Smackdown Matches & Results-May 26, 2023, Ahead of Night of Champions

Just like Inigo Montoya before he revealed he’s not left-handed, we’ve got something to share: Tonight’s WWE SmackDown is not live.

It’s a weird set of circumstances for a go-home show, but such is the logistical hurdles WWE must jump through when putting on shows in Saudi Arabia. It’s also strange for us because while the results are already out there, we’re going to press on and cover the episode like it’s playing out for the first time.

So, let’s dig into what we’re getting. Let’s just say the chances of this erupting into violence are very high.

There will also be a United States Championship match that could be very good. Austin Theory defends his title one-on-one against Sheamus, a man he’s never faced in a singles match until tonight. Er, last Friday night. You get what I’m saying.

Also, AJ Styles will get a challenging stay-busy match before he tries to become the first-ever holder of the new World Heavyweight Championship as he takes on Karrion Kross. The most heavily promoted segment has been Kevin Owens hosting The KO Show with two guests who might need more time for witty banter.

We’re talking about Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, a.k.a. The Bloodline, the two men who will try to take the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship from Owens and Sami Zayn on Saturday.

1. WWE SmackDown Results: Austin Theory (c) vs. Sheamus – United States Title match

Sheamus started vital but took a big dropkick before trying to lift Theory on the apron for a slam. Theory countered the move and sent Sheamus into the ring post before dropping him on the apron.

After a SmackDown break, Sheamus got the Irish Curse Backbreaker before the two took each other out with big slams. Austin went for a blockbuster but took a knee to the face instead.

Theory tried to bring a steel chair into the ring, but Ridge Holland snatched it away. Sheamus used the distraction to get the Beats of the Bodhran on the ropes before Pretty Deadly came out and attacked Ridge and Butch at ringside. The distraction allowed Theory to roll Sheamus up and pick up the win.

Result: Austin Theory def. Sheamus to retain the United States Title

2. Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi vs. Damage CTRL on SmackDown

Bayley and Raquel kicked off the match, and tags were made early on before Raquel and Shotzi tossed Damage CTRL outside, and Shotzi hit a big dive. IYO was isolated in the ring, and Bayley assisted before they took Raquel down.

Shotzi was tagged in, and SKY took a big Supplex for a near fall before Raquel speared her into the corner. Bayley botched a move, and IYO came in with a dive and took down Shotzi before Raquel awkwardly pinned Bayley down for the three-count.

Result: Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi def. Damage CTRL

3. Cameron Grimes vs. Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis on SmackDown

Grimes got some quick takedowns and a big dive before getting a near fall early on. Adonis got some strikes in the corner before a distraction from Top Dolla allowed him to take Grimes down.

Grimes took a dropkick before reversing a big Supplex and hitting double knees to the head. Adonis took the Cave In before Grimes picked up the quick win.

Result: Cameron Grimes def. Ashante’ Thee’ Adonis

Baron Corbin attacked Grimes after the match and took him out on the ramp.

Bianca Belair was out next and hyped her match with Asuka at Night of Champions. Asuka’s music hit, and she attacked Belair from behind before locking in an armbar. Officials came in to separate the two before we headed for a break.

4. LA Knight vs. Rick Boogs on SmackDown

The Street Profits joined the commentary team before the match kicked off, and Boogs sent Knight outside and dropped him on the announce desk. LA sent Boogs into the corner in the ring before getting a running knee.

Boogs got some big throws while lifting Knight like a set of weights. Boogs tried for another big slam, but Knight reversed out of it and raked him in the eyes before hitting the Blunt Force Trauma for the win.

Result: LA Knight def. Rick Boogs

5. AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross on SmackDown

Kross got some big moves early on before AJ hit a dropkick and took control. Scarlett ran a distraction, allowing Kross to knocks AJ off the apron before Michin came out and chased Scarlett away.

After a SmackDown break, Styles took a back elbow before breaking out of a submission move. AJ dodged the Kross Hammer before getting the Phenomenal Forearm and picked up the win.

Result: AJ Styles def. Karrion Kross

6. The K.O. Show Madness!

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were out next and called out Roman and Solo to join them on The KO Show.

Heyman came out alone and said that the Tribal Chief doesn’t come out until he wishes to. The Usos came out and got in the ring with KO and Sami before yelling at them about last week. KO said Roman wouldn’t come and wanted to speak to The Usos.

KO told The Usos that Sami was right, and that Roman was a narcissist who treated the twins like trash. KO called them errand boys before Jimmy snapped and said he was the Tribal Chief.

Roman Reigns came out without Sikoa and got in The Uso’s face before tossing their mics away. Sami told Roman that the Bloodline was over and that it was his fault before Roman slapped the mic out of his hands.

Owens hit a stunner on Reigns before a brawl broke out, and Solo joined in before taking Sami and Owens out with the Samoan Spike. Roman was furious and hit a spear on Sami before The Usos picked up the tag titles.

The Bloodline posed in the ring, but Jimmy refused to join them and stood in the corner instead, teasing a possible betrayal in the future.

7. About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.