By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,394)
Jacksonville, Florida, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Simulcast live May 8, 2026, on USA Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] A memorial graphic was shown for Ted Turner… Joe Tessitore checked in on commentary and narrated arrival shots of Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss, the Fatal Influence trio, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga, and Damian Priest. A shot aired of a group of wrestlers and WWE personnel gathered for the Gingerbread Man funeral…
A video package recapped the build to the Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu match that will headline WWE Backlash…
Jacob Fatu made his entrance while ring announcer Mark Nash introduced him. Wade Barrett checked in on color commentary. Once in the ring, Fatu said he wasn’t fighting Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. Rather, he said he was taking that title.
Fatu said that since they were children, Reigns was considered the future, while he was nothing. Fatu said he’d seen it before. He said Reigns is being protected. Fatu said Reigns was born with opportunity, while he was born with nothing.
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso’s entrance music interrupted Fatu. The Usos came out via the stage and joined Fatu inside the ring. Jimmy said they weren’t there to change Fatu’s mind. He played up Fatu challenging Reigns, and said he was proud of him. Jimmy said that part of him was rooting for him, but he questioned what would happen if Fatu lost.
Jey stepped up and said he knew how it would go at Backlash because he’s lived it. “The Tribal Chief is going to beat that ass,” Jey said. Jey told Fatu that Reigns would break him down emotionally and physically right in front of his family. Jimmy said that Fatu would be fighting in front of his family. Jimmy said that if Fatu loses (Jey said “when” he loses), Fatu and his entire family will need to acknowledge Reigns.
Fatu said he can’t and won’t lose. Fatu took issue with Jey talking about him losing to Reigns, and then pointed out that Jey never beat Reigns. Fatu said there’s no losing or acknowledging. He said his family would see him become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Fatu said he was ready to put it all on the line and battle for his. He questioned whether Reigns was ready to die for it. “If y’all think of interfering in my match tomorrow night, oh, I swear to God I will burn this whole goddamn (censored) family tree down,” Fatu said before exiting the ring…
Tessitore noted that Barrett would be calling Backlash and had him break things down. Barrett spoke about the championship match, and then footage aired of Gunther attacking Cody Rhodes last week…
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis and asked why Gunther was in Jacksonville when he’s on the Raw roster. Aldis confirmed Gunther’s status as a Raw wrestler “for now.” Ricky Saints interrupted and spoke about going toe-to-toe with QB1. He said he would be going against QB4. Matt Cardona entered the picture and told “Rookie Saints” that he would see him in the ring…
Tessitore hyped the Women’s U.S. Championship match heading into a commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: It’s actually comical that Kelley asked about Gunther being a Raw wrestler when we’ve seen countless wrestlers bounce back and forth between the brands without explanation. Apparently, they wanted to work in Aldis stating that Gunther is on the Raw roster “for now.” Meanwhile, Fatu’s confidence in the opening segment was a nice push for the match. Finally, an hour before showtime, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 7,804 with 7,340 tickets distributed. The listed capacity is 15,000. The last time WWE ran the building was on May 17, 2024, when they distributed 10,093 tickets.
Backstage, Aldis told Fatu to rest up for Backlash and wished him well. Fatu encountered Royce Keys, who gave him a pep talk about his title match. Keys asked when Fatu had ever feared another man. After Fatu left, Solo Sikoa approached Keys, who said he should beat the brakes off his ass. Solo told him to calm down. He reminded him that there’s room in his family, but he added that he needed an answer and told him time was running out…
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance. Tessitore said Chelsea Green was resting after having a procedure (he didn’t mention any specifics). A clip aired of Chelsea Green lying in bed while wishing Stratton good luck. Kiana James made her entrance with Giulia…
1. Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (w/Giulia) for the Women’s U.S. Championship. James targeted Stratton’s left knee, which included slamming it into the ring post before a picture-in-picture break. [C] There was friction between James and Giulia. Stratton took advantage and hit a handspring Stunner and a basement dropkick for a near fall.
James came back with a kick and a clunky handspring into a kick in the corner. James used a modified Death Valley Driver to get a two count. James performed a back flip and charged Stratton, who moved, causing James to run through the ropes into the post. Giulia climbed on the apron, which distracted Stratton, who was rolled up by James for a two count. Stratton knocked Giulia off the apron, hit James with a back fist, and followed up with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and cored the pin…
Tiffany Stratton defeated Kiana James in 8:00 to retain the Women’s U.S. Championship.
