May 15, 2026
Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
Commentary: Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett
Results via Alex Kahrs of WrestleView.com
Quick Match Results
- Trick Williams defeated The Miz via Trick Shot (pinfall)
- Scream Mode defeated Giulia & Kiana James via RamPaige (pinfall)
- Carmelo Hayes defeated Ricky Saints via Roll-up (pinfall)
- Damian Priest defeated Tama Tonga via South of Heaven (pinfall)
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss defeated B-Fab & Michin via Disqualification
- Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender match – Gunther defeated Royce Keys via Powerbomb (pinfall)
Pre-show Arrivals
We open with Superstar Arrivals along with a note about R-Truth not being cleared to compete tonight, hence we’re getting a singles match between Damian Priest and Tama Tonga. We end this with Trick Williams at the nearby stadium at the University, ahead of his special celebration tonight.
Video: WWE Backlash 2026 Recap
We cut to a video package featuring highlights from Backlash, and then head back to the arena where Trick Williams and the University’s mascot Cocky (don’t look at me, that’s the name of the mascot) make their way out to a big pop from the hometown crowd. They chant “Whoop that Trick” as the United States Champion enters the ring, posing on the turnbuckle before taking a microphone. He talks about being back in South Carolina, showing some love to the University before calling back to his favorite moments.
In-Ring: Trick Williams, Lil Yachty, The Miz, Kit Wilson
Sorry @KitWilson_PD and @mikethemiz, @lilyachty had to let you know this is @_trickwilliams country! 🔥 😂 pic.twitter.com/OiXNIkdeqv
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
They chant “Whoop that Trick” as the United States Champion enters the ring, posing on the turnbuckle before taking a microphone. He talks about being back in South Carolina, showing some love to the University before calling back to his favorite moments. He talks about the special sauce at Kiki’s Chicken (“Tricken”?) & Waffles and having some good days and not so good days while playing football for the Gamecocks.
He addresses his family being here tonight and the advice his momma gave him. He talks to everyone here about the star they created…only for The Miz’s music to cut him off as he and Kit Wilson head down the ramp. Miz mockingly hypes up the big homecoming and the Gingerbread Man funeral from last week, saying it reminds him of rejected mascots from his daughter’s birthday party. Lil Yachty says talk like this is why The Miz and Kit Wilson got beat up by Danhausen and the Minihausens and why they’re cursed.
Wilson talks about Lil Yachty before presenting some slam poetry (culminating in talk about Trick and Yachty playing to the crowd and the toxic Gamecocks), only for the rapper to present some bars of his own (complete with a callback to The Miz and his “tiny balls”). That last bit riles Miz up as he calls for a ref to get a match going…but he and Wilson get blindsided by Williams and Yachty! Miz and Wilson escape to the outside, and it seems we’re getting Trick vs Miz up next.
Trick Williams vs. The Miz
They're going CRAZY in South Carolina, @_trickwilliams gets his hometown WIN!! 🙌 🤩@lilyachty pic.twitter.com/c9eLdSIbOo
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Back at ringside, we have a ref and you know what that means as the bell rings to get this match underway!
The two men lock up, with Williams being brought to the ropes before the champ sends Miz to the outside. Miz hangs Trick up on the ropes before climbing the turnbuckle to keep on the attack, wearing him down with a kick off the ropes. Trick heads to the ropes to get back up, only for Miz to drive his knee into the back, sending the champ back to the mat.
Crowd chants “tiny balls” at Miz, who gets caught in a neckbreaker by Williams to turn things around. He sends Miz to the corner, stomping away as the crowd chants “whoop that Trick” in support of the champ. Miz fights him off but a Skull Crushing Finale is blocked, forcing Miz to retreat to the outside. Williams gives chase, sending Miz into the barricade and then the ring before Wilson blindsides him, keeping the champ down.
Miz takes advantage of this, furthering the damage with a dropkick before mouthing off with Lil Yachty as we go to picture-in-picture.
