The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/08/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring a Cody Rhodes-Gunther segment, the trio of Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss facing Fatal Influence, Tiffany Stratton against Kiana James, and more.
The WWE Backlash PLE is this Saturday, so we’ll see if WWE adds more matches to the card. Check out my WWE Backlash predictions here in case you haven’t done so already. It’s not a great card, but hopefully there are some good matches.
From the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, this is SmackDown for episode #1394. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A graphic was shown paying tribute to former WCW owner, Ted Turner, who passed away earlier this week.
The opening video package focused on the Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns match at Backlash.
Let’s Hear from Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu made his entrance for the show opening promos. Fatu talked about how he’s not going to fall in line while talking about his match at Backlash against Roman Reigns. Fatu claimed that they aren’t trying to protect him, they’re trying to protect Reigns. Fatu talked about what it was like when he was born…and The Usos interrupted.
Jimmy and Jey Uso joined cousin Jacob in the ring. Jimmy said they aren’t there to change Fatu’s mind. Jimmy said he’s proud of Jacob for being in the main event against Roman Reigns at Backlash. Jimmy said he understands where Jacob is coming from. Jimmy admitted part of him is rooting for Jacob, but part of him wonders if Fatu knows what will happen if he loses. Jey said that the Tribal Chief is going to beat Fatu’s ass. Jey told Fatu that Reigns is going to break him down emotionally and physically, and he’ll do that right in front of Fatu’s family. Jimmy said that Fatu will be watching this in the front row. The Usos said Fatu, his wife, and his family will have to acknowledge the OTC, the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. The fans chanted “OTC” after that.
Fatu said, “Hell no” to that. Fatu said that he is not losing. Fatu said he can’t lose. Fatu said if Jey is trying to tell him about losses against Reigns, Fatu reminded Jey that he never beat Reigns. Fatu said there’s no losing or acknowledging nothing. Fatu said that this is for his family. Fatu said that if there’s one thing his family will do is see him become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Fatu said he’s willing to put it all on the line. Fatu said Reigns will find that Fatu is all gas and no brakes with it. Fatu said if either of you interferes in his match at Backlash, then he’ll burn the family tree down. Fatu left.
Analysis: It’s a nice thought by Jacob Fatu thinking he’s going to win the WWE World Title, but I doubt anybody watching thinks he’s going to win. I think Jacob does a good job with his promos, and he comes across as believable. Once again, though, I just don’t see how anybody can think Fatu will win.
The SmackDown commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett was shown at ringside to welcome us to the show. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
A replay was shown of Cody Rhodes beating Ricky Saints last week on SmackDown. After the match, Gunther did a cheap attack on Cody and applied the dreaded Sleeper to force Cody to pass out.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who mentioned Gunther is still part of Raw. Aldis said what Gunther did was unacceptable. Aldis admitted that Gunther is still signed to Raw for now, and Ricky Saints interrupted. Matt Cardona walked up to Saints, saying he’s not here to pass the torch and he’ll see Saints out there.
The Tiffany Stratton-Kiana James match is next.
A commercial aired for Backlash on Saturday night.
(Commercial)
Jacob Fatu shook hands with GM Nick Aldis, who told him to get some rest and to make his night tomorrow. Royce Keys greeted Jacob Fatu, saying failure was never an option for them. Keys told Fatu to go to Backlash and bring it home. Keys said people like them take everything they want. They shook hands, and Fatu left.
Solo Sikoa approached Royce Keys backstage and Solo told Keys that time is running out if Keys wants to work with him. Solo said he needed an answer soon.
Women’s US Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (w/Guilia)
Stratton showed off her athleticism with a cartwheel and hit a clothesline after it. Stratton punched James on the apron, and James tripped up Stratton, which led to James sending Stratton’s left knee into the ring post. James rammed the left knee into the ring post again. They went on a break for some fans as James was in control, and I’ll take a break too.
