{"id":216884,"date":"2026-05-22T22:08:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T03:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=216884"},"modified":"2026-05-22T22:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T03:08:11","slug":"wwe-smackdown-results-5-22-corbridges-alt-perspective-report-on-gunthers-response-to-cody-rhodes-attack-womens-u-s-title-open-challenge-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-talla-ton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/05\/22\/wwe-smackdown-results-5-22-corbridges-alt-perspective-report-on-gunthers-response-to-cody-rhodes-attack-womens-u-s-title-open-challenge-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-talla-ton\/","title":{"rendered":"WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS (5\/22): Corbridge\u2019s alt-perspective report on Gunther\u2019s response to Cody Rhodes attack, Women\u2019s U.S. title Open Challenge, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-2817905291\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT<br \/>\nMAY 22, 2026<br \/>\nLEXINGTON, KENTUCKY AT <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.centralbankcenter.com\/rupp-arena\/\"><strong>RUPP ARENA<\/strong><\/a><strong><br \/>\nAIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK<br \/>\nREPORT BY ERIC CORBRIDGE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>Commentators: <\/em><em>Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>Ring Announcer: Mark Nash<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>Attendance: As of Friday morning,\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/wrestletix\/posts\"><strong><em>WrestleTix<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em>\u00a0reported that 8,579 tickets were distributed headed into the show. The arena has a capacity of 23,000 spectators when configured for concerts.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>[HOUR ONE]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Superstars arrived at the arena including WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Shinsuke Nakamura, the MFT, and United States Champion Tiffany Stratton. The crowd in Lexington erupted for the entrance of WWE Women\u2019s Champion Rhea Ripley. Ripley sauntered to the ring and grabbed a microphone. She welcomed everyone to \u201cFriday Night Mami\u201d and said she was itching for a fight. Ripley granted Jade Cargill a rematch for the championship at Clash in Italy, which prompted Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to come out for a walk and talk.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">They reminded Ripley that they have a six-woman tag match against Cargill and her minions at Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event tomorrow night. Bliss reminded them both that they must stay on the same page, but Flair questioned where Ripley was last week when they were being attacked. Ripley said she had a night off and was home with her family. Flair and Ripley argued while Bliss continued to try to be peacemaker (<em>not of the John Cena variety<\/em>). Fatal Influence decided it was a good time to interrupt and Jacy Jayne said there was nothing she enjoyed more than watching the women\u2019s division unravel. She took credit for it as the fans booed. Flair challenged any two of them to face her and Bliss tonight, to which Jayne gleefully accepted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: A basic segment to continue the issues between Ripley and Flair with Bliss as the voice of reason, while setting up a match for tonight. Fatal Influence continues to get a surprisingly passionate reaction from the crowd)<\/em><\/p><div id=\"pwtor-781124498\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Cathy Kelley asked Talla Tonga in the back if he was ready to take on Shinsuke Nakamura tonight. Solo answered for Talla, saying that he was ready and that everyone needed to pay attention tonight (while looking at Tama Tonga). Royce Keys confronted Solo about costing him a title shot last week and told him to stay out of his business. Solo said that if Keys didn\u2019t want his help he should have said so and reminded Keys that he was the one who threw the chair in Solo\u2019s face.\u00a0 Solo said they should beat his ass but they won\u2019t because they are \u201cfamily.\u201d \u00a0[c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: Solo, made a valid point about Keys being the one that threw the chair at him when he was trying to help last week.\u00a0 Being an effective heel, he left out the fact that he was trying to help Keys cheat, which the babyface Keys rejected.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Backstage Bliss tried to pretend she was sick and not cleared to compete tonight. Flair called her on it and Bliss immediately caved but said that Flair would tag with Ripley tonight because they need to learn how to work together. Bliss said, \u201chave fun\u201d and left.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(1)\u00a0 SHINSUKE NAKAMURA vs. TALLA TONGA (w\/Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga) <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nakamura got a decent reaction from the Kentucky crowd. Joe Tessitore mentioned the history between Nakamura and Tama Tonga in Japan. Nakamura tried to outsmart Talla early on but quickly succumbed to Talla\u2019s power who whipped him hard into the corner causing Nakamura to collapse. Talla missed a running corner splash and Nakamura capitalized with a running knee and clothesline over the top rope. Talla landed on his feet on the floor. Talla pulled Nakamura to the floor and launched him into the barricade. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(My feed cut off here for a few minutes because of a thunderstorm.)\u00a0 Talla won by pinfall with a chokeslam after interference from Solo. <\/em>When my cable came back Solo was in the ring about to strike Nakamura while Talla held him. \u00a0Tama grabbed Solo\u2019s hand and stopped him. Tama struck him instead. Tama and Talla held Nakamura for Solo to deliver a Samoan Spike but Damian Priest ran out with a chair to drive them off.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNER: Talla Tonga by pinfall in 10:00.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: The MFT are united once again as Tama seemingly made his choice between family and his old friend from Japan. But will that last?)<\/em><\/p><div id=\"pwtor-4217560495\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis was talking to Charles Robinson about something in the back. The lights flickered for the second time in the show and Aldis asked Robinson to look into it. <em>It wasn\u2019t clear (yet) whether this was part of the show or just an unfortunate circumstance<\/em> <em>that Aldis ad-libbed. My guess is it\u2019s probably Danhausen.<\/em> Cody Rhodes walked up and Aldis pointed out the Gunther\u2019s contract for Clash of Itay to face him was still unsigned by Gunther. Aldis assured Rhodes that he\u2019d make sure it got signed. Sami Zayn walked up and offered Rhodes advice on how to defeat Gunther. Cody said thank, but no thanks and exited stage left. Zayn asked Aldis what he was doing tonight and Aldis said there may not be a spot for him on the show tonight. Zayn asked what he did that was so wrong to get disrespected like this, unlike the \u201cgolden boy\u201d Rhodes who always gets whatever he wants. Rhodes was still standing behind him and got mad. Rhodes challenged Zayn to a match tonight.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; WWE Women\u2019s United States Champion Tiffany Strattong entered for her title defense. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; In the men\u2019s locker room, Tama accused Solo and the \u201cfamily\u201d of being weak. He told Solo that Solo needed to handle Damian Priest alone for the family to show that they weren\u2019t weak.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The Irresistible Forces Nia Jax and Lash Legend came out and declared that they would take back the tag team titles tomorrow night. Legend said that tonight she was accepting the Open Challenge and would take the U.S. title too.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(2) TIFFANY STRATTON (c) vs. LASH LEGEND (w\/Nia Jax)\u2013 United States Championship Open Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Legend dominated early on with her power. Stratton used her gymnastics skills to counter a throw and hit a dropkick. Legend missed a pump kick and Stratton tried to cut Legend down to size by taking her out at the knees. Stratton almost botched a dive to the outside and basically toppled over the ropes onto Legend. Legend chokeslammed her onto the side of the apron. Chelsea Green came down to check on Stratton on the floor. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fans tried to rally behind Stratton. Legend missed a corner shoulder block and went shoulder first into the ring post. Stratton countered a chokeslam into a jaw breaker and announced that it was Tiffy Time. She hit a springboard stunner and covered for a nearfall. Stratton countered a Styles Clash but Legend dropped her with a powerbomb resulting in a nearfall. Stratton countered a Lash Extension attempt with a crucifix for a one\u2026two\u2026kick out by Legend. Stratton climbed to the top and had to kick Jax off of her before jumping off. Legend dodged and hit a big pump kick. On the outside, Green rammed Jax into the ringpost. Legend grabbed Green by the hair through the ropes, so Stratton rolled her up from behind for the three count.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNER: Tiffany Stratton by pinfall in 9:00. Stratton retained the U.S. title.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the match, Green celebrated with Stratton.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Trick Williams and Lil Yachty were up next. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>[HOUR TWO]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Nick Aldis walked in the back talking to someone on the phone. He said he needed to figure out what was going on with the power outages. Some nerd that apparently worked there walked up and said the power issues were coming from a room right next to them. Aldis walked in and it was Danhausen\u2019s lab. Danhausen asked Aldis who he was and said he was conducting science experiments. Aldis said he needed to stop because it was causing problems in the arena. Danhausen did something on the computer and caused a spark as the power went out again. Aldis stood in the dark as Danhausen disappeared. Aldis was about to look under the sheet on the stretcher but Danhausen\u2019s voice yelled \u201cdon\u2019t touch it.