“WWE SmackDown” hits Jacksonville, Florida tonight — Friday, May 8 — inside the VyStar Memorial Colosseum for the WWE Backlash 2026 go-home show. “Raw” storylines primarily occupy the shine on this weekend’s PLE, but “SmackDown” continues its build toward its next Cody Rhodes program, which was teased last week.
Gunther returned to attack Rhodes after the latter’s win over Ricky Saints on last week’s “SmackDown.” “The Ring General” now appears firmly moved over to “SmackDown” to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship, as he’s advertised to appear tonight.
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Only two matches are currently advertised for “SmackDown” in Jacksonville, starting with Tiffany Stratton’s first U.S. title defense. Rather than rematching Giulia, whom she dethroned, Stratton will take on Giulia’s partner-in-crime, Kiana James.
The other currently booked match on “SmackDown” belongs to Rhea Ripley, who will align with forever-enemy Charlotte Flair and Flair’s bestie, Alexa Bliss, in trios action. They’ll take on the new incoming faction, Fatal Influence — Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reed.
Although Randy Orton, Jade Cargill and Drew McIntyre did not appear last week when advertised, they are once again listed for tonight.
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Check out the full “WWE SmackDown” lineup below, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network:
Women’s U.S. Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c.) vs Kiana James
Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)
Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
Appearances from Jacob Fatu, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Trick Williams, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill and Randy Orton
For complete coverage of “WWE SmackDown” on USA, follow along with Uncrowned’s live blog below:Live11 updates
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 5:11 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 5:11 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fatu says he’s not fighting Reigns tomorrow — he’s taking the title. Reigns gets highlighted as the guy always taking the spotlight, while he got nothing. No protection, no belief, you name it. Then, The Usos interrupted, continuing to fight their cousin’s battles for him.
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 5:07 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
For SmackDown’s proper kickoff, here comes Jacob Fatu. He’ll look to claim the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns tomorrow night at Backlash.
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 5:05 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
It’s pretty insane timing for WWE to have a gingerbread man funeral the same week that Ted Turner dies. While a mannequin gets showcased with a full segment later on, Turner gets an opening graphic.
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:55 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:50 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:45 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:41 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:37 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:33 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM PDT
Drake Riggs
Jacksonville hosts the SmackDown go-home show for Backlash tomorrow in Tampa. The weekend’s PLE is largely Raw-focused, so expect progressions tonight for storylines that stretch beyond what’s directly around the corner. Here’s what’s on tap.
Women’s U.S. Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c.) vs Kiana James
Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)
Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
Appearances from Jacob Fatu, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Trick Williams, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill and Randy Orton