NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Sami Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes could be a featured main event on any major WWE show, but on Friday night, fans in Lexington, Kentucky were treated to the match on “SmackDown.”
The booking stems from Zayn’s continued complaints about lack of airtime and feeling like he’s 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 too much and the match was made.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Sami Zayn makes his entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on May 22, 2026. (Michael Marques/WWE)
Rhodes entered the match with the prospect of Gunther – his challenger from Clash in Italy – launching into a sneak attack at any moment. The rivalry between the wrestlers has intensified in recent weeks since Paul Heyman did Gunther a favor, giving him a shot at the undisputed WWE title.
Zayn wanted a fight – and he got it.
The two men exchanged blows early in the match, each trying to gain the upper hand over the other. Rhodes was trying to end the match early. He went to the rope for a Cody Cutter or Disaster Kick, but Zayn caught him and threw him to the floor. He started the attack from there, taking out Rhodes’ left knee.
Zayn would continue to work on his knee as the match progressed. But Rhodes fought through the pain and hit a Cody Cutter seemingly out of nowhere. Zayn wouldn’t stay down for long. After a two count, Zayn knocked Rhodes down onto the apron. Rhodes staggered and Zayn bounced off the rope and pushed Rhodes into the announce table.
Rhodes beat the count of 10 and rushed to the ring at nine. Zayn attempted a Helluva Kick and missed. Rhodes countered with a Cody Cutter and got a two count. Zayn tried a Blue Thunder Bomb and couldn’t fend off Rhodes.
Gunther attacks Cody Rhodes during SmackDown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky on May 22, 2026. (Cooper Neill/WWE)
Rhodes was about to line Zayn up for a Cross Rhodes when Gunther came out and put him in a sleeper 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 got back into the ring and began his assault. Zayn got into the ring and looked at Gunther. It looked like the two were going to come to blows, but Gunther ignored him and choked Rhodes out.
Zayn shook his head and let Gunther continue his attack. Zayn turned his back on Rhodes and walked away.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
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 vowed to get the WWE Women’s Title back around her waist after losing to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42. The constant attacks seemed to have forced Ripley’s hand.
She began speaking to Cargill, Michin and B-Fab on Friday.
“Jade and her team decided to try to send a message. But all they managed to do was make fun of me. So now that I’m back, I want to fight,” Ripley said. “So Jade, if you want your revenge, then I will happily beat you again.
“You versus me at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship.”
Cargill seemingly agreed 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, sending another message before their six-man tag team match on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Flair and Bliss came out during Ripley’s promo and reminded her about the match and that they all needed to stay focused.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
SmackDown match results:
- Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura.
- Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend will 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. Damien Priest.
- Cody Rhodes def. Sami Zayn.