James continued to work on Stratton’s left knee with a half crab submission until Stratton got to the ropes to break the hold. Giulia didn’t do a cheap shot while James distracted the referee, so James was frustrated about it. Stratton got some offense going with a clothesline, a handspring Stunner, and then a basement dropkick by Stratton for two. Stratton decided to sell the left knee after that. James hit a superkick and a cartwheel kick against the turnbuckle. James hit a spinning slam off the shoulders for a two count. James charged, Stratton moved, and James hit the ring post. Giulia distracted the referee as James got a rollup for no count since the referee was busy. Stratton knocked Giulia down, Stratton hit an elbow, and Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid TV match with Stratton getting the obvious win. They were clearly pushing the story that Giulia and James are having issues getting along. I would have liked to see Stratton sell the knee injury more because James worked it over for several minutes, and then it was as if it never happened in the match.
There was a backstage scene with multiple extras paying tribute to Gingerbread Man as if it were a human being’s funeral. Sami Zayn talked to GM Nick Aldis, wondering how this is happening. Aldis said everybody needs some closure. R-Truth approached Zayn and handed him a red flower, saying he is sorry for your loss. Truth told Zayn there was a family resemblance and he was proud of Zayn. Truth told Zayn to be strong while Zayn was fuming mad.
Analysis: The Gingerbread Man story is ridiculous, and I get that it’s comedy, but it’s not great comedy. Even Truth can’t save it, but I do like how Zayn points out how ridiculous it is.
(Commercial)
A video aired about SmackDown newcomers – Fatal Influence, consisting of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid. They have targeted big names since debuting a few weeks ago.
The trio of WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Ripley said Fatal Influence wanted to make an impression, and they did, but they targeted the wrong ones. Flair suggested they could all get their hands on them together. Ripley and Flair argued about having trust issues. Bliss said they’ve tagged before, and they can do it again. Ripley said she’ll be fine if Flair is. Flair said she’s fine.
Analysis: The Flair-Ripley dynamic continues with the two of them having a tough time getting along.
Damian Priest was in his locker room getting ready for his match with Talla Tonga when R-Truth appeared, saying Sami Zayn was crying over Gingerbread Man. Priest mentioned wanting payback against Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga. Priest said Truth isn’t 100%, so he told Truth to stay in the back. Truth said they are the WWE Tag Team Champions. Priest said he’s proud of that, and he’s glad to be the champion with Truth. Priest told Truth he wanted to handle these guys on his own. Truth told DP to handle his business.
Talla Tonga made his entrance with Solo Sikoa for Talla’s match up next.
(Commercial)
Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa)
The action spilled to the floor early on and Priest went after Talla while they were out there. Priest went for a spinning kick, but Talla caught him and slammed Priest’s back into the ring post. Talla worked over Jacob by tossing him into the ring post. Talla gave Priest a body slam across the commentary table. It didn’t break the table.
(Commercial)
The match continued after a break for some fans as Priest went up top and hit a clothesline. Priest wanted to do more, so Tama Tonga distracted the referee, Solo did a necksnap across the top rope, and Tama hit a discus lariat for the pinfall win. The fans wanted Truth, so R-Truth’s music hit and Truth ran out there to fight with Priest. Solo wanted a Samoan Spike on Truth, but Priest saved his partner. Talla knocked down Priest with a boot to the face while they were on the floor. Talla hit a massive Chokeslam on Priest for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Talla Tonga
Analysis: *** A cheap finish with the guys involved on the floor, but we see that often in WWE. Talla Tonga is a giant who can do moves others can’t, so he’s going to stand out doing a Chokeslam, among other things. It’s a big win for Tonga over Priest, and likely sets up a future tag team match.
After the match, Solo Sika and his MFTs looked like they would attack Priest and Truth, but Royce Keys made his entrance for the save. Solo called off his guys, and Solo claimed that Keys was good.
A replay was shown of The Miz and Kit Wilson beating up Danhausen last week.
