WWE SmackDown (May 1, 2026): Preview, start time & where to watch
(Courtesy : WWE)
Former NXT Champion set to make his debut on the Blue Brand!
The May 1 edition of WWE SmackDown will emanate live from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show will intensify the build towards Backlash, likely announcing new matches before the go-home show on May 8. The show is set to air live at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT, with major developments expected as new storylines begin to take shape ahead of Backlash 2026.
Last week’s fallout episode saw shocking moments, including Tiffany Stratton capturing the Women’s United States Championship and Fatal Influence making a dominant debut. Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu stood tall in the main event, resisting a three-on-one assault, while tensions involving The Bloodline continued to simmer.
This week, all eyes are on the debut of Ricky Saints, a fast-rising star fresh off a stellar NXT run. The match card also features a high-stakes clash between Charlotte Flair and Jacy Jayne, setting the stage for another pivotal night on the blue brand.
Announced for WWE SmackDown (May 1, 2026)
- Ricky Saints’ debut
- Charlotte Flair vs Jacy Jayne
- Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton & Randy Orton are listed as featured stars for the show
Ricky Saints’ debut
Ricky Saints is set to make his WWE main roster debut on next week’s WWE SmackDown, as confirmed during Friday night’s broadcast.
The former NXT Champion joins Blake Monroe and Fatal Influence among recent call-ups to the blue brand. Meanwhile, WWE Raw has welcomed Sol Ruca, Ethan Page, and Joe Hendry, with Hendry also scheduled to debut his concerts next Monday.
Charlotte Flair vs Jacy Jayne
One of the marquee matches announced for next Friday’s WWE SmackDown will see Charlotte Flair go head-to-head with Jacy Jayne. The bout carries added intensity as Flair looks to settle the score following last week’s chaotic events.
Fatal Influence launched a brutal attack on Flair, Alexa Bliss, Brie Bella, and Paige, costing them a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Now, “The Queen” is out for revenge in what promises to be a heated showdown.
WWE SmackDown (May 1, 2026) Start Time & Telecast Details
| Country | Time | Telecast |
|---|---|---|
| United States, Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico | 08 PM ET / 07 PM CT / 05 PM PT (Friday) | USA Network |
| Canada | 08 PM ET (Friday) | Netflix |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | 01 AM BST (Saturday) | Netflix |
| India | 05:30 AM IST (Saturday) | Netflix |
| Bangladesh | 06:00 AM BST (Saturday) | Netflix |
| Saudi Arabia | 03:00 AM AST (Saturday) | Netflix |
| Australia | 10:00 AM AEST / 11:00 AM AEDT (Saturday) | Netflix |
| France | 02:00 AM CET (Saturday) | Netflix |
| Brazil | 10:00 PM BRT (Friday) | Netflix |
| Mexico | 07:00 PM CST (Friday) | Netflix |
| Singapore | 09:00 AM SGT (Saturday) | Netflix |
| China | 09:00 AM CST (Saturday) | iQIYI |
| Nigeria | 02:00 AM WAT (Saturday) | SuperSport & Showmax |
| South Africa | 03:00 AM SAST (Saturday) | SuperSport & Showmax |
| Germany | 02:00 AM CET (Saturday) | ProSieben Maxx |
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.
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