WWE Smackdown results (5/22): Powell’s live review of Cody Rhodes and Gunther, Tiffany Stratton’s open challenge for the Women’s U.S. Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,396)
Lexington, Kentucky, at Rupp Arena
Simulcast live May 22, 2026, on USA Network and internationally on Netflix

[Hour One] Joe Tessitore opened the show and set up a recap of last week’s Gunther vs. Royce Keys main event, along with Cody Rhodes attacking Gunther afterward… Tessitore narrated backstage/arrival shots of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, a split-screen shot of Shinsuke Nakamura on one side, and Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga, and a separate shot of Women’s U.S. Champion Tiffany Stratton…

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance and welcomed viewers to “Friday Night Mami.” Ripley said she was itching for a fight. She said that if Jade Cargill wants her rematch, she will happily beat her again. Ripley said she would put her title on the line against Cargill at Clash in Italy.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance. Flair said she understood Ripley wanting to defend her title, but she told her not to get ahead of herself because they have a six-woman tag match against Jade, B-Fab, and Michin at Saturday’s Night’s Main Event.

Flair asked where Ripley was last week when she and Bliss needed her help. Ripley said she wanted to go home and asked if she was entitled to a day off like everyone else. Flair said she was, but still took issue with Ripley not being there. Ripley recalled Flair saying she didn’t need help. Bliss tried to play peacemaker, and Flair accused Ripley of trying to drive a wedge between her and Bliss.

The Fatal Influence trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid walked out. Jayne said she loves seeing the Smackdown women’s division unravel. She said it seemed to start when Fatal Influence arrived. Fans booed. Jayne told them to quiet down because she wasn’t finished talking.

Jayne said they saw an opportunity, and when they do, they always take it. Flair challenged any two members of Fatal Influence to face her and Bliss. Jayne said that was perfect and all she needed to hear. Flair dismissed the heels, and then her entrance music played…

Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga were walking backstage when Cathy Kelley approached them and asked about Talla’s match against Shinsuke Nakamura. Royce Keys showed up and accused Solo of costing him a title match. Keys told him to stay out of his business. Solo said Keys threw a chair in his face. He said Keys needs someone to watch his back, and questioned who better to do that than his crew…

Talla Tonga made his entrance with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga while Wade Barrett checked in on commentary before the first commercial break… [C]

Powell’s POV: The opening segment was a pretty basic way to reestablish the friction between Ripley and Flair, while also setting up a tag team match for later in the show. On a side note, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 9,795 with 9,035 tickets distributed roughly an hour before showtime. The total number of seats on the map is 19,363. The last time WWE ran the venue, 12,270 tickets were distributed for the June 13, 2025, Smackdown.

Backstage, Alexa Bliss told Charlotte Flair that she’s not medically cleared. Flair didn’t buy it because Bliss was just good to go. Bliss faked a sneeze. She said she’s sick of being stuck in the middle when Flair and Rhea Ripley bicker. Bliss said Flair and Ripley would team together tonight and work it out. Bliss told Flair to have fun…

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance while being introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash…

1. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga). Nakamura threw a kick at Talla’s leg, but Talla quickly took offensive control. Nakamura came back and clotheslined Talla over the top rope and then Talla landed on his feet on the floor. Talla pulled Nakamura to the floor, and ran him into the barricade. [C]

Late in the match, Nakamura hit Scorpio Rising and covered Talla for a two count. Nakamura set up for his finisher, but Solo climbed on the apron and went after him. Nakamura fought off Solo, but Talla powerslammed him. Talla followed up with a chokeslam and then got the three count.

Talla Tonga defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in 9:25.

After the match, Solo set up for a Solo Spike on Nakamura, but Tama stopped him. “What the hell are you doing?” Solo asked. Tama hit Nakamura with a Cut Throat. Solo hugged Tama. Solo set up for his finisher, but he was interrupted by entrance music.

