Trending Now - Key Takeaways From Smackdown Ahead of Saturday Night's Main Event
WHO:
Cageside Seats - Gunther and Cody Rhodes are set to clash for the WWE championship.
Cageside Seats - Sami Zayn attempted to speak to Cody Rhodes about the contract situation but was blown off.
Bleacher Report - Sami Zayn was described as having lost to Williams at Backlash and Cody Rhodes defeated Saints on May 1.
Sportskeeda - Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn were the main competitors in the match.
Bleacher Report - Gunther was involved in the match.
WHAT:
Cageside Seats - Sami Zayn cut a promo to Aldis after being dismissed by Rhodes.
Cageside Seats - Rhea Ripley is scheduled to face Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy.
Bleacher Report - The match concluded with Rhodes hitting Zayn with Cross Rhodes for the victory, and Zayn was choked out by Gunther after initially appearing to help Rhodes.
Sportskeeda - Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn in a singles match.
Bleacher Report - The match ended with Rhodes hitting Zayn with Cross Rhodes for the win.
Bleacher Report - Zayn appeared to be on the path to becoming a heel but did not take shortcuts during the match.
WHERE:
Sportskeeda - The event took place during WWE SmackDown.
WHEN:
Cageside Seats - Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill is set for Clash in Italy on a date one week from now.
Bleacher Report - It had been almost 10 years since Rhodes and Zayn's last singles match.
WHY:
Cageside Seats - The storyline suggests that Zayn is learning that being nice does not help in the competitive environment of WWE.
Bleacher Report - The match was framed as a face vs. face encounter, highlighting the respect between the two competitors.
HOW:
Cageside Seats - Zayn watched as Gunther attacked Rhodes after their match, indicating a shift in his character dynamics.
Bleacher Report - The match began with a lockup into a headlock sequence, followed by Zayn scoring a takedown with an arm drag, and Zayn tripped Rhodes when he attempted a move from the top rope.
Bleacher Report - The match began with a lockup into a headlock sequence, followed by Zayn scoring a takedown with an arm drag.
(UPDATED May 23, 2026 17:18 UTC)
Gunther and Cody Rhodes are gearing up for a showdown for the WWE championship, while Sami Zayn, feeling dismissed by Rhodes, cut a promo to Aldis after their encounter. In another exciting match, Rhea Ripley is set to face Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy, scheduled for a week from now. Zayn's recent experiences in the ring, including witnessing Gunther's attack on Rhodes, suggest he is realizing that kindness may not be the best strategy in the cutthroat world of WWE.
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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 13:21 UTC)
In a recent match at Backlash, Sami Zayn faced off against Cody Rhodes, who ultimately secured the win by delivering his signature move, Cross Rhodes. The bout took a surprising turn when Zayn, who initially seemed to assist Rhodes, ended up being choked out by Gunther after the match. The action kicked off with a classic lockup leading into a headlock sequence, and Zayn showcased his skills with a takedown and an arm drag, even tripping Rhodes during an aerial attempt.
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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 11:18 UTC)
In a thrilling encounter at WWE SmackDown, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over Sami Zayn in a singles match, marking their first face-to-face showdown in nearly a decade. The match showcased a respectful rivalry, with Zayn demonstrating his integrity by avoiding shortcuts, despite hints of a potential heel turn. The decisive moment came when Rhodes executed his signature move, Cross Rhodes, to secure the win against Zayn.