The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/29/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes-Gunther facing off, Rhea Ripley having another showdown with Jade Cargill, and more.
The WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event special took place last weekend, and now the focus is on Clash in Italy taking place this Sunday. As for SmackDown, they are in Barcelona, Spain because the European tour kicked off a few days ago. The next two SmackDown and Raw episodes will be in Europe (along with two more shows in England later in June), meaning they will start in the afternoon for many of us in North America. For me in Canada, I use Netflix. This episode of SmackDown starts at 2 p.m. ET, which I certainly don’t mind.
I think the European tour taking place during this time is a strategic move by WWE since the NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup Finals will be on some nights opposite WWE programming in the coming weeks, so if you put shows on in the afternoon, fans can watch them live or any time they want, and you’re not going head-to-head live against what will be bigger audiences. As a sports fan, I appreciate it because I want to watch the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals games live.
Last week on SmackDown saw Cody Rhodes beat Sami Zayn in the main event. After the match, Gunther attacked Rhodes, and Zayn refused to help his friend, which further cements Zayn’s heel turn. Gunther held up the Undisputed WWE Title to end the show.
From Olimpic Arena in Barcelona, Spain, this is SmackDown for episode #1397. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed some pre-show walking of Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints, Chelsea Green (the fans cheered loudly for her), and Nia Jax with Lash Legend.
It was a packed house in Barcelona with a vocal crowd on hand. Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Lilian Garcia was the ring announcer. The Spanish announce team was at ringside too.
A video package aired showing some Saturday Night’s Main Event. It included Jade Cargill getting a big win in a 6-woman tag.
Let’s Hear from Jade Cargill
Jade Cargill made her entrance, joined by Michin and B-Fab. Jade challenges Ripley for the WWE Women’s Title at Clash in Italy. Jade was booed.
Jade said that she’s confused about how people act like she has something to prove. Jade said she’s one of one. Jade claimed she can do what she wants. The fans chanted, “Shut the f**k up” and it was getting muted a bit. B-Fab said Jade will beat Ripley. Michin said that the future is now. It was interruption time.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a massive ovation from the fans, and she was carrying the WWE Women’s Title. The announcers tried to push how difficult it would be for Rhea to beat Jade again.
Rhea spoke about how Jade brags about being dominant, but in reality, she uses people. Rhea said when it’s the two of them in this ring, Ripley beat Cargill. Ripley reminded Cargill she beat her at WrestleMania, and this Sunday, Ripley will beat her again. Ripley said that when the match is done, you’ll be looking up at your true champion. The fans cheered.
Jade trashed Ripley for stupidly thinking that the division revolves around Ripley. Jade trashed Ripley for working with women who don’t even like her.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance first, and she was joined by her tag team partner, Alexa Bliss. Flair said Jade’s only been in WWE for only five minutes, but don’t confuse your own hype for actual accomplishments. B-Fab spoke up and Flair called her one of Jade’s accessories. Bliss said that Jade has the ego of a legend. The fans chanted ‘Alexa” for Bliss. Bliss said Jade had a resume of a rookie. Jade called Bliss a little girl and said she was Flair’s ragdoll. Bliss said she’s gone toe to toe with people better than Jade.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, got a huge ovation for the interruption. Aldis said let’s stop talking about it and he set up Alexa against Jade. Good thing they are dressed in gear and ready to go, huh? Funny how that works.
Analysis: It took a while to get through all that, but when it’s a three-hour show like SmackDown, there’s plenty of time to fill. Jade does a nice job of being a cocky heel and I think it’s a natural role for her. Bliss standing up for herself against Jade was cool to see. The babyfaces were beloved by this awesome crowd, which is no surprise. I think Ripley beating Jade at Clash in Italy is very likely and I’d be shocked if anything else happened.
A commercial aired for Clash in Italy.
(Commercial)
Alexa Bliss (w/Rhea Ripley & Charlotte Flair) vs. Jade Cargill (w/B-Fab & Michin)
Bliss is a 5-time Women’s Champion and Jade is a 1-time Women’s Champion. Bliss did a necksnap across the top rope. Bliss jumped off the top, Jade caught her and hit a backbreaker. Jade got a hold of Bliss and gave her a military press as Jade let go and Bliss bumped on the mat. Bliss sent Jade out of the ring. Bliss tried a leap, Jade caught her and Jade gave Bliss a Powerbomb on the barricade. They went on a break with Jade in control and I’ll take a break too.