Damian Priest came out with a chair. Solo and Tama headed to the floor, while Talla stayed on the apron. Solo called off Talla, and then they exited with Tama. Priest checked on Nakamura and then jawed at the heels…

Tessitore hyped a look back at the Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu segment from Monday’s Raw…

Tessitore hyped Reigns vs. Fatu in Tribal Combat for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Italy. He also announced that the countdown show and the first hour of Clash in Italy will be simulcast on ESPN…

Powell’s POV: I suppose it could still change, but Tama choosing Solo over Nakamura surprises me. Meanwhile, the start time of Clash in Italy is listed as 1CT/2ET

A brief Reigns vs. Fatu video package aired…

Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis and referee Charles Robinson were shown watching a television backstage. Aldis asked Robinson to check on Shinsuke Nakamura and give him an update. The lights went off for a second. Aldis looked thrown off by it, and then Robinson went on his way.

Cody Rhodes showed up. Aldis informed Cody that Gunther wasn’t at the building yet and had not signed the contract for their WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy. Cody said Aldis should get him in the ring, and he’d take care of it. Aldis said he would make sure the contract gets signed, which Cody accepted.

Sami Zayn arrived and said he knows about beating Gunther. Zayn said all Cody has to do is ask if he wants his help. Cody declined and exited, while Zayn fumed over “the great Cody Rhodes” not wanting his help. Zayn asked Aldis what he was doing tonight. Aldis said he might not have a spot for him. Zayn asked if he was deserving of respect and one of the show’s top talents.

Zayn said he was sure that Aldis would give time to “golden boy” Cody if he asked for it. Cody returned and wasn’t happy with Zayn’s comments, so he told Aldis to book them in a match tonight. Zayn was surprised…

U.S. Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for her open challenge… [C]

Inside a dressing room, Tama Tonga told Solo Sikoa that he had to show everyone that their family is not weak. Talla Tonga stood up. Tama told Solo that he needed to handle Damian Priest on his own to show everyone that their family is not weak. “For the family,” Tama said before holding his hand out. Solo grabbed his hand, repeated the “for the family line” and said he would talk to Aldis…

Lash Legend and Nia Jax spoke as they walked to the ring…

2. Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend (w/Nia Jax) for the Women’s U.S. Championship. Legend put Stratton down with a shoulder tackle. Stratton targeted Legend’s left leg and cleared her from the ring with a dropkick. Stratton appeared to go for a Pescado, but her leg hit the top rope, yet she was still able to perform a clunky dive. Legend battled back and chokeslammed Stratton on the apron. Chelsea Green ran out to check on Stratton. [C]

Legend went for a Lash Extension, but Stratton hooked her with a crucifix pin for a near fall. Stratton went up top. Jax slowed Stratton down while Legend distracted the referee. Legend hit Stratton with a pump kick. Green ran over and shoved Jax into the ring post. Legend grabbed Green, but Stratton rolled up Legend for the win.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Lash Legend in roughly 9:00 to retain the Women’s U.S. Championship.

Green tried to celebrate with Stratton, who was seated on the floor. Stratton pulled her title belt close and didn’t look pleased with Green…

Powell’s POV: There were some ugly moments, but the closing moments were well executed. I’m getting a kick out of Chelsea trying to buddy up to a hesitant Stratton.

The broadcast team discussed Brock Lesnar’s return on Monday’s Raw and said they would show the footage later in the show…

Lil Yachty knocked on Trick Williams’ locker room door. The U.S. Champion walked out of the room and slapped hands with Yachty, while Tessitore hyped Trick appearing after the break…

[Hour Two] [C] Tessitore hyped SummerSlam in Minneapolis…

Aldis was shown walking backstage and talking on the phone with someone about needing to solve the power issue in the building. A crew member told Aldis that the power issue was coming from a room, which they just happened to be standing in front of.

Aldis entered the room and found Danhausen working with his cloning machine. Aldis asked Danhausen what he was doing. Danhausen said he was doing science experiments. Danhausen hit a button on his laptop. The electrical box flashed, and Danhausen disappeared. Aldis approached what appeared to be a covered body on a stretcher. “Don’t touch that,” Danhausen yelled…

Tessitore touted Danhausen’s connection with the New York Knicks after lifting the curse he placed on them…

Cathy Kelley interviewed The Miz and Kit Wilson in front of a University of Kentucky mural. Miz was in denial about being cursed by Danhausen. Axiom and Nathan Frazer showed up. Miz stopped Axiom from saying Danhausen’s name.

Miz said it’s bad enough that Danhausen stole his daughter’s bike, but now he’s costing the Cleveland Cavaliers by sitting front row at the Knicks game. Kelley asked Miz why he wasn’t sitting in the front row at the games if he’s such a big Cavaliers fan, which drew big gasps from the live crowd.

