Heavy Changes Made To WWE SmackDown Dark Matches

WWE made some 'heavy changes' to their post-SmackDown plans on Friday night.

Two dark matches in Sami Zayn vs. Ludwig Kaiser and Gunther vs. Jey Uso vs. Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Title were originally planned for the SmackDown taping in Orlando, Florida. WWE ended up making major changes, Fightful Select reported, and Sami Zayn ended up taking on Santos Escobar. Gunther also defended the World Heavyweight Championship in a singles match against Jey Uso which went to a no-contest following interference from Ludwig Kaiser and Damian Priest. 

This led to a tag team match and Damian Priest and Jey Uso defeated Imperium. Fightful noted WWE made changes to the dark matches "simply to send the fans home happy."

The August 16 edition of Friday Night SmackDown featured a major angle as Jacob Fatu returned and took out Roman Reigns. The issues between the Old Bloodline and New Bloodline will reportedly continue for the next several months and be part of the main event of Survivor Series.