WWE SmackDown Preview – Friday, May 15, 2026
The first WWE SmackDown after Backlash takes place Friday (May 15, 2026 night! Expect major fallout from the PLE, with the road to Clash in Italy (May 31) heating up fast.
No matches have been announced as of yet, but we do have EVERY announced superstar, my detailed predictions, and a brand-new episode of our podcast.
#AutismAwareness
SmackDown 5/15/26 Confirmed / Expected Highlights
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appears (likely addressing his Clash in Italy opponent)
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley in action or segment
United States Champion Trick Williams returns to his hometown!
Jacob Fatu — major storyline developments after his chaotic Backlash actions
Appearances from: Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, and many more
Talent subject to change.
Event Info
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET (live on USA Network / Netflix in some markets)
Venue: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
Tickets: Still available via Ticketmaster
SmackDown Predictions
Cody Rhodes announces his Undisputed WWE Championship Open Challenge for tonight.
Rhea Ripley defeats Jacy Jayne
Jacob Fatu talks in the video vignette where he has unfinished business with Drew McIntyre.
Trick Williams hometown celebration is coming only for Carmelo Hayes, Sami Zayn and Johnny Gargano to crash the party to make a Fatal 4 Way Match for the WWE United States Championship at WWE Clash In Italy.
Tiffany Stratton gets a call from Trish Stratus on the phone and says: "Hello, We're good on good terms, I'll make sure these people gets stunned after trying to cheer for Charlotte Flair. Thanks."
Post-Credit Video Package Vignette: Nikki Bella taking off the fracture cast to play possum to walk to Kiana James and Giulia and recruited her and went to her car
WWE SmackDown is one of WWE's flagship weekly programs, showcasing the biggest Superstars on the SmackDown brand in explosive matches, heated rivalries, intense promos, and major storyline advancements that shape the future of WWE.
It airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network (in the US), with episodes also available on demand shortly after the live broadcast on Peacock (in the US) and on WWE Network or Netflix internationally (depending on the region).
