Tag: rhea ripley

WWE SmackDown lineup announced following Clash in Italy

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Cody Rhodes will appear on WWE SmackDown to discuss the fallout of the controversial title match ending at Clash in Italy. 

WWE SmackDown will take place at  Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy. It aligns with their ongoing European Tour which sparked in the week leading to Clash in Italy, and will continue till June 24. The upcoming edition of SmackDown airs at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT internationally on Netflix.

The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continue on SmackDown with more first-round action. 

WWE SmackDown (Friday, June 5) – 

  • King of the Ring tournament continues with Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Queen of the Ring tournament proceeds with Bayley vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will address fans after the controversial win at Clash in Italy 
  • WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is set to make an appearance 
  • Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints collide in yet another rematch 

Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill result at WWE Clash in Italy 2026

Posted on by Ian Carey

Rhea Ripley is still the WWE Women’s Champion.

She retained her title against former champion Jade Cargill on Sunday at WWE Clash in Italy.

The finish saw Ripley give Cargill a Riptide after receiving help from Charlotte Flair to fend off B-Fab and Michin.

Ripley appeared to have the match won earlier, only for B-Fab to put Cargill’s foot on the rope during the pin. Flair later came through the crowd to take out both Michin and B-Fab, then put Ripley’s foot on the ropes during a later pin attempt.

Rhea Ripley WWE Championship history

The win was Ripley’s first successful defense of the title on WWE programming since defeating Cargill for the belt at WWE WrestleMania 42.

This is Ripley’s second reign with the WWE Women’s title, her first having taken place in 2021 when she defeated Asuka for the belt at WrestleMania 37. She later dropped the belt to Charlotte Flair at WWE Money in the Bank on July 18, 2021.

Ripley is also a two-time Women’s World Champion, a one-time NXT Women’s Champion, and the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion. She is a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, having held the belts with Nikki Cross and Iyo Sky once each. She also won the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble and was voted Women’s Wrestling MVP in the 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards.

WWE stars who need a win at Clash in Italy | Opinion 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Sunday’s WWE Clash in Italy features several rematches against talent with some stars seeking to either gain momentum or shift momentum in their favor. With championship implications and ongoing storylines, the PLE presents a crucial opportunity for stars to re-establish themselves. 

Here’s a few talents who need to win at WWE Clash in Italy.

Sol Ruca

Ruca won their non-title SNME bout via disqualification last weekend as an awkward landing after the Sol Snatcher forced the stoppage. 

Ruca and Lynch had their first encounter on the May 4 edition of Raw. Ruca was in the middle of signing her contract, officially transitioning to the main roster. Lynch intervened to confront Adam Pearce for her impromptu match against IYO SKY the previous week. 

Despite the mixed reactions, Lynch levels up and boosts her opponents. While it seems like the Women’s Intercontinental Title is struggling to brand its own identity, Ruca’s win could help define it with exciting matches and feuds. 

Oba Femi

Femi already showed his physicality and worth against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. Another win against him would help cement him as WWE’s next powerhouse attraction. He has developed the momentum, but a second win over someone of Lesnar’s stature would solidify his credibility as a main event force.

It would also avoid predictable squash matches which were taking place as a part of Femi’s open challenges after WrestleMania. Apart from a rivalry with Roman Reigns, which was teased in the Mania post show and Gunther’s interest in a possible feud, the pool of believable opponents is limited. 

Femi needs to gain a victory over Lesnar again at Clash in Italy so he can strut on to better opportunities and most likely the World Heavyweight Championship. 

Jade Cargill

The formulaic attraction of Cargill’s limited title defenses during her initial World title reign made it difficult to sustain her character development. It often came across as WWE protecting her to ensure her dominant position. However, it fell flat. 

Rhea Ripley has strong connections to ongoing storylines. The tension with Charlotte Flair stemming from their history is teasing another singles feud down the line. Jacy Jayne confronting the champion on the April 24 edition of SmackDown demonstrated why WWE may be keen on keeping her in the center of the women’s division. 

Without the championship, Cargill could focus on fresh feuds against top notch opponents before a likely future as a two-time WWE Women’s Champion. 

Gunther

Gunther has already been presented as a physically dominant World Heavyweight Champion. If he defeats Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship Sunday, that would be the final step in establishing himself as the company’s ultimate in-ring force.

Rhodes is in his third reign as champion. Initially, he was backed by fans worldwide to end Roman Reigns’ record-breaking Universal Title reign and take over the reins of the new era in WWE. However, over time, his monotonous tone and persona has become predictable. 

With a heel like Gunther taking the WWE Title from Rhodes, it would give him some time off from the constant spotlight and refresh his character direction. Meanwhile, it would be a change of pace with Gunther’s brutal, methodical style of wrestling in the WWE Championship picture. 

Roman Reigns

The Tribal Combat match is built to feel like it’s Roman Reigns’ domain. Reigns’ presence is still central to WWE. While this reign may feel a lot like his last one, a loss this soon would risk undercutting the aura WWE has rebuilt for him since his return to full-time competition.

Jacob Fatu’s determination is set in the right place — to take everything Reigns has for himself. However, that might get the best of him and detour him from seeing the bigger picture, blinding him with the right motive and method to get the victory over Reigns. He has proven it multiple times that his anger and quest has been the main influence to determine his next move. 

At the same time, it would enable WWE to carefully plot who could take over the leadership reins from him instead of a rushed takeover by Fatu.

New match, two segments added to WWE SmackDown lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints has now been added to the card for today’s SmackDown. It’s a rematch from two weeks ago where Hayes won by putting his feet on the ropes for leverage. They had an angle last Friday where Hayes attacked Saints during a backstage interview.

**********

Segments involving Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill are officially on the books for today’s SmackDown in Barcelona.

WWE makes a stop in Spain today to finish out the build to Clash in Italy. Ahead of his title defense against Gunther, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be on the show to address Gunther’s attack from last week. Jade Cargill is also scheduled for an appearance where she will deliver one final message to WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley ahead of their Clash in Italy title bout.

The Cargill segment is expected to open the show, according to Rope Break (formerly known as PWN and previously associated with Bodyslam.net).

Rhodes vs. Gunther and Ripley vs. Cargill are both slated for the first hour of Sunday’s Clash in Italy PLE, which will be simulcast on ESPN.

Today’s SmackDown is airing live on Netflix overseas before being shown in its regular time slot on USA Network tonight for U.S. viewers. The start time for the international broadcast is 2 p.m. Eastern.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 29) —

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addresses Gunther’s attack from last week
  • The Miz vs. Axiom
  • Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
  • Jade Cargill has one final message for WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley shares update on Buddy Matthews’ return from injury

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Out and injured for several months now, Rhea Ripley has shared a major update on her husband Buddy Matthews’ return timeline.

While Ripley is one of the biggest stars on the WWE roster, her husband, Matthews, was also one of the most popular names in AEW. However, after suffering an injury last year in February 2025, Matthews has not been seen on AEW television.

Recently appearing on What’s Your Story with Steph McMahon, Ripley shared a detailed update on Matthews’ recovery and return.

“He’s still starting to get back into the ring stuff because he got injured over a year ago in February when they [AEW] went to Australia. So he got injured then, so he’s just started getting back into the ring now, and just trying to rehab it and see what he can do. He’ll get in, and we’ll run the ropes,” Ripley said.

