WWE: Cody Rhodes on CM Punk Being Dream Match Opponent, Longtime TV Producer & Director Released From WWE, Backstage Update on WWE SmackDown Going Back To Being Two-Hour Show Again

May 2, 2026

Cody Rhodes Comments on CM Punk Being Dream Match Opponent

As noted before, this past April’s WWE RAW After Mania 2026 show featured CM Punk teasing a potential match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the future.

ESPN held a recent interview with Rhodes. One of the topics discussed included Rhodes’ thoughts about CM Punk being a dream match opponent for his wrestling career and the potential of their match taking place at some point in WWE.

“Fans think it might happen but I think is very hard to put together — I’ll use myself as an example, a dream match that I’d like to be a part of is probably myself versus CM Punk. The likelihood of it happening, who knows? Wrestling has gotten more — it’s difficult, you know? We’re collaborators these days, so it’s difficult. I don’t know if he’d want that and I don’t know if I’d want it. But, I know just it would be really great and be very good for wrestling.”

Rhodes also gave his thoughts about the longtime debate in pro wrestling over if moves or moments matter the most in matches.

“The big argument now is what matters, the moves or the moments? They both do. So, watch Savage/Steamboat and then also watch Hogan/Andre and you get it all. WrestleMania III, watch that.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com 1 & 2

Longtime TV Producer & Director Released From WWE

As noted before, Aleister Black, the entire Wyatt Sicks stable, Kairi Sane, Motor City Machine Guns, and Santos Escobar were released from WWE last week as part of a larger batch of talent releases and departures.

Longtime WWE employee and Director of TV Production Gavin O’Shea announced on his LinkedIn page that he was released from WWE after spending the past 25 years with the company.

“After 25 years, losing my job wasn’t part of the plan. For those memorable 25 years at WWE, I’ve seen, heard and experienced it all. After all, I grew up there, made friends and learned by doing.
Like many people, I tied a piece of my identity to what I do every day. So when that suddenly changed, it felt unsettling, humbling… and honestly, a little scary.
But here’s what I’m learning in real time:
• Your job is something you do — not who you are
• Setbacks can create space for better opportunities
• Resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a skill you build through moments like this.
I’m taking this time to reflect, reset, and refocus on what I truly want in my next chapter. I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve worked with, the lessons I’ve learned, and the support I’ve already received.
If you know of opportunities or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you.
Onward.
Gavin.”

Backstage Update on WWE SmackDown Going Back To Being Two-Hour Show Again

As noted before, WWE SmackDown is currently expected to be moving back as a weekly two-hour format show on USA Network in a few weeks.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that SmackDown will officially be moving back to a weekly two-hour show starting this June.

Meltzer reported that the May 29th episode is currently set to be the final three-hour show for SmackDown for the time being.

Meltzer also reported that the June 5th show will officially be the start of SmackDown back to being two-hours. The normally third hour that week will be used for the the second season of Braun Strowman’s Everything On The Menu series on USA Network. Meltzer also reported that another show will be placed in that timeslot at the end of the second season of Strowman’s show and will stay that way until SmackDown goes back to beign a three-hour weekly show again.