The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/01/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes, a debuting Ricky Saints, Charlotte Flair facing Jacy Jayne, and more.
The WWE Backlash PLE is on May 9th, which means it’s just eight days away, and so far, there are no SmackDown matches officially announced for that PLE. I assume we’ll find out some more Backlash matches tonight.
From the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this is SmackDown for episode #1393. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a video package about the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu story to set up their World Title match at Backlash.
They showed superstars walking before the show, including Brie Bella & Paige, The Irresistible Forces duo of Lash Legend & Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss, Jacy Jayne with Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid, and Sami Zayn.
The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a suit, and he’s still got a black eye around his left eye from WrestleMania weekend.
Cody asked, “What do you wanna talk about?” as usual. Cody said he met with the WWE medical staff and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis to find out if he would be medically cleared for action. Cody revealed that he is cleared for action. Cody said that begets the question about what’s next for Cody on SmackDown.
Ricky Saints interrupted the promo for his SmackDown debut. Ricky is a former NXT Champion and former NXT North American Champion. Ricky is also a close friend of Cody Rhodes.
Ricky let us know he is “Absolute” Ricky Saints and he’s the newest SmackDown free agent standing right in front of you. Ricky bragged about how young, rich, suave, and other things while claiming he is everything your mama wishes you are. Ricky said that he’s no stranger to Cody, and he says he is the revolution. Ricky welcomed Cody to Friday Night Saints, and the fans booed that.
Cody said he’s glad to have him on SmackDown. Cody wondered what the difference was from the last time they were together in a ring. Ricky said that Cody’s three title reigns have aged him about 30 years. Ricky bragged about being a former NXT Champion and a former North American Champion. Ricky said he congratulated Cody in the past when it was a detriment to his career, and now he’s here to relieve Cody of his duties. Cody said he told everybody he was cleared for action and Ricky was ready for some action, so Cody said let’s do Cody Rhodes against Ricky Saints tonight. They shook hands.
Ricky Saints said that he didn’t come out here to make a statement. Ricky said he’s here to change who the show is about. Cody said he’s easy to find and hard to beat.
Analysis: It sets up a big match with Cody Rhodes in action on SmackDown for the first time in a while, so that’s cool. It also puts Ricky Saints in a huge match right out of the gate on SmackDown, so I liked how it was done. Ricky is a talented veteran wrestler, and he’s more than capable in the ring.
A replay was shown of Fatal Influence causing havoc on SmackDown last week.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were about to be interviewed by Cathy Kelley when Rhea Ripley interrupted. Ripley said she’s willing to put her differences aside with Charlotte Flair and help out. Flair said that we have teamed before, but it doesn’t mean we have to team again. Ripley said there’s 3 of them and 2 of you, so Ripley claimed Flair needed her. Flair said that she knows Bliss and Rhea have this goth bonding thing, but Flair didn’t want Ripley’s help.
That led to Charlotte Flair’s entrance, joined by Alexa Bliss.
(Commercial)
The Cody Rhodes-Ricky Saints match is official.
Jacy Jayne made her entrance, joined by her Fatal Influence allies Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. Jayne did a promo trashing the fans for being losers. Jayne said last week, you got a small taste of Fatal Influence on SmackDown. Jayne said they loved embarrassing a legend. Jayne claimed they would take out legends one at a time, and who better to start with than Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte Flair (w/Alexa Bliss) vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Flair sent Jayne into the turnbuckle and Flair hit a shoulder tackle to knock Jayne down. Jayne hit Flair with a forearm to the back. Flair got a hold of Jayne, leading to a backbreaker, and Flair sent Jayne into the turnbuckle. Flair flipped Jayne over using her legs three times in a row. Flair did a Flair strut and crotch chop. Flair went for a Figure Eight, Jayne broke free and Bliss went up to Jayne on the floor, so Jayne bumped to the floor. They went on a break for three minutes as Jayne was in control.
Jayne charged at Flair, who caught Jayne and Flair hit a belly-to-back suplex. Flair chopped Jayne several times to put her down and Jayne did a nice job of selling it. Flair did the cartwheel clothesline. Flair hit Jayne with a boot to the face. Flair went up top and hit a cross body block, but Jayne rolled through for a two count. Jayne hit a superkick, and Flair came back with a big boot to the face. Flair went up top and Flair hit a moonsault with her knees hitting the mat for a two count. Jayne took Flair down by the knee and Jayne hit a pump knee to the jaw for two. Jayne charged and Flair knocked her down with a boot to the face. Flair went for the Figure Eight, the referee was looking at Jayne and Henley pulled Flair’s arms. Bliss punched Henley and then Reid hit a knee on Bliss. Flair knocked Reid off the apron. Jayne hit a Rolling Encore elbow on Flair for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jacy Jayne
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Flair giving Jayne a lot of offense to show Jayne is more than capable and then the numbers game came into play to give Jayne the win. It also showed that Flair needed Ripley’s house, even though Flair didn’t want the help. It’s a big win for Jayne as a “rookie” on SmackDown.