Powell’s POV: Stratton came through with a strong performance, as her key moves looked crisp. The bickering between James and Giulia isn’t very compelling, but it gave James a bit of an out for losing. It’s worth noting that Giulia got involved when Stratton was in offensive control, so it’s wasn’t like she was trying to sabotage James.
Sami Zayn entered the open casket funeral for the Gingerbread Man. Zayn asked Aldis why he was letting this happen. Aldis told Zayn to show respect. R-Truth showed up and said the Gingerbread Man spoke about Sami all the time and wouldn’t want him to cry. Zayn was seething after Truth walked away… [C]
A Fatal Influence video package aired…
Cathy Kelley interviewed WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss. Ripley spoke, and then Flair told her that she’s not the only one who wants to get revenge on Fatal Influence. Ripley questioned if Flair was going to be a problem. Bliss stepped in and tried to play peacemaker…
Damian Priest was shown in his dressing room when R-Truth entered and spoke about the Gingerbread Man’s funeral. Priest was focused on his match with Talla Tonga. Priest told Truth that he wanted him to stay backstage. Truth said they are the tag team champions. Priest said he’s proud of that, but he wanted Truth to understand that he knows how to handle Solo Sikoa and Talla on his own…
Powell’s POV: Babyfaces telling partners and allies to stay backstage rarely works out well for them.
Talla Tonga made his entrance with Solo Sikoa… [C] Damian Priest’s entrance took place after the break…
2. Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa). Priest went after Talla before the opening bell. Talla battled back and was in offensive control before a PIP Break. [C] Priest threw a series of kicks that knocked Talla down. Talla rolled to the floor. Priest followed and jumped off the steps before hitting Talla and punching Solo.
[Hour Two] Back inside the ring, Priest picked up a two count. Priest lowered the straps on his gear. Tama Tonga ran out and distracted Priest. Talla took advantage of the distraction and got a two count. R-Truth ran out and tried to fight Solo and Tama. Priest saved Truth. Priest recalled telling Truth not to come out. Talla hit Priest from behind. Talla got Priest back in the ring, where he chokeslammed and pinned him.
Talla Tonga beat Damian Priest in 9:30.
After the match, Truth entered the ring to check on Priest. Solo, Talla, and Tama surrounded Truth. Royce Keys’ entrance music played, and he headed to the ring, which caused Solo and his crew to roll to exit the ring. Solo talked his guys into standing down…
Powell’s POV: Keys never got physical with Solo or his crew, so they kept the mystery alive in terms of whether he’s interested in joining the faction.
Backstage, Danhausen had an empty signup sheet for anyone interested in being his tag team partner at Backlash. It threatened that anyone who didn’t sign up would be cursed. The Miz and Kit Wilson showed up. Miz mocked Danhusen while Wilson did his best Lexxi Foxx by checking himself out in a mirror. Wilson held the mirror in front of Danhausen and said the only one toxic enough to team with Danhausen was Danhausen. The proverbial lightbulb went off for Danhausen, who said that was a great idea and then rushed out of the area…
Paul Heyman was shown walking backstage. Heyman arrived at Nick Aldis’s office and was going to knock, but then he blew that off in favor of just entering the room unannounced… A SummerSlam ad aired…
Powell’s POV: Come on, WWE, Jauan Jennings has been a Viking for 24 hours now. Work him into the SummerSlam video!
Tessitore spoke about the death of the Gingerbread Man. Classic footage aired that inserted Gingerbread Man in crowd shots during famous moments involving Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and John Cena…
Backstage, Nick Aldis handed Paul Heyman a contract folder and told him that everything was in order. Gunther entered the room and shook hands with both men. Heyman handed Gunther the contract folder and said, “As requested.” Aldis said that while Gunther’s attack on Cody Rhodes last week was unacceptable, he’s happy to have him on the blue brand. Gunther asked if that’s how Aldis was going to talk to his future champion.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance, which was shown on the television in Aldis’s office. Gunther said it was supposed to be his time. Gunther said he was there to sign the contract. “Too bad, I don’t do business like this,” Gunther said. Gunther handed the contract folder to Heyman, who told Aldis that he would handle it.
