– Tonight’s post-Backlash France episode of SmackDown kicked off with General Manager Nick Aldis welcoming viewers at home and introducing Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Aldis extended congratulations to Rhodes for successfully defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash. He then shifted focus to the upcoming King & Queen Of The Ring PLE in Saudi Arabia, expressing knowledge of Rhodes’ desire to defend his title against top contenders. Aldis revealed that he invited Rhodes to the ring to unveil his next challenger.
United States Champion Logan Paul then came out. Rhodes anticipates Paul’s agenda, and Paul declared the onset of “The Logan Paul-Levesque Era,” proposing a champion vs. champion showdown with Rhodes in the main event of King & Queen Of The Ring. While Rhodes entertained the idea, Paul interjected with a barrage of self-praise, citing his supposed accolades and dominance in WWE. Despite Rhodes’ past achievements, Paul undermined them, emphasizing his own significance in the wrestling world. Paul continued to tout himself as the center of attention in WWE, questioning Rhodes’ ability to script their narrative when it allegedly isn’t his story to tell. He challenged Rhodes to a match, envisioning himself victorious and leaving as the Undisputed WWE Champion on May 25th.
Rhodes rebuffed Paul’s arrogance, acknowledging his accomplishments but denouncing his egotism. He refused to label Paul with outsider titles like Podcaster or YouTuber, recognizing him as a formidable opponent. Cody suggested that defeating Paul for the United States Championship would cement his status as a WWE Grand Slam Champion. He criticized Paul’s reliance on underhanded tactics and vowed to determine their true standing at King & Queen Of The Ring.
Both champions then faced off, holding their titles aloft as they locked eyes in anticipation of their impending clash. At this point, it’s unclear if both the titles are on the line. Corey Graves said on commentary that it’s a “Champion vs. Champion” match.
– Nia Jax def. Naomi to advance in the Queen Of The Ring tournament
– Carmelo Hayes def. Baron Corbin to advance in the King Of The Ring tournament
– WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Jade Cargill def. Piper Niven to advance in the Queen Of The Ring tournament
– WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Bianca Belair def. Candice LeRae to advance in the Queen Of The Ring tournament
– In a backstage segment, Solo Sikoa questioned if Paul Heyman tried to give Jey Uso a signal at Backlash that he needs help. Solo also questioned if Heyman is trying to take food away from his children by lying about Roman Reigns pulling himself from the Draft, as that resulted in The Bloodline being drafted in Round 3 instead of Round 1.
Sikoa said Heyman hasn’t talked to Roman since Reigns lost “their” championship at WrestleMania 40, but he has. Roman allegedly said Solo is in charge of The Bloodline in his absence. Heyman was shocked to hear this. Solo said Heyman is his Wiseman now and hugged him, and gave a look to Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa which made it look like he lied about talking to Roman.
Fans chanted “We Want Roman” throughout this segment.
– Tama Tonga def. Angelo Dawkins to advance in the King Of The Ring tournament
Solo Sikoa & Tanga Loa attacked Montez Ford during this match on the outside.
– Randy Orton def. AJ Styles to advance in the King Of The Ring tournament
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