Jade was in full control for the previous three minutes. Bliss tried to fight back, but Jade hit an elbow to knock Bliss out of the ring. Jade slammed Bliss onto the apron. Bliss dropkicked Jade into the barricade. Jade went crashing her right knee into the steel steps. Bliss continued the attack with strikes and a dropkick. Bliss did a flipping senton and a Natural Selection-like neckbreaker for two. Michin tripped up Bliss while Jade distracted the referee, so Flair and Ripley fought with B-Fab and Michin to the back. Bliss kicked Jade in the knee and hit a DDT. Bliss went up top and went for Twisted Bliss, but Jade got the knees up. Jade hit a pump kick and Jaded for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill
Analysis: **3/4 A solid TV match to give Jade a big win over a veteran former champion like Bliss. Jade winning was the obvious result to give her more momentum going into Clash in Italy on Sunday. Bliss was able to get some offense in the final few minutes, but she didn’t really have much of a shot to win this.
After the match, Jade hit Jaded on Bliss onto a steel chair. Bliss put her hands out to take the bump on them. Ripley and Flair ran back into the ring to check on Bliss while Jade left.
Analysis: That’s some post match cheap heat on Jade. I think Ripley beating Cargill is very likely.
A replay was shown of last week’s SmackDown when Gunther beat up Cody Rhodes, and Sami Zayn refused to help his pal Cody.
Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked how he was feeling. Sami Zayn arrived, so Cathy left. Zayn asked if he had something to say to him and Cody said he had nothing to say. Zayn said Cody should say he’s sorry. Zayn said he didn’t ask for a fight with Cody last week because Cody asked for it. Zayn complained Cody used Cross Rhodes on him. Cody said that he did it to win a match. Cody said Zayn walked away when Gunther was choking him out. Zayn claimed he wanted to help Cody because he’s the last good guy around here. Zayn claimed he wanted Cody to learn a lesson. Cody said when he’s done with Gunther tonight, hopefully he can teach Zayn a lesson too. The fans cheered.
Analysis: It’s more of the same from Sami Zayn, not thinking he’s a heel and instead claiming he’s the last original good guy around here. Cody had a right to be mad at Zayn about last week and probably could have been even more aggressive about it here.
Nick Aldis was backstage talking to Danhausen, telling him he shouldn’t be doing more experiments. Aldis told Danhausen to improvise, so Danhausen left. The Miz walked up to Aldis, saying he’s not taking on Axiom without Kit Wilson there. Miz said Kit needs to learn from him so Kit can be a main event player. Miz complained he didn’t need help. Miz said he’s in his prime, and Aldis said he’s up next.
(Commercial)
There was a huge pop for Axiom, who is from Spain. He was joined by Nathan Frazer.
The Miz vs. Axiom (w/Nathan Frazer)
The lights went out early in the match, so it was likely something to do with Danhausen’s experiments. Axiom hit an armdrag and went for a kick, but Miz backed into the corner to avoid it. Axiom hit a dropkick and a kick that knocked Miz out of the ring. Miz kicked the middle rope when Axiom was going back in the ring. That led to a break for some fans, so I’ll take a break too.
It was Miz in control during the break and he hit a DDT for a two count. Axiom worked over Miz with kicks to the chest and a roundhouse kick. Axiom went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Axiom charged, Miz moved and Axiom hit the mat after missing a kick. Miz hit a clothesline against the turnbuckle. Axiom caught a leaping Miz in an armbar. Miz got out of that with a slingshot Powerbomb. Miz went up top, the lights went out twice, so Miz was distracted and Axiom hit a Spanish Fly. Axiom hit the Golden Ratio kick to the head for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Axiom
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a fun match to put over Axiom in his home country of Spain. The Miz knows his role of being a heel so well, and the fans hate him a lot. The key part of the match was the lights going out while Miz was on the top, which was due to Danhausen, so that led to Axiom hitting the Spanish Fly to set up the finish. It was another case of Danhausen cursing The Miz.
The WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest & R-Truth were talking backstage. Royce Keys walked in. Truth let Priest and Keys know they were teaming up tonight. Priest said he didn’t know if he could trust Keys. Truth fired up both guys to get them to agree to the tag team match.
Sami Zayn was backstage talking to Candice LeRae, whose husband Johnny Gargano was lying down on his side as usual. Zayn talked to Gargano, who was unresponsive as usual. Matt Cardona walked in, argued with Zayn, and they agreed to a match.
Damian Priest made his entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Charlotte Flair was hugging her pal Alexa Bliss backstage. Bliss was handed an ice pack. Flair left and Rhea Ripley spoke to Flair. Flair said Bliss is in pain and pissed off. Ripley said she’ll handle Jade at Clash in Italy. Flair said if you don’t handle Jade, then Flair will.
Damian Priest & Royce Keys vs. MFTs – Talla Tonga & Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa)
It was Talla starting with Priest, then Tama tagged in and Priest hit him with punches. Keys tagged in and gave Tama a stomach breaker on the knee. Keys hit a running splash and a powerslam. Keys ran over Tama with a shoulder tackle. Priest and Keys worked together to send Talla over the top to the floor. The Tonga boys were in control as the show went to break. Tama hit a senton splash onto Keys. The fans were chanting “F**k you Solo” and the swear word was getting muted on Netflix. Talla tagged back in to stomp on Keys. Talla applied a chinlock.
Keys tried to break free, but he couldn’t do so as Tama tagged in. As Tama charged, Keys hit a huge spinebuster or Choke Bomb as Wade called it. Priest tagged in with punches and a flatliner on Tama. Priest worked over Talla with strikes. Priest hit a spinning kick on Tama. Priest hit running back splashes on both opponents and a shoulder tackle to send Talla out of the ring. Priest hit a lifting flatliner on Tama. Priest jumped off the top with a clothesline on Tama for two. Talla broke up the pin, so Keys clotheslined Talla out of the ring. Solo went on the apron and hit a Samoan Spike on Priest. R-Truth made the save even though he’s injured. Solo hit Truth in the throat and Keys stopped Solo, but Tama jumped onto Keys’ back to knock him down. Back in the ring, Talla hit a Chokeslam on Priest for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: MFTs – Talla Tonga & Tama Tonga
Analysis: *** It was an okay tag team match to put over Talla Tonga yet again, which happens nearly every week on this show. They keep having Talla win matches, yet he’s not really in contention for any title or anything like that. The ending was chaotic with the guys on the floor causing a distraction, and it cost Priest because Talla hit his finisher for the win.
Nick Aldis was backstage when The Miz walked up to him and said that he could sue Aldis. Miz complained about the lights flickering. Aldis said he agreed with him and he’ll get to the bottom of it. Danhausen was in a room with flashing lights and he sprayed fire extinguisher spray into Miz’s face. Miz sold it and stumbled out of there. Aldis tried to see what human was under a sheet, but Danhausen told him not to touch it.
Analysis: Very evil.
A closer look at the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu rivalry is next.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu story, leading to Tribal Combat for Roman’s World Heavyweight Title at Clash in Italy.
There was a rundown of the Clash In Italy card.
- Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther – That’s the opening match.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
- Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Analysis: It’s a solid card. I’ll have a preview up sometime on Saturday. I’m not sure if any of the champions will lose a title.
Chelsea Green spoke to Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton. Green wanted Stratton to walk out with her tonight and Stratton said she’s not going to do that. Stratton wished her good luck, and Green looked sad.
Sami Zayn made his entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
A video aired about the big AAA match this Saturday featuring El Grande Americano facing Original El Grande Americano in a Mask vs. Mask match. It takes place this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on WWE’s YouTube channel at a show called Noche de Los Grandes.
Analysis: Cool video. Ludwig Kaiser and Chad Gable have done a great job. I’ll be watching the NBA Playoffs OKC Thunder-San Antonio Spurs Game 7 on Saturday, but right after it, I’ll watch Noche de Los Grandes and review it because I’m intrigued.
