6 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (29 May - Results & Review)
WWE Champ Cody Rhodes has more than just Gunther to worry about on SmackDown.
This week's SmackDown was a fine 3-hour watch with only a couple of blips. Despite the noise on social media, you'll often find a lot to like if you temper expectations heading into each episode of blue brand telly. Is it a weekly thunderbolt akin to Raw during the 'Attitude' days or WCW Nitro at its peak? No, but it's hardly the weekly car crash some sources would lead you to believe.
Gunther has helped the top line mix and given reigning WWE Champ/chief babyface Cody Rhodes something meaningful to do, but Cody also has something simmering with reborn heel Sami Zayn. A backstage spat between them could've flown under the radar in Barcelona, but both performances were strong. That'll come in handy post-Clash In Italy.
Further down the card, Trick Williams has a Triple Threat date with destiny against old pal-turned-enemy Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints. That's a neat blend in the United States Title picture, and it guarantees some solid action in the midcard pack. Speaking of which, the women's division delivered 2 matches worth going out of your way to see for different reasons on Friday in Barca.
That Spanish live crowd helped hugely too, by the way. WWE must love touring Europe, because even buffer episodes like this one play before audiences who are determined to have a good time no matter what. Thankfully, Triple H and his roster of wrestlers met them halfway here.
This is all the good and bad from the last stop before the latest PLE. Next? Clash, then some kings and queens will be crowned.