WWE SmackDown preview (26 May 2023): Matches, news, rumors, predicted matches, timings, telecast details

Don't get surprised if I tell you that this week's WWE SmackDown ain't going to be a live show. It is a pre-recorded show, for WWE had to prepare for WWE Night of Champions. WWE SmackDown recorded the May 26 show at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Due to the Night of Champions premium live event in Saudi Arabia on May 27, WWE performed a double taping.

So, this week's Friday Night Smackdown is going to be action-packed. With Sheamus getting an opportunity at Austin Theory's US title, it would be interesting how the match goes. Also, there might be many things that might happen that might later go on till the WWE Night of Champions.

WWE did say that every title is on the line. But, still, we don't know why Roman is not defending his WWE Universal Championship, and also, Theory not having an opponent for the WWE Night of Champions PPV. But, this week's Smackdown might answer all our doubts which might help in understanding the situation on how WWE might take the show and turn the Saudi night into a blockbuster.

WWE SmackDown predicted match card

• Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa join Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at the "KO show" before their epic clash
• Raquel Rodriguez with mystery partner (Shotzi) vs Damage Ctrl.
• AJ Styles vs Karrion Kross
• Austin Theory vs Sheamus (US Championship match)

WWE Smackdown predictions

Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa join Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at the "KO show" before their epic clash

Tomorrow we might see the last time Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens meet before their big match at WWE Night of Champions for the WWE Undisputed Tag-Team Championships. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa will grace with their presence at the "KO Show". It will be interesting to see what might happen.

Predicted moment: Both tag teams might engage in a major brawl, bringing down their anger and emotions before their matchup. But that's a prediction, and the reason for the prediction is that WWE Night of Champions is just a few weeks away, and WWE would want to promote the fight as the main event, and it would be hell on earth if both parties started destroying one other before the PPV.

Raquel Rodriguez with mystery partner (Shotzi) vs Damage Ctrl

Raquel Rodriguez has been soaring solo in her endeavors since she and her acclaimed tag team partner Liv Morgan were forced to vacate the famous WWE Women's Tag Team Titles due to Morgan's terrible injury. In the most recent turn of events, Rodriguez was met by the fearsome combo of Bayley and IYO SKY from Damage CTRL in the absence of Morgan. They boldly challenged Rodriguez, pressing her to find a trusted ally for an imminent battle. The pressure is on Rodriguez to find a trustworthy partner quickly since they will be one of four competing teams fighting for the highly coveted WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.

Predicted moment: In, the most recent week on WWE RAW we saw Shotzi coming to the aid of Raquel Rodriguez. So, she might be the mystery opponent or a bigger turn, Liv Morgan herself comes around. But this chance is 0.1% because of her injury.

AJ Styles vs Karrion Kross

Only a day before his titanic clash with the formidable Seth "Freakin" Rollins, a battle of titans destined to crown the illustrious World Heavyweight Champion on the grand stage of WWE Night of Champions, the "Phenomenal One" will engage in a compelling battle with the tenacious, Karrion Kross.

When his enigmatic partner, Scarlett, ceremoniously gave a tarot card featuring the likeness of the legendary Styles himself, the foreboding warning of Kross' upcoming pursuit of Styles was definitely communicated. This enigmatic gesture, packed with metaphorical overtones, foreshadows the impending conflict, as Kross sets his sights on destroying the basis of Styles' dominance.

Predicted winner and moment: AJ Styles is without a doubt going to win the match as WWE wouldn't want that a day before his fight at Night of Champions Styles lose to anyone. So, he's winning. But to everyone's surprise, we might see Rollins and Styles face off before their big match at WWE Night of Champions to crown the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Austin Theory vs Sheamus (US Championship match)

Austin Theory, the phenomenal United States Champion, has been exposed to an overwhelming tide of hatred and derision since touching the holy grounds of SmackDown. Or so he says. Theory took refuge in venting his complaints this week after a devastating setback in the first round of the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship Tournament. The appearance of the "Celtic Warrior" Sheamus, whose cruel Brogue Kick acted as a loud announcement, silencing the pompous champion with unfettered savagery, put an end to his arrogant proclamations.

Predicted winner and moment: So, the first of WWE is not going to take the US title anytime soon off Austin Theory. He is a young champion and WWE is trying to make him a superstar. So, I am definitely going to say that Austin Theory is going to be the winner. So, there is a twist here though. "The Celtic Warrior" is a brutal man and he is going to make Theory run for his championship. But, his biggest enemies would come as Pretty Deadly, whose help might help Theory win his championship.

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.