\u201d Aldis jumped.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: We should get a reveal of who is under the sheet soon. Giant-hausen is the obvious guess.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Cathy Kelley <em>seemingly read from writing on her hand<\/em> and asked Miz and Kit Wilson what they thought might be in Danhausen\u2019s laboratory. They didn\u2019t care about that. Miz held up a shirt that said he wasn\u2019t cursed. Wilson said there was a curse but Miz refused to believe it. Fraxiom walked up said they were definitely cursed. Miz, a Cleveland sports fan, was mad that the Knicks were up 2 games to 0 against his Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs, which has been \u201cattributed\u201d to Danhausen \u201cuncursing\u201d the Knicks since they\u2019re on a 9 game winning streak since he did it. Cathy called out Miz for not being courtside at the games but Miz said he was superstitious. Wilson called Fraxiom toxic for embarrassing the locker room leader Miz. Miz challenged Fraxiom to a match next week.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: The coincidence of the Knicks\u2019 winning streak and Danhausen\u2019s uncursing is silly fun and hopefully it lasts a little longer. I\u2019m sure Danhausen is enjoying himself and his good fortune.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0&#8211; United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty entered to a big ovation. They talked about Trick\u2019s win over Miz last week. Trick ran down all of Miz\u2019s career accomplishments but Yachty downplayed them. Former champion Carmelo Hayes came out to confront his old NXT rival. He said \u201cTrick, my boy, let\u2019s talk about it.\u201d\u00a0 Hayes reminded Trick that he screwed him out of the title and while he didn\u2019t want to discredit what Trick\u2019s accomplished but said that there was difference between holding a title and being a champion. He pointed out that he was a champion for eight weeks and asked for a title match tonight. Yachty said that Trick was busy with things like a pedicure and a massage. Hayes said that if his secretary would allow it he should defend his title tonight but also said I guess Trick was always best at playing second fiddle.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trick, against Yachty\u2019s wishes, accepted the title match. He clarified that the open challenge was still done but that this ass whooping was on the house. Trick called for a referee. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: Melo needs to do a better job of making a point and letting it settle in with the crowd. He methodically spit out all his lines and delivered them well, but it came across as robotic. Side note- \u00a0I always feel bad for whoever was scheduled to wrestle and just got bumped for an impromptu match resulting from a scheduled talking segment. I\u2019ll assume this was going to be Bastion Booger\u2019s comeback match versus a rejuvenated Barry Horowitz.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(3) \u00a0CARMELO HAYES vs. TRICK WILLIAMS (c) (w\/Lil Yachty) \u2013 United States Championship <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">They exchanged standing switches early on and showed great chemistry. Trick missed a chop in the corner and Hayes chopped him a couple times. Trick fled to another corner and it was rinse, repeat when he missed again and Hayes hit two more. They went for a third corner but this time Trick caught his hand an gave him an uppercut and stomps in rhythm with the crowd\u2019s chants. Hayes caught a stomp and delivered an enziguri that sent Trick into the ropes. Trick countered with two spin kicks. Hayes went for a springboard but Trick caught him with a Bookend and covered for a two-count. Trick got some payback a big chop and whipped Hayes into the corner. Trick got another two-count after a spin kick. A suplex by Trick followed by dropping Hayes throat first across the top rope. Trick went for yet another spin kick but Hayes was playing possum and ducked. Trick fell to the floor. Hayes wanted to somersault over the top to the floor but Yachty got in the way so he halted. They went to a split screen. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trick slowed things down with a chinlock as some of the crowd rallied behind Hayes. <em>To be fair, many of the same fans chanting \u201cLet\u2019s go Melo\u201d<\/em> <em>were probably also yelling \u201cWhoop that Trick\u201d because well\u2026 you know if you\u2019re reading this because you\u2019re an actual smart fan and they\u2026aren\u2019t<\/em>. The grapplers traded blows and then Trick hit a jumping neckbreaker and kipped up. Ricky Saints came to ringside. Hayes hit his springboard clothesline and a Dirty Diana. Hayes covered for a two-count and then looked over at Saints. Saints told him to focus on the match. Trick turned Hayes upside down with another spin kick and covered for a nearfall. Trick called for the Trick Shot but Hayes countered with a First 48 codebreaker and covered for the one\u2026two\u2026Trick kicked out.