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Sami Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes might be a main event feature on any major show WWE puts on, but on Friday night fans in Lexington, Kentucky were treated to the match on “SmackDown.”
The booking stemmed from Zayn’s continued complaints about not getting enough airtime and feeling like he’d been pushed to the back of the line. Zayn complained to SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, but also caught Rhodes’ attention when he called “American Nightmare” a “golden boy.” Rhodes didn’t like that very much and the match was made.
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Sami Zayn makes his entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on May 22, 2026. (Michael Marqués/WWE)
Rhodes entered the match with the prospect that Gunther, his Clash in Italy rival, could sneak attack at any time. The rivalry between the wrestlers has intensified in recent weeks since Paul Heyman fulfilled his favor for Gunther: giving him a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Zayn wanted a fight – and the fight he got.
The two exchanged blows at the beginning of the match and each of them tried to beat the other. Rhodes was trying to end the match early. He went to the rope to hit a Cody Cutter or a Disaster Kick, but Zayn caught him and knocked him to the floor. He attacked from there, taking out Rhodes’ left knee.
Zayn would continue to work on the knee as the match progressed. But Rhodes fought through the pain and hit Cody Cutter seemingly out of nowhere. Zayn wouldn’t stay down for long. After a two count, Zayn threw Rhodes onto the apron. Rhodes staggered and Zayn bounced off the rope and shoved Rhodes into the announce table.
Rhodes beat the 10 count and ran back into the ring at nine. Zayn tried a Helluva Kick and missed. Rhodes responded with a Cody Cutter and got a two count. Zayn attempted a Blue Thunder Bomb and couldn’t put Rhodes away.
Gunther attacks Cody Rhodes during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)
Rhodes was about to line up Zayn for a Cross Rhodes when Gunther came out and put him in a sleeping position, but the referee didn’t see it. Zayn bounced off the rope and slammed Gunther to the floor as Rhodes moved out of the way. Rhodes then hit a distracted Zayn with a Cross Rhodes.
Gunther returned to the ring and began his assault. Zayn came into the ring and looked at Gunther. It looked like the two were going to come to blows, but Gunther ignored him and strangled 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 ready for WrestleMania rematch
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley makes her entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)
Jade Cargill has vowed to get the WWE Women’s Championship back around her waist after losing to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42. The constant attacks seemed to have forced Ripley’s hand.
He started on Friday by addressing Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.
“Jade and her team decided to try to send a message. But all they did was make me angry. So now that I’m back, I feel like fighting,” Ripley said. “So Jade, if you want your revenge, I’ll happily beat you again.
“You vs. me at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship.”
Cargill apparently accepted when 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, sending another message ahead of 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 everyone needed to stay focused.
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SmackDown match results:
- Talla Tonga defeated. Shinsuke Nakamura.
- Tiffany Stratton defeated. Lash Legend to retain the United States Women’s Championship.
- Trick Williams defeats. Carmelo Hayes.
- Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley defeat. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid.
- Only Sikoa defeated. Damián Priest.
- Cody Rhodes defeated. Sami Zayn.