Picture-in-Picture: Miz goes back on the attack, propping Trick up on the barricade in front of his family…but the champ turns it around before sending Miz back into the ring! He sends Miz to the corner before throwing him across the ring…only for Miz to catch him with a clothesline instead. He starts mocking Trick’s family before hitting the ropes for a running boot, and then mocks Lil Yachty on the outside. This allows Williams to finally get back into the match, taking Miz to the mat. Both men are down and slowly getting to a vertical base as we come back from break.
Trick is fired up thanks to his hometown crowd, landing scoop slam after scoop slam before getting a cover and a two count. Miz sends Trick into the corner, only for the champ to reverse a Skull Crushing Finale for a roll up and a nearfall. Miz is back on the attack here, but only gets a two count for his troubles.
Miz lands a set of It Kicks but Williams counters for another roll up and nearfall, and he kips up only to be tripped by Wilson. Miz rolls him up for a two, countered into a nearfall for the champ. Miz lands Skull Crushing Finale for the cover…but Trick kicks out at two! Miz can’t believe it as Wilson distracts the ref, allowing Miz to grab a kendo stick. He brings it back in the ring, but gets it pulled away by Yachty who uses it on Wilson instead! Miz turns his attention back to Williams, who lands the Trick Shot for the win!
Winner: Trick Williams via Pinfall.
Trick celebrates the win.
Backstage: Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints
Talking some HEAT! 🔥@Carmelo_WWE has returned on a mission, but @starkmanjones wants to RUIN his comeback. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/OBHKbDfj47
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
We head backstage. Carmelo Hayes is here and he talks about people like Sami Zayn and Trick Williams making a mockery of the United States Championship, and people saying “we want Melo”…and now they’ve got him. Let’s talk about it. Ricky Saints interrupts, saying he never got a proper hello. Hayes says he isn’t looking to run for President, he just wants his United States Title back.
He runs Ricky down before Saints walks away, and Melo says it’s like looking into a dirty mirror as SmackDown rolls on.
Backstage: Nick Aldis, Rey Fenix, Sami Zayn
Elsewhere, Nick Aldis talks to Rey Fenix about how well he’s been doing in AAA, and they shake hands before Sami Zayn talks to the SmackDown GM. Zayn talks about not being able to win the title at Backlash, calling it a wake up call to go back to who he really is. He asks for a rematch, but Aldis says he’s already had that remathc so now he has to earn it.
Sami is angry about this, asking if that means what he’s done the past couple weeks, months, or even years means nothing. The only people that seem to care about him are his ride or die fans, but Aldis says the attitude he’s giving right now just seems like entitled before walking off. Zayn is none too pleased by that, but Rey Fenix tries to defuse the situation saying he doesn’t even know who Sami is right now.
Backstage: Scream Mode, The Irresistible Forces
The sharks are circling. 🦈
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
The Irresistible Forces are keeping an eye on Brie Bella, Paige and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. 👀@lashlegendwwe | @LinaFanene pic.twitter.com/MFFxrRAp6v
Backstage, we hear from Brie Bella and Paige about defending their titles before former champs Nia Jax and Lash Legend interrupt, with the Irresistible Forces stating they’re looking to get their titles back sooner rather than later.
Scream Mode (Paige & Brie Bella) vs. Giulia & Kiana James
What a GUTSY win for the champs!! 👊@NikkiAndBrie | @Saraya pic.twitter.com/fBdkyytTDn
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Brie and James start the match off, with Kiana sending Bella to the corner. They lock up and Brie dodges a big boot for a leg sweep. Tag made to Paige here, but James fends the champs off for just a moment before a bulldog by Brie and a Paige knee leads to a nearfall.
Tag made to Giulia who goes after Paige, only to be sent to the ropes for some kicks. Giulia distracts the ref long enough for Kiana to trip the champ, sending her crashing to the apron before Giulia takes control as we go to commercial.
