On May 15, 2026, WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivered a busy show. The main event saw Gunther defeat Royce Keys to become the number one contender for Cody Rhodes’ WWE Undisputed Championship at Clash in Italy.
Key results from SmackDown (May 15, 2026)
SmackDown featured several non-title matches and backstage segments. The night included a hometown promo by United States Champion Trick Williams, a return match for Carmelo Hayes, and a tense contract moment that led to Gunther earning his title shot.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Gunther | Defeated Royce Keys; became No. 1 contender for WWE Undisputed Championship |
| Royce Keys | Lost to Gunther |
| Cody Rhodes | WWE Undisputed Champion (set to defend at Clash in Italy) |
| Trick Williams | Defeated The Miz (non-title) |
| The Miz | Lost to Trick Williams |
| Paige & Brie Bella | Defeated Giulia & Kiana James (non-title) |
| Giulia | Lost (tag match) |
| Kiana James | Lost (tag match) |
| Carmelo Hayes | Defeated Ricky Saints (return to SmackDown) |
| Ricky Saints | Lost to Carmelo Hayes |
| Damian Priest | Defeated Tama Tonga |
| Tama Tonga | Lost to Damian Priest |
| Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss | Defeated B-Fab & Michin by disqualification after interference |
| B-Fab & Michin | Lost by disqualification (Jade Cargill interfered) |
Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes: how the match was set
The show opened a path to Clash in Italy when Cody Rhodes invited Gunther to sign a contract for their title match. Gunther hesitated about signing. Royce Keys stepped in and grabbed the pen. Nick Aldis then said Gunther had overplayed his hand and declared the title shot was up for grabs. Gunther answered by beating Royce Keys in the main event, officially earning the championship match in two weeks.
The show noted Rhodes is in his third reign as WWE Undisputed Champion. The broadcast referenced his past tough matches with John Cena and Drew McIntyre while building the narrative that Gunther is a major new challenge for Rhodes heading into Clash in Italy.
Other highlights and backstage moments
Trick Williams opened the show in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Williams, joined by Lil Yachty, spoke about his family and local favorites before The Miz and Kit Wilson interrupted. Williams answered with a fight and later beat The Miz in a non-title match.
Carmelo Hayes returned to SmackDown and defeated Ricky Saints. Damian Priest beat Tama Tonga in singles action. In the women’s scene, Jade Cargill confronted Rhea Ripley and then interfered in a tag match, causing Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to win by disqualification over B-Fab and Michin.
Backstage, Danhausen teased a new experiment in a short vignette. The show set the stage for Clash in Italy and several ongoing rivalries to continue.
Reporting by UFCcoverage.