“I’ve been teaching him some rolls, since the boys’ class didn’t do as many rolls as the girls ‘class, apparently… We’ve been getting in a little bit. Also, I get nervous about getting hurt, especially these days, because I’m always on the road, I’m always doing stuff. I want to stay sharp, but I also don’t want to get beat up more than I get beat up. So I go a little bit easier. He’s definitely going harder than me right now because he’s trying to get back into that mode.” (H/T Fightful)

Where is Buddy Matthews now?

It has been almost 15 months since Matthews was ruled out of action with an injury. He last wrestled Kazuchika Okada at Grand Slam Australia, where he suffered an ankle injury.

However, recovering and preparing for his in-ring comeback, Matthews recently shocked the world when he made his surprise appearance for World Series Wrestling. Following that, he was also announced for an upcoming indie tour across New Zealand and Australia.

Rhea Ripley ‘collapsed’ in WWE catering last year: ‘My body was shutting down’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

During a dark period in her life, Rhea Ripley suffered a panic attack backstage at a WWE show and “collapsed” in catering.

Ripley, appearing on the latest episode of Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast, opened up about how she’s learned to become less of a people pleaser and end friendships that are no longer working. There was a moment in time last year where Ripley had to cut a friend out of her life. On top of that, she was feeling a lot of self-imposed pressure at work surrounding Crown Jewel 2025 in her home country of Australia. It all boiled over with Ripley collapsing at the end of the Australia tour.

“The toughest time for me hit when we were in Australia,” Ripley said. “So I had that on my mind, I had the people pleaser in me trying to see everyone at home. I had me trying to please everyone in Australia because I felt like the face of Australia in WWE. So I was like, I take full responsibility for everything that’s happening here. I take responsibility for how I perform. I take responsibility for how these fans treat my peers. I took responsibility for too much, and I just wanted to make sure everyone was happy. And I was just at such a really low point. Even after — because we had the three shows, I had SmackDown, then we had Crown, and then we had Raw — by the time Raw was done, I like collapsed in catering.”

“It was bad. I had like a full panic attack and I just couldn’t — I hadn’t eaten, I hadn’t drank water, my body was shutting down, and I was probably the skinniest I’ve ever been. And I was just like dying.”

The “What’s Your Story?” episode was recorded prior to WrestleMania 42, where Ripley defeated Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship. Around that time, Ripley disclosed that she’s suffered from an eating disorder, which is triggered by stress and not feeling in control. She credited her husband Buddy Matthews for being a “strong point” who helps her through these struggles.

Rhea Ripley at WWE Clash in Italy —

This Sunday, a WrestleMania rematch will take place at Clash in Italy when Ripley defends the WWE Women’s Championship against Cargill. The bout is scheduled for the first hour of the PLE broadcast, which begins at 2 p.m. Eastern time and will be simulcast on ESPN.

Ripley has dedicated this match to her late grandmother who grew up in Italy.

“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but never had the opportunity. This weekend I finally get to live that dream at #ClashInItaly!,” Ripley wrote. “My Nonna was one of the most important and strongest people in my life. Going to the country where her and my Nonno grew up feels like I’m about to visit a home I’ve never had the pleasure to experience. I miss you every day! This one’s for you! I hope I make you proud when you look down on me.”

WWE announces two Clash in Italy matches for ESPN

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Last week, WWE announced that the first hour of Clash in Italy would be airing on ESPN. Tonight they announced which matches will occupy that timeslot.

During tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw named two matches that would open Clash in Italy. One was Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Undisputed Championship against Gunther. The other will be Rhea Ripley defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill in a WrestleMania rematch. 

The full card for Clash in Italy:

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship
  • Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship
  • Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
  • Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
  • Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Clash in Italy airs on May 31 from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. The event will start at 8 p.m. local time, which will be 2 p.m. on the East Coast of the United States, 11 a.m. on the West Coast. Full information on how to watch can be found here. 

WWE Women’s title match official for Clash in Italy

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill will clash in Italy.

It was confirmed at the start of Friday’s SmackDown that Ripley and Cargill will meet again on May 31 in Turin, Italy. She talked about how she had one week off and yet everyone had missed her. She said if Cargill wanted her so badly, she would beat her again in Italy.

Ripley defeated Cargill for the WWE Women’s title at WrestleMania last month. Cargill vanished from television until recently returning, setting her focus right back at Ripley, calling her out on last week’s show. Ripley has banded together Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss in recent weeks to fight back against both Fatal Influence and Jade Cargill. But the relationship between the three has been rocky, to say the least, with Flair reluctant to completely join forces with Ripley.

On Friday’s show, Flair and Bliss arrived with Flair telling Ripley that they have to focus on their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where they will team together to take on Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin. The two ended up getting into a shouting match until Fatal Influence interrupted, setting up a tag team match for later in the show.

WWE Clash in Italy (May 31)

  • WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defends against Gunther
  • Tribal Combat match for World Heavyweight title: Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley defends against Jade Cargill

WWE SmackDown live results: Tiffany Stratton US title open challenge

Posted on by Marc Quill

The road to Clash in Italy rolls through Lexington, Kentucky, on tonight’s WWE SmackDown with a week to go until the event in Turin, Italy.

A confrontation between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and impending title challenger Gunther is being promised after Rhodes took out the “Ring General” last week.

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will open the show by answering Jade Cargill’s challenge for a rematch at next weekend’s PLE.

Reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton will hold an open challenge.

After defeating Ricky Saints last week in his return, former WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will share some thoughts on reigning champion Trick Williams and his running mate, Lil’ Yachty.

Drew McIntyre will return on the show in his first appearance since losing to Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42.

The only match announced thus far features Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga.

**********

Rhea Ripley kicks off SmackDown

The reigning WWE Women’s Champion got our night going as she made her way to the ring. We got a recap of Jade Cargill’s return from two weeks ago and how the former champion and her Baddies put a beating on Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.

“Welcme to Friday Night Mami”, Ripley opened in her usual manner. She talked about how she had one week off and everyone missed her. All Jade Cargill and her crew did was manage to piss Ripley off. She said that if Cargill wanted it so badly, she’d beat her again at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship. As Ripley raised her belt high, her uneasy allies Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss interrupted.

Flair said that she appreciated Ripley wanting to defend her title, but she and Charlexa had their six-woman tag match tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event to look forward to. Flair wondered where Ripley was last week when Cargill and her Baddies laid her and Bliss out. Ripley said that she went home to see her family. Ripley got mad at Flair’s accusations, stating that Bliss got the most of the brunt and that if Flair couldn’t have the back of her own partner, how can she count of Flair’s help.

Fatal Influence, the trio making waves on SmackDown as of late, interrupted the proceedings. Jacy Jayne said that her group was making an impact and that Ripley, Bliss and Flair were at each other’s throats since Fatal Influence arrived. Flair didn’t have time for this as she offered any two of Fatal Influence to face her and Bliss in tag team action later tonight.

This was a good opener to establish the situation of “can they co-exist” with Ripley and Bliss/Flair.

**************

– Backstage, Alexa Bliss gave the bad news to Charlotte Flair that she wasn’t going to team up with her tonight against Fatal Influence. Instead, Flair will have to team up with Rhea Ripley, because Bliss wants the two to get their acts together and stop bickering already.

Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Talla used his strength to push Nakamura away to start off, but the King of Strong Style briefly dodged a strike from the big man. Talla took over with a clubbing strike to the chest as he then stomped at his smaller foe in the corner. Talla threw Nakamura hard into the opposite corner, which left him down and out. That was followed by a scoop slam to the mat. Just as Talla charged into the corner, Nakamura dodged and began trying to hit him with kicks to the chest. As Talla staggered back against the ropes, Nakamura clotheslined him out of the ring.

That advantage was all but fleeting, as Nakamura got taken out and thrown into the barricade as we took a commercial timeout.

As we returned from commercial, Nakamura was slammed again by Talla. A chokeslam attempt by Talla was turned into a triangle choke by Nakamura, who transitioned it into a guillotine choke. Nakamura escaped the grasp of Talla as he battered him with a strike to the back of the big man’s knee. Nakamura again avoided a running attack from Talla, which left his foe trapped in the corner. On a kneeling Talla, Nakamura connected with the Scorpio Rising kick for the near-fall. Nakamura had Talla lined up for Kinshasa, but Solo SIkoa got on the apron to create enough of a distraction. This led to a running powerslam and a chokeslam by Talla for the three.

After the match, Sikoa and Talla looked like they were gonna finish Nakamura off, but Tama Tonga interrupted. After some hesitation, Tama hit Nakamura with the dulled, not-so-hidden blade of the Cutthroat. Just as Sikoa was going to hit the Samoan Spike, Damian Priest ran down with a chair in hand. The M.F.T.s backed off.

Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall

I can’t say that I’m excited about the M.F.T. drama being a continued thing, but this match was okay. I’m not fully on board on the Talla Tonga train.

**********

– As Nick Aldis was chatting with Charles Robinson, the lights flickered briefly. Aldis told Robinson to look into it. Cody Rhodes interrupted and wondered when Gunther was coming. Aldis said that he was going to make sure that the Clash in Italy contract would be signed. Sami walked into the room and offered to help Rhodes against Gunther. “Thanks, but no thanks,” said Rhodes as he left the room.

A very petulant Zayn whined about how Cody Rhodes always going to get what he wants, unaware that Rhodes was standing behind him. This led to a match between Zayn and Rhodes to be made for later tonight.

– The M.F.T.s were in conversation backstage, as Tama Tonga said the reason everyone was coming to get them, was that everyone thinks they’re weak. He said that Sikoa had to face Damian Priest on his own, for the sake of “The Family”.

WWE Women’s U.S. Title Open Challenge: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Lash Legend

Nia Jax and Lash Legend came out, and had some words to say, as we learned that Legend was going to face Stratton for the Open Challenge.

Legend shoved down Stratton as the bell rang, and she used her size to effortlessly throw Stratton around. Another Biel throw was turned into a somersault dodge by Stratton, but Legend’s running shoulder tackle knocked her down afterwards. Stratton got back on it with a dropkick that sent her rolling out of the ring. That was followed by a vaulting press over the ropes onto Legend. An apron chokeslam by Legend left Stratton out cold as Chelsea Geen ran down to look after Stratton. That was our cue to take a break in the action.

Our match continued from the commercial break as Stratton was still under siege against the offense of Legend. In the corner, Legend attempted a move from the corner, but Stratton countered it into an Aloha Arn Sunset Flip pin attempt. Legend kicked out and then applied a resthold on Stratton. A jawbreaker from the Women’s U.S. Champ broke the hold. Legend ran right into the corner post, which allowed Stratton to hit another jawbreaker, followed by an athletic springboard stunner for the near-fall. Legend attempted a powerbomb, but Stratton countered that by sending her into the corner. Stratton went for her cartwheel Alabama Slam, but Legend caught that into a powerbomb for a close near-fall.

Legend went for the Lash Extension, but Stratton reversed it into a crucifix. Chelsea Green pushed Nia Jax into the corner, as Legend grabbed a hold of her from the ring. Stratton snuck up and got the rollup pin to retain the Women’s U.S. Title.

Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend via pinfall to retain the WWE Women’s U.S. Championship

That was not at all a good match. Both Stratton and Legend seemed like they were moving in molasses for the bulk of it. The only interesting aspect was Chelsea Green giving Stratton unwanted help to advance their story.

**********

– Nick Aldis was told of the power issues as he was directed to an unmarked room. In the room, we saw Danhausen was gain trying to reanimate the corpse from last week. Aldis told Danhausen to stop messing around, as the lights went out.

– Elsewhere, The Miz & Kit Wilson were interviewed, as Miz insisted that there was no curse. He complained about the Cleveland Cavaliers being cursed by Danhausen as Fraxiom rolled up. This led to a tag match between Wilson and Miz versus Fraxiom to be made for next week in Barcelona.

Trick Williams enters the scene

The United States Champion, flanked by his good friend Li’l Yachty, walked down to the ring with the crowd’s adulation for him as big as ever.

Williams and Yachty talked about what they did last week before Carmelo Hayes walked down to interrupt his old friend. The former U.S. Champion talked about how both he and Williams knew that this day was going to come. Hayes talked about how if it weren’t for Williams, he would’ve still be the U.S. Champion. However, Hayes wasn’t here to discredit Williams’ achievements as of late. But, Hayes pointed out how there’s a difference between holding a championship and carrying it. He discussed how he won the crowd over with his blood, sweat, and tears. That’s why Hayes wanted Williams to do the right thing and give the crowd what they want: Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship.

Yachty responded, stating that Williams had a schedule to keep, but Hayes butted in. He said that he and Williams go way back and that the old Trick Williams would never let anyone tell him what to do. Then again, Williams must be used to playing second fiddle.

Williams pointed out that we would indeed see him face Hayes right here and right now.

I enjoyed this segment. It played off of Hayes and Williams’ history and was a great way to get this match going.

**********

Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes

This match kicked off after the commercial break. Williams had the early advantage with a shoulder block and a scoop slam. Hayes got back on his feet and used his agility to dodge the U.S. Champion. In the corner, Hayes chopped at the chest of Williams, which forced his foe to scurry to another corner. That didn’t leave him any peace from the chops. Williams blocked Hayes’ last chop and then delivered a hard slap that left him down and out.

Hard Irish whip by Williams was followed by the spinning kick to the face of Hayes. Standing suplex from Williams kept momentum firmly in the U.S. Champion’s side. Williams dropped Hayes throat-first onto the top rope as he sized him up for a side kick. Hayes avoided it and sent Williams over the top rope. He made a run for the ropes and looked for a big diving attack, but Li’l Yachty got in the way to protect Williams, which halted Hayes’ advance in the ring. This led to a break in the action.

Williams had Hayes in a resthold as we returned from break. The former U.S. Champ broke the hold and began to fight back. Williams and Hayes traded blows until the former hit a jumping neckbreaker as he then kipped up to his feet. Meanwhile, Ricky Saints appeared at ringside in the midst of this. Hayes recovered and hit the springboard clothesline and then followed it with Dirty Diana for a close two-count. Saints yelled at Hayes to focus on the match. Williams hit a pop-up uppercut on Hayes, but got hit with a series of superkicks from his opponent. Williams roared back with his spinning kick for the near-fall. Williams targeted Hayes for the Trick Shot, but was intercepted with First 48. One, two….. 2.99999!!!!!!!!! Hayes took notice and headed up top, perhaps looking for Nothin’ But Net. Ricky Saints provided a distraction, which didn’t seem to sit well with Williams. Saints argued with the referee as Hayes rolled up Williams to no avail. Hayes punched Saints off the apron, but that opened him up to Williams’ Trick Shot as he ended up looking up at the lights at the end of it all.

