6 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (1 May - Results & Review)

WrestleMania 42 is firmly in the rearview mirror, and WWE has another PLE next weekend. Backlash is actually shaping up to be kinda tasty thanks to matches like Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams and more. Now, there's the chance of adding Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther to that list. The 'Ring General' shifted over to SmackDown on Friday night.

Announcers Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett acted like the Austrian was taking matters into his own hands and defying strict brand rules, but that's total rubbish. WWE barely pay attention to their own separation between Raw and Smackers these days, so why should fans buy into the idea that Gunther is going against wishes from Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis?

Back on the plus side, this was a healthy night's work for reinvigorated WWE Champion Cody. He worked an opening promo showdown then a match with ex-NXT man Ricky Saints, and some of slicky Ricky's fellow former developmental peers made a mark yet again after debuting themselves last week. Fatal Influence look like they'll be fabulous additions to the women's locker room on team blue.

Unfortunately, an attempt at comedy fell flat and felt out of place in the United States Title feud, but Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson came along to show everyone how it's done. Comedy works when it suits the characters involved/story overall. Let that be a lesson to you, writing team. Or maybe that should be ChatGPT!

Seriously though, here's all the good and bad from Friday's latest.