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Saints distracted Hayes which allowed Trick to knock him to the floor. Trick confronted Saints and pushed him down, then rolled Hayes back into the ring. Saints jumped up on the apron which distracted the referee while Hayes had Trick rolled up for more than a three count. Hayes punched Saints off the apron but then <em>of course<\/em> turned back around and got hit with the Trick Shot. Trick covered for the pin and the win.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNER: Trick Williams via pinfall in 13:00. Williams retained the U.S. title.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: A <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through\">tried<\/span> tired &amp; true ending to a match that WWE has leaned on for many, many years. Oh, what I wouldn\u2019t give for some creativity. Saints will likely get a title match soon because he is belligerent and forcing his way into the title picture despite having only beating listless Matt Cardona since his main roster debut.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Sami Zayn was having a fit and blindsiding every water bottle in sight until he almost slapped the ever-comatose Johnny Gargano. Zayn said he was glad to see him. Zayn vented about Rhodes being his friend and how he\u2019d been there for him so many times because that\u2019s what friends do.\u00a0 Zayn said he was the last real good guy left and that you never let anyone change who you are. Gargano just laid there staring at a water bottle. After Zayn left Gargano moved his fingers to tip over the bottle. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: Zayn is incredibly compelling and I look forward to his segments every week. I truly don\u2019t know where it is all going and I love it. Gargano should keep doing this planking thing for like six more months. If he does, the reaction when he FINALLY does something else will be huge.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(<\/em><strong>Quick plug: <\/strong>I created a comedy-drama comic series called <em>BadWill<\/em> about a thrift store that only sells the emotional leftovers of failed relationships. Think Goodwill but for breakups. It\u2019s got well thought out stories &amp; character development, so if you\u2019re curious you can grab a print copy of Episode 1 for $7.99 plus shipping or go digital for $4.99 at <a href=\"https:\/\/badwillcomic.com\/\"><strong>https:\/\/badwillcomic.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Ricky Saints was bragging to Cathy Kelley in the back. Carmelo Hayes attacked him and told him to stay out of his business.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Charlotte Flair entered for her upcoming tag team match, accompanied by her bestie (but not partner tonight) Alexa Bliss. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Rhea Ripley entered for the match followed by Fatal Influence. It was Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley in action.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(4) \u00a0CHARLOTTE FLAIR &amp; RHEA RIPLEY vs. FATAL INFLUENCE (Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid, w\/Jacy Jayne) <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">As the match started, Henley mocked her strut, so Flair clotheslined her. Flair hit her trifecta of Devil\u2019s Kiss-inspired head scissors and then Ripley tagged in.\u00a0 Flair didn\u2019t like that but Ripley came in and took down Reid with a dropkick. Reid went for a cross body but Riley caught her with a fallaway slam. Flair patted Ripley on the head to tag in which Ripley didn\u2019t appreciate. Flair gave Jayne a big boot on the apron (which she shouldn\u2019t have been on) and knocked her to the floor. Reid used that distraction to level Flair with a big left hand and tagged in Henley. Henley beat Flair up on the outside and screamed like a banshee. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fatal Influence was in control as the match was building to a Flair hot tag. Jayne took Flair\u2019s feet out from under her while she was on the apron to keep her team in control. Reid hit a twisting suplex and tagged in Henley who covered for a two-count. Flair desperately reached for a tag but couldn\u2019t quite make it to an outstretched Ripley. Flair finally kicked off the heels and was about to make the tag but Reid chop blocked her. Reid taunted Ripley and almost got rolled up for a three count because of it. Both women were down. Flair crawled and kicked Reid off to finally make the tag. Ripley took out both heel grapplettes. She hit a German suplex on Henley and a Razor\u2019s Edge on Reid. Then she followed with a Kinshasha and covered but Henley saved her partner.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flair with a big boot on Henley and then somersaulted on Henley and Jayne on the floor. Back in the ring, Ripley hit the Riptide on Reid but Flair made a blind tag. Flair came in and hit the Natural Selection and covered for the win.