Back in the ring, Giulia sets Paige up on the turnbuckle before the champ starts fighting back. Sunset powerbomb sends Giulia crashing to the canvas, and James gets a tag only to narrowly miss keeping Paige away from tagging in Brie. Bella with some knees on Giulia, and BREE MODE activates as she goes after both her opponents. Yes Kicks by Brie before she hits a Bella Buster on James for the cover…but Giulia breaks it up!
Giulia leaves the ring for a tag before they double-team Brie. Northern Lights Bomb by Giulia, but the pin is broken by Paige. Kiana side-steps her and Paige sends Giulia the outside, and Brie gets a nearfall off a double knee to the face before tagging Paige in for a RamPaige that gets the champs the win.
Winner: Scream Mode via Pinfall.
The champs celebrate.
Video: Cody Rhodes, Gunther
We take a look back at Cody calling out Gunther to come to SmackDown last week, only for the Ring General to sneak attack him with a sleeper attempt. Cody fights him off, telling Gunther he’s easy to find but hard to beat.
Backstage: Cody Rhodes
Backstage we see Cody with his title and a contract in hand, and we will (hopefully) get a final decision from Gunther up next.
Backstage: Tiffany Stratton, Giulia, Kiana James, Chelsea Green
Just some "friendly" banter between @ImChelseaGreen and @tiffstrattonwwe… 😅 pic.twitter.com/BH4YQbNY2r
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
We head backstage to hear from Tiffany Stratton, who is taking a nice break from showing off the Women’s United States Championship on TikTok to talk about the issues between Kiana James and Giulia and how she doesn’t like the thought of teaming with Chelsea Green. Speaking of, the real highlight of this show is here as the former champ steps in to talk about her excitement. She says that the dissension between James and Giulia couldn’t be them, but Stratton is not thrilled as she walks off after saying they shouldn’t be teaming.
In-Ring: Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Royce Keys, Nick Aldis
AIGHT THEN! 👊
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
With The Ring General avoiding signing the contract, @RealNickAldis has made @RealRoyceKeys vs. @Gunther_AUT TONIGHT with the winner earning a WWE Championship shot at Clash in Italy!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/lvGK7RVskO
Back at ringside, Cody Rhodes makes his way out to a big pop before tossing a couple office chairs into the ring. He is clearly playing ring crew for this “impromptu” contract signing as he brings a table into the ring as well, going in to set everything up before his music fades. He asks Columbia what they wanna talk about, saying he has all the formal ingredients for a contract signing.
That’s what this is, a contract for Gunther to come to SmackDown and a contract for a WWE title match. That’s what we’re doing right now! Gunther’s music hits, and out comes the Ring General with a microphone. Gunther goes on about all the preparations set up for his SmackDown contract, and yet Cody has found a way to make it all about himself…just like a typical American. All he wants Cody to do is be professional, address him nicely, and say please to get him to come to the ring.
Cody says it was Gunther who got the drop on him, convinced Heyman to do this favor for a title shot he didn’t even earn, and is saying he won’t sign the contract. Cody may have a US flag tattooed on his neck, but Gunther is the one making it weird. But since he wants to play this game, PLEASE come down to this ring to sign this contract.
Gunther says he doesn’t think Cody meant that “please” so he says he needs to say “Please, Mr. Gunther.” This is cut off by the music of Royce Keys, who tells Gunther he’s going to sign that contract if Gunther won’t.
He makes his way to the ring, but Gunther slides in to stop him. This goes back and forth until Nick Aldis comes out, revealing that since Gunther wouldn’t just sign the contract he has overplayed his hand. That title shot is now meant to be earned, and Gunther will face Royce Keys tonight with the winner earning the shot at Clash in Italy!
Big pop for this as Gunther leaves the ring to give out to the SmackDown GM. Cody tells Royce they may be friends but he’ll tell Keys the same thing he told Gunther…Cody is easy to find, but hard to beat.
