The Intercontinental heavyweight clash

Friday night on SmackDown is headlined by a non-title collision between Cody Rhodes and Gunther. This meeting pits two distinct styles against one another. Rhodes relies on momentum-shifting signatures, while Gunther operates with a deliberate, bone-crushing efficiency that leaves little room for error.

The tactical concern for Rhodes is the pace. Watch how he handles the opening five minutes. If Gunther pins him in the corner with those heavy chest chops, Rhodes needs to exit the ring immediately. Allowing Gunther to dictate the cadence of the match has been the downfall of every mid-card challenger this year.

We have seen Gunther neutralize high-flyers by grounding them before they can build rhythm. Rhodes is resilient, but selling the impact of those strikes for too long will turn this into a one-sided affair. Expect Gunther to target the left arm; he knows that neutralizing the Cross Rhodes setup requires disabling the opponent's ability to lock those fingers.

Tournament stakes and divisional depth

Beyond the main event, the card features two tournament semifinals that will expose the current gaps in the roster. The creative team has pushed these brackets to identify fresh contenders, yet the execution has been uneven. Some of the televised matches in the opening round lacked cohesive psychology, feeling more like series of moves rather than a quest for a title shot.

The current tournament structure leans heavily on veterans. This prevents newer talent from gaining the necessary exposure to solidify their positions on the brand. If the booking continues to cycle through familiar names during these high-stakes segments, the audience will eventually tune out regardless of how good the in-ring work remains.

Consistency has been a hurdle for SmackDown since the recent shift toward tournament-heavy programming. When the narrative focus shifts entirely to bracket advancement, character investment suffers. The wrestlers essentially become interchangeable parts in a logistical exercise rather than individuals with clear motivations.

The path forward

Rhodes needs a win here to maintain his trajectory, though taking a loss by pinfall or submission would signal a dramatic shift in his booking. Gunther, however, usually protects his status with clinical precision. A draw or a count-out finish feels like a lazy way to protect both, but it is a distinct possibility given the promotion's tendency to stall major feuds.

Pay close attention to Gunther’s footwork near the 12-minute mark. When he begins to pivot to the center of the ring to bait his opponent, he is setting up the powerbomb. If Rhodes attempts the Disaster Kick prematurely, he walks directly into a strike.

My prediction for the main event is a count-out victory for Gunther after interference from the outside. It keeps the major stars looking strong while moving the tournament narrative toward a predictable conclusion. It’s a cynical booking choice, but it is the most logical outcome based on the current show build heading into the summer months.