WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights Before Clash in Italy

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of SmackDown's go-home show before Sunday's Clash in Italy PLE.

The WWE crew was already in Europe on Friday, so this week was a rare pre-taped episode for fans watching on the USA Network.

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

Cody Rhodes addresses Gunther before their title match

Jade Cargill sends Rhea Ripley a final message before Clash in Italy

The Miz vs. Axiom

Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints

Let's take a look at everything that happened on Friday's SmackDown.

She's Still Jaded

After the usual array of Superstar arrivals and a recap of Saturday Night's Main Event, Cargill made her way to the ring with Michin and B-Fab.

She talked some trash about Ripley, which brought the champion to the ring to issue a response. She reminded Cargill of her winning record against her and promised to repeat her success on Sunday.

Cargill said the division doesn't revolve around her, and even went as far as to claim nobody in the locker room likes her. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss came out to add their thoughts. This led to Nick Aldis booking Cargill vs. Bliss.

The No. 1 contender was getting some good heat in this segment. The Italian crowd was booing loudly enough to make it hard to hear her at times. Predictably, Ripley was over and received a big pop when she arrived.

This was a relatively simple segment designed to hype the women's title match on Sunday. It didn't do much to advance the storyline, but it wasn't bad.

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

The intro included some nice drone shots of Barcelona.

It still makes no sense for Michin and B-Fab to be doing Cargill's bidding.

Bliss was a highlight in this segment.

Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill

Last time in action: Cargill's team defeated Bliss' team (SNME, May 23)

The match between Bliss and Cargill got started as soon as the show returned from a commercial.

The Goddess had the upper hand at first, thanks to her quickness, but The Storm used her power to stop her from building more momentum.

Cargill dominated her opponent throughout the break as Flair and Ripley watched helplessly from ringside. When Bliss began to make a comeback, the crowd started chanting and singing.

WWE could have booked Cargill to get an easy win ahead of her title shot on Sunday, but this ended up being a competitive fight that made Alexa look good, even in defeat.

All four women at ringside ended up fighting to the back. After countering Twisted Bliss, Cargill hit a pump kick followed by Jaded for the pin and the win. Cargill still has some things she needs to work on, but this was a decent match.

The No. 1 contender hit one more Jaded on a chair after the match was over.

Result: Cargill defeated Bliss

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

Cargill had some trouble balancing Bliss for the military press at first.

The powerbomb on the barricade was a surprising spot for a match like this, but it made Cargill look dominant.

It was a little strange to see Cargill with something other than silver hair.

Axiom vs. The Miz

Last time in action: The Miz lost to Trick Williams (SD, May 15), Axiom defeated Kit Wilson (Main Event, May 22)

Rhodes and Sami Zayn had a confrontation backstage. Zayn wanted an apology for Rhodes hitting his finisher last week after he helped take care of Gunther. Rhodes said it was fair game because it happened during a match.

The Miz was upset that Wilson would not be by his side for his match against Axiom, especially since they were in Europe. Lilian Garcia introduced Axiom in Spanish, and he got a great reaction from the crowd.

They had a brief sequence of counters before the lights flashed in the arena for a moment. Nathan Frazer cheered his partner on from ringside as he used his speed to control The A-Lister.

This match was booked exactly how it needed to be booked. The Miz played the classic wrestling heel like a pro, and Axiom did a great job playing to the crowd as the heroic babyface. They put on a fun show for the fans that was simple but effective.

Axiom picked up the victory after he was able to take advantage of the lights flickering again.

Result: Axiom defeated The Miz

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Danhausen's equipment was held up at customs. Aldis told him he wanted him to appear in front of the crowd tonight, and Danhausen ran off with an idea in mind and started building something in the background.

Axiom had new gear made for this match. You could tell he was excited to be back in Europe.

Joe Tessitore claimed Wilson wasn't allowed to enter the country because he was traveling with too much moisturizer.