SmackDown recap & reactions: Sign the damn contract already
Cageside Seats • • entertainment
Key Points:
- WWE is building up to a WWE Championship match between Gunther and Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy, with contract signing drama ongoing and Sami Zayn involved in the storyline.
- Women's Champion Rhea Ripley is set to face Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy, with additional tag team tensions involving Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and the faction Fatal Influence playing out on SmackDown.
- The tag team division is receiving significant focus, including storylines with the MFTs, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Damian Priest, though some angles are criticized for lacking clear direction.
- Lash Legend challenged Tiffany Stratton for the United States Championship but lost, while Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes continue a heated rivalry with interference from Ricky Starks.
- Overall, the latest SmackDown episode received mixed reviews, with some criticism about declining show quality since CM Punk's departure, earning a grade of C from Cage Side Seats.