WWE SmackDown 5 May 2023: Matches, news, timings, telecast details for the Last Friday Night SmackDown before Backlash

This will be the last event before WrestleMania Backlash pay per view

Following night two of the 2023 WWE draft, the future of WWE is a little clearer. Major performers such as reigning WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (SmackDown) and Cody Rhodes (RAW) were drafted to different brands, kicking off a global heavyweight title competition to determine Raw's next leader.

With the WWE Draft officially over, the superstars have found their new home. In the past week on SmackDown, the highly anticipated match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs The Usos took place. It was one memorable match to look at.

With lots of bad blood and mind games played before the match, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens retained their WWE Undisputed Tag Team championships. In the WWE Draft 2023, Night 2 Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens got drafted to RAW, while their rivals to the Red brand.

With tensions rising it would be interesting to see how WWE build-up the matches for WWE Backlash. Last week's SmackDown included a slew of Hall of Famers and familiar faces serving as draft guest presenters. Some of the fan favourites who returned on Friday night included Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, and Teddy Long.

The announced match card for WWE Smackdown

LA Knight vs Xavier Woods

Also Read: WWE plans for Night of Champions 2023: Rumors Roundup

Who are the superstars drafted to WWE Smackdown in WWE Draft 2023?

• The Bloodline (Roman Reigns (WWE Undisputed Universal Champion), Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman)
• Bianca Belair (RAW Womens Champion)
• The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)
• Edge
• Bobby Lashley
• The O.C. (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson & Mia Yim)
• Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai)
• Alba Fyre
• Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson)
• Isla Dawn
• Hit Row (Top Dolla, Ashante Thee Adonis & B-Fab)
• Lacey Evans
• Austin Theory (US Champion)
• Charlotte Flair
• The Usos (Jimmy & Jey)
• LWO (Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro)
• Asuka
• The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch & Ridge Holland)
• Karrion Kross & Scarlett
• LA Knight
• Grayson Waller
• Shotzi
• Rick Boogs
• Cameron Grimes
• Tamina

Along with the previously named free agents, Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Von Wagner, Omos, and MVP were also passed over on Night 1 of the draft, making them unrestricted free agents. In addition, Brock Lesnar bargained for his free agency status, while some big-name Superstars, like Bray Wyatt, Alexa Bliss, and Logan Paul, were not included in the draught pool at all. The new rosters will be implemented on the May 8 broadcast of Raw, only two days after the Backlash premium live event in Puerto Rico.

WWE Smackdown telecast details

WWE SmackDown LIVE is telecast in India every Saturday. WWE SmackDown LIVE airs every Saturday at 6:30 a.m. You may watch WWE SmackDown LIVE in India online if you have a WWE Network premium account. Even if you don't have a membership, you may watch it live on the Sony LIV app, AirtelTV, or JioTV. Those with cable who enjoy watching TV may do so on Sony 1 for English commentary and Sony 3 for Hindi commentary.