Cody Rhodes Defeats Sami Zayn on SmackDown After Gunther Interference

Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn on the May 22 episode of SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. " Rhodes entered the match aware that Gunther, his scheduled opponent at Clash in Italy, could appear. The two wrestlers exchanged strikes early. Zayn targeted Rhodes' left knee and later pushed him onto the announce table.

Rhodes returned to the ring before the ten-count and landed a Cody Cutter for a two-count. Zayn attempted a Helluva Kick and a Blue Thunder Bomb but could not secure the pin. Rhodes prepared a Cross Rhodes when Gunther entered and applied a sleeper hold that the referee did not see.

Zayn knocked Gunther to the floor.

Rhodes then hit the distracted Zayn with a Cross Rhodes for the win. Gunther re-entered the ring and began choking Rhodes. Zayn returned to the ring, stared at Gunther, then turned and walked away while Gunther continued the assault.

Later in the show, Rhea Ripley addressed Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab. She stated that the group had angered her and accepted Cargill's request for a rematch, setting the WWE Women's Championship bout for Clash in Italy. Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab later attacked Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss after a tag-team match, sending another message ahead of a scheduled six-woman tag match at Saturday Night's Main Event.