Winners And Grades From Puerto Rico On May 5, 2023

WWE SmackDown from San Juan Puerto Rico advertised Cody Rhodes’ SmackDown return as he prepares to face 45-year-old Brock Lesnar at WWE Backlash. SmackDown also advertised Backlash host Bad Bunny, who will also appear in the main event against Damian Priest. Shinsuke Nakamura took on Karrion Kross in singles action, while The Viking Raiders battled Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson of the O.C.

Last week’s broadcast of SmackDown drew 2.473 million viewers.

WWE SmackDown Results | May 5, 2023

• The O.C. def. The Viking Raiders
• The Street Profits def. IMPERIUM
• Shinsuke Nakamura def. Karrion Kross
• Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley

WWE SmackDown Ratings

• April 28, 2023 | 2.473 million
• April 21, 2023 | 2.175 million
• April 14, 2023 | 2.135 million
• April 7, 2023 | 2.468 million
• March 31, 2023 | 2.484 million

• WWE SmackDown Venue: Coliseo de Puerto Rico
• WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 16,896 (sold out)
• Available Tickets: 0

WWE SmackDown Winners and Grades

LWO And Judgment Day Opening Segment

Despite their losing ways, an impressive-looking sold-out crowd cheered LWO like they were hometown heroes.

Judging by Zelina Vega and Rhea Ripley’s reaction, Puerto Rico will be 100% partisan as they root for Vega tomorrow at Backlash.

Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega accepted a challenge from Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio, which tells me Rey and LWO may get an elusive win headed into Backlash.

Opening Segment Grade: A

The O.C. def. The Viking Raiders

There were several AJ Styles reactions, and many of them seemed to be reacting to the crowd.

This white-hot Puerto Rican crowd singlehandedly made this match amazing. This would be the hottest crowd AJ Styles competed in front of, let alone the Viking Raiders and The O.C.

The “uno, dos, tres” count-along is a nice touch.

The O.C. vs. Viking Raiders Grade: A-

Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky Face-to-Face

Fans did not seem to completely understand English language promos, but knew when to get excited based on the voice inflection.

Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan chased off Damage CTRL after they pounced Bianca Belair. Belair still feels like a lock to win.

Bianca Belair-Iyo Sky Grade: B-

The Street Profits def. IMPERIUM

The Street Profits made a special entrance through the crowd, and it was every bit as lit as it would seem on paper for such a massive crowd.

Coliseo de Puerto Rico chanted along to The Street Profits’ theme song, saying “hey!” to the beat.

At one point, Giovani Vinci hit an impressive dive off the top on both members of the Street Profits.

It’s great to see the Street Profits remain together on SmackDown, but whether it’s breaking them up or leveling them up as a tag team, WWE needs to defecate or get off the pot.

Street Profits vs. IMPERIUM Grade: B

Cody Rhodes Appears Live

Not only was the “whoa!” super loud, fans in Puerto Rico also sang along to Rhodes’ English-language song word-for-word.

Like the babyface he is, Cody Rhodes asked “what do you want to talk about” in Spanish.

Cody Rhodes mentioned his old coach Double A as another sneaky AEW reference in a WWE ring.

Cody Rhodes Promo Grade: A

Shinsuke Nakamura def. Karrion Kross

Even in front of one WWE’s bets TV crowds of the year, fans were mostly quiet for Karrion Kross’ entrance. The same cannot be said for anything Shinsuke Nakamura did.

Karrion Kross was all too pleased to hang with Shinsuke Nakamura in a strong style match, and it made for one of Kross’ best match since he joined the main roster.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s slow push continues, but how far it’s gong to go is the million-dollar question.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karrion Kross Grade: B

Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio def. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio

Fans were chanting “Mami” to start this match.

I would love if Zelina Vega pinned Rhea Ripley in this tag team match. Coliseo de Puerto Rico deserves it.

Wade Barrett brought up Zelina Vega paying homage to Rengoku of Demon Slayer, and Barrett went on to spoil the fact that the character died.

Michael Cole, who (kayfabe) hates Dominik Mysterio called Mysterio a “punk-ass kid.”

The finish was perfect as Rey Mysterio countered Dominik Mysterio’s Three Amigos suplexes with a rollup.

Bad Bunny, who got an insane reaction alongside LWO, made the save for Rey Mysterio. Damian Priest escaped, leaving Dominik to get lit up with a kendo stick.

Vega and Mysterio vs. Ripley and Mysterio Grade: B+