WWE SmackDown preview 12 May 2023: Matches, news, rumors, predicted matches, timings, telecast details

Several old rivalries are re-ignited and new ones lined up in an interesting card.

Fans praised last week's Backlash premium live event for the card, the hot Puerto Rican audience, and the confirmed superstar that is Bad Bunny, and his performance at the event. But now it's time for the post-WWE Backlash edition of Friday Night SmackDown, and the card is looking promising. WWE SmackDown will go live from Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN.

With WWE Draft 2023 going into effect, we might see many new rivalries coming up. WWE Smackdown is going to be highly anticipated by the WWE Universe this week.

Here is the list of people who got drafted to WWE SmackDown on WWE Draft 2023

• The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman)
• Bianca Belair
• 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 & Isla Dawn
• Hit Row (Top Dolla, Ashante Thee Adonis & B-Fab)
• Lacey Evans
• Austin Theory
• Charlotte Flair
• The Usos
• LWO (Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega,  Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde)
• Asuka
• The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland, Giovanni Vinci, and Sheamus)
• Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux
• LA Knight
• Shotzi
• Pretty Deadly
• Rick Boogs
• Cameron Grimes
• Tamina
• Grayson Waller

Seth Rollins is the first superstar to reach the finals of the tournament to become the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Now it will be interesting to see who comes up to match the "Architect" at Night of Champions.

WWE SmackDown announced match card

• AJ Styles vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge - WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament
• Bobby Lashley vs Austin Theory vs Sheamus - WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan & Raquel Gonzalez (c) vs Damage Ctrl
• Cameron Grimes vs Baron Corbin
• The Tribal Chief's return

Also read: Why are SmackDown Superstars competing in World Heavyweight Championship tournament: Explained?

AJ Styles vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge & Bobby Lashley vs Austin Theory vs Sheamus- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament

This is going to be a huge match, but what I believe is AJ style will win the match and Edge will turn heel against Rey Mysterio to start a new rivalry. And why AJ Styles? Styles is one of the best generational talents seen in the pro--wrestling world and with his career soon to end with his injury-prone body he might be the best-suited winner for this match.

Sheamus is going to be the winner in the triple-threat match between Theory and Lashley. As, he would take advantage of the rivalry between Bobby Lashley and Theory to get a chance at the championship gold.

With two winners, WWE will find the man who will represent the blue brand at Night of Champions to fight Seth Rollins. And I think it is going to be AJ Styles as he has left less time in his career and the "Celtic Warrior" will have his moment sooner or later.

Predicted winner: AJ Styles

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan & Raquel Gonzalez (c) vs Damage Ctrl

This week's WWE SmackDown event will also have women's tag team action, as the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship holders, Liv Morgan, and Raquel Gonzalez, reunite to face Bayley and Dakota Kai of Damage Ctrl. This battle is the consequence of the contenders defeating the champions in a non-title contest last week. Liv and Raquel are a solid combo, as demonstrated by their two-time tag team championships, but Bayley and Kai have a significant experience edge and can create some issues. Can Damage Ctrl put a stop to the champs' reign?

Predicted Winner: Liv Morgan and Raquel Gonzalez

Cameron Grimes vs Baron Corbin

It is going to be a bad night for Baron Corbin. Cameron Grimes would like to make his WWE main roster debut with a huge win over Baron Corbin. Corbin criticized Grimes last week for being the final choice in the WWE draft. Grimes, never one to back away from a little friendly teasing, remarked that it is better to be selected last than not at all - ouch, Baron. Corbin will try to make Grimes eat those remarks this week.

Predicted Winner: Cameron Grimes

Roman Reigns' return

The WWE Universe can celebrate! The Tribal Chief has arrived! Roman Reigns hasn't been seen since the post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw when a rematch with Cody Rhodes was thwarted by what can only be described as a rage-filled Brock Lesnar. Roman has returned. What does the future hold for our Tribal Chief? Will he face off against The Bloodline, who has yet to avenge their WrestleMania setback to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn? Will he mention Cody Rhodes? The Bloodline plot has recently cooled drastically, so it will be intriguing to see what happens with its comeback.

Predicted moment in WWE SmackDown

Challenger for Roman Reigns at Night of Champions- Drew McIntyre

The WWE Universe might see the return of “The Scottish Warrior”. He has been not seen on WWE TV since his loss to Gunther at WrestleMania 39. It might be the right moment for WWE to bring back McIntyre. As, with no opponent left for Roman Reigns to fight, it might be the best way to bring Drew McIntyre into the championship picture and re-ignite the rivalry between the two men.

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.