WWE SmackDown video highlights: Logan Paul pulls a bait-and-switch

Originally posted on F4WOnline.com | By Joseph Currier | Last updated 5/18/24

Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul won’t be a title vs. title match after all.

During their contract signing on SmackDown last night, it was revealed that Paul won’t be defending his United States title when he faces Rhodes at WWE King & Queen of the Ring. Only Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship will be on the line. Paul ripped up the initial contract for the match, claiming that he never agreed to put his U.S. title on the line. He instead had his lawyer draw up a new contract.

Paul claimed that Rhodes has done nothing to earn a U.S. title shot. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis was furious at Paul for the bait-and-switch, but Rhodes agreed to sign the new contract. Rhodes vowed to defeat Paul, just like Mike Tyson is going to do to Logan’s brother Jake in their boxing match.

“Here’s the situation: the honeymoon with you is over,” Rhodes said. “I’ve seen you do a flip. Whoop-de-doo. After our match at King & Queen of the Ring, you will find out exactly who Logan Paul is on the inside. And you mention Mike Tyson, good. Because in eight days, a WWE Hall of Famer is going to knock your brother out. And in Saudi Arabia, a future WWE Hall of Famer is going to beat you.”

Paul attempted to give Rhodes a cheap shot, but Rhodes was able to duck and then clothesline Paul out of the ring. He then powerbombed a member of Paul’s entourage through a table.

The King & Queen of the Ring PLE is happening next Saturday (May 25). Last night, SmackDown’s quarterfinals in the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments took place. Randy Orton, Tama Tonga, Bianca Belair, and Nia Jax all advanced. Jade Cargill was dealt her first WWE loss when she got disqualified against Jax.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Queen of the Ring quarterfinal match: Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton