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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
MAY 22, 2026
LEXINGTON, KY. AT RUPP ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 8,579 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 23,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They showed the exterior of the Rupp Arena and then excited fans in the lobby. Joe Tessitore introduced the show and said they are just eight days away from the Clash in Italy.
-A two minute recap aired of the Cody-Gunther contract signing last week.
-They showed Cody backstage, then a split screen of Shinsuke Nakamura and Solo Sikoa with his (remaining) MFTs. Then they showed Tiffany Stratton. Then they cut to interior of the arena as Tessitore talked about the history inside that arena.
-Rhea Ripley made her ring entrance. A clip aired of Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin attacking her. Ripley said it seemed like someone really missed her last week. She said Jade and her crew tried to send her a message, but all they did was piss her off. She said she’s now itching for a fight. She told Jade if she wanted her rematch, she’ll happily beat her again. She suggested a match at Clash in Italy for her title. Charlotte Flair’s music interrupted.
Charlotte came out with Alexa Bliss. Ripley’s demeanor shifted to tense curiosity. Charlotte talked about the six-woman tag match tomorrow on Saturday Night’s Main Event. She said she and Alexa missed her last week. “Where were you?” she asked. Ripley said she was sorry she wasn’t there, but she wanted to go home to see her family. She asked if it’s okay she had a day off. Charlotte said she understands, but they have battles to fight. Ripley told Charlotte she told her she didn’t need her. Charlotte said she is now saying she and Alexa need help with her problem. Ripley said Charlotte should have protected Bliss more than she did. Bliss tried to play peacemaker. Charlotte accused Ripley of trying to drive a wedge between them. Ripley said she’s the one causing issues. Fatal Influence interrupted the bickering.
Jacy Jayne said she was happy to see the Smackdown Women’s Division unravel before her eyes. She said while they’ve been at each other’s throats, they’ve ascended to the top of the division with ease. She said they are looking at an opportunity right now. Charlotte said she loves her confidence. She challenged two of them to face her and Alexa tonight. Jayne said that’s perfect.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett at ringside to react. They commented on a clip of Talla Tonga attacking Shinsuke Nakamura as he was having a heated discussion with Tama Tonga.
-They went backstage to Solo, Talla, and Tama backstage where Cathy Kelley approached them. She asked for Talla’s thoughts on his upcoming match. Solo said he was ready and everyone should watch. He glared at Tama as he said that. Royce Keys walked up to them and told them to stay out of his business. Solo held Talla back. Solo said he just had to ask if he didn’t want them in his business last week. He said it’s good to have family watching his back.
-Talla made his entrance, accompanied by Tama and Solo.
(Keller’s Analysis: I dont think the Solo-Nakamura drama in recent months has added up to much that the typical WWE viewer could be expected to care about at all.) [c]
-Bliss waved her finger at Charlotte and said she wants Charlotte and Ripley to team together and get their acts together because she’s tied of playing peacemaker.
(1) TALLA TONGA (w/Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga) vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA
The end of Talla’s entranced aired. Then Nakamura’s ring entrance took place. The bell rang 23 minutes into the hour. A brief “Nakamra!” chant rang out. Nakamura showed confidence early, but Talla took over seconds into the match. Talla’s methodical offense was almost nap-inducing. Nakamura avoided a Talla charge into the corner and then landed a couple strikes. He clotheslined Talla over the top rope. Talla avoided a kick and dragged Nakamura to ringside and threw him into the ringside barricade. They cut to a break at 3:00. [c]
After the break, Talla thwarted a comeback attempt by Nakamura. He pounded his chest. Nakamura went for a triangle choke, but Talla resisted. Nakamura landed a leaping sidekick followed by roundkicks to the chest. Solo cut off Nakamura’s rally with a distraction. Talla powerslammed Nakamura and then landed a chokeslam for the win.
WINNER: Talla in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Rudimentary action that is a throwback to some not-so-glamorous Smackdown eras such as Jinder Mahal’s run as champion.)
-Afterward, Tama entered the ring and blocked Solo hitting Nakamura with a Solo Spike. Fans cheered, anticipating Tama turning on Solo. Solo jerked his arm away and yelled at Tama. Tama had a few words and then hit Nakamura with a side elbow. Solo then set up a Solo Spike. When Damien Priest’s music played. Solo stopped and turned to watch Priest run out. The heel trio bailed out of the ring. Priest wielded a chair. The heel trio retreated.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett. They discussed Tribal Combat at Clash in Italy on May 31 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT,
-A video aired on Tribal Combat.
