WWE SmackDown Features Cody Rhodes Return, Money in the Bank Qualifiers

WWE SmackDown's May 30 episode featured key developments ahead of Money in the Bank, including Cody Rhodes making his first SmackDown appearance since losing the WWE title to John Cena, and both men preparing for a tag team match at the event. Money in the Bank qualifying matches included Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Jacob Fatu for the men and Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the women, while Bianca Belair returned to the show. The episode also continued storylines involving the Wyatt Sicks, Alexa Bliss, Damian Priest, Zelina Vega, and Legado del Fantasma, with some uncertainty about Randy Orton and Aleister Black's directions. Cody Rhodes challenged Cena and Logan Paul to a Money in the Bank tag match, following his assistance to Jey Uso during Saturday Night's Main Event, where Cena had also been involved in a key match. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer rated the WWE Saturday Night's Main Event matches modestly, with the highest rating being 3.75 stars, contrasting with his higher ratings of AEW's Double or Nothing event. AEW's Double or Nothing received strong praise, with matches like the Owen Hart Cup final and Anarchy in the Arena rated at 5.5 and 5 stars respectively, highlighting a split in enthusiasm between the two promotions' recent events.