Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown kicked off with a joint “In Memory Of” graphic for Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
The entire roster was on the stage, along with Chief Content Officer Triple H. RAW Superstar Cody Rhodes is also there. Braun Strowman, who is currently out of action with an injury, is also there.
WWE brought back Erick Rowan for tonight’s show as well.
Michael Cole then announced that WWE will pay tribute to Funk and Wyatt tonight.
WWE then aired an emotional tribute video looking back at Wyatt’s career. After the video, fans sang “he’s got the whole world in his hands”.
After that, Wyatt’s rocking chair was shown on the entrance ramp, as the lights went off.
He's got the whole world in his hands…
Thank you, Bray Wyatt. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/aLSay3lYh1
— WWE (@WWE) August 26, 2023
Cole then announced that Cody Rhodes will pay his tribute later in the show and that tonight, the WWE Superstars are here to do what they do best – entertain.
Rey Mysterio comes out next for the first match of the night. Mysterio looks deeply affected by Wyatt’s death and didn’t bring his United States Championship with him.
His opponent is Grayson Waller, who is in his heel character. It was then announced on commentary that Cody Rhodes will appear on The Grayson Waller Effect at the upcoming Payback premium live event on September 2nd.
Austin Theory tried to interfere in Mysterio’s match, but Santos Escobar took him out.
– United States Champion Rey Mysterio def. Grayson Waller
Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory for the United States Championship will take place at Payback. Theory became the #1 contender on last week’s SmackDown.
– WWE played Bray Wyatt’s voice and then showed The Fiend’s debut.
– Damage CTRL made fun of Kayla Braxton and Zelina Vega’s height in a backstage interview.
– IYO SKY (c) def. Zelina Vega to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
To pay tribute to Bray, Zelina wrote his name on her arm:
– WWE showed tweets of wrestlers paying tribute to Bray Wyatt.
– Cody Rhodes came out to pay tribute to Terry Funk. Cody jokingly recalled that Funk once called his father Dusty Rhodes an “egg sucking dog”.
The American Nightmare said Funk gave ‘the rub’ to so many wrestlers over the years. WWE then showed a tribute video for Funk.
– Bray Wyatt’s WWE Championship victory from 2017 was shown.
– Terry Funk Hardcore Match: The Street Profits def. The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland & Butch)
Butch accidentally bumped into Bobby Lashley while taking out a Table from under the ring. Lashley took Butch out with a vicious Spear on the floor.
– WWE showed Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House moments.
– LA Knight came out and said tonight is about Bray Wyatt. Knight said Wyatt did everything to him that’s imaginable during their match at Royal Rumble 2023, but he was getting him ready for anything. He then said ‘Thank you Bray’.
Knight then addressed The Miz calling him a fad during an interview with TMZ. Knight said Miz’s stunt double was more popular than Miz. When Miz was the WWE Champion and main evented WrestleMania 27, he took a backseat to The Rock – John Cena feud.
LA then paid tribute to Wyatt once again by sending the following message to Miz:
“A wise man once told me, when you see me… RUN.”
He was getting me ready for anything. Thank you, Bray.
– Wyatt’s Extreme Rules 2022 return was shown.
– LA Knight def. Finn Balor
After the match, Knight pointing to the sky and dedicated his victory to Wyatt. WWE announced that Knight will face The Miz at Payback.
After this, WWE shut the lights off in Bray Wyatt fashion and paid the final tribute of the night to Wyatt, by placing his Lantern in the ring and showing a photo of Wyatt standing in the ring on the titantron.
You can watch it below:
— @LuigiWrestling (@luigiwvideos2) August 26, 2023
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