With the WWE Brand Extension that took place in July 2016, Ayers became a SmackDown Live exclusive official, officiating the WWE Intercontinental Championship title-vs-career match between Dolph Ziggler and The Miz at 2016's No Mercy event as well as the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship Six-Pack Challenge at WrestleMania 33. At WrestleMania 34, he refereed the SmackDown Women's Championship match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka. He was also one of the referees assigned to the inaugural cruiserweight classic and became an official on the 205 Live roster.