Another match was added to Clash in Italy, an open challenge and more took place on the May 22 WWE SmackDown.
With Clash in Italy just over a week away, another match was added to the Premium Live Event as Rhea Ripley issued the challenge for a rematch with Jade Cargill. Additionally, Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton issued an open challenge, and a former NXT star was officially called up.
This was also the final SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is scheduled for May 23.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were on commentary for the show.
WWE SmackDown Results May 22:
- Following a recap of Gunther earning his opportunity at WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley opened the show. Ripley spoke about her issues with Jade Cargill and laid down the challenge for a match at Clash in Italy. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupted, with Flair asking where Ripley was last week. Flair and Ripley bickered while Bliss tried to play peacekeeper. Fatal Influence then interrupted, which led to a tag team match for later in the show.
- Talla Tonga defeated Shinsuke Nakamura. The MFTs looked to beat down Nakamura after the match, but Damian Priest made the save.
- Tiffany Stratton defeated Lash Legend to retain the Women’s United States Championship. Nia Jax tried to interfere, but Chelsea Green neutralised the threat.
- An update on Danhausen’s experiment was seen. It was revealed that Danhausen was the one responsible for the power going out in the ring. When Nick Aldis asked why, Danhausen vanished.
- Blake Monroe was briefly seen backstage speaking with Chelsea Green.
- Trick Williams and Lil Yachty bragged about beating The Miz, but were interrupted by Carmelo Hayes. Williams defeated Hayes.
- Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair defeated Fatal Influence. Cargill, B-Fab and Michin attacked the babyfaces after the match.
- Solo Sikoa defeated Damian Priest. The MFTs looked to attack Priest, but Royce Keys made the save.
- Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn. Gunther attacked Rhodes after the bell.
Also on May 22, WWE NXT hosted a live event in Fort Pierce, Florida.
