The first two matches have been confirmed for the tournament to crown a new WWE Intercontinental Champion, which will begin during tonight’s SmackDown on FOX episode.
Elias vs. King Baron Corbin and Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak will air on tonight’s taped SmackDown as the first two tournament matches, according to PWInsider. There’s no word yet on the tournament format or when the finals will take place, but we should know more after tonight’s show.
As noted, Sami Zayn was recently stripped of the title due to being unable to defend. He has not been at recent WWE tapings, reportedly because he has concerns with wrestling during the coronavirus pandemic. Sami has been away since retaining over Bryan at the WrestleMania 36 tapings, which were held in late March. That was his first title defense since winning the strap at Elimination Chamber on March 8.
You can click here for a new backstage report on WWE talents being unhappy with the ruling on Sami and the Intercontinental Title.
Stay tuned for more on the Intercontinental Title tournament and be sure to join us for live SmackDown coverage at 8pm ET.
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