WWE SmackDown May 22, 2026 Highlights Nakamura‑Tonga Match and Rhodes‑Gunther Rivalry

WWE's live SmackDown aired on May 22, 2026 from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The main card featured Shinsuke Nakamura facing Tama Tonga, a bout stemming from weeks of tension as Nakamura tried to convince Tonga to leave the MFTs. Their confrontation follows a recent backstage attack where Tonga chokeslammed Nakamura through a table.

The broadcast also continued the ongoing feud between champion Cody Rhodes and Ring General Gunther, building toward their next encounter at the upcoming Clash in Italy event. Additionally, a segment with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss and other leading women’s division stars set the stage for the WWE Women’s Championship slated to change hands at Clash in Italy.

These storylines advance the narrative arcs for both the men’s and women’s divisions ahead of the major pay‑per‑view slated for Italy later in the month.