WWE SmackDown Results 5/16: Stratton Retains, MITB Qualifiers Heat Up
Tiffany Stratton defends WWE Women's Title against Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss qualifies for MITB, and Bloodline drama unfolds.
Tiffany Stratton survived a brutal challenge from Nia Jax to retain her WWE Women's Championship in the main event of SmackDown. The match nearly ended in chaos when Naomi attempted to interfere with a steel chair, but Jade Cargill made the save, allowing Stratton to hit her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
Alexa Bliss emerged victorious in a triple-threat qualifier against Chelsea Green and Michin. After a chaotic back-and-forth, Bliss pinned Green with Sister Abigail to secure her spot in the Women's MITB ladder match. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa outlasted Rey Fenix and Jimmy Uso in a men's qualifier, aided by interference from his Bloodline allies.
Fraxiom continued their hot streak by defeating #DIY in a fast-paced tag team match. Post-match, the Motor City Machine Guns saved them from a beatdown, setting up a future title shot against The Street Profits.
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu's partnership showed cracks during an opening promo. Solo demanded Fatu proclaim his loyalty, but LA Knight interrupted, attacking Jeff Cobb (now JC Mateo). Later, Mateo defeated Knight in his WWE debut, furthering Bloodline dominance.
Other highlights included Aleister Black defeating Carmelo Hayes via DQ after Miz interfered, and Damian Priest challenging Drew McIntyre to a steel cage match at Saturday Night's Main Event.
Giulia was announced as SmackDown's newest signee, while R-Truth confirmed a non-title match against John Cena next week, vowing to "beat sense" into his idol.
SmackDown delivered high-stakes action as the road to Money in the Bank heats up. With new rivalries and qualifiers underway, WWE's blue brand is firing on all cylinders.
