Smackdown started with a chaotic scene that led to the removal of Jeff Hardy from the Intercontinental title tournament because he was arrested, playing off the real life issues that Hardy had in the past.
The show started with Elias down outside the Performance Center and EMTs attending to him. It was then revealed that Elias was a victim of a car crash and the person who was driving was wearing a black pants and shirt and ran away.
The car ended up being owned by Jeff Hardy and Hardy was found passed out close to the scene. He was arrested and removed from the semi final tournament match later in the night.
Jeff was supposed to take on Daniel Bryan but was replaced by Sheamus, who last week lost to Hardy in the tournament. Sheamus advanced by winning a 10-man battle royal which also featured Drew Gulak, Jey Uso, Gran Metalik, King Corbin, Cesaro, Shorty G, Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Dolph Ziggler.
Elias, who was supposed to wrestle AJ Styles, also did not wrestle since he was taken to a medical facility and AJ Styles chose to take the bye instead and go straight to the finals.
Later on Smackdown, Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus to advance to the finals of the tournament and will now meet AJ Styles in two weeks time to determine the new champion.
