WWE SmackDown results, grades: Gunther wins Intercontinental Title, Shotzi shines against Ronda Rousey and more

superstar Gunther captured the Intercontinental Championship during an action packed episode of SmackDown.

The Ring General – who – enjoyed a record-breaking 870 days as NXT United Kingdom Champion before making the move to the United States and the main roster, and now it’s all paid off.

The intimidating heavyweight faced Ricochet for the gold on Friday night’s show, and the two delivered the kind of match fans were hoping for in a fascinating clash of styles.

For all his guts and high flying skills, the now-former champ wasn’t able to withstand the beating being dealt out at the hands of Gunther.

The One And Only put on a valiant display trying to hold onto the IC Title, but every comeback attempt was thwarted in a dominant display perfectly showcasing why so many fans have rallied behind the Austrian star.

Ludwig Kaiser – FKA Marcel Barthel as part of Imperium in NXT – also played a role, as he was met with a boot to the face when he tried to get involved.

In the end, a huge dropkick to the corner and a massive powerbomb was enough to give Gunther the one-two-three and crowd a new champion.

It’s not taken him long to find gold on the main roster, and it’s clear WWE is getting behind the supremely talented and formidable force.

If they fancy running this back at, say, Money In The Bank, we can’t imagine many fans would be complaining at another chance to see what Ricochet and Gunther can do.

Shotzi takes Ronda Rousey to the limit, Riddle beats Sami Zayn to earn huge match against Roman Reigns

SmackDown went straight into the action as Drew McIntyre – who took out Butch backstage before heading to the ring – faced in a Money In The Bank qualifier.

The two heavyweights know each other so well that this was always going to be a tonne of fun as they brawled with genuine stakes, and they delivered even if the ending – a double disqualification when they hit each other with chairs – left fans without a winner.

Butch did come out to get involved afterwards before McIntyre and Sheamus – who would both stake their claim to be in the MITB ladder match – brawled through the crowd.

Next, Lacey Evans made quick work of Xia Li in another Money In The Bank qualifier in her return to in-ring action, and while the result was never in doubt it’s a shame to see Li becoming such an afterthought.

She , and it’s disappointing that she’s made so few meaningful appearances since her phenomenal entrance off the back of some brilliant vignettes.

Moving on though, as Shotzi made sure to make the most of her night as she battled SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey after interrupting her promo and challenging her to a fight.

The absolutely shone in a brilliant match, impressing from bell to bell and dominating the action before falling to the armbar.

Natalya would then lay out Rousey after the bell and lock in a Sharpshooter, sending a message weeks before they face off at Money In The Bank.

In a huge – and thoroughly entertaining – main event, Riddle defeated Sami Zayn to earn himself a title shot at Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who will defend the gold for the first time .

After his win, the Original Bro – who would’ve been banished from SmackDown with a loss – fought off The Usos with a kendo stick, standing tall and looking ahead to a massive match next Friday.

Elsewhere, we found out during the show that Max Dupri will introduce the world to his first Maximum Male Models client next week (not tonight as planned), with Mace, Mansoor and Pretty Deadly among the best bets.

WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.