Ricky Saints debuted with a bang on SmackDown tonight (May 1) by interrupting WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and challenging him to a match, after finding out that he’s medically cleared.
I figured there was a decent chance the match would end in a schmoz due to interference from a returning Randy Orton. But the Viper was nowhere to be seen; Rhodes instead beat Saints clean with a particularly gruesome looking Cross Rhodes finisher.
The American Nightmare had no time to celebrate, though, because GUNTHER showed up out of nowhere to attack the WWE champion and put him to sleep. The Ring General held up Cody’s belt afterwards, making his motivation very clear.
It’s more proof that the brand split means nothing; I don’t think WWE has explained why SmackDown star Jacob Fatu is allowed to show up on Raw to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, and now why Raw star GUNTHER is allowed to show up on SmackDown to challenge Rhodes. Maybe we’ll soon find out about a trade of Fatu for GUNTHER?
Anyway, Rhodes vs. GUNTHER should be a great match, whenever it goes down. Perhaps there’s still time to add it to the Backlash PLE card on May 9. It will be that much better if the Career Killer can get Cody to agree to even higher stakes beyond the title if this feud goes on for a while.
Are you hyped for Rhodes vs. GUNTHER, Cagesiders? And what did you think of Saints’ losing his debut match in WWE? Let me know in the comments below.
Catch up on all the results from SmackDown in our live blog right here.