Trick Williams def. Carmelo Hayes via pinfall

That was a really good match, and I do like this U.S. Title picture opening up with Hayes and Saints being a key part of it. Hope to see more of this in the coming weeks.

**********

– Ricky Saints was badmouthing Carmelo Hayes backstage, but he got socked in the jaw for his troubles. Hayes warned Saints to stay away from his business.

– A recap of Brock Lesnar’s return on Raw was shown.

Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley vs. Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid

Flair and Henley started off this tag match, as the latter kicked it off hot with the head scissor takedown. Flair dragged Henley to her corner as Ripley blindtagged. Reid entered the match for Fatal Influence and had Ripley trapped in the corner for a bit. A leap from the middle rope was turned from a crossbody to a fallaway slam by Ripley. Flair tagged herself in by patting Ripley on the head. Outside the ring, Reid and Henley isolated Flair as Fatal Influence was in control as we headed to commercial.

We returned from the break with Flair trying to fend off Reid and Henley with chops. However, Reid’s well-placed superkicked folded Flair up like an accordion. Irish whip to the corner was turned into a leap over the corner by Flair. A boot for Henley, but Jacy Jayne tripped up Flair while Reid distracted the referee. Henley kept Flair grounded with a chinlock, but that got broken up. Flair attempted to reach out to Ripley as she used elbow strikes to create some distance. However, Henley prevented it. Henley was thrown out of the ring, which seemingly gave Flair the opening to tag, but Reid stopped it with a clip of the leg. Flair hit a neckbreaker on Reid, which finally gave Ripley the hot tag.

Ripley ran through Reid and Henley with a superkick in the corner, followed by a German suplex on the latter. Capoeira kick by Ripley led to the Razor’s Edge and the Shining Wizard to Reid. Henley broke the count, but Flair took her out, and then Jayne with a dive to the corner.

In the corner, Flair took the superkick from Reid, as Ripley hoisted her up for Riptide. Meanwhile, Flair blindtagged into the match and finished off Reid with Natural Selection.

Post-match, Jade Cargill and the Baddies attacked Charlexa and Ripley, as Fatal Influence joined in the attack. In the ring, Cargill took out Ripley with Jaded.

Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley def. Fatal Influence via pinfall

This was an alright match, but not really feeling Jade Cargill in the title picture at the moment.

**********

– Jade Cargill and the Baddies bragged about their handiwork as they also took shots at Fatal Influence in the process. Cargill promised to take her WWE Women’s Title back at Clash in Italy.

Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa

Priest went after Sikoa right away by taking him out as he reached the apron. The leap from stairs and a takedown from Priest, who then followed that with a hard throw to the steel steps. In the ring, Sikoa bounced back with a throat strike to Priest. However, fought back witha jumping elbow strike. On the apron, Priest was distracted by Talla Tonga, which allowed Sikoa to grab him for the scoop slam into the ring as we took a break in the action.

We returned from the break as Priest and Sikoa dueled on the top rope with trading strikes. A bell clap from Priest stunned Sikoa long enough for the superplex. Priest rose to his feet and began battering Sikoa with his strikes of the punch and kick variety. That was followed by leaping shoulder charges onto Sikoa into the corner, followed by a Broken Arrow for the near-fall. Priest charged his elbow up, as Tama Tonga created a distraction while the ref was focused on Sikoa. Talla Tonga struck Priest, who stumbled into Sikoa’s Spinning Solo. Priest kicked out and then hit Sikoa with the rebound lariat. Tama Tonga again got on the apron but got dropped to the ground. Talla Tonga got on the apron and got teed up for the kicks, but Sikoa intercepted Priest with the Samoan Spike for the win.

The M.F.T.s tried to attack Priest some more, but Royce Keys ran down and took out Talla and Tama Tonga. He sized up Sikoa to fight him, but Sikoa backed up. A delirious Priest grabbed Keys by the throat, thinking he was a threat.

Solo Sikoa def. Damian Priest via pinfall

This match was alright, I supposed. The finish being more M.F.T. interference stuff and the Sikoa/Tama tension being really wishy-washy didn’t help matters either.

*********

Saturday Night’s Main Event (5/23/26) Card:

  • World Tag Team Championship: Logan Paul & Austin Theory (c) vs. The Street Profits
  • Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. “All Ego” Ethan Page
  • Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca
  • Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, & Alexa Bliss vs. The Baddies (Jade Cargill, B-Fab, & Michin)
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige & Brie Bella vs. The Irresistable Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend)

– Chelsea Green ran into Blake Monroe, who remarked that she saw Green and that now she wish that she didn’t. After Monroe left, Nia Jax literally ran into Green as payback for earlier. The crack team of road agents got Jax and Legend to back off, with the damage already done to Green.

– Royce Keys was still angry about being grabbed by the throat, stating that R-Truth called him to help Damian Priest out. Priest seemed angry as he didn’t ask for Keys’ help and that for all he knew, he could be working for the M.F.T.s. Keys responded, flatly stating that if it was an issue that Priest wants, then it may very well be an issue he’s going to get if he’s not careful.

Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn offered a handshake to Rhodes, who accepted as our main event got underway. Armdrag by Zayn was followed by another handshake, but Rhodes seemed annoyed by it. Rhodes slid under a Zayn dropkick as he then hit him with the drop-down uppercut. Standing suplex was followed by Rhodes now offering a handshake of his own. Zayn refused it as the two traded chops to the chest in the corner. Zayn ran Rhodes and got hit with the powerslam. Rhodes tried to go for maybe a Cody Cutter, but Zayn tripped him up as we took our final commercial break of the evening.

Our main event returned from the break as Zayn tried to lift Rhodes up for a suplex, but he found himself taking a ride for a Rhodes suplex instead. Rhodes hit Zayn with the Dusty punches, followed by the Cody Cutter for the near-fall as the champ favored his hurt leg. Rhodes set Zayn up for Cross Rhodes, but that was reversed as he got sent over the top rope onto the apron. Rhodes then was sent crashing over the announce table by a Zayn charging attack. By the closest of margins, Rhodes made it before the count of ten on one leg. Zayn smelled blood and had Rhodes lined up for the Helluva Kick, but struck out on the swing. Rhodes hit the “Super” Cody Cutter off the corner, but Zayn just managed to kick out a two.

Zayn rolled up Rhodes but couldn’t get the win. The Blue Thunder Bomb from Zayn had similar results. Zayn went after Rhodes’ damaged leg and applied the Figure Four leglock right in the centre of the ring. Rhodes fought through the pain and managed to reverse it to put the pressure on Zayn’s knee. A rope break managed to force Rhodes to release the hold. As both Zayn and Rhodes got back to their feet, the two exchanged strikes until a Disaster Kick knocked Zayn loopy. As Rhodes had Zayn at his mercy, Gunther snuck up and applied the sleeper hold. However, Zayn completely missed the Helluva Kick That opened him up for Cross Rhodes and the win.

Post match, the mecurial Austrian put Rhodes to sleep as Zayn just left.

Cody Rhodes def. Sami Zayn via pinfall

*************

A good main event to a middle of the road edition of SmackDown. The Gunther/Rhodes feud is good stuff and is probably one of the only good things about SmackDown as of late, which has felt just kind of there.

I will say that the U.S. Title scene is at least heating up and I do like Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and Ricky Saints. It’s a lot more preferrable to the Gingerbread Man antics of the last few weeks. It’s something I’ll be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

Not so good was the M.F.T.s stuff because I’m still not a fan of it, especially with the group whittled down to just three guys. I dunno, I’m just not a fan.

All in all, just an okay show with nothing really exciting to write home about, but thankfully nothing really awful to complain about.

Open challenge added to WWE SmackDown lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

WWE has announced that Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton will issue an open challenge for her title on SmackDown tonight:

  • After successfully defending her title against Kiana James two weeks ago, Tiffany Stratton will issue a Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge.

Plus, Carmelo Hayes will have a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty:

After returning to SmackDown to defeat Ricky Saints last week, Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty.

**********

An appearance by the WWE Women’s Champion will be opening SmackDown tonight.

WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley will kick off tonight’s SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. Her WWE Women’s Championship rematch with Jade Cargill could be made official, with Ripley set to respond to the challenge that Cargill laid down last Friday. Clash in Italy on May 31 will be the location for that bout once it’s confirmed.

We do know that Ripley and Cargill will face off against each other in a six-woman tag bout at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend. Ripley is teaming with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss against Cargill, Michin & B-Fab.

Ripley became WWE Women’s Champion when she won the belt from Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Their feud resumed when Cargill returned on the May 8 episode of SmackDown, interrupting a match where Ripley, Flair & Bliss were facing Fatal Influence.

Rupp Area is hosting tonight’s SmackDown episode. Here is the announced lineup:

WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 22) —

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther continue the build to their Clash in Italy match
  • Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton issues an open challenge
  • Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga
  • WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley kicks off the show and responds to Jade Cargill’s challenge

Three matches that must be added to WWE Clash in Italy | Column 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

WWE seems to be pulling out all the stops for next weekend’s Clash in Italy on May 31, marking their debut PLE in Turin.

Three matches are already confirmed: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the undisputed WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight title under Tribal Combat rules, and Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi in a rematch no one saw coming.

With tonight’s WWE SmackDown and just over a week to go before the show, here’s a few bouts worth adding to the card in the next few days.

LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins

Knight returned to Raw recently for the first time after WrestleMania and questioned The Usos’ actions with they and Roman Reigns going back to their former Bloodline antics. He talked about their united front against The Vision last month which seems to bear no consequences now. 

He later met Rollins backstage and expressed no pity for his situation with The Vision, joining The Street Profits who made their intentions clear following their comeback to target Logan Paul and Austin Theory, informing Rollins it had nothing to do with him, but instead their focus was on the World Tag Team Titles. 

Bron Breakker and Rollins’ rivalry is still alive, but a rematch at this point would be repetitive.

Rollins and Knight clashed in the second half of 2025 which ultimately led to their SNME bout in July where Rollins pretended to sustain a knee injury, later revealed to be a ruse to get back at CM Punk in a big way.

Since their rivalry never reached a conclusive ending, a match at Clash in Italy would put Knight as a potential upper card threat on the roster. 

Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Championship

They were forced to set aside their differences on SmackDown to deal with a common enemy in Fatal Influence. Alexa Bliss, Flair and Ripley will also team up against Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Michin at SNME this weekend. 

Ripley and Flair’s history dates back to 2020. Flair won the Royal Rumble that year and challenged for Ripley’s NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. They have crossed paths in the ring multiple times since then.

Meanwhile, Ripley transitioned from the face of NXT to the main roster as a fan favorite. She was destined to be a top star in the women’s division which clashed with Flair’s standing. At WWE Survivor Series: WarGames last year, Flair was reluctant to trust Ripley and fight alongside her. 

Reviving their feud one more time for Clash in Italy would set the tone for Flair’s return to singles competition and a desire to regain the WWE Women’s Championship. After all, Ripley and Flair’s feud evolved and segued into other storylines. Ultimately, circling back to collide for an International PLE could reinforce their positioning as top stars. 

Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams for the United States title

Sami Zayn has run out of opportunities to win back the United States Championship, and his short-lived reign before WrestleMania is already forgettable.

Fans have been rallying behind Hayes during his main roster stint and more so when he was US Champion. Williams is thriving on the SmackDown roster, carrying the charisma and crowd connection with every appearance.

Williams and Hayes had a chaotic and enriched history on NXT filled with friendship and betrayal, long before they became noteworthy contenders on the main roster. Running back their rivalry at Clash in Italy would make sense and could boost the United States title scene, strengthening it to more than just a title for open challenges and short title reigns. 

Six-woman tag team match added to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A six-woman tag team match is set for next weekend.

Following events that took place on SmackDown, Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab will team together to take on Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 23.

After returning during last week’s show, Cargill on Friday said she would meet Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley at Clash in Italy, and the Women’s title would be coming home with her. Flair and Bliss interrupted, demanding their match against B-Fab and Michin start now. The match went ahead as advertised but ended in a DQ when Cargill pulled Bliss out of the ring.

Following the bout, Michin and B-Fab started to attack Flair, who fought back and laid out both women. Later backstage, both Flair & Bliss admitted they needed help in order to deal with Jade Cargill and the numbers game.

Ripley moved to SmackDown following her WrestleMania 42 title win but quickly found herself dealing with the debuting Fatal Influence. She has attempted to seek Bliss & Flair’s help in handling matters, but to middling results. While Bliss has seemed interested in helping out, Flair has not, still struggling to be a team player after years as a solo star.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (May 23)

  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta defends against Ethan Page
  • World Tag Team Champions The Vision defend against Street Profits
  • Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin

Rhea Ripley posts workout update for the first time since revealing eating disorder battle

Posted on by Jake Skudder

WWE star Rhea Ripley has uploaded a new workout image to Instagram for the first time since publicly revealing her ongoing battle with an eating disorder.

Ripley originally replied to a post commenting on her build a few weeks ago, saying “just a little eating disorder that I’m actively trying to handle.” Since then her social media feed has been largely been reposts of official WWE content, whereas she used to update fans a lot with selfies and updates from her workouts.

Pro wrestling is a uniquely difficult industry to perform in. Someone of Ripley’s stature (so a weekly character with a huge following) is expected to be “in shape” all of the time, not just for weekly TV, but also for media appearances. Having to contend with that takes an effect on you physically but it is just as difficult mentally.

Rhea Ripley Instagram

The last time that Ripley appears to have posted a workout image to her main Instagram feed is around 8 weeks ago, with her revealing her eating disorder battle around 3 weeks ago (as of writing).

Posting about someone dropping an Instagram image is not something I would normally do, but considering the bravery of Ripley to go public with her struggles, it’s some good news to highlight.

Hopefully this means that she is back on the road to recovery and our best wishes go out to her. You can check out the post from Instagram below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYLD5BAE23D/?hl=en

Rhea Ripley, Chelsea Green, more react to WWE roster cuts

Posted on by Ian Carey

Several people from around the wrestling world have commented on the WWE roster cuts that were revealed on Friday.

Chelsea Green sent a message to Alba Fyre after news broke that Fyre is departing WWE. She had been a member of the Green Regime and Green’s Secret Her-vice dating back to March 2025.

Green wrote of Fyre:

“You guys didn’t get to see how talented KLR is. I know you saw bits & pieces, but trust me, there’s so much more to her. She’s a fearless wrestler… I’m sad to not have her on my side but this is just the beginning for my girl. Thank you for having my back, Slaygent A. Love you!”

Piper Niven also sent a message to Alba Fyre, writing:

“Thank you for your Hervice Slaygent A 
😢🫡
More than a wrestling soulmate, a hetero life partner if you will. 
A true pioneer and soon to be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do it. 
Run wild my demon 
Pirates 4 life 🏴‍☠️ “

New WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley also posted a message to social media on Friday. She wrote of the roster cuts:

“Today’s been a very sad day… Absolutely guttered for my friends and comrades 😔Worst time of the year. Go prove them all wrong! ❤️”

Nikki Bella also sent a message to Nikki Cross in the wake of her release.

“Heartbroken. Love you so much Nikki! Going to miss your energy, laugh, and light every time you walked into a room. Can’t wait to watch this next chapter. I know it’s going to be the best one yet!! N ♥️🙏🏼✨🤍🫶🏼”

WWE SmackDown live results: The fallout from WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE WrestleMania 42 has come and gone, and tonight WWE SmackDown moves forward as it emanates live from Fort Worth, TX’s Dickies Arena.

After challenging Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight title on Raw, Jacob Fatu will make an appearance as he awaits Reigns’ answer this Monday.

New WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will be in the house to celebrate after wresting the title from Jade Cargill last Sunday.

There will be another celebration as new WWE United States Champion Trick Williams will be on hand as will his running mate, rapper Lil Yachty.

Paige returns to SmackDown for the first time in nearly 10 years as she and Brie Bella celebrate their WWE Women’s Tag Team title win last Saturday.

After earning the title shot last Friday, former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will challenge reigning Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia for the gold tonight.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 pm Eastern.

*******************

– Our night began with a recap of what went down last weekend at WrestleMania 42. Following that lengthy opener, we went to a live shot of Cody Rhodes arriving to the arena in a Ram truck in a similar manner to Pat McAfee and Randy Orton. Also seen making their arrivals was the new WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, as well as new U.S. Champion Trick Williams. Li’l Yachty and the Gingerbread Man were seen with Williams. As they got off the arena, Danhausen drove up in his coffinmobile as Trick’s entourage left.

Jacob Fatu kicks off SmackDown

Fatu made his way down to the ring just days after having challenged new World Heavyweight Championship Roman Reigns for a match at Backlash.

He started off by stating that he told Reigns that he wanted him, and that he needed the World Title. Then Reigns looked at Fatu in the eye and said “you’re not ready”. The truth is, however, Reigns was right in that assessment. Because what Reigns told Fatu has been something he’s heard all his life from his friends and family. But, to break it all down and to keep it 100, Reigns might say Fatu’s not ready, so he should step in the ring to prove it. The Usos interrupted as Jimmy and Jey Uso walked down to address Fatu.

Jimmy took the mic and said that he heard what Fatu had to say on Monday about how Fatu wanted to level up for his family. Jimmy told Fatu that he should not go after Roman Reigns’ title and instead go for Cody Rhodes. He said that Fatu should join the “Family” and run things with them. Jey

Jey said that if Fatu wanted respect from Roman, he better get ready to look him in the eye and get ready for war, because Reigns was going to bring it. That’s when The M.F.T.s interrupted things.

Solo Sikoa said that the Usos were lying to him. Sikoa took credit for bringing Fatu into WWE two years ago. The M.F.T.s entered the ring as Sikoa continued to insist Fatu to not listen to Jimmy and Jey. Sikoa said that Fatu wasn’t going to beat Reigns along, and that he was going to need an army in the form of the M.F.T.s. Tama Tonga aggressively took the microphone from Sikoa and asked him why they were wasting their time with this. Tama called Fatu a “lost cause”, stating that he couldn’t even beat Sikoa.

For his troubles, Tama got superkicked by Fatu, who told Sikoa that the only one who should be talking to is Roman Reigns. Fatu then issued the challenge to Sikoa to face him later tonight.

If you’re not a fan of more Bloodline drama unfolding, then this opening segment is certainly not for you. I found it just kind of there and a means to an end to set up our likely main event

*******************

Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (c) (w/ Kiana James) vs. Tiffany Stratton

Stratton avoided Giulia’s attacks on opposite corners before she hit her with a clothesline. Giulia responded with a jumping rollup pin for a near-fall. We got a series of dueling pinfalls between champion and challenger for a bit before Giulia caught Stratton’s cartwheel and connected with a neckbreaker.

Stratton got the rolling senton, but couldn’t get the Prettiest Moonsault Ever as Giulia trapped her in a tree-of-woe position before hitting the dropkick to the head. Giulia then got Stratton with an elevated neckbreaker from the apron to the outside as we took a commercial timeout.

We returned from commercial as Stratton was starting to mount her comeback. She connected with the springboard cartwheel Stunner for a close near-fall. Stratton tried to go up to the top rope, but Giulia intercepted her and turned it into an avalanche butterfly suplex. One, two…. Stratton just managed to kick out. Giulia headbutted Stratton and tried for a slam, but got reversed. Stratton looked for a running attack, but Kiana James grabbed her leg. Giulia ran at Stratton, but she moved out of the way Giulia ended up hitting James instead.

Stratton looked for another Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Giulia caught her in a modified Rings of Saturn submission hold. Stratton countered it into a pinfall attempt that Giulia kicked out of. Giulia recovered and blasted Stratton with the Arrivederci knee. She set her up for the Northern Lights Bomb, but Stratton reversed it into a rough-looking Alabama Slam. She then finished Giulia off with a Prettiest Moonsault Ever to pick up the win and the Women’s U.S. Title.

Tiffany Stratton def. Giulia to win the Women’s United States Championship

That was an alright match between Stratton and Giulia. It was odd that these two were left out of the WrestleMania card and they put together a good match here. I will say that Giulia’s second Women’s U.S. Title reign was much like her first, a whole lot of nothing that led nowhere.

*******************

– A pretaped vignette of Danhausen visiting The Miz’s mansion was shown. Danhausen got into the pool, much to the Miz’s annoyance, and it looks we’re going to get more of these skits tonight.

– We returned as Tiffany Stratton was interviewed after her Women’s U.S. Title win. Stratton said that this felt amazing to be on the top again. She was no longer the runner up after winning gold, and that she was ready to show that WWE was running on “Tiffy Time”. New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige made their way to the ring after this.

Paige and Brie Bella celebrate their Women’s Tag Title win

Once the new champs entered the ring, Brie said that it felt incredible to stand in the ring to be a champion. She noted that while it was a shame she couldn’t win it alongside her sister Nikki, she was more than happy to take the gold alongside a good friend like Paige. Brie then welcomed her back to WWE.

Paige spoke next and talked about how hectic a week she just had. When Brie gave her the call to tag with her at WrestleMania, Paige said that she was more than happy to answer. Paige noted that it was a rough road to get back here, but she was so happy to be back home. She and Brie stood against the best competitors in the world, but SmackDown was still Paige’s house. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss showed up to interrupt proceedings.

Flair started by saying that she could speak for her and Bliss in welcoming Paige back, but the returnee had something that belonged to them. Flair and Bliss had been working for so long to get back, so Flair suggested that if Paige wanted to prove she was the best, she and Brie would defend the Women’s Tag Titles against her and Bliss. The Women’s Tag Champions accepted the challenge and this match would take place after the commercial break.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige & Brie Bella (c) vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair

This match began during the commercial and we joined the action in progress after the break.

Bliss hit Brie with a dropkick as she tagged in Flair, who chopped away at Brie’s chest. She then hit a fallaway slam before kipping up to her feet. In the corner, Flair blasted Brie with a kick to the jaw, but missed with an attack to the knee. This gave Brie an opening for a tag, however, before we could get a tag, Jacy Jayne from NXT pulled down Paige from the apron as the rest of Fatal Influence — Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid ran in and laid waste to everyone.

Paige & Brie Bella vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair ended in a No Contest

Not so much of a match here as it was to introduce Fatal Influence into the Smackdown roster, and it’s giving a much needed infusion of talent to the women’s roster of SmackDown, which is something that I’ve made a point to discuss on more than one occasion. This is a good piece of business.

*******************

– We got a vignette for Royce Keys that focused on how much he was an inspiration to his hometown of East Pala Alto, CA.

Cody Rhodes talks WrestleMania 42 fallout

The Undisputed WWE Champion, sporting one heck of a shiner after taking Randy Orton’s punt kick, walked down to the ring battered, bruised, but certainly not broken.

As Rhodes got into the ring, he took in the reaction from the Fort Worth crowd before asking them what they wanted to talk about. Rhodes wanted to talk about he walked out of WrestleMania, even though he was beaten down. It was a decision he made to walk up the ramp to show that he always got back up. Rhodes wanted to send the message that even though he wouldn’t be medically cleared, and that he’d get stitches on the back of his head… he wanted to send it to Randy Orton. Rhodes wanted to send the message that even though Orton gave him his best shot — the punt to the head — he was still standing.

He wanted to send the message to a “sarcastic and condescending” Sami Zayn as well, who said that nothing ever went wrong for Rhodes. That’s why he showed up in all-gold attire at WrestleMania, because he wanted to show that he was gold, his family was gold, and every fan of his was gold. Most especially, he wanted to send a message to those outside forces that kept trying to get involved in his business: they’re 0-3, so send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.

Rhodes concluded by throwing the gauntlet as he pointed that if anyone wanted a shot at him, whether they were from NXT or Raw or SmackDown. He was easy to find, but even harder to beat.

Just a standard Cody Rhodes promo to get things going post-WrestleMania. This almost felt like a bit of a soft reset of sorts, in a way. The Pat McAfee-centered storyline that plagued Rhodes vs. Orton seems to be a thing of the past now, especially since it’s been reported that McAfee himself (and Jelly Roll) was not a fan of how things going down, and with good reason.

*******************

WWE Tag Team Championship Match: R-Truth & Damian Priest (c) vs. The M.F.T.s (Tama Tonga & J.C. Mateo) (w/ Tanga Loa)

Truth and Tama got things going in this tag match. The two traded strikes, but Tama got the upper hand here. He hit Truth with a dropkick and mocked him with his “version” of the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Truth dodged and tagged Priest into the match. Priest unleashed his flurry of offense on both Tama and Mateo in the M.F.T. corner. Mateo responded by providing a distraction on Priest, which gave Tama the opening to clothesline him out of the ring. At ringside, Tanga Loa flattened Priest with a clothesline as we took a break in the action.

We returned from break as Mateo and Tama were shelling Priest with a double team assault. Mateo threw Priest into his corner, but the big man began to fight back. Tama went down with a clubbing blow, as Priest then swung for the fences like Aaron Judge with the massive lariat on Mateo. The hot tag from Truth as he hit the John Cena Moves of Doom on Mateo, ending with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Tanga Loa distracted the referee as Tama ran in and hit Truth with his spinning neckbreaker behind the back. Priest broke up the count as he blind tagged into the match. He and Truth hit the “Rise Up” tag finisher on Mateo for the three and the tag title retention.

Damian Priest & R-Truth def. The M.F.T.s to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Kind of an okay match. The Truth and Priest team continues to entertain, but this just felt like a match that was kinda there.

*******************

– The second part of Danhausen’s visit to The Miz’s house was shown.

Trick Williams & Li’l Yachty’s U.S. Title Celebration

The new U.S. Champion was flanked by Li’l Yachty and the Gingerbread Man as the trio made their way to the ring to celebrate a successful WrestleMania. The ring was festooned with balloons, banners, and some champagne for celebration.

Williams stated to Yachty that the people were excited to celebrate the new United States Champion. He talked about how Yachty was there, and even the Gingerbread Man was there. The people weren’t there to gamble, but for three words: “Whoop That Trick”.

Yachty talked about how the WrestleMania promo tour was over, but he was still here, because he was here to stay. Yachty called himself “The Prophecy” as he stated that there would be no more U.S. Title Open Challenges for the foreseeable future. Williams concluded by talking about how if you wanted the U.S. Champion, you find Trick Willaims.

Just as Williams was celebrating, the Gingerbread Man hit him from behind with the cane. He removed his mask to reveal Sami Zayn. “A man-sized batch of walking cinnamon,” as Joe Tessitore called him, Zayn assaulted both Yachty and Williams before he finished the U.S. Champion with a Helluva Kick.

This was a nice segment, and the silly Gingerbread Man stuff had a point to it with Zayn using it to trick Trick. Nice work all around.

*******************

– Solo Sikoa once again tried to recruit Royce Keys to his side after a backstage interview.

Danhausen vs. The Miz (w/ Kit Wilson)

Danhausen entered to the ring aboard his “coffinmobile”.

Outside the ring, Kit Wilson took the Slammy Award off the hood of Danhausen’s rided. He then caused a distraction to allow Miz to hit Danhausen from behind. The American Gladiators reboot hostg stomped on Danhausen as he and Wilson shared a moment. Danhausen did an Undertaker sit-up and then cursed Miz and Wilson, which caused pyro to shoot out to blind the two. This gave Danhausen the opportunity to roll-up Miz for the win.

After the match, Miz tried to chase after Danhausen, but he ran into a blinded Wilson, which allowed Danhausen to escape in his coffinmobile.

Danhausen def. The Miz via pinfall

Just some silly fun here. It’s not much in the way of actual wrestling, but it’s harmless comedic fun as Danhausen continues to be one of the more entertaining parts of WWE as of late, even through the rough stretches en route to WrestleMania 42.

*******************

– A vignette for Blake Monroe was shown, stating that she’d be joining the SmackDown roster soon.

Rhea Ripley celebrates her WrestleMania moment

The new WWE Women’s Champion entered to a huge ovation from the Fort Worth crowd after her WrestleMania 42 victory this past weekend.

As the crowd chanted for her, Ripley stated, “your Mami is finally champion again.” Ripley talked about how at WrestleMania, the grandest stage of them all, Jade Cargill proved to her that she could actually go. But now, it was Ripley’s time to prove that the WWE Women’s Champion is a fighting champion. Ripley noted that she knew there were women in the back that wanted a shot at her, and now she was ready to take on all comers.