Danhausen was looking for tag team partners in the backstage area. The Miz and Kit Wilson mocked Danhausen for having no friends. Danhausen claimed he had a lot of friends. Wilson claimed the only person toxic enough to team with Danhausen is Danhausen, so Kit showed him a mirror. Danhausen said you were right and left.
Paul Heyman was shown walking backstage, and he went into GM Nick Aldis’ office.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 and 2.
(Commercial)
There was a video about Gingerbread Man as they edited in clips of Gingerbread Man celebrating famous WWE moments. That was nice.
Paul Heyman was in the office with the SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis. Gunther arrived and looked over a contract. Aldis welcomed Gunther to SmackDown while also telling Gunther he didn’t like what he did last week. Gunther questioned if Aldis really wanted to talk like that. Cody Rhodes made his entrance and Gunther complained, so he said he didn’t do business like this. Heyman told Aldis he’ll handle it.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a tracksuit rather than a suit. The fans popped for Cody as usual and reacted positively to his theme song as usual. Cody still had a black left eye from three weeks ago at WrestleMania.
Cody asked Jacksonville, what do you wanna talk about? Cody said that last week, the “Ring General” Gunther seemed like he was telling Cody that he was next in line. Cody said he would love it if Gunther said just that.
Paul Heyman arrived with Gunther’s hand in his contract. Heyman claimed he was there to solve the problem. Heyman said he had a contract for a WWE Title match. Cody interrupted to wonder if Heyman was Gunther’s advocate and said they didn’t need a contract. Heyman said he was not Gunther’s advocate, but he owed Gunther a favor, and this is the favor. Heyman also claimed to be an enormous fan of the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes.
Heyman approached Cody in the ring as the fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for the champion. Heyman claimed that was his favorite song in WWE as he got into the ring. Heyman said that the contract for this title is not for Jacksonville, Florida. The fans booed. Heyman said the contract isn’t even for the US. Heyman said that the fight with Gunther will be in Turin at Clash In Italy. That led to USA chants. Heyman said that’s where the fight has to happen. Heyman said that the favor he owed Gunther was to set this up, and Cody had to get Gunther’s signature all by himself. Heyman shook Cody’s hand.
Cody said that Brock Lesnar retired on Heyman, the Tribal Chief wants nothing to do with you, CM Punk has discarded you and Cody wondered if Heyman was out of options. Heyman said the way he looks at it is he’s not running out of options. Heyman claimed sooner or later, they all need the Wise Man. Heyman left.
Gunther went into the ring, and Cody was ready for him this time, so Cody threw some punches. Gunther applied the Sleeper again, so Cody hit Gunther with a microphone. Cody sent Gunther out of the ring. Cody punched Gunther off the apron. Cody kept punching Gunther off the apron. Cody said he doesn’t sweat Gunther just because he retired Goldberg, AJ Styles and the greatest of all time (John Cena). Cody said that on SmackDown, he’s easy to find and hard to beat. Gunther left as Cody’s music played.
Analysis: I liked the promos from Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman. They always have good interactions together. Doing a match like Cody against Gunther at Clash in Italy makes sense since Gunther is a European, so having a European in a big match in Italy is a smart move. They will have the rest of the month to build it up and it should be a great match when it happens.
Tama Tonga was backstage talking to Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga. Tama said Royce Keys is a problem. Solo said that Keys is a solution for this family. Tama said that Keys embarrassed this family, so Tama is going to handle business and show him what it’s all about. Talla was going to leave, but Solo stopped him and wanted Tama to do this alone.
Matt Cardona made his entrance for singles action.
A clip aired about Club WWE with John Cena talking about it. There will be more info about it soon.
(Commercial)
There was a clip shown of Shawn Michaels as the guest on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast. Michaels talked about coaching rising stars like Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams.
A replay was shown of the Cody Rhodes-Paul Heyman discussion leading to Gunther attacking Cody, who managed to fend Gunther off.