-Backstage, Nick Aldis was chatting with ref Charles Robinson when the lights flickered. (What a coincidence they were showing that conversation just seconds before the lights flickered!) Then Cody walked in. Aldis said he will make sure Gunther signs the contract. Cody turned and Sami Zayn was standing there. He said he knows how to deal with Gunther. He offered Cody any help, just ask. Cody said, “Sami, thanks but no thanks.” Sami was offended. “But of course, right?” he said. “Because how could Sami Zayn help the great Cody Rhodes?”
Sami then turned to Aldis and said he was texting him all day. Aldis said time is tight and he doesn’t have time for him to be on the show. Sami asked if he isn’t one of his top stars. He ranted about how Cody “the golden boy gets anything he asks for.” Cody walked in. Sami apologized. An agitated Cody said Sami should get time on Smackdown. Cody said he wanted to wrestle him. “Let’s do it tonight!” he said. “See you later.”
-As Tiffany began her ring entrance, Barrett said regarding Sami, “Be careful what you wish for.” Tessitore said Tiffany is acting like a fighting champion. [c]
-A clip aired of Solo’s crew running from Priest earlier.
-Backstage, Tama told Solo that everyone is coming at them because they think they are weak. He told Solo that he has to handle Priest on his own to show their family isn’t weak. “For the family,” he said. He held up his hand. Solo stood and shook his hand and said he’d go talk to Mr. Aldis.
(2) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. LASH LEGEND (w/Nia Jax) – U.S. Title Open Challenge match
As Tiffany waited in the ring, Nia Jax and Lash Legend walked out. Nia said tomorrow, she and Lash are ending “this pathetic nostalgia tour” of Paige & Brie Bella when they take back the tag titles. Lash said gold looks so good on them, so she’s going to take the U.S. Title tonight too. The bell rang 47 minutes into the hour.
Tiffany flung herself over the top rope onto Lash at ringside a minute in. Lash came back and slammed Tiffany on the ring apron. Jax and Lash gloated. Chelsea Green trotted out to check on Tiffany and waved air on her face as they cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, Tiffany sunset-flipped Tiffany and then scored a near fall after a short-arm clothesline. Tessitore treated it like it could be the finish, which was really pushing it. Lash settled into a chinlock next. Back in the ring, Tiffany avoided a shoulder charge in the corner by Lash. She then clotheslined Lash twice with noodle arms. Tiffany yelled, “What time is it?” Fans chanted, “Tiffy Time!” Tiffany then scored a near fall after a handspring elbow and a cutter. Lash rolled up Tiffany seconds later for a one count. Lash landed a powerbomb into a Jackknife cover for a near fall. Lash set up a Lash Extension, but Tiffany countered with a crucifix for a near fall at 8:00.
When Tiffany climbed to the top rope, Jax grabbed at her. Tiffany had to shove her away. She leaped at Lash, but Lash ducked and then hit a pump kick. Green sent Jax into the ringpost. Lash turned to deal with Green. That led to Tiffany rolling her up from behind for a three count.
WINNER: Tiffany in 9:00 to retain the U.S. Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: A lot of Tiffany’s offense looks athletic yet soft and it just doesn’t ever reach the point of feeling like a fight but instead stays in the zone of looking like a performance.)
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett who reacted to Brock Lesnar’s return on Raw. They said they’d get more into it later.
-Backstage, Lil Yachty knocked on the locker room door of Trick Williams. Trick came out and they began to head to the ring.
[HOUR TWO]
[c] -Tessitore plugged Summerslam.
-Backstage, Aldis was on the phone about the power surges. A stagehand told Aldis the power issue was coming from inside the room that Aldis just happened to be standing outside of. He went inside and it was Danhausen’s lab. Danhausen said everything was up to code. He said he is doing science experiments. He pushed on a keyboard and then sparks flew on a circuit breaker box behind Aldis. Aldis looked at a bed with a body shape under a sheet. Danhausen told him not to look.
-Tessitore talked about mainstream media talking about Danhausen’s curse.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Miz and Kit Wilson backstage about Danhausen. Miz said he is not cursed despite the Cleveland Cavaliers being 0-2 against the New York Knicks. In walked Fraxiom. Axiom said he appears cursed to him. Miz said it’s bad enough Danhausen stole his daughter’s bike, but now he’s sabotaged the Cavs. Kelley asked Miz why he isn’t courtside at the Cavs games. Miz said it’s because he’s superstitious, but he still denied believing in the curse. Miz said he’d like to embarrass Axiom in his hometown next week.
