More On The Backstage Changes Made To Friday’s Episode Of WWE SmackDown

We reported last night here on eWn that several changes had to be made after some talents were dealing with concerns over COVID-19. Despite a few changes being made, most of the show went as planned.

According to a report from Pwinsider, the United States Open Invitational tournament match was always planned to last 2-3 segments. Additionally, Santos Escobar vs. Austin Theory and Dominik Mysterio vs. Butch were planned for the show going into it. There was some extra time given to both matches on Friday afternoon once it became clear that one or two other segments would not be taking place.

As far as the announcement of Asuka’s opponents for SummerSlam is concerned, that was the biggest change on the show. The original plans called for an in-ring segment with Bianca Belair, Asuka, Charlotte Flair and Adam Pearce. That segment was scrapped and the company announced the match on social media instead. Bianca Belair and The Street Profits did not appear on the show.

A match between IYO SKY and Zelina Vega was also changed. Instead, we saw SKY vs. Flair. For what it’s worth, Zelina Vega was backstage at the TV tapings.

Finally, it was said that a Rick Boogs vs. Odyssey Jones dark match was planned for before the show. That never wound up taking place.

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