WWE SmackDown Barcelona: Rhodes and Gunther Clash Ahead of Italy Pay-Per-View
Jade Cargill, Axiom, and The MFTs secure victories in Barcelona, while Cody Rhodes and Gunther trade insults ahead of the Clash in Italy 2026.
WWE SmackDown aired from the Olympic Arena in Barcelona, Spain, on 29 May 2026, serving as a promotional lead-in to the Clash in Italy 2026 pay-per-view. The broadcast featured a mix of in-ring competition and storyline developments, including a verbal confrontation between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther. Key results saw Jade Cargill defeat Alexa Bliss, Axiom beat The Miz, and The MFTs (Damian Priest and Royce Keys) defeat R-Truth and Tama Tonga. The event also highlighted international elements, such as Lilian Garcia providing a Spanish introduction for Axiom and rapper Lil Yachty appearing during Trick Williams’ segment.
The main event segment featured a heated exchange between Rhodes and Gunther, who traded insults regarding their backgrounds and ambitions. Gunther argued that he embodied the American Dream more than Rhodes, claiming he had to scratch and claw from his home country to succeed. In contrast, he described Rhodes as a spoiled brat for whom WWE was always one phone call away. Rhodes countered by calling Gunther a liar who sought attention from ESPN pay-per-views and talk shows, asserting that the WWE Championship was addictive and that Gunther was equally sick for it. Gunther concluded by reminding Rhodes of the legends he had retired and vowed to choke him out at the upcoming event.
In the opening contest, Jade Cargill faced Alexa Bliss in a singles match. Cargill had previously stated she needed to prove herself and vowed to beat Rhea Ripley, who had interrupted to claim she would retain as the true champion. During the match, Cargill hit a power bomb on the guardrail and later a pump kick, finishing with a "Jaded" move for the win. The result was secured following interference from Michin, leading to a four-woman brawl on the outside before Ripley and Charlotte made the save.
Axiom defeated The Miz in a singles match that drew significant support from the local crowd. Lilian Garcia provided a Spanish introduction for Axiom, noting his Spanish heritage, and fans chanted "¡si se puede!" in support. The match saw the lights flicker as Miz stumbled on the top ropes, allowing Axiom to take advantage. He secured the victory with a "Spanish Fly" after the disruption.
The MFTs, consisting of Damian Priest and Royce Keys, defeated R-Truth and Tama Tonga following interference from Solo Sikoa. During the match, fans chanted "F-U Solo" and "OTC" as Priest expressed doubt about Keys’ ties to Sikoa. After Tama Tonga hit a "T-Bomb" chokeslam, Sikoa interfered with a Samoan Spike on Priest. R-Truth made the save, creating an outside distraction that allowed the MFTs to secure the win.
Other matches on the card included Sami Zayn defeating Matt Cardona with a "Helluva Kick," and Carmelo Hayes battling Ricky Saints to a double countout. Trick Williams interrupted Hayes’ segment, leading to Lil Yachty appearing with a diamond-encrusted "Trick Stick." In another bout, Chelsea Green secured an upset victory over Nia Jax and Lash Legend with assistance from Tiffany Stratton, despite the odds being stacked against her.
The event also featured a confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn backstage, stemming from Zayn walking out on Rhodes while Gunther attacked. This altercation led to another with Matt Cardona, who had been a mutual friend. The broadcast concluded with the main event tensions, setting the stage for the Clash in Italy 2026.
