Despite injuring his knee tonight at the hands of AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy still managed to find a way to compete tonight for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and even managed to defeat Styles, becoming the newest champion.
In a match that saw Hardy struggle from the start, it was actually his knee injury that helped him win. Late in the match, Styles attempted to pick Hardy up and deliver the Styles Clash. However, Hardy – who was sporting a knee brace – delivered a kick to the head of Styles with the brace covered knee, stunning him just long enough for Hardy to hit the Twist of Fate before he landed the Swanton Bomb onto Styles for the win. After the match, Hardy was ecstatic about his win and newest championship reign, while Styles was livid backstage.
.@JEFFHARDYBRAND and @AJStylesOrg refuse to leave the #WWEThunderDome without the #ICTitle. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/hYXPa3ECmm
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2020
For more on how the match ended, check out below:
Styles kicks Hardy in the knee. Hardy drops like a sack of bricks. Styles rips Hardy’s pant leg to expose his knee brace. Styles focuses his assault on Hardy’s knee. After the break, Hardy fires up and hits a basement dropkick for a near fall. Gord buster by Hardy. Styles kicks out. Hardy calls for the Twist of Fury. Styles counters with a Pelé kick. Both men are down. Hardy tries to go up top but Hardy’s knee gives out. Hardy hits the mat hard. Styles sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm. Hardy counters with a punch to Styles gut. Styles rolls Hardy into the Calf Crusher. Hardy gets to the ropes. Styles tries the Styles Clash. Hardy hits Styles in the face with the knee brace. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate. Hardy goes up top and hits the Swanton for the win!