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNERS: Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley by pinfall in 11:00.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the match, Bliss came down to raise both women\u2019s hands. Suddenly Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab appeared and beat them down. Cargill gave Ripley her Jaded finishing move.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>[HOUR THREE]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Cathy Kelley talked to a forlorn Cody Rhodes, presumably in his own lounge or something. Rhodes said he was having a hard time recognizing his friend Sami Zayn anymore. Rhodes said that tonight he was going to make Zayn be accountable for his actions lately.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The Cargill gang were walking backstage and told Cathy Kelley (<em>a busy woman tonight<\/em>) that they are the dominant team in the WWE. Cargill said she was going to regain her title at Clash in Italy. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; One half of the Tag Team Champions, Damian Priest entered for a match.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(5) \u00a0DAMIAN PRIEST vs. SOLO SIKOA (w\/Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">As Solo was getting in the ring, Priest clotheslined him back to the floor. The bell rang. Priest threw Solo into the ring steps which dislodged them. Back in the ring, Solo smacked him in the mouth. Priest bounced back with a flying back elbow and a spin kick from the apron. Priest got distracted by Talla and Solo gave him a Samoan drop back into the ring. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Priest tried to mount a comeback while dealing with the numbers game. They were perched on the top rope and Priest hit a superplex. The crowd came alive for Priest and the men slugged it out in the middle of the ring, with Priest coming out on top with a two running shoulders in the corner and a Broken Arrow that led to a two-count. Priest got decked by Talla leading to a Solo spinning slam and another two-count. Solo set up for his running hip attack but Priest exploded out of the corner with a couple spin kicks and a big lariat. Priest called for the chokeslam so Tama got up on the apron. Priest knocked him off, ducked a Samoan Spike attempt and dropped Solo. Talla got up on the apron and Priest sensed it so he gave him a spin kick. It didn\u2019t knock Talla off the apron. Priest hit another and it still didn\u2019t. He ran the ropes to go for a third but Solo caught him with the Samoan Spike and hooked the leg for the one\u2026two\u2026three.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNERS: Solo Sikoa by pinfall in 10:00.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the match, the MFT attacked Priest. Royce Keys came out to make the save, including clotheslining Talla over the top rope. Keys was ready to face off with Solo but Solo bailed, much to the crowd\u2019s dismay. Keys helped Priest to his feet but Priest grabbed him by the throat. Keys got free and yelled \u201cI was trying to help you.\u201d From the floor, Solo yelled at Priest that Keys was trying to attack him. \u00a0[c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: I thought that was a well-paced, well executed match between two of the bigger guys in WWE. Both are underrated in all facets in my eyes. Priest\u2019s unwillingness to trust Keys is interesting too.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The WWE Women\u2019s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige were shown in a pre-taped video talking about how they won the titles and have defended them without cheating. They said they were legends and would retain their titles at Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The announcers recapped the matches for Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; In the back, Blake Monroe showed up and introduced herself to Chelsea Green. She said she saw her out there in the ring and wished she hadn\u2019t. She left. Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked Green for interfering in the match earlier.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: It was a \u201cblink and you might miss it\u201d faux-debut for Monroe. If there was any doubt\u2026there wasn\u2019t\u2026she\u2019s going to be a cocky heel. And if it also wasn\u2019t made crystal clear over the last few weeks, Green is clearly a babyface now.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Sami Zayn entered for the main event of the evening. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Keys and Priest argued in the back. Priest said he didn\u2019t care if his partner (R-Truth) called him because he didn\u2019t know him and he didn\u2019t trust that Keys wasn\u2019t working with the MFTs. Priest said he grabbed Keys because he\u2019d been jumped from behind and didn\u2019t know what happened. Keys said he understood but that if Priest wanted an issue he\u2019d get one.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came out to a strong reaction.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>(6) SAMI ZAYN vs. CODY RHODES \u2013 Non-Title Match\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zayn offered his hand and Rhodes shook it. They felt each other out early as Zayn hit an armdrag. The crowd booed. Zayn offered his hand again and again Rhodes shook it but more begrudgingly this time. They felt each other out again but this time Rhodes came out ahead with a face-first suplex. Rhodes mockingly offered his hand again but Zayn wouldn\u2019t do it. The aggression escalated with a Rhodes powerslam. Rhodes ran up the ropes to the top buckle but Zayn knocked him off as they went to a picture in picture break. [c]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zayn targeted Rhodes\u2019s leg during the break. Rhodes reversed a suplex to buy himself some time. Rhodes sold the leg while throwing his patented (his dad\u2019s patented) left jabs and a Cody Cutter, resulting in a nearfall. Rhodes clutched at his left knee again. Zayn pushed Rhodes off the apron rib-first into the announce desk. Zayn watched as the referee counted. Rhodes crawled back to the ring and made it in at nine. Zayn nodded as if he knew what he had to do next. He lined up for the Helluva kick and charged. Rhodes dodged and hit the Super Cody Cutter. Rhodes covered for the one\u2026two\u2026kick out by Zayn at 2 \u00be. Rhodes stalked Zayn while limping. He went for the Cross Rhodes but Zayn dropped down in pinning predicament for a nearfall. Rhodes went for another move but Zayn countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for another two-count.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zayn locked in a figure-four leglock. Rhodes screamed in agony as his left knee (and shin) were in immense pain. Rhodes managed to reverse it, thus reversing the pressure onto Zayn. Zayn broke the hold. They traded yay\/boo right hands. Rhodes hit a Disaster Kick and called for the Cross Rhodes. Gunther showed up and tried to put Rhodes in a sleeper hold from the apron. Zayn charged at Rhodes who escaped the sleeper, and Zayn accidentally knocked Gunther to the floor. Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WINNER: Cody Rhodes by pinfall in 12:00.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the match, Gunther powerbombed Rhodes. He was about to put him in a sleeper hold again but Zayn ran in the ring to stop it. Then Zayn stopped and just let it happen. Gunther locked in the sleeper hold. Zayn momentarily paused on the apron, but then dropped off and started to head back up stage. The crowd heavily booed Zayn. He got halfway and paused again to look back. Gunther finally let go and posed with the WWE title. The crowd loudly booed again.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>(Corbridge\u2019s Analysis: A strong main event between two main event pros. I\u2019d like to see them get ten more minutes in a huge setting to see what they could do. It was also a great way to show that Zayn may still be conflicted but he is making conscious choices to not do the \u201cright thing\u201d anymore.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>**Follow me on Instagram (<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ecorbridge22\/\"><em>https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ecorbridge22\/<\/em><\/a><em>) or Facebook (<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/eric.corbridge\"><em>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/eric.corbridge<\/em><\/a><em>) and hit me up if you want to chat more WWE or \u00a0give feedback. I always enjoy talking about wrestling!** <\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-2924348910\"><div id=\"pwtor-2009182695\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT MAY 22, 2026 LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY AT RUPP ARENA AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK REPORT BY ERIC CORBRIDGE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett Ring Announcer: Mark Nash Attendance: As of Friday <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/05\/22\/wwe-smackdown-results-5-22-corbridges-alt-perspective-report-on-gunthers-response-to-cody-rhodes-attack-womens-u-s-title-open-challenge-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-talla-ton\/\" title=\"WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS (5\/22): Corbridge\u2019s alt-perspective report on Gunther\u2019s response to Cody Rhodes attack, Women\u2019s U.S. title Open Challenge, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":185189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,48,20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-216884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tvshowsandevents","category-tv_wwesmackdown","category-tv_wwetvreports"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-20-at-5.49.57\u202fPM.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=216884"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":216909,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216884\/revisions\/216909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/185189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=216884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=216884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=216884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}