The latest WWE SmackDown before the Clash in Italy wrapped up with a pivotal segment featuring Cody Rhodes and Gunther. The Ring General declared his intention to overthrow the American Nightmare and claim the title of undisputed WWE Champion.
The episode also showcased appearances by Danhausen, Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Matt Cardona, and Jade Cargill, among others. Here are six insights WWE subtly conveyed in the final SmackDown before the Clash in Italy.
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Jade Cargill is losing this Sunday
On Friday Night SmackDown, Jade Cargill faced off against Alexa Bliss. The Storm dominated, securing a victory over the Goddess. Post-match, Cargill seemed ready to attack Bliss with a steel chair until Rhea Ripley stepped in.
At the Clash in Italy, Jade will challenge Ripley for the Women’s Championship. Typically, the wrestler who gains momentum in the lead-up episode often loses in the main event, suggesting Jade might fall short at the Clash in Italy 2026.
WWE continues to tease Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair
Following Jade Cargill’s attack on Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair expressed her frustration backstage. Witnessing her friend in distress, the Queen approached Rhea Ripley, who assured her that she would handle Cargill at the Clash in Italy.
Flair, however, vowed to step in if Ripley couldn’t manage Cargill, hinting at a potential future rivalry between Cargill and Flair.
Blake Monroe is coming after Rhea Ripley
Blake Monroe, who made her backstage debut on SmackDown last week, had her video package aired this week. The former NXT star targeted Rhea Ripley, bringing up past betrayals by Dominik Mysterio and issuing a warning as she built up anticipation for her SmackDown debut.
Monroe also hinted at a possible title match against Ripley, should she retain the Championship against Jade Cargill at the Clash in Italy.
Gunther is losing at Clash in Italy
Cody Rhodes and Gunther were involved in a heated exchange on SmackDown. Gunther ended the segment by vowing to choke out Rhodes at the Clash in Italy.
Recalling his past victories over Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles, Gunther insisted that Rhodes would meet a similar fate. However, getting the last word might imply that Gunther is set to lose at the upcoming international event.
Gunther was given momentum in the final episode, which could be a sign that he may lose the coveted title match.
Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton are forming an alliance
In last week’s SmackDown, Chelsea Green assisted Tiffany Stratton in retaining her Women’s US title against Lash Legend. The latest episode hinted at a budding alliance between Green and Stratton.
During a backstage interaction, Chelsea assumed she could accompany the mid-card Champion to the ring, proposing they make an entrance together. However, the Buff Barbie declined the offer.
Despite this, Tiffy Time intervened in the Nia Jax vs. Chelsea Green match, assisting Green, indicating a potential alliance between the two.
Sami Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes at WWE Night of Champions?
Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn engaged in a compelling discussion on SmackDown. Rhodes questioned Zayn’s inaction the previous week when Gunther was overpowering the Undisputed Champion.
Sami explained that he believed Cody needed to learn a lesson, which is why he refrained from intervening. Rhodes countered by saying he hoped to teach Zayn a lesson soon.
As WWE Night of Champions 2026 nears, this exchange hints at a possible match between Sami and Cody at the Saudi Arabia event.
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Edited by Arvind Sriram