Frazer asked Wilson if he believed in the curse. Wilson said yes, but quickly changed to a “no” once Miz shot him a look. Miz accused Axiom of trying to embarrass him, then said he would embarrass Axiom in his hometown next week. Axiom responded in Spanish…

U.S. Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty made their entrance. They did a bit about how interrupting the champion got Sami Zayn stepped on. Yachty started to say that the same thing would happen to anyone else who interrupted the champ.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance. Hayes stood in the entrance aisle and said, “Trick, my boy, let’s talk about it.” Hayes said they both knew this day would come. He said he didn’t want to discredit what Trick had accomplished, but they both knew that Trick had screwed him and cost him the U.S. Championship.

Hayes said he’s always believed in Trick, but there’s a huge difference between carrying a title and being a champion. Hayes said he was a champion for eight weeks because he defended the title night in and night out, and won over the fans with his effort. Hayes told Trick to give the fans what they want by giving him a U.S. Title match on the spot.

Yachty said when you’re a champion as big as Trick, you have a schedule a mile long. He read from his phone about Trick having pedicure and deep tissue massage appointments. Yachty said he booked the massage a week ago, and said that Trick couldn’t miss it.

Hayes said that Trick could defend his title in between hair and nail appointments, if Yachty approved. Hayes said the old Trick wouldn’t let someone tell him what to do and when to do it, but he said Trick was always better at playing second fiddle.

Trick told Hayes to mind his business while grown folks were talking. Trick said he doesn’t play with his leftovers. Trick said that since they were in Lexington and he felt the people wanted to see him face Hayes, they could do the match later in the show. Trick said the open challenges ended when he won the championship, but Hayes would get his match because he likes him. Trick said this ass-whooping would be on the house. Trick called for a referee… [C]

3. U.S. Champion Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) vs. Carmelo Hayes. Hayes put Trick down with an early dropkick and got some cheers when he flexed. Trick came back with a Trick Slap. Trick kicked Hayes in the corner while the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” along with his kicks. Hayes blocked a kick and then hit Trick with an enzuigiri.

Hayes went for a springboard move, but Hayes caught him and performed a uranage slam for a two count. Barrett called Trick a natural-born star. Hayes eventually battled back and ran the ropes for a dive, but Yachty stood in the way before a PIP break. [C]

Ricky Saints showed up at ringside. Trick blocked the First 48, but he put Trick down with a springboard clothesline. Hayes executed Dirty Diana for a two count. Hayes jawed at Saints, who told him to focus on his match. Trick came back and set up for his Trick Shot finisher, but Hayes cut him off with the First 48 for a near fall. Saints scowled at ringside.

Hayes went to the ropes, but Saints distracted him. Trick hit Hayes with an uppercut that sent him to the floor. Trick followed and shoved Saints to the mat. Saints climbed onto the apron. Hayes rolled up Trick and had him pinned, but the referee was focused on Saints. Hayes went after Saints, who dropped off the apron. Trick hit Hayes with a Trick Shot and then pinned him…

U.S. Champion Trick Williams defeated Carmelo Hayes in roughly 13:00.

Powell’s POV: So Trick is a babyface with a celebrity rapper as a heel manager, Melo is also a babyface, and Saints is now in the mix for what I assume will lead to a Triple Threat. It’s way more complicated than it needs to be, but I’m enjoying the work of everyone involved.

An angry Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage, swatting water bottles off tables. He was about to swat another water bottle, but he stopped when he noticed it was in front of Johnny Gargano, who was lying on a production crate. Zayn vented to the comatose Gargano about Cody wanting to fight him, even though he was always there for him. Zayn said he feels like the last real good guy left. Zayn said you do what’s in your heart and never change who you are. Zayn walked away. Gargano pushed the water bottle over with his fingers… [C]

Ricky Saints was walking backstage when Cathy Kelley approached him and asked why he was at ringside earlier. Saints started talking about how he isn’t a rookie and said that Hayes needs to learn. Hayes entered the picture and dropped Saints. Hayes told Saints to stay out of his business…

The broadcast team set up a video recap of Brock Lesnar attacking Oba Femi during Monday’s Raw…

Charlotte Flair made her entrance with Alexa Bliss… [C] An ad aired for Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman. The show returns on June 5, and Mark Henry will be a guest…

