WWE SmackDown results, recap: Bray Wyatt, Terry Funk honored in touching tribute show

WWE superstars past and present came together to honor Wyatt and Funk just days after their deaths

Mixed feelings best describe the atmosphere for Friday's episode of WWE SmackDown. The promotion, its fans, its superstars and production team put together phenomenally touching tributes honoring the late Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk.

It was a somber week in professional wrestling following the news that Wyatt, 36, and Funk, 79, had both died. Wyatt's passing was particularly unexpected considering his age. WWE pivoted this week's program to honor both of their fallen heroes. What a job they did.

SmackDown also found appropriate ways to push forward storylines for various superstars while further honoring the legends of Wyatt and Funk.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.

Wyatt and Funk's spirits coarse through SmackDown

SmackDown opened with a 10-bell salute for Wyatt and Funk. Former WWE superstar Erick Rowan, who was an inaugural member of the Wyatt Family stable, was front and center along with later Wyatt Family member Braun Strowman. Other notable superstars in the front included Wyatt's last opponent LA Knight, his NXT mentor Cody Rhodes and Bobby Lashley, who was expected to be Wyatt's opponent at this year's WrestleMania.

A subsequent video package celebrated the life and career of Wyatt. Chants of "Thank You" Bray broke out in the crowd followed by a chilling fan sing-along of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." The opening tribute closed with a zoom-out and zoom-in on Wyatt's empty rocking chair.

Social media and video tributes to Funk and Wyatt were sprinkled throughout the show.

Later in the evening, Cody Rhodes was tasked with paying a tribute to Funk. Rhodes' father, Dusty Rhodes, and Funk had a legendary rivalry. Rhodes praised both Funk and Wyatt as pro wrestlers to earn the rare distinction of being "cowboys" of the industry. A video package celebrated Funk's unique career. Following the video, Rhodes announced a "Terry Funk Hardcore match" between the Brawling Brutes and Street Profits.

Knight later hit the ring ahead of his main event against Finn Balor. The match was booked as a tribute to Wyatt featuring two of his former rivals. Knight expressed the deep respect he had for Wyatt and the lessons he learned from Wyatt in the ring. Knight then turned his attention to his feud with The Miz. Knight ended his segment by issuing a warning to The Miz inspired by a wise man named Wyatt: "The next time you see me, RUN!"

Knight def. Balor via pinfall after Knight planted Balor with BFT after a competitive back-and-forth match. Wyatt's final opponent closed the show with one of the biggest wins of his main roster run. Balor appeared to have the match won as he postured on the top rope for Coup de Grace. Knight showed off his athleticism, leaping onto the top rope and suplexing Balor to the mat. Knight took advantage of a hurt Balor and closed the show with his finishing move. During the match, WWE commentators also announced that Knight vs. The Miz was set for Payback.

SmackDown closed with one last tribute to Wyatt. The arena lights shut down and his signature lantern illuminated the ring. An old photo was displayed on the titantron of Wyatt in the ring. Some clever camera work made it appear, for a moment, that Wyatt was actually in the ring in Louisville on Friday. Fireflies lit the arena as SmackDown went off the air.

Kudos to WWE for the thoughtfulness put into their tributes on such short notice. It's the variety of ways in which they honored Wyatt, in particular, that deserve praise. The 10-bell salute featured superstars who were integral to Wyatt's career. The incorporation of Wyatt's rocking chair and lantern were wonderfully thematic touches. The video packages were top-notch. The social media tributes were touching. Knight even used Wyatt as a tasteful plot device to motivate him in his feud against The Miz. A special credit to the fans who sang "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." That was a beautifully chilling moment. Having Rhodes deliver a speech in Funk's honor and booking a hardcore match were a great way of dedicating some well-deserved time to the Hall of Famer.

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Rey Mysterio def. Grayson Waller via pinfall after hitting a 619 and springboard splash. Austin Theory and Santos Escobar also interfered in the match.
• WWE Women's Championship -- Iyo Sky (c) def. Zelina Vega via pinfall after landing her signature moonsault to retain her title.
• Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) def. Brawling Brutes (Butch and Ridge Holland) via pinfall after driving Holland through a table with Revelation during the Terry Funk Hardcore match. Lashley aided the Street Profits during the match.
• John Cena's return was confirmed for next week's SmackDown.
• Mysterio and Escobar vs. Theory and Waller was booked for next week's show.
• Mysterio vs. Theory for the United States championship was booked for Payback.
• Knight vs. The Miz was booked for Payback.
• It was announced that Cody will be on the Grayson Waller Effect at Payback.