SmackDown delivered an action-packed episode last night, setting up the stage for WWE King and Queen of the Ring, headlined by a champion vs. champion bout between Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, and Logan Paul, the United States Champion. Both titles will be on the line in Saudi Arabia on May 25.

**Champ vs. Champ Showdown:**
Rhodes and Paul will square off with much to prove. A world title victory would solidify Paul’s claim as the top celebrity-turned-wrestler. For Rhodes, winning the U.S. Championship would complete his Grand Slam, making him the 31st superstar to achieve the milestone. He has previously held the Intercontinental Championship but never the U.S. title.

SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis introduced Paul, who was met with loud boos. Despite the jeers, Paul proudly declared himself the longest-reigning active champion in WWE. Rhodes acknowledged Paul’s tenacity but pledged to fact-check him in the ring, aiming to capture the U.S. title and silence his challenger.

**Bloodline’s New Era:**
In an intriguing backstage segment, Solo Sikoa confronted Paul Heyman regarding Roman Reigns’ absence from the WWE Draft. Sikoa accused Heyman of diminishing The Bloodline’s value, only for Heyman to learn that Sikoa had spoken to Reigns. Sikoa asserted that Reigns had temporarily appointed him as Tribal Chief, placing Heyman under his command.

**King and Queen of the Ring Developments:**
The six tournament qualifiers on SmackDown laid the groundwork for high-stakes competition:

– **Nia Jax** defeated Naomi with a Banzai Drop to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
– **Carmelo Hayes** bested Baron Corbin with a small package, securing a place in the King of the Ring quarterfinals.
– **Jade Cargill** overcame Piper Niven with her signature Jaded move to reach the Queen of the Ring quarterfinals.
– **Bianca Belair** dispatched Candice LeRae with the KOD to move forward in the Queen of the Ring.
– **Tama Tonga** advanced to the King of the Ring quarterfinals by pinning Angelo Dawkins with a jumping reverse STO.
– **Randy Orton** clinched a win against AJ Styles with an RKO, securing a spot in the King of the Ring quarterfinals.

SmackDown’s mix of compelling storytelling and tournament matches ensured an engaging show. The storyline progression between Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul is promising, while the Bloodline’s internal shifts open up new possibilities. The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continue to build anticipation for the final showdowns. **Grade: B+**