Cody Rhodes' next feud; Rhea Ripley's vengeance & other storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight

By Abhijit Singh

Abhijit has been telling sports stories through his words at Khel Now since 2024. He covers Pro wrestling, MMA, Boxing & Formula 1.

Published at :May 1, 2026 at 8:30 PM

Modified at :May 1, 2026 at 8:30 PM

(Courtesy : Getty)

Tonight’s SmackDown features another debut.

In the lead-up to Backlash 2026, WWE will deliver the May 1 edition of Friday Night SmackDown tonight from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show is also anticipated to intensify the build towards the upcoming PLE.

On the other hand, the main roster call-ups will continue this week as well with Ricky Saints’ debut. A singles match between Charlotte Flair and Jacy Jayne is also in the cards after last week’s attack by Jayne’s Fatal Influence. Let us take a look at the top four storylines that might be in play on tonight’s WWE SmackDown.

4. More call-ups

Ricky Saints WWE NXT — ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Ricky Saints entrance during NXT at the WWE Performance Center on February 18, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Eric Johnson/WWE via Getty Images)

After last week, which featured the debut of Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid), the main roster call-ups will continue tonight. Former NXT Champion Ricky Saints, who bid farewell to the NXT fandom this Thursday, will now debut tonight.

It will be interesting to witness how Saints makes his debut and what the WWE has planned for him. The new additions have created new, intriguing matchups, and fans will have to tune in tonight to find out what Saints do.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (May 1, 2026): Preview, start time & where to watch

3. Rhea Ripley’s next challenger?

Last week, the newly crowned WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley was confronted by Fatal Influence, which led to a singles match with Jacy Jayne. However, the other two members of the Fatal Influence, i.e., Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley, jumped Rhea, causing the disqualification.

Jayne is a polished veteran of the NXT brand and showed her skills in her debut, instantly drawing massive reactions from the crowd and playing her role as a heel incredibly well. WWE might reward Jayne with a major title match against Ripley, potentially at Backlash. The match would further help establish Jayne on the Blue brand and showcase her moveset.

2. US title rematch

Last week, the newly crowned US Champion Trick Williams walked out with Lil Yachty and the Gingerbread man to celebrate the title win. However, the gingerbread man attacked Williams and removed his mask to reveal that it was Sami Zayn inside.

The attack comes after Zayn lost the title at WrestleMania, likely signalling that the feud is far from over. WWE could book a rematch between the two at the upcoming Backlash with the US title on the line.

1. Cody Rhodes’ next fued

Cody Rhodes WWE Raw SmackDown — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 20: Cody Rhodes enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Arena on April 20, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE Via Getty Images)

Cody Rhodes, in his promo last week, issued an open challenge to anyone across NXT, Raw, or SmackDown. The Undisputed Champion made it clear that he is an easy man to find but a hard one to beat.

The uncertainty regarding Rhodes’ next opponent looms large over the SmackDown brand. The extent of his injury is also now known, especially if he is medically cleared. Rhodes will likely miss Backlash, but still, fans are waiting to see who steps up to the Champion.

When and where will SmackDown take place next week?

The May 1 edition of WWE SmackDown will emanate live from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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.

What has been announced for the show tonight?

Ricky Saints will make his debut tonight, while Charlotte Flair will take on Jacy Jayne in singles action.

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Abhijit Singh

Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.