Ricky Saints vs. Matt Cardona
There was a shoulder tackle from Ricky and Matt came back with his own shoulder tackle. Matt clotheslined Ricky and worked him over against the turnbuckle. Ricky stomped on Matt by the turnbuckle. Matt hit a flapjack and a clothesline. Ricky avoided more by bailing to the floor. Matt kicked Ricky on the floor, so Ricky was frustrated. They went on a break for some fans there, and I’ll take a break too.
Ricky was in control for a few minutes during the break. Matt got a jackknife pin for two and then they did double clotheslines to knock eachother down. Matt got his knees up, along with a double axhandle and Matt slammed Ricky’s face into the mat. Matt hit a Broski Boot for a two count. Ricky got a hold of Matt and hit a neckbreaker into the mat for two. Matt gave Ricky a back body drop. Ricky avoided a Rough Ryder, but then Matt connected with a Rough Ryder (leaping leg lariat) for a two count. Ricky avoided another move and hit a Revolution DDT off the turnbuckle. Ricky hit the Rochambeau powerslam for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricky Saints
Analysis: *** Ricky Saints lost to Cody Rhodes last week, so it was time to give him a win on SmackDown, and that’s what Matt Cardona is for. Cardona rarely wins. The crowd was dead for a lot of this match, but I thought both guys worked hard.
The Gingerbread Man “funeral” was shown with Sami Zayn complaining about how this was happening. Zayn was talking to Johnny Gargano, who was lying on a table. Zayn asked if Johnny Wrestling was back and Gargano raised his head. Candice LeRae checked on his husband and said he’s not normal. Rey Fenix was there, Sami Zayn was stunned to see Rey there and Zayn said this was a shot at him. Fenix said this isn’t the place for that and Zayn said you’re right and left.
Paige and Brie Bella were walking backstage. Danhausen walked in front of them and kept going. Also, a ladder got knocked over behind the women, so I’m not sure what that meant. Page and Brie are up next.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about Blake Monroe. Blake is headed to SmackDown soon.
Let’s Hear from Brie Bella and Paige
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige made their entrance as the babyface champions. Brie claimed a lot of teams claimed they had what it takes to be champions. Brie said like they showed the Irresistible Forces, it won’t be easy to take the titles from them. Paige said she heard The Judgment Day talking about the nostalgia tour. Paige said they are the best they’ve ever looked and the best they’ve ever been. Paige told Raquel and Roxanne to step up if they want to step up. Paige said they are the champions.
Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Ried interrupted in their ring gear. Jayne said that The Judgment Day isn’t who you should be worrying about. Jayne said that two weeks ago, they took them out. Henley talked about how part of this takeover is about taking the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Reid said there’s plenty of gold to go around and Jayne will be the new WWE Women’s Champion. Jayne said they had business to take care of, so Jayne told them to go to the back and watch how a real team gets the job done.
The Irresistible Forces tag team of Nia Jackson and Lash Legend interrupted. Lash and Jax wanted another shot at the titles. The fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for Lash, who is engaged to Trick. Lash told Fatal Influence to get to the back of the lien. Lash and Jax attacked Brie and Paige. Jax hit a leg drop on Paige. Lash hit a Lash Extension on Brie.
Analysis: There are a lot of teams in WWE right now, so having promos like this gets more people on the show. I don’t see the Irresistible Forces getting the titles back any time soon since they’ve already had a title reign recently. Anyway, Paige and Brie didn’t put up much of a fight, and certainly looked like beatable champions. The Women’s Tag Team division is so deep that it will be hard for any team to get a long title reign.
Rhea Ripley, who is the WWE Women’s Champion, made her entrance to a big ovation. Lash Legend went face-to-face with Ripley, and Ripley went to the ring.
(Commercial)
Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid
I missed the first few minutes of this match. Ripley was in control going into the break as the match continued. Fatal Influence used a distraction spot to take control during the break. Jayne hit a cannonball on Ripley. Reid hit a running knee on Ripley. The heel side kept making quick tags as they worked over Ripley in their corner.
