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With WWE dealing with a series of positive COVID-19 test results among wrestlers and staff, tomorrow's edition of Friday Night Smackdown, which was expected to be re-written will now feature a Tribute to the Undertaker, including the broadcast TV debut of Wrestlemania 36's Boneyard match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles. The cinematic style match was covered in the final episode of Undertaker - The Last Ride, which debuted this past Sunday on the WWE Network.
WWE's announcement on their website reads, "With the WWE Universe still buzzing over the final chapter of WWE Network’s groundbreaking documentary Undertaker: The Last Ride, SmackDown will feature a special 'Tribute To The Undertaker' this Friday night. As part of the special recognition, the astonishing Boneyard Match between The Deadman and AJ Styles will air on television for the first time. As Superstars, legends, celebrities and fans have expressed their support for the sports-entertainment icon, the blue brand now gets to share the same message: Thank you, Taker. Join SmackDown in honoring The Undertaker and much more in another action-packed Friday night on FOX at 8/7 C."
The Boneyard match was nearly 36 minutes long at Wrestlemania 36, so if WWE doesn't edit the match down, they could utilize the footage to help fill a good portion of Smackdown's two-hour timeslot.
Today, WWE rotated talents and staff scheduled for this weekend's TV tapings all day at the Performance Center for drive-through COVID-19 testing in order to clear them for the tapings. There have been numerous positive tests in recent days with broadcast personalities Renee Young and Kayla Braxton as well as Producer Adam Pearce announcing they had tested positive.
Previously announced for Smackdown but no longer being promoted on WWE's website:
*WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman reacts to the return of Bray Wyatt.
*Sheamus has a "toast" for Jeff Hardy.
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