WWE SmackDown takeaways: Gunther No. 1 contender, Cody Rhodes attacks
Gunther emerged as the top contender for the WWE Championship after defeating Royce Keys on the May 15, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown in Columbia, S.C. Cody Rhodes made a surprise attack, adding tension ahead of upcoming storylines. The show featured several matches and segments, though much of the episode was criticized as forgettable filler content.
- ▪Gunther defeated Royce Keys to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship.
- ▪Cody Rhodes made a surprise attack during the show, escalating ongoing tensions.
- ▪Trick Williams defended his United States Championship in a singles match against The Miz.
- ▪Brie Bella and Paige defeated Giulia and Kiana James in a non-title women's tag team match.
- ▪Danhausen continued his odd storyline, appearing to create a larger clone of himself.
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