-Trick and Yachty made their way to the ring. Trick downplayed Miz’s. resume. They were interrupted by Carmelo Hayes. Hayes said it’s Trick’s fault he’s not still U.S. Champion. He asked for a match. Yachty said Trick’s schedule is tight. He listed pampering appointments. Hayes said if he finds time between his nail and hair appointment, how about he defend his title. “But that’s only if your secretary will allow it,” he said. He said the old Trick wouldn’t listen to someone tell him what he can and can’t do, “but I guess you always were better at playing second fiddle.” Fans oooh’d. Trick told him to mind his own business while grown folks talk. He said he doesn’t play with his leftovers, but since they’re in Lexington, and the people do want to see them wrestle each other, he’ll agree to it. Fans cheered. “This ass whoopin’ is on the house,” he said. He called for a for a referee. Tessitore said Smackdown “is overdelivering in every way possible right now.” [c]
(3) TRICK WILLIAMS (w/Lil’ Yachty) vs. CARMELO HAYES
The match began 18 minutes into the hour. Barrett talked about the history with Hayes and Trick in NXT, starting with Trick being his sidekick, but outgrowing that role. He said that’s where tensions began. Barrett said he has sympathy for Hayes because of what happened earlier this year with him and Trick. They fought back and forth for several minutes. Hayes was going to leap over the top rope onto Trick, but Yachty was in his way. They cut to a double-box break at 5:00. [c/db]
Ricky Saints made his way to ringside after the break. Hayes landed a springboard clothesline and then Dirty Diana for a near fall at 11:00. Hayes looked at Saints. Saints told Hayes to focus on the match, not him. There was a weird “air release” noise in the backstage area that distracted the fans briefly. Hayes caught a charging Trick with a First 48 for a near fall. Saints distracted Hayes on the top rope. Trick punched Hayes to the floor and then threw him back into the ring, shoving Saints down in the process. Saints angrily stood on the ring apron. Hayes rolled up Trick, but the ref was preoccupied with Saints. Trick then hit the Trick Shot for the win.
WINNER: Trick in 13:00.
-Sami was shown walking backstage. He angrily slapped water bottles off of rolling crates. He came across Johnny Gargano. He asked Gargano if he gets what he’s dealing with and talked to him like he was a therapist. “I feel like I’m the last real good guy left,” he said. He told Gargano to never let anyone change who he is. When Sami walked away, the camera stayed on Gargano long enough for him to comically lightly tip over the water bottle in front of him. [c]
-Backstage, Kelley asked Saints what he was doing at ringside. Hayes hit Saints with a flying fist. Kelley noticed at the last second and yelled, “Ricky!” Hayes told Saints to “stay the hell out of my business.”
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett at ringside. Tessitore said they seemingly saw the end of Brock’s career after his loss at WrestleMania. He said they moved him to the “Forever” position in the show opening. Barrett said he wasn’t sure if that was the plan all along or if Brock went home after retiring and had second thoughts, “but either way, what a shocker”
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m glad they covered that Lesnar could have gone home and had second thoughts about retirement, because the “it was the plan all along” option makes zero sense. Why would Lesnar “fake-retire” after losing to Oba as some sort of “Ha ha, we fooled you” misdirection since it really served no benefit to him that couldn’t have been accomplished by just leaving after losing and not contacting anyone in WWE for all these weeks. I get in a non-storyline sense, it made his return “more of a shock” because of how convincing his fake retirement was, but it makes zero storyline sense since Brock’s character wouldn’t engage in some deception stunt seconds after losing to Oba like that. Because of that, I wouldn’t be surprised if they never mention it again and this is supposed to be the “cover their bases” moment and they just move on from it.)
-A video package aired highlights of Lesnar attacking Oba on Raw and then the fallout with Heyman and Pearce.
-Charlotte made her entrance with Bliss. [c]
(4) RHEA RIPLEY & CHARLOTTE (w/Alexa Bliss) vs. FALLON HENLEY & LAINEY REID (w/Jacy Jayne)
Fatal Influence made their entrance after the break. The bell rang 51 minutes into the hour. There was tension in the body language of Charlotte and Ripley before the match. Rhea tagged herself in a minute in. Charlotte glared at her. Rhea explained herself unapologetically.
Charlotte kicked Jayne off the ring apron. Reid then took over. Henley attacked Charlotte at ringside seconds later. The heel trio celebrated as they cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
The heels controlled Charlotte after the break.
[HOUR THREE]
Charlotte eventually hot-tagged in Ripley at 10:00, which popped the crowd. Rhea went on a roll against both opponents. She scored a near fall on Reid. Chaos broke out with all four. Ripley ducked a Reid kick, which then almost hit Charlotte, but Charlotte sold it anyway. Ripley hit Rip Ride. Charlotte blind-tagged in and hit Natural Selection for the win.
Bliss played peace-maker between Charlotte and Ripley afterward, as Ripley was upset with the blind tag that stole the chance to score the pin.
WINNER: Ripley & Charlotte in 11:00.
-B-Fab and Michin then attacked Charlotte, Bliss, and Ripley as Jade Cargill watched. Fatal Influence joined in the beatdown of Bliss and Charlotte. Jade went after Ripley, but Ripley headbutted her. Jade came back with a thrust kick to Ripley’s chest followed by a Jaded.