Powell’s POV: It wasn’t shown in the ad, but Strowman’s show has been advertised as starting at 10CT/11Et. In other words, Smackdown won’t be trimmed to two hours on June 5. If last year is any indication, Smackdown will be a two-hour show again starting in July.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance, and then the Fatal Influence trio followed…

4. WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair (w/Alexa Bliss) vs. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid (w/Jacy Jayne). Ripley caught Reid going for a crossbody block and then put her down with a fallaway slam. Flair patted Ripley on the head to tag in. Flair hit Jayne with a big boot that knocked her off the apron. Reid put Flair down and then tagged in Henley, who worked over Flair on the floor. Henley clotheslined Flair and screamed. [C]

[Hour Three] The heels isolated Flair, who eventually made a hot tag. Ripley performed a Razor’s Edge on Reid and followed up with a knee strike. Ripley had Reid pinned, but Henley broke it up. Flair took out Henley with a big boot. Flair performed a cannonball off the apron onto Henley and Jayne.

Ripley set up for another fallaway slam, but Reid slipped away. Reid threw a kick at Ripley, who ducked it, and the kick knocked Flair off the apron. Ripley headbutted Reid and set up for her finisher. Flair returned to the apron and tagged herself in before Ripley hit Riptide. Flair performed a Natural Selection on Reid and then pinned her.

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair defeated Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid in 10:55.

Ripley wasn’t thrilled about Flair stealing the pin, but she seemed like she was going to accept it when Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin attacked her, Flair, and Bliss. B-Fab and Michin dumped Flair and Bliss to ringside, and then joined Fatal Influence in working them over. In the ring, Jade performed Jaded on Ripley…

Powell’s POV: An entertaining match followed by a simple, yet effective angle to make Jade look strong heading into her rematch with Ripley.

Cathy Kelley interviewed Cody Rhodes inside his dressing room. Cody said Sami Zayn’s passive aggressiveness became too much. Cody said he was there ten years ago. “On this day, actually, ten years ago,” Cody said. He said he decided to look in the mirror and be accountable. Cody said he would make Sami accountable. Cody said he didn’t care if Gunther took a front row seat or sat in on color commentary, but the one thing he’s not in control of is that he will face him at Clash in Italy…

A video package recapped the Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu segment from Raw, which resulted in Reigns accepting Fatu’s challenge to Tribal Combat…

Solo Sikoa was shown walking backstage with Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga… [C]

Backstage, Cathy Kelley asked Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin what they were trying to prove with their attack. Michin said it wasn’t an attack, it was the truth. Two female wrestlers were talking in the background and walked off together. Jade spoke about getting her title back at Clash in Italy…

Damian Priest made his entrance, and then Solo followed with Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga followed. Solo entered the ring and was immediately clotheslined to the floor by Priest.

5. Solo Sikoa (w/Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) vs. Damian Priest. The referee rewarded Priest for the pre-match attack by calling for the opening bell. Priest set up for a move in the middle of the ropes, but he was distracted by Tama. Solo pulled him onto his shoulders and executed a Samoan Drop. [C]

Talla hit Priest from the floor. Solo followed up with a Solo Slam and got a near fall. Priest came back with kicks and a clothesline. Priest signaled for his finisher. Tama climbed on the apron, and then Priest punched him. Solo set up for a move, but Priest stuffed it and put him down with a Flatliner.

Talla climbed on the apron. Priest threw two kicks that failed to knock him down. Priest went for a running start, but Solo caught him with a Samoan Spike and covered him for the three count.

Solo Sikoa defeated Damian Priest in roughly 10:00.

Tama attacked Priest afterward. Royce Keys came out and put down Tama and then cleared Talla from the ring. Solo stood behind Keys, who turned around and was ready to fight. Solo calmly exited the ring. Keys helped Priest to his feet, and then Priest grabbed him by the throat. Priest didn’t follow through with his finisher once he noticed who it was. Keys shoved Priest’s arm away and asked him what the hell that was. Keys said he was trying to help Priest. “He was trying to beat you up, too,” Solo yelled from the floor. “Don’t trust him”…

Powell’s POV: Solo had to win that match, given the way Tama said he had to send the message that their family isn’t weak. Solo’s attempts to recruit Royce Keys didn’t do much for me initially, but I’m starting to find the situation intriguing.

The broadcast team hyped the main event…

An ad listed the following for Monday’s Raw: Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing for Clash in Italy, and Oba Femi opens the show after being attacked last week by Brock Lesnar… [C] An ad aired for the WWE: Made in America documentary that will premiere next Friday after Smackdown on USA Network…

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Paige and Brie Bella were featured in a promo video. Brie said she and Paige are two of the most influential and history-making women on the roster, and said Nia Jax and Lash Legend won’t know what hit them…

Tessitore and Barrett ran through the Saturday Night’s Main Event lineup…

Chelsea Green was walking backstage when she spotted Blake Monroe staring to the side while striking a pose. Green stood next to her and joined her in looking to the side. Monroe introduced herself to Green, who did the same and then added that Monroe probably knew who she was. “Yeah, I did,” Monroe said. “I actually watched you out there, and just wanted to say that I wish I didn’t.” Monroe walked away.

Nia Jax stormed into the picture and shoulder-blocked Green into production crates. Lash Legend taunted Green until producers showed up to check on Green…

Powell’s POV: Green still has her egomaniacal lines, but she seems to be in babyface mode. While I feel WWE has too many shades of gray storylines these days, it’s logical for Green to take this approach. The fans took to Green’s heel persona and might lose interest if she changed everything about her act by becoming a pure babyface.

Sami Zayn made his entrance for the main event… [C]

Backstage, Royce Keys approached Damian Priest and complained about Priest grabbing him. Keys said Priest’s partner called him and asked him to watch Priest’s back. Priest got angry while explaining things from his perspective, including that Keys might be with The MFT for all he knows. Keys said if it’s an issue Priest wants, he’ll get one…

Cody Rhodes made his entrance…

6. WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn in a non-title match. Zayn offered a handshake, which Cody accepted while fans chanted his name. Sami took Cody down with a hip toss and then offered him a handshake. Cody shook his hand before shoving it away. Cody put Zayn down and offered him a handshake, but Zayn left him hanging and motioned for Cody to bring it. Moments later, Cody ran up the ropes, but Zayn bounced into the corner to knock Cody down before a PIP break. [C]

Cody sold his left knee. Zayn tossed Cody over the top rope. Zayn ran the ropes and shoved Cody off the apron, causing Cody to crash on top of the desk and fall behind it. Cody barely beat the referee’s ten count, which disappointed Zayn.

Moments later, Sami hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Sami targeted Cody’s bad knee by locking him in a Figure Four. Cody rolled it over to reverse the hold. Zayn reached the ropes to break it and then clutched his own left knee. Cody and Zayn traded punches in the middle of the ring. Cody got the better of it and hit a Disaster Kick. Cody fired up while Zayn was down.

Gunther showed up on the apron and put Cody in a sleeper while the referee was checking on Zayn. Sami shoved the referee aside and charged toward both men. Cody broke free, and Sami knocked Gunther off the apron. Cody hit Zayn with CrossRhodes and scored the pin.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn in 11:55 in a non-title match.

After the match, Gunther entered the ring and ended up clotheslining and powerbombing Cody. Gunther got Cody on his knees and was about to put him in the sleeper, but he stepped back once Zayn returned to the ring. Gunther asked Zayn what he was going to do. Zayn didn’t move, so Gunther locked Cody in the sleeper.

Zayn watched Gunther hold Cody in the sleeper, and then went to the apron. Zayn stopped for a moment before dropping to the floor. Zayn started to walk away, but he stopped in the entrance aisle and looked back. Gunther released the hold and held up the WWE Championship while Zayn was still in the entrance aisle.

Tessitore hyped Cody vs. Gunther for the WWE Championship at Clash in Italy. Barrett said Gunther still hadn’t signed the contract, but it seemed like the match was inevitable. Gunther posed on the ropes while the executive producer credits were displayed. Zayn stood with his head down in the entrance aisle with his back to the ring to close the show…

Powell’s POV: Zayn’s character continues to be compelling. It will be interesting to hear how he explains his actions. Overall, this was one of the better Smackdown shows in recent memory. I will be back with my weekly same-night audio review of Smackdown for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of the show by grading it below.

Join me for live reviews of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event and AEW Double or Nothing.

WWE Smackdown poll: Grade the May 22 edition

A – Great Show

B – Good Show

C – Average Show

D – Disappointing Show

F – Awful Show

 

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