Ripley hit Reid with a rising hook kick and Flair got the hot tag against Jayne. Flair unloaded with chops for her opponents and a walk over clothesline as well. Flair hit a fallaway slam. Flair kicked Jayne while on the apron and Flair went up top for a cross body block. Flair hit a double Natural Selection for a two count. Flair kicked Reid to knock her down. Jayne and Reid were back up for double superkicks. Henley tossed Flair into the commentary table. Bliss had made the tag for her team and Jayne rolled up Bliss for two. Jayne hit a leaping neckbreaker on Bliss. Jade Cargill showed up at ringside and pulled Ripley off the apron. The referee never saw it. Bliss was unable to tag out to Ripley, so Jayne hit a Rolling Encore on Bliss for the pinfall win.
Winners by pinfall: Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid
Analysis: ***1/4 An entertaining tag team match by the ladies while Fatal Influence continues to have a big impact on SmackDown. Jayne pinning Bliss to win that match makes Jayne look like a competitive newcomer who can beat big names. That’s how you book a wrestler well as a newcomer. I knew Ripley wouldn’t be pinned, but that’s fine because it’s smart to protect her.
After the match, Jade Cargill went into the ring, so Fatal Influence bailed. Jade trash-talked Bliss, so Flair went into the ring, and she was attacked by Michin & B-Fab. Ripley was back in the ring with a dropkick and a superkick. When Ripley turned around, Cargill hit a pump kick on Ripley. B-Fab hit a Full Nelson Slam on Bliss. Michin was back up and hit Flair with a superkick. Jade posed with Michin and B-Fab to end it.
Analysis: Jade Cargill being back should set up a WWE Women’s Title rematch against Ripley, perhaps at the Clash in Italy PLE.
The Usos approached Royce Keys in the backstage area. Jimmy Uso referenced Keys having connections to the family. Jey Uso warned Keys to stay in his lane, or he might get the attention of the Tribal Chief. Keys didn’t say anything.
Tama Tonga made his entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Royce Keys vs. Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga)
Keys got some offense with a clothesline, along with punches. Keyes went for a vertical suplex, Tama landed on his feet, and Tama hit a chop block. Tama charged into an overhead suplex by Keys. When Keys charged, Keys hit a flatliner. Solo stopped Talla from attacking Keys on the floor. Tama knocked Keys off the apron. Keys caught a sliding Tama, and Keys gave Tama a slam on the apron. Keys charged, Tama moved and Keys hit the steel steps. That led to a break as the action continued.
The match continued with Keys and Tama exchanging strikes. Tama splashed Keys against the turnbuckle and Tama hit a twisting neckbreaker for two. Keys hit a back body drop to get out of a move. Keys ran the ropes and hit a couple of clotheslines. Keys hit a Pounce to knock Tama down. Keys splashed Tama two times against the turnbuckle. Keys hit a powerslam for two. Tama hit a reverse DDT for two. Keys hit a clothesline that sent Tama over the top to the floor. Solo held Talla back on the floor and wanted Tama to figure it out. Tama went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Keys caught him and hit the Ultimate Spinebuster for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Royce Keys
Analysis: *** The positive momentum continues for SmackDown newcomer, Royce Keys. It was an even matchup most of the way, with Tama getting plenty of offense before Keys hit that big spinebuster for the win. The fans weren’t into it that much, they did come alive for the finish.
After the match, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga wanted to talk with Royce Keys, but Keys ended up leaving on his own.
Danhausen was featured in a backstage segment as if he were in a lab of some kind. Danhausen was trying to create another Danhausen to team with him at Backlash. Danhausen claimed he’ll find his partner in 24 hours and they’ll take over the world…at Backlash. The machine Danhausen had stopped working, so he said ‘Shit” and tried to fix it. Poor Danhausen.
The funeral of the Gingerbread Man was next. Yes, I am questioning my life choices after writing that sentence.