After the match, Fatal Influence attacked Flair and Bliss. Rhea Ripley, the WWE Women’s Champion, ran out for the save. Ripley beat up Henley and Reid outside the ring. Ripley wanted a Riptide, Jayne broke free and Jayne left. Flair and Ripley shook hands as a sign of respect.
Analysis: That should lead to a 6-woman tag with Fatal Influence against Ripley, Flair and Bliss.
Brie Bella and Paige were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Paige and Brie were confident about beating Nia and Lash tonight.
They showed R-Truth talking to Nathan Frazer & Axiom, aka Fraxiom, when Damian Priest walked up to talk. This was from earlier today. Priest said he looks forward to defending the WWE Tag Team Titles against Fraxiom. Truth claimed he was talking about taxes. Priest didn’t believe it. Truth was frustrated and now they have to defend the titles.
A commercial aired by Club WWE featuring John Cena.
(Commercial)
The Miz and Kit Wilson were backstage by a “Free Human Monies” sign by Danhausen. Miz and Wilson hid in a nearby room as Danhausen opened a briefcase with $40,000 in it. Danhausen left with the money. The Miz complained about Danhausen taking his money. They opened the briefcase and some powder went in Miz and Wilson’s face.
Analysis: Nice comedy.
WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom
Truth ran over Axiom with a shoulder tackle. Axiom hit an armdrag and a dropkick on Truth. Frazer tagged in against Priest and hit a running kick. Axiom went up top, jumped off the top and Priest hit a forearm smash. Axiom countered Priest with a hurricanrana. Frazer and Axiom cleared the ring of their opponents. They went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
The match continued with Priest working over Axiom and Frazer with forearms. Priest hit back body drops on both opponents. Priest hit a spinning kick and a flatliner on Frazer. Priest tried a lift, Frazer avoided it and Frazer kicked Priest. Truth got the tag leading to the Ron Cena offense with the shoulder tackles and spinning slams. Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Frazer and Axiom managed to send both opponents out of the ring. Frazer jumped over the top onto both opponents. Axiom hit a moonsault off the top onto both guys. Axiom got the hot tag, leading to a missile dropkick/sweep kick combo for two because Priest made the save. Priest dragged Truth to his corner and tagged in. Priest hit a shoulder tackle on Axiom to clear the victim. Priest hit South of Heaven on Frazer and a Razor’s Edge on Axiom for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth
Analysis: *** A solid tag team match between two babyface teams. Priest dominated at the end, and that’s why his team got the decisive win.
After the match, Talla Tonga of the MFTs was in the ring to destroy Priest and Truth. Talla gave a double Chokeslam to Axiom and Frazer. Talla gave Priest a Chokeslam onto a tag team title.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa
Solo Sikoa was in the ring with Talla Tonga for a promo. Solo said that last week on SmackDown, Jacob Fatu made a big mistake. There was a replay of last week when Fatu beat Sikoa and beat up MFTs after the match.
Solo said even though Jacob took out his army, he took out Talla Tonga’s family and that is Solo’s family. Solo said that his brothers are his brothers and they are his blood. Solo said they aren’t standing here right now because of Jacob. Solo said that when Jacob gets to this building, he is a dead man walking.
The Usos made their entrance as the fans sang along with their theme song. Jimmy Uso said that The Usos are now in your city. Jimmy said he knows Solo has an issue with Jacob Fatu. Jimmy said Roman Reigns has big problems with him too. Jimmy said that the mistake Jacob made was this past Monday when he put his hands on the Tribal Chief. Jey said that Jacob used the Tongan Death Grip and mentioned that Talla’s dad (Haku) used that move. Jey said that the move is the last resort. Jey told Solo to hold up until the Tribal Chief is done with him.
Jey told his younger brother Solo that they’re not asking him, they are telling him. Solo laughed it off. Solo claimed he didn’t have time for this. Solo nodded at Talla, so Talla kicked Jey and gave Jimmy a Chokeslam. Solo told The Usos to tell Roman Reigns that he is not Solo’s Tribal Chief. Solo said no matter what Roman says, they don’t care. Solo said whatever Reigns wants, Solo and his boys aren’t listening.
Analysis: I’m not sure where all of this is going, but it certainly made Talla Tonga look like a dominant force, just like the segment before. It also set up a tag team match for later.
Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage when Sami Zayn walked up to him. Zayn mentioned Cody was upset about Zayn calling him Golden Boy. Zayn said they all wished they were the Golden Boy walking in a gold outfit at WrestleMania. Zayn said they need to stick together because they’re the last of a dying breed. Zayn claimed they are the last real good guys, and they are the same. Rhodes said there was a lot of truth there, but they are not the same. Cody left for his match.
(Commercial)
Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Saints
I missed a few minutes at the start of this match. Cody hit a forearm smash to knock Ricky out of the ring. Ricky spun around the apron and hit a clothesline out of the ring. Ricky hit Cody with a clothesline out of the ring.
It was Ricky in control with a sliding kick to the face, followed by a headlock. Cody bounced off the ropes and hit a running forearm. Ricky hit a neckbreaker and knee drop for two. Ricky walked the ropes and punched Cody on the shoulder. Cody bounced back with a snap powerslam. Cody jumped off the ropes with a Disaster Kick. Cody jumped off the ropes again and hit a Cody Cutter. Cody went for a running attack, but Ricky reversed it and a spinning slam into a break. Ricky and Cody exchanged pin attempts. Ricky hit a Revolution DDT off the ropes for a two count. Ricky went for a lift, Cody countered it and Cody hit a Cross Rhodes that spiked Ricky on his head.
Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes
Analysis: *** A clean win for Cody Rhodes as you would expect in a match like that. Ricky got plenty of offense and hit some big moves, but they aren’t going to have Cody lose to him.
After the match, Cody Rhodes celebrated with the WWE Title when Gunther arrived and applied a Sleeper on Cody. Gunther let go and applied another Sleeper on Cody, who sold it like he was passed out. Referees showed up, so Gunther let go and left.
Analysis: Does this mean Gunther is a SmackDown guy now? I wouldn’t mind that. Gunther is awesome, and a feud with Cody Rhodes would be amazing.
(Commercial)
It’s Danhausen Time
Danhausen made his entrance to a big pop. Danhausen didn’t have to say and ended up throwing t-shirts to the fans. The Miz talked about everything that has gone bad for him and Miz admitted he was cursed. The Miz said he would be Danhausen’s mentor. Danhausen celebrated Miz-Hausen.
Kit Wilson went down to the ring to talk some sense into Miz. Kit wondered if Miz lost his mind. The Miz went on to talk about how great Danhausen has been. Miz spoke about Danhausen having a connection with the audience. Miz was about to shake Danhausen’s hand and was also offered a handshake from Danhausen. The crowd cheered at the tough of Miz and Danhausen as a team. Miz shook Danhausen’s hand and they celebrated. Miz said there’s only one thing left to do and that led to Miz attacking Danhausen from behind.
The Miz and Wilson attacked Danhausen, including Miz hitting a Skull Crushing Finale. Wilson went up top and hit an elbow drop on Danhausen, which the fans hated. Miz and Wilson celebrated.
Analysis: I wouldn’t call it a riveting segment or anything special. The fans do seem to care about the story with Danhausen finally getting The Miz as an ally, before it was taken away.
Royce Keys was shown working out for a match up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Blake Monroe coming to SmackDown. They showed Blake getting out of the bath while claiming that nothing is brighter than Blake Monroe. She is coming soon to SmackDown. That’s similar to when she was on NXT.
Royce Keys vs. Angel (w/Berto)
Keys tossed Angel into the turnbuckle. After a Berto distraction, Angel jumped on Keys’ back. Angel ran the ropes and Keys hit a clothesline. Keys splashed Angel against the turnbuckle and knocked Berto off the apron. Angel jumped off the turnbuckle, so Keys caught Angel in his arms. Keys gave Angel a spinning powerslam off the middle turnbuckle. Keys hit an Ultimate Spinebuster for the pinfall win after about two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Royce Keys
Analysis: * Squash city. Easy win by Keys as he continues his dominant ways on SmackDown.
The new Women’s US Champion, Tiffany Stratton, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Stratton, the birthday girl, said that this title needs to be defended more frequently. Chelsea Green arrived, saying she got Stratton a birthday gift – it’s her walking. Green said they are going for martinis. Stratton wasn’t interested. Giulia and Kiana James interrupted. James suggested Giulia have a title rematch next week. Stratton thought about it, but told James she would get a title match instead. Giulia seemed okay with it. Stratton said she wanted to see how James does when she’s not held back.
The Gingerbread Man costume was being put in the ring for a Sami Zayn segment up next.
(Commercial)
Royce Keys was talking to somebody on his phone and said he’d call them back. Jacob Fatu approached Keys and they shook hands. Keys said he’s known Fatu for 14-15 years. Keys said he’s still that same guy who would still run with Fatu. Keys said that Roman and The Usos are back on top, so they are back in business and they will take everything they want. Keys told Fatu to werewolf himself up and don’t let Roman take food off his table. Keys said that people like him and Fatu take everything they want. Talla Tonga arrived and attacked Keys by driving his through a table that was nearby. Solo went after Fatu, so then Fatu fought back and Talla gave Fatu a Chokeslam through a table. WWE Officials arrived to break it up.
Analysis: A cheap attack on Fatu and Keys while also reinforcing the idea that Keys is a friend of Fatu, which can come into play down the road when Fatu needs backup.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn made his entrance for a promo with somebody dressed in the Gingerbread Man costume. They replayed last week on SmackDown when Zayn attacked Trick and Little Yachty.
Zayn did a promo talking about how he can deal with bad reactions, but he can’t deal with disrespect. Zayn said that the Gingerbread Man represents Trick more than Zayn. Zayn said it’s too easy to do what Trick does while going over what Trick does and Zayn said he could do that. Zayn claimed that doing what he does is hard to do. Zayn said that when he sees Gingerbread Man, he sees Trick Williams not taking him seriously. Zayn said he sees this as disrespect. Zayn teased fighting the Gingerbread Man. Zayn apologized to Gingerbread Man, and then he kicked Gingerbread Man. Zayn attacked Gingerbread Man by ripping apart his attire.
Trick Williams made the save with the US Title. Trick got the upper hand with uppercuts, and then Zayn bailed out of the ring. Zayn went over the barricade and left to the backstage area. Williams checked on Gingerbread Man and did the “X” with his hands.
Analysis: I like Sami Zayn a lot, but this Gingerbread Man story felt like a big miss to me and the fact that it continued here is a bad sign. Trick making the save means the feud will continue.
A video aired about Paige and Brie Bella becoming Women’s Tag Team Champions at WrestleMania.
Nia Jax and Lash Legend were interviewed by Byron Saxton before their match. They were confident they would win their titles back.
(Commercial)
The US Champion, Trick Williams, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley outside the WWE Trainer’s Room. Trick said that Zayn crossed the line, taking out the Gingerbread Man and taking out Lil Yachty last week. Trick said he didn’t know when Yachty would be back. Trick bragged about spending money. Trick said he always gets what he wants and said when he wants it, he gets that ass and you can ask the legend herself. The doc gave Trick a Gingerbread Man update with his hand signaling a “no” sign. Trick said that at Backlash, he’s going to whoop Sami’s ass.
Analysis: It’s a new match for Backlash with Trick Williams defending the US Title against Sami Zayn. It also sounds like Gingerbread Man is no more, which is certainly fine with me.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige & Brie Bella vs. Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend
Lash decked Paige with a punch after a distraction from Jax. Lash hit a running splash on Paige. Jax tagged in with a headbutt. Jax went for a body slam, Paige got out of it, and hit a jawbreaker. Brie got the tag with a missile dropkick. Brie hit a running knee on Jax against the ropes. Jax lifted Brie to the apron, Lash held onto the leg and then Jax punched Brie out of the ring. They went on a break for some fans as the challengers took control.
The match continued with Lash preventing Brie from tagging out. Brie hit a headscissors on Lash. Paige tagged in with a kick and a running kick. Lash sent Paige into the apron, so Paige hit her with repeated knee strikes from the apron. Paige went up top and jumped off with a cross body block, but Lash caught her. Brie made the tag, Paige took down Lash with a Paige Turner and Brie hit a Bella Buster into the mat for a two count because Jax broke up the pin. Jax got the tag and splashed Brie against the turnbuckle. Jax went to the apron, Lash distracted the referee for some reason and Paige kicked Jax off the apron. Brie rolled up Jax and sat on top for the pinfall win after 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Paige & Brie Bella
Analysis: **1/4 It was just an average tag team match. I’m not sure why Lash was there distracting the referee, but it cost her team big time. The finish was clever at least.
A graphic was shown saying “In Memoriam” for the Gingerbread Man from 2026-2026 and he should Rest In Pieces.
