WWE SmackDown this week concluded with Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes attacking Gunther in a post-match. The American Nightmare stood tall on the show and is heading into his upcoming title match against the Ring General at Clash in Italy 2026 with momentum.Besides this, the show witnessed Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair, Trick Williams, Damian Priest & more. In this article, we will be looking at six things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown.#6. Carmelo Hayes is next in line for a US title shotCarmelo Hayes locked horns in a singles match with Ricky Saints. Here, Melo defeated the former AEW star in an impressive showdown. Additionally, Carmelo announced his plans for the blue brand.On a backstage segment with Cathy Kelley, the former NXT Champion affirms that guys like Sami Zayn and Trick Williams are a mockery of the United States Champion. As fans demand Melo, he is back and listening to the people."Obviously, I've been gone for a month, but I've been watching. I'm seeing guys like Sami, guys like Trick, make a mockery of that United States Championship that I took so much pride in making sure to have prestige behind it, okay? And I'm listening to the people and they're telling me, they say, Melo, we want Melo, we want Melo. Well, guess what? You got Melo. And when Melo shoots, he don't miss. And I'm shooting for that United States Championship. Let's talk about it," she said.WWE @WWELINKTalking some HEAT! 🔥 @Carmelo_WWE has returned on a mission, but @starkmanjones wants to RUIN his comeback. 😮‍💨Melo's words subtly confirm that he is coming for the United States Champion. A feud between Carmelo and Trick will be interesting to watch, especially given their heated history in NXT.#5. Sami Zayn continues to tease his WWE heel turnSami Zayn was engaged in a backstage segment with Johnny Gargano. During this, the former IC Champion complained that the WWE Universe had turned on him despite his efforts in the squared circle."Remember when wrestling was a thing? When just being great at this and giving it your all, your passion, your heart, and as long as you did it great, the fans would always be on your side, and you were guaranteed to rise. Remember when that mattered?" Sami said.WWE @WWELINKIs @SamiZayn getting through to @JohnnyGargano?!? @CandiceLeRae | #SmackDownAt Backlash 2026, Sami already teased his heel turn by using heel tactics in his match against Trick Williams. His words on SmackDown subtly tease his upcoming heel turn in the Stamford-based promotion.#4. Giulia and Kiana James are breaking up soonShell @Shelleyjo8LINKDamn Giulia is beyond pissed 🤬 #BeautifulMadness #Giulia #AuraTensions continue to rise between Giulia and Kiana James. During the latest edition of the blue brand, the team locked horns with Paige and Brie Bella. The match ended with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions' victory when they pinned Kiana.However, Giulia was visibly frustrated with the loss. They were later spotted having a heated argument backstage. All this development subtly confirms that WWE is planning for a breakup between these two stars.#3. Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill teasedWWE continues to tease a Charlotte Flair vs Jade Cargill feud on SmackDown. In the latest episode, the Queen and Alexa Bliss confronted the Storm and were entangled in a heated war of words.Soon, Michin and B-Fab faced Alexa Bliss and Flair, which ended in disqualification when Cargill attacked the Goddess at ringside. Besides this, the Queen continues to stand tall in the ring and dares Jade to come at her.This development hints at an upcoming feud with Flair and Jade in the blue brand.#2. Royce Keys to feud with the MFTsRoyce Keys and MFT are expected to feud on the Friday Night show soon. This week on the blue brand, Royce attempted to earn an Undisputed WWE Championship match.The ex-AEW star confronted the American Nightmare, which led to a match against Gunther. Over the past few weeks, Solo had been offering a spot to Keys in his heel alliance.Despite this, Royce continues to work solely on SmackDown. In the main-event match, Solo was at ringside and attempted to help the 41-year-old star. However, this decision backfired. Sikoa and Royce attacked the MFT leader.This cost him his match against the Ring General and ultimately led to his loss. The storyline progression implies that Royce Keys vs the MFT is imminent on SmackDown.#1. Gunther is still a superstar of WWE RAWWWE @WWELINK.@RealNickAldis is standing on business! 😤 @Gunther_AUTGunther attacked Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown to start a feud against him. Later, the Ring General cashed in his favor from Paul Heyman, which granted him a title shot.However, things got conflicted when the former Imperium Leader didn't sign the contract, and Royce Keys interrupted. Nick Aldis and the former World Heavyweight Champion were part of a backstage heated conversation.Here, the SmackDown General Manager revealed that Gunther should sign with the blue brand to get a title shot against the American Nightmare. Meanwhile, the Career Ki**er attempted to outsmart the authority figure, and he needs to defeat Keys in the main event match.Though Gunther defeated Royce, these words subtly confirm that the Ring General is still a WWE RAW star despite his regular appearances on SmackDown.