WWE superstars are pretty amazing, but even they can’t do SmackDown on a Friday night in the U.S. and be ready to go for Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia the next night. That’s why tonight’s episode of SmackDown was taped a week ahead of time after the May 19 edition in Columbia.
A two-for-one deal is great for the fans who were in attendance last Friday, and it means we already know a bunch of what to expect. For starters, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa are going to be guests on “The KO Show,” and we can only guess how that’s going to go over considering they are going to be challenging Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for the tag team titles in Jeddah.
AJ Styles will also be busy at Night of Champions, considering he’s attempting to become the first ever World Heavyweight Champion (2023 version). But he’s not taking it easy before the show by any means, as he’ll step in to face Karrion Kross.
And Austin Theory has faced a number of tough challenges to his United States Championship, but has he ever taken on someone as rugged as Sheamus? He’ll find out, potentially the hard way, on SmackDown.
So that’s the preview. But since the show has already taken place, we can also provide a look at what went down ahead of time, if you’re so inclined. Don’t proceed past this point if you don’t want WWE SmackDown spoilers for May 26!
All good? Anyone still with us?
Cool, here’s what happened during the taping:
- Austin Theory def. Sheamus to retain the WWE United States Championship
- Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi def. Damage CTRL (Bayley and IYO SKY)
- Cameron Grimes def. Ashante Thee Adonis, then got attacked after the bell by Baron Corbin
- Bianca Belair cut a promo to promote her Night of Champions title defense against Asuka … who naturally arrived to attack her, albeit somewhat unsuccessfully
- LA Knight def. Rick Boogs, then used some microphone time to call out the Street Profits, who joined the commentary team for the match
- AJ Styles def. Karrion Kross thanks to help from Michin neutralizing Scarlett
- The KO Show turned into a brawl, with Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa getting help from Jey Uso to prevail