Backstage: Solo Sikoa, The MFTs, Shinsuke Nakamura
Backstage, Solo Sikoa talks to Tama Tonga to make sure knows the plan for tonight. Tama agrees as the MFT walks off. Shinsuke Nakamura appears, running Tama down a little bit before Talla Tonga blindsides him! Security rushes in to break things up as we go to commercial break.
Backstage: Gunther, Nick Aldis
.@RealNickAldis is standing on business! 😤@Gunther_AUT pic.twitter.com/X7WwWKluqd
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Backstage, Gunther is giving Aldis some more grief saying they had a deal, and the GM says that Gunther is learning the hard way not to play games with him as now he has to try and earn that shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
WHAT. A. MATCH. @Carmelo_WWE pulls a fast one on @starkmanjones to pick up the HUGE win! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/DMXfKHs2Y4
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
The two trade offense at first, with Hayes gaining control as he sends Saints to the ropes. Ricky turns it around, laying into Melo before being sent to the outside…where Hayes goes for a dive, flipping over the back of Saints as both men crash to the floor. Melo is back on his feet as we go to picture-in-picture.
Picture-in-Picture: Hayes brings Saints back into the ring, but Absolute takes control as he lays into the former United States Champion before mocking the crowd on the outside. This gives Hayes an opening for some chops, but Saints takes him to the mat for a nearfall. He keeps on the attack for another set of nearfalls before Hayes scrambles to the corner. He is intercepted by Ricky, but sends him down hard for a two count. Ricky ducks a clothesline, sending Hayes to the canvas for a nearfall of his own. Boot to the gut and Hayes is sent to the corner by Saints, who sets him up on the turnbuckle as we return from break.
Hayes sends him crashing to the mat for a frog splash, but only gets a two count. Saints blocks a First 48, sending Hayes to the canvas hard for a nearfall. We go to a picture-in-picture to show off a sneak peek at Pressure for a headlock, and then back to full action as Saints…still has the hold in place. Hayes fights out of it for a set of thrust kicks, and takes Saints to the mat with one more for good measure.
He hits the ropes for a springboard clothesline, sending Saints crashing down hard. Dirty Diana connects, but Ricky narrowly kicks out just in time. They fight for position until each gets a cradle for a nearfall. Ricky drops Hayes with a big slam but it’s only good for two.
Saints lands some shots to the back of Hayes before stomping away at him. Melo slips out of a Revolution DDT to hit a First 48, but Ricky manages to kick out at two. Hayes heads up top but gets a flying nothing as Saints evades, landing a Revolution DDT…but Melo kicks out! Saints is mad as he goes back after Melo, sending him crashing into the corner for a cover. He gets his feet on the middle ropes, but only gets a two as the ref catches him.
They argue about this until Melo rolls him up, getting his feet on the bottom rope for the win!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes via Pinfall.
Ricky argues with the ref about this
Backstage: Royce Keys, R-Truth, Damian Priest
We cut backstage. R-Truth talks to Royce Keys, thanking him for his help against MFT and offering him a spot in the “new Judgment Day” provided he helps build the clubhouse. Royce has a laugh about this but says he’ll think about it before walking off, and Priest approaches his fellow tag champion to address the lack of trust he has in Keys. He also reminds Truth that he is not medically cleared, asking him to stay back so he knows Truth is safe. Priest walks off and Truth expresses his love for his friend as we find out Priest faces Tama Tonga up next.
Backstage: Danhausen
What are you up to now, @DanhausenAD?!? pic.twitter.com/h7tDeumruU
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
We head backstage for my OTHER biggest name of the night, as Danhausen talks to…someone…on an old-fashioned phone, talking about the success at Backlash. We appear to be in some sort of lab as Danhausen checks on an experiment(hausen) on a table, and then types away at an old computer before sparks go flying like it’s a Taylor Swift song.
Damian Priest vs. Tama Tonga
MESSAGE. SENT.
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
The MFTs have taken out @ArcherOfInfamy in EMPHATIC fashion… pic.twitter.com/McWYbot8Oe
Back at ringside, Damian Priest makes his entrance for our next match. Tama Tonga makes his way out alongside Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa, before making a beeline to the ring to attack Priest to get this match underway!
Tama stays on the attack before sending Priest to the ropes, where Damian turns it around to send Tama to the mat. He keeps laying in strikes before landing a boot on him, with Tama escaping to the outside. Priest leaves to charge toward Tama…who leaps off the ring steps for what I would call a Superman Punch! Priest is down as we go to commerical.
Back in the ring, Priest intercepts Tama on the turnbuckle before going for a Razor’s Edge…but Tama counters into a chokehold! Priest sends him crashing back into the corner to break free, but Tama lands a dragon screw and a DDT for a nearfall. Priest slowly gets up as Tama slaps him in the face, which only serves to rile the champ up as they trade strikes. Priest lands a hard kick and a jumping Flatliner of sorts sending Tama to the corner.
Big splash in the corner followed by a Broken Arrow, but Tama manages to kick out at two! Crowd hypes up Priest for a rebound lariat, but Tama escapes to the outside. Priest follows him for a shoulder tackle sending him onto the announce table. He brings Tama back into the ring, going up top but slipping just as Tama charges in to keep him down. Swinging neckbreaker by Tama but it’s only good for two.
Tama tries to fight back but gets caught by Priest, who lands a rebound lariat sending Tama to the mat. South of Heaven connects and it’s all over as Priest gets the win.
Winner: Damian Priest via Pinfall.
No time for celebration as Talla Tonga blindsides him in the ring post-match, setting him up for a Samoan Spike by Sikoa. They stand tall over Priest as we cut backstage.
Backstage: Sami Zayn, Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae
Is @SamiZayn getting through to @JohnnyGargano?!?@CandiceLeRae | #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/kAaQ9xuVka
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Sami talks about how everything has changed around here as he’s still mad about being called entitled by Nick Aldis. Remember when wrestling mattered? We find out who Sami is talking to as we pan out to see Johnny Gargano…just laying there. Candice LeRae interrupts to say she’s entitled to have a husband who does anything but just lay around, but whatever. She walks off and so does Sami as we’re told we will hear from Jade Cargill up next before heading to a commercial break.
Video: Jade Cargill, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Fatal Influence, B-Fab, Michin
Progressive gives us a look back at the six-woman tag match last week, which saw Jade Cargill get involved to leads to a Fatal Influence win before Jade and her amazing friends went on a rampage (not a RamPaige).
In-Ring: Jade Cargill, B-Fab, & Michin, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss
.@MsCharlotteWWE and @AlexaBliss_WWE have had ENOUGH of @Jade_Cargill 😮💨@MiaYim | @TheVibeBri pic.twitter.com/Qa7MVRUfdh
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
We head to ringside, where Jade Cargill makes her entrance alongside Michin and B-Fab as they walk down the ramp. The trio enters the ring as Jade gets a microphone, saying everyone acts so tough when Jade isn’t in the building…but as soon as her music hits, the building goes quiet. I resist the semi-obvious joke there as Jade addresses attacking Rhea Ripley last week and promising to take back the WWE Women’s Championship.
She mocks the crowd before saying she is that…but is interrupted by Charlotte Flair followed by Alexa Bliss. Flair talks first, running down Jade for what she did last week. Cargill calls the former tag champs “backup dancers” wondering where Rhea is, before Alexa cuts her off to make fun of her friends. Charlotte says they’re tired of talking and ready to face B-Fab and Michin, and thankfully this segment comes to an end as we go to commercial break with the promise of that match coming up next.
Video: Blake Monroe
She's not like everyone else, she's Blake Monroe. 💫
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
The Glamour @BlakeMonroeWWE is coming soon to #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/qLtnCbqBZp
We get a vignette for Blake Monre, ready to do roughly what she did in NXT when she heads to SmackDown. Hopefully win some matches here and there, too. Whatever happened to Mariah May? Sorry…anyway, SmackDown rolls on!
