WWE SmackDown (May 22, 2026): Shinsuke Nakamura vs Talla Tonga; SNME build & more set for next week
(Courtesy : WWE)
The Backlash fallout show of SmackDown featured multiple returns.
WWE delivered the Backlash fallout show of Friday Night SmackDown on May 15. Live from the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, the show featured multiple returns, including Carmelo Hayes and Chelsea Green.
On the other hand, the drama involving Jade Cargill and Co. continued as they engaged with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, beating them using the numbers advantage in the absence of Rhea Ripley.
Meanwhile, Gunther refused to sign the contract for the title match against reigning Champion Cody Rhodes until the Champion asked him nicely. Royce Keys capitalized on the opportunity and stepped up to sign the contract, leading to a confrontation with Gunther.
The confrontation resulted in a number one contender’s match, where the winner will secure a title match against Rhodes at Clash in Italy. Gunther emerged victorious in the end to secure the title shot, but the Champion had the last laugh as he took down the challenge with a Cross Rhodes.
Shinsuke Nakamura returns to in-ring action next week
During the May 15 edition of SmackDown, in a backstage segment, Shinsuke Nakamura once again tried to talk to Tama Tonga, just as Solo Sikoa left, informing Tonga that he would face Damian Priest on the show.
However, Nakamura could speak, and Talla Tonga ambushed him from behind. Later in the show, WWE announced a clash between Nakamura and Talla for next week’s show. The match will mark Nakamura’s first in-ring appearance since the Andre the Giant Battle Royale and his first singles match since early February.
Additionally, with the May 23 Saturday Night’s Main Event right around the corner, the go-home show next week is also expected to pack explosive segments leading up to the event on Saturday in Indiana.
The May 22 edition of WWE SmackDown will air live from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and Randy Orton are listed as featured superstars for the go-home show.
Announced for WWE SmackDown next week (May 22, 2026)
- Shinsuke Nakamura vs Talla Tonga
- Saturday Night’s Main Event build
When and where will next week’s edition of SmackDown take place?
The May 22 edition of WWE SmackDown will air live from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
When and where will the upcoming edition of SNME take place?
The May 23 edition of SNME is set to emanate live from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
When and where will Clash in Italy take place?
Inalpi Arena in Turin, Piedmont Region, Italy, will host the upcoming edition of the Clash in Italy PLE on May 31.
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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.