(Commercial)
Tama Tonga was shown backstage after his loss. Shinsuke Nakamura confronted Tama and said his own brother won’t help him out. Talla Tonga walked in to threaten Nakamura, and Nakamura said something in Japanese in response.
There was a rundown of the WWE Backlash lineup.
* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* John Cena appears
* Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
* United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
* The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & ????
Trick Williams was shown wearing the US Title around his waist. Aldis said that he set up the ring as Trick wanted, and the rest of the broadcast is for Trick. There was a shot of the ring being set up for the funeral of the Gingerbread Man.
(Commercial)
Trick Williams’ Farewell For The Gingerbread Man
The United States Champion Trick Williams made his entrance to a big ovation as the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for him. Trick was dressed in all black instead of his customary white. The Gingerbread Man mannequin was in an open casket.
Trick Williams did a promo about Gingerbread Man while there were five people in the ring to add some vocals to this performance. Trick kept talking about Gingerbread Man as he went on to ask why did Gingerbread have to die? They showed a video package about the Gingerbread Man in famous places around the world. The images were edited to include Trick and Lil Yachty too. It was AI graphics, so I’m sure some fans will whine about that. The fans chanted “Gingerbread” as Trick called for a moment of silence.
Sami Zayn walked out to complain, and the fans booed. Zayn said this is ridiculous. Zayn said maybe you don’t know this, but television time on SmackDown used to mean something. Zayn said closing SmackDown used to mean something – there was a prestige like holding the US Title. Zayn trashed Trick for doing this, as he claimed the roses were expensive and the choir was off-key. Zayn complained about Trick spending money on an oak casket. The fans chanted, “Whoop That Trick.”
Zayn said you spent all this money to mock Zayn and Zayn said he has too much respect for the fans. Zayn said that he’s a working-class hero who represents his ride-or-die fans until the end. The fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” again. Zayn reminded Trick of who he is. Zayn said he’s still standing after 20 years and he’s not going anywhere. Zayn said he hates to give it to Trick, but he gave Trick credit for getting under his skin. Zayn said that Trick has made this personal, and Zayn will expose Trick. Zayn said he’ll take the US Title back, he said sorry for Trick’s loss and he’ll see Trick at Backlash.
Zayn teased leaving, but instead knocked down Trick with a punch. Zayn had the US Title in his hands and he held it up in the air. The Gingerbread Man sat back up and it was Lil Yachty, who is Trick’s buddy. Yachty beat up Zayn with a candy cane. Zayn hit a Trick Shot knee to knock Zayn down. Trick and Yachty celebrated over a fallen Zayn. Trick posed on the turnbuckle. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: The “funeral” of the Gingerbread Man certainly didn’t feel like a main event segment, but they put it on last. It’s crazy to me that this stupid angle led to a main event level opponent. At least it ended on a happy note with Lil Yachty attacking Zayn as a surprise and giving Trick the advantage to end it. I don’t think it a great segment by any means, but it furthered the Trick-Zayn story at least.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Cody Rhodes
- Fatal Influence
- Royce Keys.
===
The Scoreboard
6.25 out of 10
Last week: 5
2026 Average: 6.91
===
Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A below-average SmackDown, but not as bad as last week’s brutal show. I don’t understand how this is the best effort of the creative team. A funeral of Gingerbread Man in the main event is one of the weakest main event segments in WWE history. They need to be better at their jobs.
I think the match quality should be a lot better on a three-hour show. Where are the likes of Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov to have a great match and better the show? I miss them. Other matches just come across as okay, but there’s rarely anything that stands out on SmackDown anymore.
The talent roster on SmackDown is good and deep, but the creative team is letting the talent down. That’s the best way for me to say it.
The next WWE PLE is Backlash on Saturday, May 9th, in Tampa. Here’s the lineup so far.
* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
* United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
* The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & ????
* John Cena appears
You can watch WWE Backlash, streaming live Saturday, May 9, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN Plus in the United States and Netflix internationally.
===
Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport