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WWE SmackDown takeaways: Rollins creates more animosity with Cody, Orton

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WWE SmackDown takeaways: Rollins creates more animosity with Cody, Orton


SmackDown did a great job this week of making next week’s show feel like an extension of Crown Jewel — with Premium Live Event-level matches also in Perth, Australia, on the day before the actual PLE.

We also got a first in WWE history. Well almost. But we saw The Vision pick up a massive win Friday while Seth Rollins continues to question himself and be fueled by his desire for revenge and validation.

Friday SmackDown results

  • Men’s U.S. champ Sami Zayn def. Aleister Black

  • Sol Ruca and Zaria def. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre

  • Rey Fenix and Je’Von Evans def. Los Garza

  • The Vision def. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton


Seth Rollins’ interference creates more animosity with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton

Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker defeated Rhodes and Orton after Rollins interfered in the match, delivering a stomp on Orton. That was an interesting end because it adds another layer of animosity between Rollins and Orton going into the match between Rollins and Rhodes at Crown Jewell. After the match, Rollins went back into the ring to stomp Rhodes but got a Cross Rhodes for his trouble. After Crown Jewel, Orton can be a match on “Raw” or SmackDown against Rollins, and a future title challenger for Rhodes. Paul Heyman urged Rollins not to go after Rhodes, saying “he’s in your head” was a nice touch, as it leaves a lot of room for Rollins to possibly make a similar mistake in their match at Crown Jewel.


Other takeaways/storylines

  • The Sami Zayn U.S. Title Open Challenge was a vehicle to further two separate feuds this week. First, Carmelo Hayes demanded another shot before being attacked by The Miz, who, after Hayes said their team was done earlier, left Hayes laying with a Skull Crushing Finale. Then, Aleister Black walked out and took the challenge (as Michael Cole said in commentary, his first WWE title shot on Raw or SmackDown). Damien Priest distracted Black, allowing Zayn to land a Helluva Kick and Blue Thunder Bomb to retain the title. Whether it’s helping to showcase or elevate talent, bolster a rivalry or just for a terrific match, The U.S. Title Open Challenge continues to be a massive hit on SmackDown.

  • The parallel growth of Sol Ruca and Zaria as title challengers, side by side with the growing team chemistry of Charlotte and Alexa Bliss, is an entertaining storyline. It feels like this match could happen at “Survivor Series.”

  • Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer made it official for their match at Crown Jewel, and we finally had a WWE contract signing without any physicality … until Stratton left the ring and was attacked by Giulia and Kiana James. It feels like Giulia will definitely factor into the match at Crown Jewel, where she could then face Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship.

  • I was surprised to see Je’Von Evans on SmackDown again. Not because he didn’t absolutely crush his blue brand debut match last week against Sami Zayn, but because it’s so soon despite being active in NXT and in a match with Rey Fenix against Los Garza that feels like a full-time SmackDown roster member should be involved. But allowing Evans to showcase his talents on SmackDown to promote the NXT vs. TNA clash on Tuesday is definitely good for business.

  • Solo Sikoa continues with the “reestablishing of his family tree,” ending this week by saying something is missing and that everyone (and I mean everyone) is on notice. The original Bloodline vs. the Sikoa family would make for a great War Games match.





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2026 NCAA gymnastics championships: Live updates from semifinals

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2026 NCAA gymnastics championships: Live updates from semifinals


FORT WORTH, Texas — The first semifinal session of the NCAA gymnastics championships included LSU, Florida, Georgia and Stanford — with Florida and LSU advancing to Saturday’s final (4 p.m. ET; ABC).

Next up, Oklahoma, UCLA, Arkansas and Minnesota will compete in Semifinal II, beginning at 9 pm ET (ESPN2). Once again, the top two teams will move on.

Individual event titles and an all-around winner will also be awarded today — but not until both semifinal sessions are complete.

Who will make it to the next round? Will an upset surprise us all? We’ll have you covered with all the action here.




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N.J. governor: FIFA should pay extra train costs to MetLife for World Cup

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N.J. governor: FIFA should pay extra train costs to MetLife for World Cup


New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer in calling on FIFA to contribute toward World Cup transit security costs.

MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup games, including the tournament final. The Athletic reported earlier this week that NJ Transit is considering charging $100 for train tickets to shuttle fans between New York Penn Station and the stadium. Standard fare is $12.90.

Parking will be restricted at the Meadowlands stadium complex compared to NFL games — making public transport one of the only options to attend World Cup matches, which get underway June 11.

“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” Sherrill said on X. “And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion. I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.

“FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don’t — I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”

Speaking on WNYC on Wednesday, Sherrill said she would approve the fare increase if FIFA doesn’t step in.

“I will, if that’s what it takes, because I’m not putting this on the back of New Jerseyans,” she said.

