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There were a lot of late revisions to the opening segment of Friday Night Smackdown tonight, PWInsider.com can confirm. Originally, the segment was designed to open with a Kevin Owens promo that would see Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes get involved. There was a lot of bouncing back and forth on what would best for everyone involved creatively and they landed on the version that played out. There was even talk of Jey Uso being involved at one point before they went into a different direction. Shawn Daivari produced the segment.
The Tiffany Stratton cash-in and title change was planned for weeks and was a closely guarded secret, we are told. It was not known among many the change was coming. We are told it was planned for the Smackdown expansion specifically to have a big moment for The USA Network, the series and Stratton.
Producers for tonight's broadcast:
*Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade - Jamie Noble.
*Piper Niven vs. Michin - Shane Helms and Ken Doane.
*DIY vs. The Motor City Machine Guns - Bobby Roode.
*Nia Jax vs. Naomi - TJ Wilson.
*The Bloodline vs. Sami Zayn & Braun Strow & Jimmy Uso - Michael Hayes
The Paul Heyman - Solo Sikoa promo segment was also produced by Michael Hayes.
Nick Aldis produced a Candice LaRae vs. Natalya bout that was taped for this Wednesday's WWE Speed before they went on the air with Smackdown.
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