Sami Zayn vs. Matt Cardona
The fans were singing Sami Zayn’s song before the match, so Zayn said they were his ride or die fans. Zayn hit an armdrag that sent Matt across the ring. Zayn ran the ropes, Matt avoided him and sent Zayn over the top to the floor. Matt kicked Zayn on the floor. Zayn suplexed Matt from the apron into the ring for a two count. Zayn hit some chops, but Matt came back with a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. They went on a break for some fans, so I’ll take a break too.
Zayn was in control with a headlock while the fans were chanting for both guys. Matt hit some clotheslines and sent Zayn face first into the mat. Matt hit a forearm smash against the turnbuckle. Matt hit the running Broski Boot. Matt jumped, but Zayn sent him over his head and Matt hit a double underhook Powerbomb for two. Zayn nearly landed on his head/neck, but it ended up being safe. Matt hit a neckbreaker to counter Zayn. Matt went for a Rough Ryder, but Zayn countered it into a Powerbomb for two. Zayn charged at Matt, who hit a Rough Ryder, but Zayn got his foot on the bottom rope for a two count. Matt set up Zayn on the top, Zayn fought back with punches and Zayn jumped off the top, but Matt moved. Zayn hit an Exploder into the turnbuckle. Zayn hit the Helluva Kick for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: ***1/4 Sami Zayn needed a win after losing to Cody Rhodes last week, so they fed him Matt Cardona, who rarely wins his matches. Good nearfall for Zack’s Rough Ryder, leading to Zayn getting his foot on the bottom rope to get out of it. Soon after that, Zayn hit his finish for the win. I thought Zayn should have cheated a bit to win just because he’s more of a heel now, but it was mostly a clean win.
A video package aired about King and Queen of the Ring history. This year’s King and Queen of the Ring will be crowned on June 27th at Night of Champions. The winners of King and Queen of the Ring get WWE/World Title matches at SummerSlam. The qualifying matches start on Monday’s Raw.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty were backstage for some walking because Trick is up next.
(Commercial)
Nick Aldis was backstage, saying he granted you both television time to say what you need to say. Aldis told him to keep it civilized. Gunther said he’ll be civilized and attack Cody verbally. Gunther said he’ll tell Cody how he feels about him. Gunther took a shot at the city, saying next time they come to Spain, they should go to Madrid. Cheap line to end it.
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
The United States Champion Trick Williams made his entrance with rapper Lil Yacthy. The fans were chanting “WHOOP THAT TRICK” for Williams as usual. The fans loved Trick, that’s for sure. Lil Yachty introduced himself as the man with the money, the man with the connections, and the man who makes it happen. Yachty claimed we’re witnessing the Trick Williams Campaign.
Trick claimed he was the sexiest and most entertaining superstar alive. Trick said he’s been holding down the brand for quite some time. Trick talked about taking out The Miz and Carmelo Hayes. Trick claimed nobody has proved themselves to be the future of the business like Trick. Trick said he’s declaring for the King of the Ring tournament.
Carmelo Hayes arrived for the interruption and he was greeted with “Melo” chants. Melo said Trick is king of the microphone and king of the entrance, but he’s too little for king of the ring. Melo said tonight he’ll take care of Ricky Saints for getting involved in their business last week.
Trick said that Melo was being too melodramatic. Trick said Melo was making excuses. Trick told Melo he was better than him.
Ricky Saints joined the promo party since he’s in a match against Melo. Ricky said nobody wants to see this because they want to see Ricky Saints. Ricky said after he’s done with Melo, he’s going after the US Title.
Trick trashed Ricky for looking like a bobblehead and he made Trick sick. Trick told Rucky to shut up when Trick tells you to shut up. Trick said that we can find out who is the better man and we’ll see who gets a shot at Trick. Ricky claimed Trick is a one-trick pony. Ricky mentioned Trick’s lemon pepper steppers, so Trick backhanded Ricky out of the ring. The Melo-Ricky match was next.
Analysis: It’s an interesting US Title situation with Trick as the popular babyface champion, while Melo wants his title back and Ricky is trying to earn a title shot. It’s easy to see things from each character’s point of view, and they’re all good performers.
