WWE SmackDown Notes: Cody Rhodes Says He’s Medically Cleared, Ricky Saints Makes SmackDown Debut, Gunther Appears & Attacks Rhodes, The Miz Fakes Out Being Danhausen’s Mentor & Attacks Him, Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams for WWE US Title and More Set for Backlash 2026, 5/8 Show Card

WWE
May 1, 2026

Cody Rhodes Says He’s Medically Cleared From Eye Injury

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma featured Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes officially announcing that he has been medically cleared from his eye injury.

During the show, Rhodes came out to the ring and said his usual “what do you wanna talk about?” catchphrase to the crowd. Rhodes then talked about how he came to the arena earlier today and spoke with medical who told him that he was medically cleared to return to action. Rhodes then asked what is next for him on SmackDown which led to Ricky Saints’ music playing to interrupt and came out to the ring.

Saints proceed to boast about him being the hottest, newest, and fliest SmackDown free agent standing and talked about him leading the revolution on SmackDown and welcomed everyone to Friday Night Saints. This led to some back-and-forth banter between Rhodes and Saints that resulted in Rhodes offering a match to Saints tonight and Saints accepting after shaking Rhodes’ hand. Before Starks left the ring, he told Rhodes that he was here to change who this show was about. Rhodes responded back stating that he is “easy to find, hard to beat.”

Ricky Saints Makes SmackDown Debut

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Ricky Saints making his official in-ring debut for the SmackDown brand.

Saints competed in a singles match against Cody Rhodes, which was won by Rhodes.

Gunther Appears & Attacks Rhodes

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Gunther making a surprise appearance.

Following Cody Rhodes’ victory over Ricky Saints in a singles match, Gunther ran out and attacked Rhodes. Gunther locked in a sleeper hold that Rhodes struggled to break out only for Gunther to let go and lock it in again putting him to sleep as WWE officials rushed out to the ring. Gunther then grabbed Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE title and posed with it before placing it back down and left the ring pleased with his actions.

The Miz Fakes Out Agreeing To Be Danhausen’s Mentor & Attacks Him

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured The Miz faking out Danhausen over him finally agreeing to be his mentor to remove the curse.

During the show, Danhausen drove out to the ring in his Hausenmobile. After some words about some free money he found backstage and handing out some free merchandise, The Miz’s music played to interrupt and he came out to the ring. The Miz talked about all the bad stuff that has happened to him and his family since he was cursed and told Danhausen that he will be his mentor to get it lifted. As Miz and Danhausen were about to shake hands, Kit Wilson came out and asked Miz if he lost his mind since he was mentoring him. After some banter between all three, Wilson and Danhausen demanded that Miz make up his mind on who’s hand he was shaking. After a bunch of teasing between both guys, Miz shook Danhausen’s hand. As Danhausen was celebrating, the Miz told him there was just one thing left to do. Danhausen prepare to curse Wilson only for The Miz to attack him from behind and Wilson joining in on the attack revealing it was just a ruse by Miz. The two continued their attack that ended with Miz laying out Danhausen with a Skull Crushing Finale.

In a follow-up segment, Danhausen went up to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage and asked for a match against The Miz after what he did to him earlier. Aldis responded that he will give him it but as a tag match against The Miz & Kit Wilson and only if he finds a tag team partner.

Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams for WWE US Title Set for Backlash 2026

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured the second of two new matches announced for the card of Backlash 2026, which takes place on May 9th at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

This new match announced was a WWE United States Championship match of Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (c).

This new match was setup over recent weeks shows over Zayn and Williams’ bad blood issues with each other. During tonight’s show, Zayn came out to the ring with a Gingerbread costume setup in the middle of it. Zayn talked about people turning on him of late and says he doesn’t know what he did that was so wrong to deserve some of the reactions he has been getting lately. After some more words, Zayn stated that the Gingerbread man represents Trick Williams. After some more words about Williams and everything he does, Zayn stated when looks at the costume, it’s funny but that’s not what he sees …. he sees Trick Williams not taking him seriously, not taking everything there seriously, he sees it as disrespect. Zayn then prepared to attack the Gingerbread man before talking about how absurd it is what is going on. Zayn then low blow kicked the Gingerbread man and ripped it apart leading to Williams running out and chased Zayn out of the ring.

In a follow-up segment, Cathy Kelly was seen outside of the medical room to get an update on the condition of the Gingerbread Man after Zayn’s dastaderly attack. Williams came out of the room and talked about how things don’t look good for the Gingerbread Man. Williams then talked about Zayn’s actions of late taking out Lil Yachty and Gingerbread Man and issued a challenge to Zayn for his United States title at Backlash. This led to a doctor popping out of the room and gave Williams the bad news about Gingerbread Man.

In another follow-up segment, Joe Tessitore announced that the Gingerbread Man has passed away which led to a memorial graphic being shown and somber music playing.

In another follow-up segment, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Zayn were seen backstage looking at a television revealing that next week’s show will feature a funeral for the Gingerbread Man. Zayn stated that this is all a joke and now we are having a funeral for the Gingerbread man. Aldis responded stating they are all grieving, which Zayn responded back telling Aldis to make the title match at Backlash official. Aldis agreed and made the match official for the show.

Current card for WWE Backlash 2026:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns (c)
  • WWE United States Championship – Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (c)
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & mystery opponent
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka

Current Card For Next Week’s Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured two new matches announced for the card of next week’s show on May 8th at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

Current card for May 8th WWE SmackDown show:

  • WWE Women’s United States Championship – Kiana James vs. Tiffany Stratton (c)
  • Six-Women Tag Team match – Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, & Rhea Ripley vs. Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid, Fallon Henley, & Jacy Jayne)
  • Gunther to appear
  • Trick Williams to hold funeral of the Gingerbread Man
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