Preview:

WWE SmackDown 5/8/26 edition is set to take place live at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The edition will serve as the go-home show for Backlash 2026. The show is set to air live at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT, with the blue brand putting the finishing touches on its Backlash build.

A major tag team match is also set, with Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley joining forces to take on Fatal Influence. The match stems from events where Jacy Jayne picked up a notable win with help from her stablemates Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After the match, Henley and Reid continued the attack on Flair and Bliss before Ripley made the save, despite earlier tension between her and Flair. A reign of terror doesn’t even begin to explain the run Gunther has been on for the past 12 months. After a tense match between Cody Rhodes and debuting Ricky Saints, Gunther would storm the ring and put Rhodes to sleep, setting up what could be one of the most explosive confrontations in recent SmackDown history.

The “Ring General” GUNTHER will address his recent attack on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare.” The Ring General has decimated legends and put them out to pasture, ending the illustrious careers of John Cena, Goldberg, and AJ Styles, and has threatened the longevity of Rey Mysterio and Seth Rollins. His return follows his attack on Cody Rhodes after Rhodes’ victory over Ricky Saints, a move that positions him as the next big rival for the WWE title. The Ring General already teased his interest in the World Heavyweight Championship on WWE RAW after WrestleMania 42. Putting Cody against the former World Champion subtly confirms that WWE has put the Rhodes–Orton feud on hold for the time being, with a rematch still expected to take place at SummerSlam this year.  All eyes will be on what Gunther has to say this Friday and whether Rhodes will be there to respond.

Rhea Ripley will team up with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair in a united front to face off against Fatal Influence, putting aside her past with Flair for the greater good. Alexa Bliss’ reactions towards Charlotte Flair on SmackDown appear to be hinting at a future betrayal. Fans spotted that the Goddess didn’t take her eyes off the Queen before their match on SmackDown, and she had a unique reaction in a backstage segment with Flair and Rhea Ripley. All these planted hints suggest WWE could be planning for Bliss to turn on Flair in the near future. The three-on-three war carries significant stakes on the go-home show, with all six women looking to make a statement heading into Backlash weekend.

Tiffany Stratton proved to everyone why she was deserving of a feature match at WrestleMania 42, as only six days later on the Post-‘Mania 42 SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton would defeat Giulia, ending her 100+ day reign as champion, securing her first Women’s United States Championship. Giulia confronted Tiffany Stratton backstage, pushing for a rematch for the Women’s United States Championship. Stratton agreed to defend the title, but made it clear she was more interested in facing Kiana James instead. Giulia accepted that decision, confirming that Stratton will defend her championship against James on next week’s show. There will be a funeral for the Gingerbread Man, who was killed off by Sami Zayn on last week’s episode. Sami Zayn destroyed the costume en route to securing a United States Championship rematch against Trick Williams at Backlash. Let’s Take look on complete match card and Show detail for edition of  WWE Smackdown Friday Night May 8th, 2026 episode.

Match Card:

• WWE Women’s United States Title Match – Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James
• Six Man Tag Team Match – Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley vs. Fatal Influence (Fallon
• Henley, Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid)
• DanHausen vs Miz Team Build continues.
• Trick Williams vs Sami Zayn Faceoff before their Backlash Clash.
• MFTs vs Usos build continues.
• Gunther vs Cody build to SNME.
• Whats next for Ricky Saints
• Whats next for Royce Keys.
• More Cards.

Location & Date:

• Show: WWE SmackDown 5/8/26
• Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Date & Time: Friday, May 8,2026 | 8PM ET – 5AM PT