SmackDown recap & reactions (May 15, 2026): GUNTHER nearly blows it

Key Points:

• The main storyline on SmackDown revolved around Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER, culminating in a physical main event where GUNTHER defeated Royce Keys to earn a title shot against Rhodes at Clash in Italy.
• Trick Williams, a hometown star from Columbia, received a strong crowd reaction and secured a win over The Miz, highlighted by appearances from Lil Yachty and the University of South Carolina mascot.
• Paige and Brie Bella, the women's tag champions, defended their titles against Giulia and Kiana James, with the match setting up a future feud between the latter two, though the crowd reaction was lukewarm.
• A tag team match featuring Jade Cargill's Baddies against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss ended in disqualification, setting up a future six-woman tag match including Rhea Ripley at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
• Additional segments included Chelsea Green's return interview, a setup for Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga, and various undercard matches, leading to an overall solid show rated a B by the reviewer.