Preview:

Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown will serve as the fallout show from Backlash 2025. The show is set to air live from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Ahead of tonight’s show, here are the top five storylines that fans need to watch out for on the May 16, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown. As announced by Michael Cole on this week’s Raw, the fallout show of SmackDown will kick off the qualifying matches for Money in the Bank, which is set for June 7, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The show will also address the developments from the PLE last week. Chelsea Green has been in mourning since losing the United States title to Zelina Vega. However, she and her Secret Hervice are being constantly humiliated by Zelina Vega and the General Manager Nick Aldis. The promotion will likely announce matches for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, and this title rematch might be on Aldis’ agenda tonight.

Since his return, Aleister Black has targeted and defeated both The Miz and Carmelo Hayes, while Miz has been unable to mount a counter offense, he will not let the disrespect go unaddressed. The Miz, along with Hayes, will likely hit back, prolonging the feud and adding more layers, which might culminate in a clash in the future. The promotion has been teasing a growing rift within Legado Del Fantasma, as Berto and Angel have expressed discontent with Santos Escobar’s decisions, showing clear disregard for his leadership. After their loss to Rey Fenix and Andrade, Berto was not in the mood to listen to Escobar’s rant, as he slapped Escobar’s wrist and left the ring.

WWE SmackDown is poised to air another explosive edition in the tumultuous aftermath of Backlash 2025. With significant plot twists like Jeff Cobb’s startling arrival and the ongoing Bloodline story capturing attention, fans are expecting more shocks in this week’s episode of the blue brand. The women’s division is heating up, with Lyra Valkyria and Chelsea Green making waves, while John Cena’s tenure as Undisputed WWE Champion continues to be controversial. Several well-known celebrities have been absent from the public eye for weeks as a result of the commotion. Some were due to injury, while others were just to complete a plot. However, the time appears to be ideal for a handful of them to make their long-awaited return and shift the momentum of the blue brand. Whether it’s unfinished business, a fresh title pursuit, or the start of a new rivalry, these stars’ returns might immediately garner notice. Here are three WWE stars that might make a comeback this Friday and completely change the game.

It looked like Jade Cargill was cruising to a victory against Nia Jax last week, which was for the number one contenders match for the WWE Women’s title. However, Naomi’s ambush on the Champion Tiffany Stratton during the match, which ultimately helped Jax to win, as Cargill was distracted. The segment hinted at the promotion’s plan for another title clash between Jax and Startton for the upcoming SNME. The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes has been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 41, where he suffered defeat against John Cena, losing the Undisputed title in the process. After weeks of absence, Rhodes is being advertised for tonight’s show, and it will be interesting to see what is next for him after WrestleMania. Let’s Take look on complete match card and Show detail for edition of  WWE Smackdown Friday Night May 16, 2025 episode.

Match Card:

• Backlash Fallout Continues.
• Bipolar Johncena Build Continues.
• Cenas Opponent for WWE Mainevent 24th May.
• Aleister Black build continues.
• Promo : Jacob Fatu, Cobb & The Bloodline.
• Whats next for Lyra Valkyria.
• More Cards

Location & Date:

• Show: WWE SmackDown 5/16/25
• Location: First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
• Date & Time: Friday, May 16, 2025 | 8 PM ET – 5 AM PT