits, Ziggler & Roode lashed out, resulting in a disqualification. Ford delivered the final blow with a high-flying maneuver that took out both Ziggler & Roode and left the champions standing tall on the SmackDown season premiere.  

Roman Reigns def. Braun Strowman – Universal Championship Match

The Tribal Chief and The Monster square off in an epic Universal Title clash on the SmackDown season premiere. Catch WWE action on WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.

Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman closed the SmackDown season premiere with a larger-than-life Universal Title showdown. The Strowman Express was rolling early as the Goliath pounded Reigns over the barricade outside the ring. In shades of his showdown with Jey Uso at WWE Clash of Champions, Reigns drilled Strowman with a low blow while kicking out. Reigns pounced on Strowman and squeezed the life out of The Monster with a vicious guillotine hold to force the tapout.

After the match, Jey Uso announced his presence, as the Hell in a Cell matchup between the two looms just over a week away. The Tribal Chief used the opportunity to send a message to his cousin by annhilating the battered Strowman with a punishing Spear and steel chair smashes. In a stunning move, Reigns offered Uso the steel chair to deliver his own strike back. After some hesitation, Uso leapt at Reigns, but the Universal Champion shook off the initial attack and left his WWE Hell in a Cell opponent laid out from a Superman Punch.