B-Fab & Michin vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
This was bound to happen 😬@Jade_Cargill and @MsCharlotteWWE can't stand each other! pic.twitter.com/tn2kMKxAAi
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Michin and Flair start things off, with Charlotte taking Michin to her limit before the latter leaves the ring. She returns and takes control of the match, only for Flair to send her to the corner. Michin breaks free of a scoop slam, pulling her down by the hair to the mat. B-Fab tags in, but Flair lays into her before pulling a DX on Jade at the announce table (I will not elaborate)…and then tagging in Bliss, only for Fab to take control.
Bliss fights back to go to the corner, but gets caught with a slam for a two count. Jade approves as we go to commercial.
Back in the ring, Michin attacks Flair on the apron before going after Bliss. Ref is focused on keeping Flair out as Michin and B-Fab double team Alexa…who turns things around with a DDT on Michin, sending her to the mat hard!
Tag made to B-Fab and Flair gets the hot tag for a cross body on Michin. She lays into Michin and B-Fab before hitting a clothesline on the latter. She tells Jade this is for her before dropping both opponents to the canvas. She steps over Fab before going up the turnbuckle. Jade distracts her long enough to be pulled down by Fab, who makes the tag to Michin for a missile dropkick. Double pump kick for the cover by Fab, but Bliss breaks it up.
Michin distracts Charlotte enough for Fab to roll Charlotte up with a handful of tights for a two count, and Flair gets a nearfall of her own before Michin breaks it up. Blind tag made by Bliss as Fab goes back after Charlotte, who fends off Michin as Bliss hits Sister Abigail on B-Fab. Cover made by Alexa, but Jade pulls her out of the ring as the ref calls for the bell!
Winner: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss via Disqualification.
The ring clears out as Charlotte confronts Jade on the outside
Backstage: Fatal Influence
"It's only a matter of time before you fall at the feet of Fatal Influence."
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
The Women's Division has been warned. 😮💨@FallonHenleyWWE | @jacyjaynewwe | @lainey_wwe pic.twitter.com/7UpVtY1AXV
We cut backstage. Fatal Influence talks about being “at the top of the food chain” as the rest of the women’s tag division is dealing with infighting. They give a warning to the rest of the women in the locker room, saying it’s just a matter of time before they all fall at the feet of Fallen Influence.
Video: Jacob Fatu, Roman Reigns
Up next we’ll take a look at what went down on Raw between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu, but first a word from our sponsors and stuff.
Backstage: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair
"We need help."
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
It might not be the thing @MsCharlotteWWE wants to hear, but @AlexaBliss_WWE might have a point. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LbFkC9RY58
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss discuss the ramifications of helping Rhea Ripley and dealing with Jade Cargill and her friends. Bliss says she has a plan and they walk off as SmackDown continues.
Video: Roman Reigns, The Usos, Jacob Fatu
We got a video package looking back at Raw this past Monday, as Jacob Fatu tells Roman Reigns he’s gonna have to beat the acknowledgement out of him. Reigns looks to do just that, before Fatu catches him in a Tongan Death Grip to turn the tables on the champ. He ends up sending Roman through the barricade to get his point across.
Backstage: Royce Keys, Solo Sikoa
Give it a rest, Solo.@RealRoyceKeys doesn't need your help. 😤 pic.twitter.com/kEATUzxfni
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
Backstage, Royce Keys is warming up for his match against Gunther when Solo Sikoa approaches him. He talks about how the two of them can run SmackDown, referring to what Jacob was doing and how that didn’t pan out for him or Shinsuke. Royce says he’s got this, and Solo notes that Jacob said the same thing before walking off.
