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Sami Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes could be a main event to be featured on any major show WWE runs, but on Friday night, fans in Lexington, Kentucky were treated to the match on “SmackDown.”
The reservation stemmed from Zayn’s continued complaints about not getting enough airtime and the feeling that he has been pushed to the back of the queue. Zayn complained to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, but also caught Rhodes’ attention when he called “the American nightmare”, “golden boy”. Rhodes didn’t take too well and the match was made.
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Sami Zayn makes his SmackDown debut at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on May 22, 2026. (Michael Marques/WWE)
Rhodes went into the match expecting Gunther – his Clash in Italy challenger – to sneak in at any moment. The wrestlers’ rivalry heated up over the past few weeks since Paul Heyman returned his favor for Gunther – earning him a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Zayn wanted a fight – and a fight he got.
The two traded blows at the start of the match, with each trying to get the better of the other. Rhodes tried to end the match early. He went to the ropes for either a Cody Cutter or a Disaster Kick, but Zayn caught him and knocked him to the floor. He went on the attack from there and took out Rhodes’ left knee.
Zayn would continue to work the knee as the match progressed. But Rhodes would fight through the pain and hit a Cody Cutter seemingly out of nowhere. Zayn wasn’t going to stay down long. After a two count, Zayn reversed Rhodes onto the apron. Rhodes staggered and Zayn jumped off the ropes and pushed Rhodes into the announce table.
Rhodes hit 10 and rushed back to the ring at nine o’clock. Zayn attempted a Helluva Kick and missed. Rhodes countered with a Cody Cutter and got two. Zayn tried a Blue Thunder Bomb and couldn’t put Rhodes away.
Gunther attacks Cody Rhodes during SmackDown at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)
Rhodes was setting Zayn up for a Cross Rhodes when Gunther came out and put him in a sleeper hold, but the ref didn’t see it. Zayn jumped off the ropes and slammed Gunther to the floor as Rhodes moved out of the way. Rhodes then hit a distracted Zayn with a Cross Rhodes.
Gunther got back in the ring and started his assault. Zayn entered the ring and stared down Gunther. It looked like the two were going to cross, but Gunther ignored him and choked Rhodes.
Zayn shook his head and let Gunther continue his attack. Zayn turned his back on Rhodes and walked away.
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Rhea Ripley set for WrestleMania rematch
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley makes her SmackDown debut at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)
Jade Cargill has vowed to get the WWE Women’s Championship back for life after losing to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42. The constant attacks seemed to have forced Ripley’s hand.
She started on Friday by approaching Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.
“Jade and her crew decided to try and send a message. But all they managed to do was really knock me off. So now that I’m back, I’m itching for a fight,” Ripley said. “So Jade, if you want your rematch, I’ll gladly beat you again.
“You vs. Me at the Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship.”
Cargill apparently accepted as she, Michin and B-Fab came out to attack Ripley and Charlotte Flair after their tag team match against Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid later that night. The three took care of Ripley, Flair and Alexa Bliss and sent another message before their six-woman tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Flair and Bliss came out during Ripley’s promo and reminded her about the match and that they should all stay focused.
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SmackDown Match Results:
- Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura.
- Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend to retain the United States Women’s Championship.
- Trick Williams def. Carmelo Hayes.
- Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley def. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid.
- Solo Sikoa def. Damian Priest.
- Cody Rhodes def. Sami Zayn.