On Wednesday, NJ Transit’s board of directors unanimously approved a resolution to set transport prices to “cover any and all costs” to transport fans and comply with Sherrill’s directive.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri on Wednesday said he supported Sherrill’s plea to FIFA and confirmed that commuters would not pay extra costs, according to NJ.com.

“The governor said whatever the fare will be, it will not be cross subsidized by our regular commuters. I’d think every NJ Transit customer would stand behind that,” Kolluri told NJ.com. “It will cost us $48 million. We will charge FIFA fans for those tickets, and it will not be subsidized by our commuters.”

Schumer on Monday said FIFA should be helping pay for World Cup transit security costs.

“FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill,” Schumer wrote on X. “The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up.”

Earlier this month, New Jersey’s host travel committee released a detailed plan for transport and parking during the matches, outlining a park-and-ride plan with specific parking lots and shuttle buses that will run to and from the stadium.

“While rideshare and limited premium parking options will be available, the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will be a public transportation first event, largely relying on NJ Transit rail and Host Committee bus shuttles,” Natalie Hamilton, a host committee spokesperson, told NJ.com.

“We are strongly encouraging all ticket holders to utilize expanded NJ Transit rail service and the Host Committee’s Stadium Shuttle.”

A FIFA spokesperson insisted the host city had previously agreed to provide free or at-cost transportation to fans at all matches.

“We are quite surprised by the NJ governor’s approach on fan transportation,” FIFA said in a statement Wednesday.

“The original FIFA World Cup 2026 host city agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the host agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport [public or additionally planned transport] at cost to allow travel to stadiums on match days.

“Moreover, FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.

“The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup final.

“FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc, where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.”

During the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, ticket holders enjoyed free transport on the city’s Metro system, funded by the country’s government.

UEFA bore the cost of ticket holders using German public transport in host cities on match days during Euro 2024.

Kansas City, where England’s training camp will be based, will offer free bus travel for fans from the airport close to the Fan Festival in the city center, and daily, weekly and tournament passes for unlimited regional travel costing $5.25 and $50, respectively.

Ticket holders will also be able to use a Stadium Direct service, which connects four park and ride locations as well as the Fan Festival to the Arrowhead Stadium for $15 per person, the host city committee said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) said that there will be no fare increases connected to the staging of World Cup matches in Philadelphia.

The spokesperson said most if not all of the added operating costs of running the services during the World Cup would be covered by a recently awarded federal grant.

Information from Press Association and The Associated Press was used in this report.





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Orioles lose controversial challenge after Coby Mayo unintentionally triggers review

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Orioles lose controversial challenge after Coby Mayo unintentionally triggers review


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The Baltimore Orioles fell victim to an accidental challenge.

In the second inning of the Orioles’ 8-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, third baseman Coby Mayo was forced to challenge a pitch he didn’t want to.

Mayo took a 3-0 pitch from Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodríguez on the outside and began walking toward first base, thinking he had a walk. Instead home plate umpire John Tumpane called it a strike.

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Baltimore Orioles’ Coby Mayo talks with umpire John Tumpane during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Baltimore, Maryland. April 15, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)

Mayo expressed his displeasure with the call and raised his right hand toward his helmet, but did not tap his head, as he did not want to challenge the pitch. Tumpane thought he did indeed challenge the pitch and initiated a review.

The call was confirmed to be a strike as Mayo argued he did not challenge the call. The Orioles ended up losing the challenge, one of their two on the day. A replay confirmed that Mayo never actually touched his head.

ASTROS’ $54M PITCHER BLAMES ARM FATIGUE ON STRUGGLE TO ADJUST TO AMERICAN LIFESTYLE

Baltimore Orioles' Coby Mayo celebrating after hitting a double during a baseball game.

Baltimore Orioles’ Coby Mayo celebrates hitting a double during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Baltimore, Maryland. April 15, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)

Mayo, however, still had a successful at-bat. On the ensuing 3-1 pitch, Mayo ripped a 91-mph fastball down the left-field line for a double and ended up scoring the game’s first run.

Mayo’s unintentional challenge is one of a few that have occurred so far this season. Last week, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales challenged a pitch but immediately tried to reverse his decision, as the team only had one challenge left.

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Baltimore Orioles' Coby Mayo celebrating with Blaze Alexander after scoring a run.

Baltimore Orioles’ Coby Mayo celebrates with Blaze Alexander after scoring on an RBI hit by Sam Huff during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Baltimore, Maryland. April 15, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)

Gonzales ended up winning the challenge, and the Pirates retained their last challenge.

Mayo and the Orioles (9-9) will hope they don’t have any more ABS snafus when they play the Cleveland Guardians (10-9) on Thursday at 6:10 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





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