The music of SmackDown’s new additions, Fatal Influence, signalled the arrival of the trio led by Jacy Jayne. They walked down to the ring to massive boos from the crowd as Jayne said she’d be the first one to give Ripley credit for her win at WrestleMania, but she couldn’t talk over the crowd booing. Jayne said that the people should be giving credit to herself, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid for taking out everyone’s favorite legends like they did earlier tonight.

Ripley responded by stating that Fatal Influence should stop while they’re ahead. Reid and Henley tried to get their words in, but Ripley said that she was used to the number games being against her, but that didn’t matter as she gestured at her WWE Women’s Title. She challenged Fatal Inlfuence to fight her right now.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said that Jacy Jayne will face the new WWE Women’s Champion right here and right now… or at least after this commercial break.

*******************

Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne (w/ Lainey Reid & Fallon Henley)

Jayne and Ripley sized each other up before engaging in a chain wrestling battle. Ripley attempted a scoop slam, but Jayne turned that into a standing headlock. She kept the hold on for a bit before Ripley literally threw Jayne out of it. A shoulder block from Ripley kept the newcomer to SmackDown on her toes as Jayne talked over strategy with Reid and Henley. That pep-talk seemed to work as Jayne got Ripley with a running hurricanrana. Ripley responded with a headbutt that sent Jayne out of the ring. Ripley caught Jayne’s leg after a kick fromthe apron as she slammed her face-first.

Reid and Henley got in Ripley’s face, which allowed Jayne to recover with the running kick across the apron to Ripley as we took a timeout.

We returned to live action as Jayne maintained command of the match with a running neckbreaker on Ripley for the near-fall. Ripley got back on top of things with a rising kick as she hit Jayne with consecutive clotheslines, a kick, then a running dropkick. Ripley raised Jayne up for the Razor’s Edge, but she managed to escape from it. Ripley went for the forearm, but was hit with the pump knee to the face by Jayne for another near-fall.

Jayne missed with the discus elbow, as Ripley got her with the big boot on the button. Ripley headed to the top rope, but Jayne used the ropes to trip her foe up. This allowed Jayne to get in position for an attempted superplex, but Ripley escaped and hit the Cheeky Nando’s kick, as she tried for an electric chair move. Jayne reversed into a roll-up for the near-fall. Ripley hit back with the Razor’s Edge followed by the Shining Wizard for a close two.

Ripley attempted a Prism Trap, but Jayne countered it. Ripley headbutted Jayne and looked like she was going to hit the Riptide. Fatal Influence got involved to cause the DQ finish. After the match, Jayne, Reid, and Henley laid out the WWE Women’s Champion with a three-on-one-attack.

Rhea Ripley def. Jacy Jayne via Disqualification

I know the DQ finish was going to wrinkle a few feathers, but I thought it was deployed perfectly here, especially as the aim was to put over the new arrivals to SmackDown as a serious threat. I think Fatal Influence was used to great effect here and got put over easily as a new heel force on the roster.

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– After a recap of Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu’s Raw confrontation, we got a backstage segment with Fatu stating to the Usos that he didn’t need their help against the likely involvement of The M.F.T.s in our main event.

– Backstage, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss were stewing over being laid out by Fatal Influence earlier. Rhea Ripley appeared and asked if there was a problem. Flair was defensive and said she was going to go take care of Jacy Jayne next week, unlike “some” people, directing that towards Ripley.

– A Retrospective on Brock Lesnar was shown.

– Ricky Saints was teased to be making his debut on SmackDown next week as an official part of the blue brand’s roster.

Solo Sikoa (w/ The M.F.T.s) vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu and Sikoa locked horns in the middle of the ring to start as the former backed the latter into the corner. A cheap kick to the gut by Sikoa led to a headlock, but Fatu got out of it and withstood two running shoulder blocks before he hit Sikoa in the throat with a strike. Fatu hit repeated headbutts on Sikoa, but got sent face-first into the turnbuckle, which allowed Sikoa to hit back with some punches of his own.

Sikoa taunted Fatu, but paid for it with a running forearm, followed by the spinning takedown. As Fatu tried to run, J.C. Mateo snagged his leg, as the M.F.T.s struck on the outside with the referee distracted. Meanwhile, The Usos appeared on the ramp, much to Fatu’s protestations. This gave Sikoa an opportunity to strike with a clothesline on Fatu as we took our last commercial break.

Our main event returned as Fatu began to try and mount a comeback. Sikoa caught Fatu’s running attack and turned that into a release German suplex for a near-fall. Sikoa tried to strike at Fatu, but got met wtih bigger attacks from his foe, which culminated in a series of rights and a clothesline to the face. Fatu then hit a clothesline in the corner on Sikoa, as he then got ten consecutive headbutts on his stunned foe. This left Sikoa at the mercy of Fatu’s running hip attack. Tama Tonga tried to distract Fatu, but Sikoa failed to hit the Samoan Spike, as a superkick took him out.

Fatu headed to the top rope, but J.C. Mateo pushed him off the perch with the referee distracted. Sikoa rolled up Fatu, but couldn’t get the win. Fatu took out the M.F.T interference outside with one suicide dive, as Sikoa used this opening to hit the Spinning Solo. Diving splash from the top, but Fatu kicked out of Sikoa’s best shot. Sikoa looke dfor the Samoan Spike, but Fatu responded with a superkick, followed by the pop-up Samoan Drop. One Mighty Moonsault later, and it was a victory for Fatu.

Post-match, Mateo, Tanga, and Tama attacked Fatu, which prompted the Usos to run it. However, it seemed like Fatu didn’t need the help as he took it to the remnants of the M.F.T.s Fatu wrapped the steel chairs around the necks of Tama and Mateo, as he hit the running hip attack on the both of them. Outside the ring, Tanga Loa ate a suicide dive. Fatu rearranged the furniture and got on the barrier to hit a diving splash through the announce table on Tanga.

The show ended with Fatu staring down the Usos, who only stood on the apron. Fatu said that he’d see Roman Reigns on Raw this coming Monday.

Jacob Fatu def. Solo Sikoa via pinfall

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That was a perfectly fine main event, and it did its job of establishing Jacob Fatu as a credible threat for Roman Reigns as the World Heavyweight Champion.

Meanwhile, this post-WrestleMania SmackDown fell kind of flat for me, even with moments I liked such as Fatal Influence’s debut and Danhausen’s antics. It just felt like a show that really didn’t seem like an important aftermath to WrestleMania, and not helped by the absences of certain players such as Randy Orton or Jade Cargill.

Moreover, I think a lot of why I couldn’t really get into tonight’s show was the news of WWE doing its annual spring releases just before SmackDown went on the air. Among those released were the entire Wyatt Sicks faction, as well as Aleister Black and Kairi Sane — all of whom were just on WWE programming in various storylines. It’s hard to really get excited about a show on a night when the company running the show you’ve covered decided it’d be a good idea for these cost-cutting cuts that do nobody any favours.

I don’t think I have to explain how losing a job sucks and that making jokes about it, no matter how you feel about the company that fired them is kind of terrible. At the end of the day, it comes down to corporate greed by the decisionmakers within WWE and TKO, and every year, it’s just a painful reminder.

I hope everyone that was released today find the feet elsewhere in the wide world of wrestling, because it’s a great big world out there now, and the sky is certainly the limit for everyone.