SmackDown results, March 24, 2023: The Usos savagely assaulted Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

Cody Rhodes def. Ludwig Kaiser

Cody Rhodes takes on Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser on his path to meet Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

One week before The American Nightmare squares off with Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, Cody Rhodes had his first match on SmackDown in over seven years. 

Rhodes took it to Ludwig Kaiser before Paul Heyman came down to the ramp to take a closer look.

A missed Cody Cutter from Rhodes set the stage for Kaiser to wear down The American Nightmare. A Disaster Kick got Rhodes back into the proceedings just as Solo Sikoa made his way down to the ring. 

Rhodes essentially had to fight three people, as with Giovanni Vinci caused mayhem at ringside, and Sikoa constantly looked ready to pounce.

A Cody Cutter followed by a Cross Rhodes sealed Rhodes' first win on SmackDown since 2016.

Charlotte Flair vowed to defeat Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair states that she is everything Rhea Ripley needs to be and will stop at nothing to walk out of WrestleMania still the champion. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

LA Knight def. Rey Mysterio

The Master of the 619 faces the abrasive LA Knight while his family watches. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Provoked by LA Knight last week, Rey Mysterio took on the abrasive Superstar in front of his wife and daughter.

The future WWE Hall of Famer paid homage to his late friend Eddie Guerrero before Knight used his power to take advantage. 

A huge baseball slide from Mysterio took the wind out of Knight, but Rey’s son made his way to ringside.

Dominik’s presence gave life to Knight, who dominated until he missed a huge elbow drop.

Just as Mysterio was about to dial up the three famous numbers, Dominik interfered, allowing Knight to snatch a victory.

Rey Mysterio agreed to face his son at WrestleMania!

Following Dominik Mysterio’s rude remark to his mother, Rey Mysterio finally hits his breaking point, agreeing to face his son at WrestleMania. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Natalya & Shotzi def. Lacey Evans & Xia Li to qualify for WrestleMania Showcase Match

Natalya and Shotzi square off against Lacey Evans and Xia Li in a WrestleMania Showcase Qualifying Match. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Natalya and Shotzi took on Lacey Evans and Xia Li in an attempt to qualify for the WrestleMania Showcase Match.

Evans and Li worked well together, despite their inexperience as a tandem, as they isolated Shotzi from her veteran partner. 

WrestleMania Showcase competitors Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez looked on as Lacey Evans accidentally hit her partner with the Woman’s Right. With Li still reeling, Natalya and Shotzi hit a modified Hart Attack before Natalya locked on the Sharpshooter to book their tickets to WrestleMania.
 

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler returned to announce their inclusion into the WrestleMania Showcase Match

After Natalya and Shotzi win, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler come out of the shadows to inform them that they will be in the WrestleMania Showcase match. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Butch went wild at Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Contract Signing

The Contract Signing for the Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania goes off without a hitch before Butch becomes enraged at Gunther’s arrogance. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Gunther def. Butch

Enraged over Gunther’s comments regarding Sheamus, the firecracker takes on The Ring General as Gunther’s opponents at WrestleMania observe. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

After Butch leaped at Gunther during the Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Contract Signing, Gunther demanded WWE Official Adam Pearce make the match between him and Butch.

Gunther battered Butch, torturing him with leg locks and chops.

Gunther threw Butch into Drew McIntyre, enraging The Scottish Warrior before Sheamus got in his face. The commotion distracted Butch long enough for Gunther to deliver a clubbing clothesline followed by the Last Symphony to get the victory.

The Usos ambushed Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn during "The KO Show"

As Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn receive new t-shirts, The Usos silently take out their WrestleMania combatants. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown