Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
As noted earlier this week, the WWE SmackDown! Live script was changed just hours before the show went live. According to sources, Vince McMahon decided that he didn’t like what was planned at around 4PM EST. It should also be noted that several changes were made to RAW this week, but those changes had nothing to do with McMahon changing his mind. Several wrestlers weren’t cleared due to medical issues.
Ricochet was dealing with an elbow infection and that prevented him from being the original focus of a segment in which DX endorsed Seth Rollins over AJ Styles and the OC. Numerous sources note that Ricochet was going to be the pick of that segment, with DX pointing to him as the next major star. Rollins replaced him at the last minute.
Also, Rikishi was originally booked to give both The Revival and D-Von Dudley stinkfaces on the show. He was not medically cleared to do so, though.
Also, Pat Patterson wasn’t cleared for much since he’s 78 years old. That’s why all they had him do for the 24/7 Championship segments were weak kicks and then pin Drake Maverick with a foot on his chest. Gerald Brisco then pinned Patterson off-screen.
Scott Hall wasn’t cleared for anything physical either. Hall currently has a pacemaker in his heart.
Maryse was backstage but the decision was made not to use her as she is several months pregnant and showing.