(Keller’s Analysis: This all played out predictably given the WWE formula with the players involved, and that’s fine. They had extended tension with Charlotte and Ripley, Fatal Influence were a conduit for that, and then they built Jade vs. Rhea at the Clash. The match wasn’t crisp, though, with some awkwardness and missed moves.)
-Kelley interviewed Cody. He said he understands Sami’s attitude, but after a while it’s too much. He said ten years ago he felt all of those same feelings. He decided to look in the mirror and be accountable. He said that’s what he plans to do to his friend Sami tonight. He said Gunther can do what he wants, including watching from ringside, but he’s going to take care of Sami.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett at ringside.
-A recap aired of the Roman Reigns-Fatu angle.
-A commercial aired for WWE’s Summer Tour of ten events. [c]
-Kelley interviewed Jade and her crew. Michin said they’re the dominant team and they’ll prove it on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Jade acted like she didn’t know the name of Fatal Influence and she noted the lack of chemistry between Charlotte and Ripley. She said she’s the lead woman in the company and will prove it at the Clash.
(5) DAMIEN PRIEST vs. SOLO SIKOA (w/Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga)
Priest came out first. When Solo arrived in the ring, Priest charged and clotheslined him over the top rope. The ref inexplicably rewarded Priest’s pre-bell attack by calling for the bell immediately 18 minutes into the hour. Priest threw Solo into the ringside steps and then into the ring. A ringside distraction gave Solo the opening to take control as they cut to an early break. [c]
Priest eventually made a comeback, but again he was distracted by Tama at ringside. Solo came up behind Priest and yanked on his hair. The ref scolded Solo, which gave an opening to Talla to punched Priest. Solo then landed a Spinning Solo Slam for a near fall at 8:00. Priest made a comeback and played to the crowd. Tama stood on the ring apron and had his back turned. Solo then swung at Priest with a Solo Spike, but Priest ducked and landed a flatliner. Priest then went after Talla on the ring apron, but that opened him up to a successful Solo Spike for the win.
WINNER: Solo in 9:00.
-Afterward, Keys ran out to stop the heels attack on Priest after the match. Keys looked at Solo and smiled. Solo just turned and walked away. Tessitore called it a sound decision. Priest stood and grabbed Keys’s throat. Keys pushed him off and said he was trying to help him. Solo told Priest that Keys was trying to beat him up too and not to trust him. [c]
-A brief vignette aired with Paige & Brie Bella.
-Tessitore and Barrett hyped the SNME line-up.
-Backstage, Green walked up to Blake Monroe. They introduced themselves to each other. Blake said she wished she didn’t know who she was. Jax shoved Green into some crates. She said she was trying to make new friends, but instead was making enemies.
-Sami made his ring entrance. [c]
-Backstage, Keys was marching looking for Priest. He asked why he grabbed him by his throat. Priest asked if he got involved in his business and he has the balls to ask him what he was doing. He said he doesn’t trust him and for all he knows, he is working with the MFTs. He asked what he would have done. Keys said he gets it and they’ve both been there. He said anybody can “get it.”
(6) CODY RHODES vs. SAMI ZAYN
The end of Sami’s theme played and he looked at the camera and talked about his “ride or die” fans. Then Cody made his full ring entrance. The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted “Cody! Cody!” Barrett said there was almost 100 percent approval for Cody. They cut to a break at 2:00 after Sami knocked Cody out of mid-air on a Cody Cutter set-up. [c/db]
Back from the break, they exchanged strikes mid-ring. Cody favored his knee, but hit a Cody Cutter for a two count at 7:00. Sami charged and knocked Cody off the ring apron onto the announce desk at ringside. Cody barely beat the ref’s ten count, then clutched his knee. Cody landed a top rope Cody Cutter seconds later for a very near fall
Sami came back with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Sami put Cody in a figure-four mid-ring. Cody rolled over and reversed the pressure. Sami released the hold. Cody hit a Disaster Kick. Gunther put Cody in a sleeper. Cody broke free. Sami charged and knocked Gunther off the ring apron. Cody then gave Sami a Crossroads for the win.
WINNER: Cody in 12:00.
-Gunther attacked Cody in the ring after the match. Sami observed. Gunther eyed him. Sami chased not to intervene and instead walked out of the ring. Sami paused as if he was having a moral dilemma. Gunther released Cody from the sleeper and held the WWE Title in the air. His music played.
(Keller’s Analysis: That’s pretty perfect to have Sami lose like that because he bumped into Gunther and then Cody just took advantage of it. Sami can claim he was trying to help get rid of Gunther, although it appeared he was aiming for both Cody and Gunther before Cody moved.)
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Joshua White to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
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