WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights From May 1

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown on May 1.

Here's a look at what WWE advertised for Friday's show:

Cody Rhodes kicks things off

Ricky Saints makes his SmackDown debut

Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne

Jacob Fatu makes an appearance

News also came out recently that the blue brand will be returning to a two-hour format this summer, but until then, it will continue as the three-hour show we have been getting in recent months.

Let's take a look at what happened on this week's episode.

The American Nightmare is Cleared

Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images

SmackDown opened with a video showing how Jacob Fatu attacked Roman Reigns on Raw. When we went live in the arena, Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring.

He said he met with some medical staff before the show to find out if he has been medically cleared yet. He tried to tease the answer being a "No" before he revealed he had been cleared.

That is when Ricky Saints' entrance music hit, and SmackDown's newest star walked to the ring. He insulted the crowd a bit before focusing on the champion. He said Rhodes is barely hanging on and his title reigns have aged him 30 years.

Having a newcomer confront the WWE champion right out of the gate is definitely a great way to kickstart someone's run on the main roster, especially when those two men have shared history.

Rhodes agreed to have a match, but he didn't offer to put the title on the line. Surprisingly, this segment didn't go past the 10-minute mark. It felt like they said everything they needed to say without needing to fill time or rush.

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Rhodes still had quite the shiner on his left eye.

There was almost a big brother look of pride on Rhodes' face when Saints came out.

Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne

Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair vs. Brie Bella and Paige ended in a no contest (SD, April 24), Jacy Jayne lost to Rhea Ripley (SD, April 24)

Rhea Ripley tried to offer her help to Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, but The Queen turned her down before heading to the ring to take on Jacy Jayne.

Ripley offered to help because Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley were at ringside, putting Bliss and Flair at a disadvantage, and she wanted revenge for what happened last week.

Flair forced her to the corner during their initial lockup in an attempt to intimidate the newcomer, but Jayne didn't seem phased. A lot of how this match was structured was designed to show off their wrestling ability, and it worked.

Even with a few moments that didn't look as clean as they wanted, they looked good for two people who have never shared the ring outside of a single Royal Rumble.

After some shenanigans with everyone at ringside, Jayne nailed the Rolling Encore for the pin to get one of the biggest wins of her career. Fatal Influence attacked the former tag champs until Ripley came out to make the save.

Flair shook her hand to say thanks, but she didn't seem happy about needing the help.

Result: Jayne defeated Flair

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Bliss was kind of funny during the backstage segment. Her comedic ability is underrated.

Jayne's quick promo on the way to the ring was good. She looks perfectly confident and at home on the main roster.

Jayne mocking Flair's strut before their lockup was hilarious.

The rolling headscissor spot from Flair looked really good. Jayne threw her body for it perfectly.

The way Flair landed for her moonsault looked pretty awkward.

Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. Fraxiom

Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Fraxiom lost to MCMG (SD, March 20), Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated MFTs (SD, April 24)

Damian Priest offered Axiom and Nathan Frazer a tag title shot backstage during a conversation with R-Truth, but Truth was upset because he was having a conversation with them about taxes, not title shots.

Truth and Axiom had a nice fast-paced exchange to get the action started. Truth quickly tagged out to Priest once he realized he was outmatched.

The high-flyers didn't seem to mind giving up a lot of size because they used their speed to keep the champions on defense throughout most of the match.

This was a fun back-and-forth contest that made Fraxiom look good, even in defeat. Priest finished Axiom off with a Razor's Edge for the win.

The MFTs made an appearance to attack both teams after it was over. Talla Tonga wiped out all four men as Solo Sikoa directed traffic.

Result: Priest and Truth defeated Fraxiom

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Priest playing the straight man to Truth's nonsense works pretty well.

The Miz and Kit Wilson tried to set a Looney Toons-style trap for Danhausen backstage, but it backfired.

Two Bloodlines

Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images

Sikoa gave a promo after the break about Fatu taking out his own family. This brought out The Usos to say they also have an issue with Fatu that needs to be settled.

Jey called The Tongan Death Grip that Fatu used sacred, and said it was over the line for him to use it on Roman Reigns.

Even though they all shared a common enemy, Talla still ended up taking out both Usos at Solo's command. Solo told them to tell Reigns he isn't their Tribal Chief and they are going to go after Fatu whether he liked it or not.

This segment was fine, but it would have been far more interesting if they formed a tenuous alliance against The Samoan Werewolf.

Grade: C+