The intercontinental championship is in good hands with Gunther and opponents like Rey Mysterio. Gunther and Mysterio closed out the final episode of WWE SmackDown before Crown Jewel with a fantastic David vs. Goliath matchup.

Mysterio earned the right to challenge Gunther after defeating Sheamus, Solo Sikoa and Ricochet in a fatal four-way match in October. Mysterio was traded from Raw to SmackDown in an effort to distance himself from his estranged son Dominik Mysterio and Judgement Day. Mysterio immediately found himself in the deep end with Gunther and Imperium. The contrast between big bruiser Gunther and gritty underdog Mysterio was at the forefront of their impressive showing to close out SmackDown.

Friday’s show also showcased much-needed cohesion between The Bloodline ahead of Crown Jewel. Increasing in-fighting has plagued Roman Reigns’ organization for weeks. The Usos, Sami Zayn and Sikoa found their groove this week, if only for one night. Bray Wyatt snapped, Braun Strowman power slammed and more hi jinx occurred on a pre-taped episode of SmackDown.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Enterprise Center in St Louis, Missouri. 

Gunther and Mysterio pen a memorable chapter into the illustrious story of the intercontinental title

Mysterio was interviewed backstage before the match. The legendary luchador admitted that he was haunted by the fallout of his relationship with his son Dominik. He credited his love for WWE and the business for allowing him to persevere. Mysterio said he could still feel the pain from a chop Gunther laid into him with last week. The former WWE and world heavyweight champion promised to use that pain as fuel for the rage that would carry him to victory.

Intercontinental championship – Gunther (c) def. Rey Mysterio via pinfall after clubbing him with a lifting, mid-air clothesline. Mysterio relied on his speed early to avoid being cornered by his much larger opponent. Mysterio found brief moments of success before Gunther finally got his hands around the challenger. Gunther stretched out Mysterio across the top rope and tossed him to the floor ringside. Mysterio’s predicament only worsened outside of the ring. Gunther launched Mysterio with a painful-looking powerbomb onto the ring apron. Back in between the ropes, Mysterio put his experience to good use with a unique counter. The smaller superstar wrapped his arms and legs around Gunther’s arms to prevent the champion from executing a slam. Gunther attempted to transition to a fireman’s carry, but Mysterio carried through the momentum with a thudding crucifix bomb. Mysterio further took advantage of the openings, riding Gunther like a backpack and bringing him to a knee with a sleeper hold. 

Momentum swung back and forth between them in the closing moments. Gunther partially blocked the 619 and nearly pulverized Mysterio with a top rope powerbomb, but Mysterio transitioned mid-air to a hurricanrana for a near two-fall. Mysterio nearly secured the victory moments later with a sunset flip. The end appeared written in stone when Gunther landed a shotgun dropkick into the corner followed by his signature powerbomb. Mysterio somehow persevered and kicked out of the pin attempt. The match concluded when Gunther countered a 619 with a big boot and a mid-air clothesline. 

Let us grade on a curve considering WWE had to pre-tape this episode of SmackDown to accommodate for their superstars flying to Crown Jewel. There was actually a surprising amount of thought and preparation put into addressing various storylines. Looking at the main event, Gunther and Rey Mysterio put on a barn burner. Experience, technique and a contrast of styles continued the ongoing image restoration of the intercontinental title. Gunther is consistently sublime, but Mysterio deserves applause for remaining such an athletic and quality talent just weeks away from his 48th birthday. Bravo, gentleman. Grade: A

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Liv Morgan def. Sonya Deville via pinfall in a no-disqualification match after landing Oblivion on a pile of steel chairs.
• Emma opened up about her return, saying she wasn’t sure that she would ever be back. Emma fed Xia Li an elbow for interrupting her interview so rudely.
• LA Knight def. Ricochet via pinfall by grabbing a handful of tights and holding onto the ropes.
• The Usos defied Zayn’s request to stay backstage, instead heading to the ring to give the Brawling Brutes a piece of their minds.
• Wyatt snapped at a crew member backstage. Wyatt demanded the production member apologize for interrupting his ramblings before Wyatt’s desire to bash the man’s head against a cement wall got the better of him.
• The Bloodline got the better of the Brawling Brutes and New Day after being blindsided. New Day also challenged The Usos, should they remain tag team champions after Crown Jewel, to protect New Day’s record-setting tag team title reign.
• Shayna Bazler (with Ronda Rousey) def. Natalya via referee stoppage after locking in the Kirifuda Clutch. Bazler struck Natalya after the bell.
• Strowman planted Omos’ manager MVP with three power slams after bulldozing through his five scheduled opponents.
• Legado del Fantasma boasted about how great they were in a pre-taped video.