(Commercial)
Next week on SmackDown:
* Gunther live
* Women’s US Title: Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James
* Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid
* The funeral of the Gingerbread Man
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, was backstage talking to Sami Zayn, who wondered if this was a joke. Aldis said everybody is grieving. Zayn wanted to make the US Title match at Backlash official. Aldis made it official. Zayn shook Aldis’ hand.
Danhausen approached Nick Aldis and demanded a match against The Miz and Kit Wilson at Backlash. Aldis said fine, just as long as Danhausen can find a partner.
Analysis: I think they might go with Royce Keys as Danhausen’s tag team partner, but I’m not sure. Keys is also involved in the Jacob Fatu story now, so it may not be home. They could go for something like Mr. Iguana, or you do a comedy thing and bring Omos back, even though he’s been in AAA. Just the visual of him with Danhausen would be funny. I don’t know who it’s going to be.
The Usos made their entrance for the main event tag team match. They walked in from the back of the arena as usual.
(Commercial)
The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga
Jey went after Talla with punches and a kick to the ribs. Talla clotheslined Jey, along with an elbow drop. Solo tagged in and Jey hit him with a jumping kick. Jimmy tagged in, leading to the forearm smash. Jimmy chopped brother Solo. Jimmy tried a leaping splash off the middle turnbuckle, but Solo caught him and hit a Spinning Solo span. Solo connected with a running hip attack by Solo against the turnbuckle. That led to a break.
The heels remained in control as Talla hit Jimmy with a clothesline on the floor. There were tags by Solo and Talla as they worked over Jimmy. Talla hit a running Samoan Drop. Solo set up for the Samoan Spike, but Jimmy avoided it, and Jimmy sent Solo out of the ring. Talla charged, Jey ducked and Lita was out of action due to the bump. Jey was on the apron, so Jimmy retired him. Jey tagged in with a suicide dive on Talla. Jey hit a cross body block off the top on Solo. Jey went for his punch combo, Solo blocked it, Solo tried a move and Jey hit a Spear for two. Jimmy went into the ring to kick Tala. Jimmy and Jey hit eachother sometimes. The Usos double-teamed Talla with a clothesline over the top to the floor. Talla punched Jimmy while he was on the apron. Jey jumped at Talla, but Talla blocked that, and Talla sent Jey into the barricade. Talla sent Jimmy into the steel steps. Talla cleared off the commentary table. Talla cleared the commentary desk as Fatu attacked Talla, and it was a DQ finish. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by disqualification: Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga
Analysis: ** A very average tag team match. Solo is a boring wrestler to watch, and Talla is right there with him. The Usos brought the energy to the fight, but it just didn’t click that well. I also felt like Jacob Fatu showing up to get revenge on Talla Tonga was likely, so I get why they booked the DQ finish.
Jacob Fatu sent Talla into the ring post four times in a row. Fatu picked up the steel steps and hit Talla with them. Fatu faced off with Solo, so Fatu applied the Tongan Deth Grip. Fatu tried a suicide dive, but Fatu caught him. Fatu put the Tongan Death Grip on Fatu as well. Fatu gave Talla a Samoan Drop through the commentary table.
Fatu went back into the ring, he saw The Usos in front of him and Fatu walked right past them.
When Fatu got out of the ring, he did a quick promo to tell The Usos that Fatu will dog walk Roman Reigns’ ass. Fatu said he’s all gas, and no break with it, yaddaimean? End show.
Analysis: It was justified payback for Jacob Fatu, and he continues to look dominant.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Jacob Fatu
- Jacy Jayne
- Charlotte Flair
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The Scoreboard
5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 6.94
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
What a weird show this was. There’s way too much comedy and not enough good segments. The match quality is also below what a 2025 wrestling show should be. SmackDown just isn’t clicking right now. I miss the likes of Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre, too. Jacob Fatu is being featured a lot, and that’s fine. It’s just that I don’t think Solo Sikoa/Talla Tonga are a main event act, so it brings everything else down.
The Gingerbread Man stuff feels like bad comedy to me more than anything. You already have Danhausen and R-Truth comedy on the show, and it’s usually good. The Gingerbread Man stuff just comes across as lame more than anything. I don’t blame Sami or Trick. It’s the creative team that’s failing them.
I am certainly ready for SmackDown to go back to two hours when it happens, but the show needs to be a lot more interesting, too.
The next WWE PLE is Backlash on Saturday, May 9th in Tampa. Here’s the lineup so far.
* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
* United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
* The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & ????
You can watch WWE Backlash, streaming live Saturday, May 9, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN Plus in the United States and Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport