SmackDown Results 👊, Cody Heel Turn? 🔄, Shaq Tweet 🤣

Saturday, May 17th, 2025

👊 WWE SmackDown 5/16/2025: 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved

The latest WWE SmackDown saw interesting developments, including Solo Sikoa's win in the MITB qualifier and the WWE debut of JC Mateo. However, the unannounced debut of JC Mateo was met with mixed reactions, as was Giulia's lackluster arrival on SmackDown. The tag team division continues to impress, with Fraxiom making waves. R-Truth's challenge to his 'childhood hero' John Cena was intriguing, but the lack of a title shot left fans wanting more.

🔄 Jeff Cobb Officially Renamed JC Mateo In WWE Following WWE SmackDown Appearance

In a surprising turn of events, Jeff Cobb has been officially renamed JC Mateo in WWE. The new moniker came into effect during the May 16 episode of WWE SmackDown, where Solo Sikoa referred to him as 'JC'. A subsequent YouTube upload from WWE confirmed the new name. This renaming comes on the heels of WWE filing a trademark for 'JC Mateo' on May 10, the same night Cobb made his WWE debut.

🎤 Vince McMahon Made Ex-WWE Talent Feel Like “Glorified Mic Stand”

Former WWE announcer Kayla Braxton revealed the stark difference between working under Vince McMahon and his son-in-law, Triple H. During Vince's tenure, Braxton felt like a 'glorified mic stand,' expected not to react or draw attention away from the wrestlers. The situation improved when Triple H took the reins, offering interviewers more freedom. 'Especially during the Vince era, it was like, ‘Don’t react, don’t smile, don’t take away any of the attention away from the wrestler because you’re just a glorified mic stand.' It got better after he left, Triple H was really good about giving us a little bit of freedom.'

🤼‍♂️ Penta Calls Sabu's Match With This WWE HOFer The 'Most Beautiful' He Ever Saw

Penta, one of WWE Raw's newest stars, paid tribute to the late ECW legend Sabu. Speaking on the Raw Recap, he celebrated Sabu's memorable match with Rey Mysterio at ECW One Night Stand in 2006. "I saw the match again, ECW, Rey Mysterio versus Sabu," Penta reminisced. "It's the most beautiful match I saw in my life." He expressed his desire to have a similar match with Mysterio, albeit slightly less extreme.

🚶‍♀️ Naomi Comments On 3-Year Anniversary Of Her & AEW's Mercedes Mone Walking Out Of WWE

Three years ago, Naomi and Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone of AEW), left WWE in protest of the handling of the Women's Tag Team Championships they held. They infamously left their titles on John Laurinaitis's desk and exited the building. Marking the anniversary, Naomi shared: 'On this day caution was proceeded', a nod to her current 'proceed with caution' heel run. Post-walkout, Naomi found success in TNA, while Banks became a free agent before signing with AEW.

🔄 If you think Cody Rhodes won’t turn heel, think again

Contrary to popular belief, Cody Rhodes might just turn heel in WWE, despite his current success as a top babyface. According to industry chatter, many are against The Rock’s idea for Rhodes' character switch, but 'if bad-guy Cody stands to make WWE more money, then prepare to have your hearts broken.' Speculation also suggests a dramatic end to John Cena's career, possibly involving a heel Rhodes. Lastly, the article proposes three possible storylines for Cena’s final match against Rhodes, each hinting at Rhodes' possible heel turn.

🥇 WWE signs three international Olympians

WWE recently welcomed three Olympians to their ranks: Shady Elnahas, Aaron Fara, and Francois Prinsloo. The three were introduced via WWE NXT's social media, but their social media backs that up, with posts dating back to their initial tryouts last fall. Elnahas and Fara come from a judo background while Prinsloo is a discus thrower. Despite their athletic prowess, they'll face a tough road ahead in WWE's loaded Developmental system.

🔙 WWE's Aleister Black Looks Back On AEW Cage Match With Adam Copeland

Reflecting on his AEW cage match with Adam Copeland, Aleister Black recalls the encounter as one of his favorite wrestling experiences. "It was definitely one of my favorite matches that I've done," Black confessed, remembering the blood loss, the presence of Gangrel, and the unfortunate tibia fracture Copeland suffered. Black also acknowledged the important roles played by his former House of Black stablemates, Buddy Matthews and Brody King.

⚾ Swerve Strickland Throws Out First Pitch At Arizona Diamondbacks Game

Swerve Strickland made it to the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks versus Colorado Rockies game, throwing a high first pitch. "I just needed to get it over the plate, they never said how high over," he joked later. Strickland was there to promote the upcoming AEW Double or Nothing event. As the game was ongoing at the time of writing, it's unclear if his pitch brought any luck to the Diamondbacks.

🥊 Ricochet Challenged To Stipulation Match At AEW Double Or Nothing

After a memorable rivalry with Swerve Strickland and a recent win against veteran Zach Gowen, Ricochet is now in Mark Briscoe's crosshairs. Briscoe, who intervened when Ricochet's victory turned into an unprovoked attack on Gowen, issued a stern challenge on AEW’s social media: “Ricochet, you have been the perpetual thorn in my side … the proverbial chap of my ass … so it’s about time we ended this!” The proposed Stretcher Match at AEW Double or Nothing awaits Ricochet's acceptance.

🇲🇽 Callis Family trio & more matches announced for AEW vs. CMLL shows in Mexico

Exciting news for wrestling fans as more matches are unveiled for the AEW vs. CMLL shows in Mexico. The line-up includes intriguing bouts such as Red Velvet taking on Persephone, and the Callis Family trio facing off against Ultimo Guerrero, Averno, & Hechicero. Ultimo Guerrero has his eyes on the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship and is set to wrestle with current title holder, Yota Tsuji. The international fight week promises to be a real treat for fans.