Lineup for WWE SmackDown Tonight (May 8, 2026) ft. Gunther address attack on Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley & Charlotte Flair in action & more

Backlash go-home edition of SmackDown carries massive anticipation.

Last week’s SmackDown continued the trend of introducing new storylines and feuds in the aftermath of WrestleMania 42. Another new star from NXT, namely the former NXT Champion, Ricky Saints, made his debut last week.

More matches for the 2026 edition of Backlash were also announced last week and now WWE prepares to deliver the go-home edition of SmackDown before Backlash tonight from Jacksonville.

What’s in store for tonight’s SmackDown?

Tonight’s edition of the Blue brand will emanate live from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. This will be the final main roster show before Backlash, which emanates on Saturday from Tampa, Florida.

Along with the final face-offs and promo, the show will witness the continuation of storylines. ‘The Ring General’ Gunther, after launching an unprovoked attack on Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, will make an appearance tonight.

WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton has picked her next opponent as she defends the title for the first time against Giulia’s manager, Kiana James. The match will likely keep the feud between Stratton and Giulia alive.

A six-woman tag team match is also set for the show as WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley teams up with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to take on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid).

Additionally, WWE will also hold a funeral for the Gingerbread Man after Sami Zayn ripped him to pieces on last week’s show, bagging the US title rematch against Trick Williams at Backlash in the process.

• Jacob Fatu kicks off the show
• Gunther addresses his attack on Cody Rhodes last week
• Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
• Tiffany Stratton (c) vs Kiana James – Women’s United States title match
• A funeral for the Gingerbread ManDamian Priest vs Talla Tonga
• Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton & Randy Orton are listed as featured stars for the show.

Returns expected on tonight’s show

With tonight being the go-home edition of Backlash, WWE is likely going to hold off any surprise returns. That said, WWE has been teasing the debut of Blake Monroe, and the former NXT Women’s North American Champion might make her presence felt tonight.

On the other hand, Danhausen’s mystery partner for the tag team match against The Miz and Kit Wilson has also not been revealed and while fans are anticipating the reveal for the PLE, WWE might decide to spill the beans or at least give fans a hint tonight.

Start time for tonight’s SmackDown in Jacksonville

• United States, Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico: 08 PM ET, 07 PM CT & 05 PM PT (Friday)
• Canada: 08 PM ET (Friday)
• United Kingdom & Ireland: 1 AM BST (Saturday)
• India: 5:30 AM IST (Saturday)
• Bangladesh: 06 AM BST (Saturday)
• Saudi Arabia: 03 AM AST (Saturday)
• Australia: 10 AM AEST / 11 AM AEDT (Saturday)
• France: 01 AM CEST (Saturday)
• Brazil: 09 PM BRT (Friday)
• Mexico: 06 PM CST (Friday)
• Singapore: 08 AM SGT (Saturday)
• China: 08 AM CST (Saturday)
• Nigeria: 01 AM WAT (Saturday)
• South Africa: 02 AM SAST (Saturday)
• Germany: 01 AM CET (Saturday)

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