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Cody Rhodes returns on SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown from San Juan Puerto Rico marketed Cody Rhodes’ SmackDown return as he prepares to face 45-year-old Brock Lesnar at WWE Backlash. SmackDown additionally marketed Backlash host Unhealthy Bunny, who may even seem in the primary occasion towards Damian Priest. Shinsuke Nakamura took on Karrion Kross in singles motion, whereas The Viking Raiders battled Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson of the O.C.
Final week’s broadcast of SmackDown drew 2.473 million viewers.
WWE SmackDown Outcomes | Could 5, 2023
- The O.C. def. The Viking Raiders
- The Road Income def. IMPERIUM
- Shinsuke Nakamura def. Karrion Kross
- Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley
WWE SmackDown Rankings
- April 28, 2023 | 2.473 million
- April 21, 2023 | 2.175 million
- April 14, 2023 | 2.135 million
- April 7, 2023 | 2.468 million
- March 31, 2023 | 2.484 million
- WWE SmackDown Venue: Coliseo de Puerto Rico
- WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 16,896 (bought out)
- Out there Tickets: 0
WWE SmackDown Winners and Grades
LWO And Judgment Day Opening Section
Regardless of their dropping methods, an impressive-looking sold-out crowd cheered LWO like they had been hometown heroes.
Judging by Zelina Vega and Rhea Ripley’s response, Puerto Rico can be 100% partisan as they root for Vega tomorrow at Backlash.
Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega accepted a problem from Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio, which tells me Rey and LWO might get an elusive win headed into Backlash.
Opening Section Grade: A
The O.C. def. The Viking Raiders
There have been a number of AJ Kinds reactions, and plenty of of them gave the impression to be reacting to the gang.
This white-hot Puerto Rican crowd singlehandedly made this match wonderful. This could be the most well liked crowd AJ Kinds competed in entrance of, not to mention the Viking Raiders and The O.C.
The “uno, dos, tres” count-along is a pleasant contact.
The O.C. vs. Viking Raiders Grade: A-
Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky Face-to-Face
Followers didn’t appear to fully perceive English language promos, however knew when to get excited based mostly on the voice inflection.
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan chased off Injury CTRL after they pounced Bianca Belair. Belair nonetheless looks like a lock to win.
Bianca Belair-Iyo Sky Grade: B-
The Road Income def. IMPERIUM
The Road Income made a particular entrance by the gang, and it was each bit as lit as it will appear on paper for such an enormous crowd.
Coliseo de Puerto Rico chanted alongside to The Road Income’ theme track, saying “hey!” to the beat.
At one level, Giovani Vinci hit a formidable dive off the highest on each members of the Road Income.
It’s nice to see the Road Income stay collectively on SmackDown, however whether or not it’s breaking them up or leveling them up as a tag group, WWE must defecate or get off the pot.
Road Income vs. IMPERIUM Grade: B
Cody Rhodes Seems Dwell
Not solely was the “whoa!” tremendous loud, followers in Puerto Rico additionally sang alongside to Rhodes’ English-language track word-for-word.
Just like the babyface he’s, Cody Rhodes requested “what do you wish to speak about” in Spanish.
Cody Rhodes talked about his outdated coach Double A as one other sneaky AEW reference in a WWE ring.
Cody Rhodes Promo Grade: A
Shinsuke Nakamura def. Karrion Kross
Even in entrance of 1 WWE’s bets TV crowds of the yr, followers had been largely quiet for Karrion Kross’ entrance. The identical can’t be mentioned for something Shinsuke Nakamura did.
Karrion Kross was all too happy to hold with Shinsuke Nakamura in a powerful model match, and it made for one in every of Kross’ finest match since he joined the primary roster.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s gradual push continues, however how far it’s gong to go is the million-dollar query.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karrion Kross Grade: B
Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio def. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio
Followers had been chanting “Mami” to start out this match.
I might love if Zelina Vega pinned Rhea Ripley on this tag group match. Coliseo de Puerto Rico deserves it.
Wade Barrett introduced up Zelina Vega paying homage to Rengoku of Demon Slayer, and Barrett went on to spoil the truth that the character died.
Michael Cole, who (kayfabe) hates Dominik Mysterio referred to as Mysterio a “punk-ass child.”
The end was excellent as Rey Mysterio countered Dominik Mysterio’s Three Amigos suplexes with a rollup.
Unhealthy Bunny, who received an insane response alongside LWO, made the save for Rey Mysterio. Damian Priest escaped, leaving Dominik to get lit up with a kendo stick.
Vega and Mysterio vs. Ripley and Mysterio Grade: B+
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