(Commercial)
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
The fans were strongly behind Melo with “Let’s Go Melo” chants. Melo hit a dropkick early on. They did a spot with Ricky trapped by the ropes, so Melo hit a springboard leg drop. Ricky worked over Melo with some kicks against the turnbuckle. Melo was back up with an enziguri kick. Melo hit a snapmare, along with a kick to the back. Melo went for a move off the ropes, but Ricky was there to shove him out of the ring. Ricky sent Melo into the barricade two times. They went on a break there as Ricky was in control and I’ll stay with the action this time. Ricky worked over Melo with a knee drop. Ricky did his rope walk across the top, leading to the punch to the shoulder. Ricky hit a knee drop for two. Melo hit a belly-to-back suplex. Melo hit some chops, but Ricky hit an uppercut for a two count. Ricky slapped Melo in the back of the head, so Melo slapped Ricky in the face. Ricky hit a snap suplex.
Melo and Ricky were on the top rope as Melo shoved Ricky down. Melo jumped off with a Frog Splash, Ricky got the knees up and Ricky hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Melo rolled up Ricky for two. Melo jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a DDT. Ricky and Melo exchanged punches, and then Melo jumped off the ropes with a springboard clothesline. Melo spun around Ricky’s upper body and hit a Dirty Diana spike into the mat. Ricky hit a neckbreaker to spike Melo’s head into the mat. Melo sent Ricky out of the ring. Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Ricky. Ricky sent Melo over the barricade. Melo jumped off the barricade with a clothesline. The referee was counting them out, the count got up to 9, Melo sent Ricky into the steel steps and Melo went back in the ring, but it was a 10 count by referee Ryan Tran. It went about 11 minutes.
Match Result: Double Countout
Analysis: *** I like both guys and it was a fun match, but I don’t love the double countout ending. I get why it’s done because it might lead to a triple threat for the US Title with Trick Williams, but I just think it’s a lame finish. With that said, you need to book countouts sometimes just to show that the referee’s counting is done for a reason. Melo and Ricky have good chemistry. A few more minutes would have been nice.
After the match, Ricky tried a cheap attack, but Melo fought back with a kick and the First 48 double knees. Ricky bumped out of the ring.
Analysis: I assume we get a rematch soon.
A video package aired about Oba Femi beating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. Brock retired after the match. One month later, Lesnar was back to attack Femi from behind, so the retirement is done. That will lead to Femi-Lesnar 2 at Clash in Paris.
Analysis: I think there will be three Femi-Lesnar matches, so I may pick Lesnar to win at Clash in Italy. I haven’t decided yet.
Nia Jax was backstage with Lash Legend when they approached Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton backstage. Jax said that Chelsea Green will learn to not mess with them. Lash claimed it was only a matter of time until the Women’s US Title finds a new home. Jax and Legend left.
(Commercial)
Blake Monroe was featured in a video talking about the fascinating women on the SmackDown roster. Blake said Rhea Ripley is as captivating as can be. Blake said she turns heads just by showing up. Blake said you can run for your fears, but you can’t run from her. Blake claims she’s the stuff of nightmares, but she dresses like a dream. Blake spoke about how she’s coming to SmackDown.
Analysis: I look forward to Blake on SmackDown. She’s a talented woman and a terrific heel.
Chelsea Green vs. Nia Jax (w/Lash Legend)
Jax tossed Green across the ring. Green sent Jax out of the ring and Green hit a suicide dive onto Jax on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued with Jax slamming Green from the apron into the ring. Jax hit a running hip attack on Green against the turnbuckle. Green tried to make a comeback, but Jax hit an elbow to knock Green down. Jax grabbed a chinlock.
It was Jax in control with a popup headbutt. Green hit a jawbreaker. Green charged right into Jax, who hit a sitout Powerbomb. Jax went for a leg drop, but Green moved. Green jumped up and hit a Dolph Ziggler-like Zig Zag for two. Jax charged, Green moved and Jax went shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Green went up top with a missile dropkick. Green hit a Rough Ryder leg lariat for two. Green kicked Lash, who tried to interfere. Jax capitalized with a Samoan Drop. Tiffany Stratton’s music played as the Women’s US Champion made her entrance at ringside. The referee was looking at Lash, so Stratton hit Jax with the Women’s US Title. Green covered Jax for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chelsea Green
Analysis: **1/2 A cheap win for Chelsea Green thanks to Tiffany Stratton’s interference. It was booked in a way where Stratton totally outsmarted Jax & Legend by arriving at ringside with the belt shot and Green covered for the fluke win.
After the match, Chelsea Green wanted a hug from Tiffany Stratton, but Stratton refused and walked away.
Analysis: It feels like one of those stories where Stratton will refuse Green as a friend until Stratton comes around to liking Green and they become friends.
Brie Bella and Paige were interviewed by Cathy Kelley as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Brie and Paige talked about how they are on a roll. Jacy Jayne arrived with her Fatal Influence buddies. Jayne declared she’s in Queen of the Ring. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid talked about how they were coming for those titles. Jayne said that soon enough, everybody will be under their influence.
The Cody Rhodes-Gunther face to face is next in the main event.
(Commercial)
Face To Face: Cody Rhodes and Gunther
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes got a huge ovation as usual. It was suit mode Cody as he got into the ring and saluted the crowd with the “WHOA-OH” chants during his song. The fans even sang Kingdom after the music stopped. Before Cody could say much, Gunther showed up for the interruption.
Gunther made his entrance in a dress shirt and the fans were chanting “Cody, Cody Rhodes” at him. Gunther said he’s not here to engage with any of the fans. Gunther said he’s new to SmackDown and he realizes this show has to be about Cody. Gunther said that Cody finds a way to make it about himself. Gunther said it’s a product of what Cody grew up in. Gunther said that Cody is the perfect symbol of the crumbling American Dream. Gunther claimed he was talking about the concept of the American Dream. Gunther said he’s earned the position he’s in, whereas for Cody, everything was just a phone call away. Gunther said Cody made one phone call to get into wrestling, to get into WWE and to come back to WWE. Gunther said it makes Cody an entitled brat. Gunther said that they are nothing alike. Gunther said that all that matters to him is to be the best wrestler in this company, and protect this sport from people like Cody. Gunther said Cody only cares about himself and he is his own biggest fan. Gunther told Cody he was a mark for himself.
Cody said Gunther is a liar while Cody talked about all the things he does as the WWE Champion. Cody said that Gunther doesn’t want a crowd that knows and sings every single word of his song. Cody asked Gunther if he wanted that. The fans sang Cody’s name. Cody said he knows Gunther wants all those things. Cody said that otherwise he’d talk to a 330-pound version of himself at an indy show. Cody said that Gunther is in peak physical condition. Cody talked about how Paul Heyman tried to intimidate him about being WWE Champion. Cody said that what he didn’t say is that this title is addictive. Cody said that Gunther is just as sick as he is. Cody said that Gunther will come this close to getting all that attention he seeks, and don’t lie to Cody about it. Cody said that he’ll find out the worst thing a pure sport wrestler like himself can learn – you’re just not that good. Cody said that he’s easy to find and hard to beat.
Cody tried to leave, but Gunther spun him around so they went face-to-face. Gunther said he’s not a liar while bragging about retiring Goldberg, AJ Styles and John Cena just like he said he would. Gunther said he’s promising Cody that on Sunday, he’ll choke out Cody, drop him like a wet towel and take this WWE Title with him. Gunther left while Cody held up the title. Cody was in the ring alone and that was the end of SmackDown.
Analysis: I liked the promos from both guys. Cody is a noble babyface who is easy to like, while Gunther is a confident heel who expresses himself well. It should be an awesome match at Clash in Italy. I’m leaning towards a Cody win, but I wouldn’t mind it if Gunther got the win.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Sami Zayn
- Cody Rhodes/Gunther
- Axiom
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The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 6.5
2026 Average: 6.90
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A solid SmackDown this week, but I wouldn’t call it a great show. I think the match quality was okay throughout the show, but there really aren’t any standout matches most weeks. When the show is three hours long, I’d like to see some matches get more time instead of everything getting around 10-12 minutes at most.
It was a great crowd in Barcelona, as we have come to know from the European fans. That always helps the show.
WWE Clash in Italy takes place on Sunday, May 31st. Here’s the lineup.
* Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
* WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
You can watch WWE Clash in Italy on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport