WWE SmackDown Tonight: Cody Rhodes retaliates, Fatal Influence's triumph & other possible spoilers before Backlash 2026
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
WWE SmackDown before Backlash will be an exciting show.
WWE will air the go-home edition of SmackDown for Backlash from the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The show has announced to feature two huge matches and appearances from top WWE superstars heading into the Backlash Premium Live Event.
So, here are five potential spoilers for SmackDown tonight in the lead-up to Backlash.
5. Paige & Brie Bella’s next challengers
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Paige and Brie Bella, have been advertised for this week’s SmackDown. The duo has been involved in major tag team matches since becoming the new champions. So it is expected that new challengers are likely to step up to them for a chance to earn a title match.
Also Read: WWE SmackDown (May 8, 2026): Preview, start time & where to watch
4. Fatal Influence scores a major win
Former NXT stars (Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid, and Fallon Henley) are scheduled to battle Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley in a six-woman tag match. With Fatal Influence gaining momentum since their arrival, it is likely that the upstart faction will score a victory over the team of top stars on SmackDown this week.
3. Jacob Fatu’s final message to Roman Reigns
Jacob Fatu is set to challenge Roman Reigns for his World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash. The Samoan Werewolf has taken down the Tribal Chief in every one of their encounters over the past weeks. Being a SmackDown star, he is likely to appear on tonight’s show to deliver a final message to Reigns before Backlash.
2. A new champion crowned
Tiffany Stratton chose Kiana James to defend her WWE Women’s United States Championship instead of the previous champion, Giulia. The match will take place tonight on SmackDown.
Moreover, Giulia is expected to be at ringside with James and would possibly be seeking revenge against Stratton. This could see the Beautiful Madness run interference and cost Stratton the title, making James the new champion.
1. Cody Rhodes calls out Gunther
After Cody Rhodes delivered a stellar showdown against debutant Ricky Saints on SmackDown last week, he was shockingly attacked by Gunther.
The reigning Undisputed WWE Champion will make an appearance and is likely to address The Ring General on SmackDown tonight. This could lead Rhodes to agree to put his title on the line against him in his bid for revenge.
When and where will SmackDown take place this week?
The May 8 edition of WWE SmackDown will emanate live from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
When and where will Backlash 2026 take place?
The 2026 edition of Backlash will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
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Nik O Conner is a long-time fan of professional wrestling. After dropping his Engineering regular studies in 2020, he decided to pursue his passion and became a writer. Over the last few years, he has written for multiple webs bringing a lot of skills and creativity to the table.