Next Week’s Show and WWE SNME Show Cards Rundown
Commentary hypes up our main event still to come, as well as next week’s match between Tama Tonga and Shinsuke Nakamura and a couple matches for Saturday Night’s Main Event including the newly-announced six-woman tag bout as Rhea Ripley teams with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to take on Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin.
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender Match
Gunther vs. Royce Keys
GUNTHER is headed to ITALY. 👊
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2026
No thanks to Solo Sikoa, @Gunther_AUT takes down @RealRoyceKeys to become the NEW No. 1 Contender! pic.twitter.com/v8dThFyeaP
Gunther takes control as he brings Keys to the corner, asking who Royce thinks he is. Royce responds by sending the Ring General to the ropes, forcing him to the outside. Gunther takes his time before getting back in…only to escape to the outside just as quickly.
Ref starts the count as Gunther comes back into the ring, circling the mat for a boot and a side headlock. Gunther lands a chop before cinching in another side headlock, but Royce breaks free and both men hit the ropes before Keys knocks Gunther off his feet. He lays in some more strikes, forcing the Ring General to the corner before landing a big boot and a powerslam for a two count.
Gunther starts to fight back before being sent to the outside by Keys, who continues to lay into the Ring General and sends him crashing into and over the announce table before we go to picture-in-picture.
Picture-in-Picture: Gunther manages to find his bearings as he slams Keys into the ring steps, regaining control as he heads back into the ring. Keys gets back into the ring himself but is cut off by Gunther, who lays some more strikes in on him before looking for a modified sleeper hold. Keys fights his way to his feet, looking for another body slam on Gunther before being sent to the mat by the Ring General. Royce looks hurt as he rolls to the ropes, with Gunther mocking the crowd and bringing Keys to his feet to bring us back from break.
Gunther continues the attack until Royce blocks a suplex attempt. They fight for position and Gunther wins out with a chop, only for Keys to drop him with a vertical suplex. The two fight to their feet before Gunther lays Keys out with a chop for a two count. Gunther decides to take a breather of sorts, sending Royce out of the ring with a chance to sneak in a count-out victory. He ends up deciding against it when he goes to the apron for a boot to the face of Keys…who catches him and sends him onto the announce table over and over!
He brings Gunther back into the ring before hitting the ropes, but Gunther cuts him off. Big boot in the corner is a swing and a miss as Keys sends him across the ring…but Gunther lands a clothesline on the rebound! He goes up top, but Keys intercepts him for a superplex. Cover by Royce, but it’s only good for a two count.
Both men get to their feet, trading strikes once more until Gunther cinches in a sleeper hold! He brings Royce down to the mat for a body scissors and Keys looks like he’s fading until Solo comes to ringside to will him back into this…and this seems to work as Gunther tries to reposition himself, only for Royce to hoist him up and over forcing a break.
They hit the ropes and trade strikes once more, and Keys hits a lariat to send the Ring General down hard for a two count. Hammer throw to the corner and Royce hits a corner splash, but Gunther counters back with another sleeper hold! Royce is struggling as Solo tries to will him on again. It works once more as Royce starts to break free, before Gunther lays some shots in on him…only to be laid out with a pounce!
But the impact sends Gunther into the ref, and both men are down! Solo tries to help his “new buddy” out by getting him a chair, but Royce throws it at the face of Sikoa. The distraction is enough for Gunther to catch him with a big clothesline and a powerbomb, stacking Keys up high for the win.
Winner: Gunther via Pinfall.
Gunther grabs the nearest camera, running Cody down verbally before the champ blindsides him for a Cross Rhodes. Gunther leaves the ring, and Cody poses for the crowd as SmackDown comes to a close.

Cuatrero Sentenced To Almost 13 Years In Prison for Domestic Violence & Attempted Femicide Against Stephanie Vaquer
WWE NXT Results – May 12, 2026 – Naraku NXT In-Ring Debut, Zaria & Nikkita Lyons vs. Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain
Matt Jackson Says There Were Talks with Triple H for Crossover The Elite vs. New Day Feud




