WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for May 23

Baron Corbin vs Sami Zayn

Result: Sami Zayn wins via pinfall

Rating: N/A (post-match assault = 3.0 out of 5 stars)

In almost no time at all, Sami Zayn was able to score a quick pinfall against Baron Corbin. His night wasn’t over in the slightest though, as the Lone Wolf was absolutely livid over the result. Attacking his opponent from behind, Corbin proceeded to continue the assault across the arena. Referees quickly came in to stop the assault, however, the damage had already been done. The only thing they could do was tend to Zayn as medical officials made their way to the scene.

If the plan here was to have Corbin destroy Zayn, why was the decision made to have him lose in under a minute? The Lone Wolf should’ve attacked the Underdog from the Underground during his entrance, instead of being made to look inferior in a short exchange. With this post-match attack, it may be safe to assume that Zayn may be excluded from the MiTB ladder match. Here’s hoping that Rusev is announced as a replacement. Or have Zayn stay in and go ahead and add Rusev anyway. Either way; more Rusev.

After this ordeal, the cameras shift to the backstage area for an interaction between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. Conversing with one another ahead of their tag match tonight, the two hype up each other and the contest.

Our next segment of the night is another installment of the BreezeDango skit known as the “Fashion Files”. This time, Shane McMahon was included in the proceedings. Upset over the loss at Backlash, the duo hands in their water guns and other equipment to the Commissioner. Instead of accepting the goods, Shane states that the duo have proved themselves. Tonight, Tyler Breeze will compete against Jey Uso. I think that it’s safe to assume that a victory for Breeze means a future title shot for him and Fandango.