WWE SmackDown Books May 31 Clash Matches as Cody Rhodes Beats Sami Zayn and Blake Monroe Debuts
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 23
WWE SmackDown Books May 31 Clash Matches as Cody Rhodes Beats Sami Zayn and Blake Monroe Debuts
5 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 23
Cody Rhodes beat Sami Zayn in SmackDown’s main event after Gunther interfered again, then Gunther left the champion laid out with a powerbomb and sleeper hold.
That finish pushed the Clash in Italy build more than Saturday Night’s Main Event, while Zayn’s hesitation during the post-match attack hinted at a deeper heel turn.
Rhea Ripley also set a May 31 rematch with Jade Cargill, then teamed with Charlotte Flair to beat Fatal Influence before Cargill stood tall in the post-match brawl.
Blake Monroe made her main-roster debut in a brief backstage segment, while Tiffany Stratton retained the Women’s U.S. title against Lash Legend instead of facing Monroe.
Across six matches, SmackDown leaned heavily on referee-distraction finishes, making the show feel more like setup for end-of-month storylines than a standout weekly episode.
Will WWE's Clash in Italy see Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley's dominant title reigns abruptly end?
With constant interference defining SmackDown, are WWE's champions being overshadowed by chaotic faction warfare?
Is Damian Priest's contradictory behavior signaling a dramatic turn for The Judgement Day faction?