WWE SmackDown 5/23 Recap: Winners, Losers, And Road To Money In The Bank

James

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Post on May 24, 2025

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WWE SmackDown 5/23 Recap: Winners, Losers, and the Road to Money in the Bank

The May 23rd episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a thrilling night of action, setting the stage for the upcoming Money in the Bank premium live event. From shocking upsets to solidified rivalries, the blue brand left fans buzzing. Let's dive into a recap of the night's biggest winners, losers, and key storylines heading into the highly anticipated pay-per-view.

The Night's Biggest Winners:

• LA Knight: Knight continued his meteoric rise, showcasing his undeniable charisma and in-ring prowess. His victory further cemented his position as a serious contender for the Money in the Bank briefcase. This win not only boosted his popularity but also significantly increased his odds of securing a future world championship opportunity. His interactions with the crowd were electric, making him a fan favorite and a potential main event player. [Link to LA Knight's WWE profile]

• Asuka: The reigning WWE Women's Champion successfully defended her title, showcasing her resilience and technical skill. Her match demonstrated her continued dominance in the women's division, setting the stage for potential future challenges. While her opponent didn't gain much from the match, Asuka's win solidified her place as a top champion. [Link to Asuka's WWE profile]

• The Usos: Although not involved in a match, The Usos' segment advanced their storyline with Roman Reigns, adding another layer of intrigue to their ongoing family saga. This strategic narrative development keeps them relevant and suggests a pivotal role at Money in the Bank, either directly or indirectly impacting the outcome of other matches.

The Night's Biggest Losers:

• The opponent of Asuka: While we avoid naming specific names to prevent potential spoilers for those who haven't seen the show, the wrestler who challenged Asuka for the championship unfortunately fell short. This loss, however, doesn't necessarily mean the end of their storyline. It could be a strategic setback paving the way for a future rematch or a shift in their overall narrative.

• Anyone who underestimated LA Knight: Anyone who doubted Knight's ability to perform on the main stage was proven wrong. His victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement. His impressive performance positioned him as a rising star and a formidable threat to the established superstars.

The Road to Money in the Bank:

SmackDown effectively advanced several key storylines for Money in the Bank. The qualifying matches, while not all explicitly featured, set the stage for intense competition. The show highlighted the stakes: a guaranteed title shot at any time, anywhere.

• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: The qualifying matches (or lack thereof, in some cases) hinted at the unpredictable nature of the ladder match itself. This uncertainty keeps fans engaged and guessing at the potential winner. Expect surprises and unexpected alliances to play out during the actual match.

• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Similarly, the women's division saw key players solidify their positions, either through victories or strategically crafted narratives. The ladder match promises to be a chaotic and thrilling spectacle.

Conclusion:

SmackDown delivered a compelling show, advancing key storylines and building anticipation for Money in the Bank. The winners and losers of the night represent a shifting landscape in the WWE, setting the stage for potential upsets and surprising outcomes at the upcoming pay-per-view. Will LA Knight capitalize on his momentum? Can Asuka maintain her dominance? Only time will tell. Don't miss Money in the Bank! [Link to WWE Money in the Bank event page]

Keywords: WWE SmackDown, Money in the Bank, WWE recap, LA Knight, Asuka, The Usos, Roman Reigns, WWE PPV, wrestling, professional wrestling, May 23 SmackDown, WWE news