Cody asked the Jacksonville crowd what they wanted to talk about while including a “Duuuval” rally cry for the Jacksonville Jaguars. There were more cheers than boos. Cody said Gunther attacking him last week was apparently his way of saying he’s next in line. Cody said he would love it if Gunther would come out and say that.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Paul Heyman said before walking onto the stage. Heyman said he was holding a contract for a WWE Championship match. Cody interrupted Heyman and asked if Heyman was now an advocate for Gunther. Cody said they didn’t need a contract and said they would have the match in Jacksonville.
Heyman said he is not Gunther’s advocate. Heyman said this was the favor that he owed Gunther. Heyman said he’s also an enormous fan of Cody. Heyman climbed on the apron and was interrupted by the fans singing Cody’s name. Heyman claimed that was his favorite song in WWE.
Heyman got Cody’s permission to enter the ring. Heyman said the contract wasn’t for Jacksonville. Heyman said the contract was for a match at Clash in Italy. A “USA” chant broke out. Heyman handed Cody the contract folder and said that if he wanted Gunther’s name on the contract, he’d have to get the signature himself.
Cody said Brock Lesnar retired. He added that Roman Reigns wants nothing to do with Heyman, and CM Punk disregarded him. Cody questioned whether Heyman was out of options. Heyman said he wasn’t the one running out of options. “Sooner or later, they all need the Wiseman,” Heyman said before exiting the ring.
Gunther entered the ring behind Cody, who saw him coming. Cody threw punches at Gunther, who caught him in a sleeper. Cody dropped to one knee while in the hold and grabbed a microphone, and struck Gunther with it to break the hold temporarily. Gunther reapplied the hold, but Cody lunged toward the ropes, which sent Gunther to the floor.
Gunther tried to return to the ring, but Cody punched him and knocked him off the apron a few times. Cody told him to keep coming. He asked “G” if he thinks he scares him because he beat Goldberg and AJ Styles, and “retired the greatest of all time.” Cody said he’s easy to find, hard to beat…
Powell’s POV: So Heyman repaid the favor he owned Gunther. So that means Gunther’s favor won’t be getting Heyman to bring back Brock Lesnar for one more match at SummerSlam. Of course, there are other ways to get to the match if that’s what they have in mind.
Backstage, Tama Tonga told Solo Sikoa that Royce Keys was a problem that needed to be dealt with. Solo said he sees Keys as more of a solution. Solo said Keys would be a perfect addition to their family. Tama said Keys embarrassed them in front of everyone, and it doesn’t sit right with him. Tama said he was going to handle business. Tama left. Talla tried to follow, but Solo stopped him and said that if Tama wanted to go out there alone, they should let him find out on his own…
Matt Cardona made his entrance… [C] Footage aired of Shawn Michaels’ appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast…
Ricky Saints made his entrance to a flat reaction from the crowd…
3. Ricky Saints vs. Matt Cardona. Cardona performed a flapjack and then set up for a kick in the corner, but Saints rolled to the floor. Cardona kicked Saints through the ropes. A frustrated Saints threw a brief tantrum. [C] Cardona hit Saints with the Rough Ryder and covered him, but Saints kicked out. Saints came back and hit the Roshambo for the win…
Ricky Saints beat Matt Cardona in 8:35.
Sami Zayn was shown at the funeral, complaining to someone about trying to do everything the right way, only for everything to be gone. The camera pulled back and showed that Zayn was speaking to a comatose Johnny Gargano. Zayn asked if Johnny Wrestling was still there. Gargano, who was lying on a table, arched up and nodded before lying down again. Zayn called for Candice LeRae, who didn’t believe Zayn and said Gargano doesn’t move.
Zayn spotted Rey Fenix and asked what he was doing there. Zayn said it was all a shot against him. Zayn looked at a group of random people at the funeral and asked what they were doing there. Fenix told Zayn that it wasn’t the place. Zayn perked up and said Fenix was right…
Paige and Brie Bella were shown walking backstage. A ladder fell behind them. They turned around to see what had happened, and Danhausen ran past them. Oddly, Brie acted like the ladder hit the back of her head… [C]
A Blake Monroe vignette aired. Monroe was in her bathroom and said that she could take everything you love and make it hers. A graphic listed her as coming soon…
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Paige and Brie Bella made their entrance for an in-ring promo. Brie said a lot of teams think they have what it takes, but they’ll find out, like Nia Jax and Lash Legend, that it’s not so easy to beat them. Paige said she and Brie are the best they’ve ever looked and have ever been.
“Fatal Influence” Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid made their entrance. Jayne and Henley spoke about taking the titles as they headed to the ring. Once in the ring, Reid asked why they should stop there, and said Jayne will be the new WWE Women’s Champion soon enough. Jayne said that if Paige and Brie were smart, they’d head backstage and watch how a real team gets the job done.
“The Irresistible Forces” Nia Jax and Lash Legend headed to the ring. Legend called Fatal Influence pipsqueaks and told them that it’s not NXT. A “Whoop That Trick” chant broke out. Nax said Fatal Influence looked like knockoff Mean Girls. Legend said Fatal Influence better get to the back of the line.
Jax and Legend suddenly turned and hit Paige and Brie. The Fatal Influence trio watched while Jax and Legend worked over the champions. Jax told Fatal Influence to get to the back of the line.
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley’s entrance theme played. Ripley came out while Jax and Legend were still making their exit. Ripley went face-to-face with Legend for a moment before heading to the ring. [C]
[Hour Three] Tessitore and Barrett spoke while a series of clips that showed Gingerbread Man in the crowd during more classic events…
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made separate entrances…
4. “Fatal Influence” Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid vs. Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss. Bliss started the match for her team. Ripley tagged in and performed a fallaway slam on Reid. Ripley performed a cannonball off the apron onto Jayne and Henley on the floor before a PIP break. [C]
Flair and Bliss had Jayne and Reid down and sent for stereo Natural Selections, but the heels superkicked them. Henley pulled Flair to the floor and ran her into the broadcast table. In the ring, Bliss countered a Rolling Encore by setting up for Sister Abigail, but Jayne rolled her into a pin for a two count. Bliss hit Jayne, who then put her down with a neckbreaker. Bliss started to crawl toward her corner.
Jade Cargill popped up at ringside and pulled Ripley to the floor. Jayne hit Bliss with a Rolling Encore and then pinned her.
“Fatal Influence” Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid defeated Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss in 9:55.
The Fatal Influence trio celebrated. Jade Cargill entered the ring behind them. Jayne, Henley, and Reid turned around and opted to leave the ring. Jade stood over Bliss and told her to get up. Charlotte Flair returned to the ring.
B-Fab and Michin showed up and attacked Flair before she could help Bliss. Ripley returned to the ring and dropkicked Jade. Ripley ducked a B-Fab clothesline, headbutted Michin, and then superkicked B-Fab. Jade put Ripley down with a pump kick. Jade put her foot on Ripley while posing. Jade, B-Fab, and Michin left Ripley, Flair, and Bliss lying…
Powell’s POV: I didn’t expect Fatal Influence to win clean, so it was good to see them get a tainted win. Jade came back strong in her first appearance since WrestleMania 42. I wonder if Ripley, Flair, and Bliss will have another six-woman tag match next week against Jade, B-Fab, and Michin.
Royce Keys was walking backstage when Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso approached him. Jimmy said they saw Keys talking with Jacob Fatu earlier. Jimmy said many people don’t know how far their families go back. Jey said Keys has ties to the family, but this was family business. Jey told Keys to stay in his lane, or he might catch the eye of the Tribal Chief…
Tama Tonga made his entrance with Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga… [C] More photos were shown of Gingerbread Man in the crowd during notable WWE moments… Royce Keys made his entrance…
Powell’s POV: The gag of Gingerbread Man being in the crowd during major moments was cute once, but it didn’t really need to be repeated two more times.
5. Royce Keys vs. Tama Tonga (w/Jacob Fatu, Talla Tonga). Keys was on the floor when Tama tried to slide under the ropes with a move, but Keys caught him and slammed him on the apron. Keys charged Tama, who moved, causing Keys to crash into the ring steps. [C]
Keys lowered the straps on his gear. Keys powerslammed Tama and got a near fall. Keys scooped up Tama, who slipped away and performed a reverse DDT for a near fall of his own. Keys sent Tama to the floor, followed, and rolled him inside the ring. Keys looked at Talla, who wanted to go after him, but Solo held him back. Moments later, Keys hit The Ultimate Spinebuster on Tama and covered him for the three count.
Royce Keys beat Tama Tonga in 9:55.
Afterward, Solo and Talla climbed on the apron. Solo hoped to get an answer from Keys, who rolled out of the ring…
Powell’s POV: I hope Keys responds to Solo’s offer to join his faction soon. Fans might be hesitant to get behind Keys if they think there’s a chance he could join Solo’s crew.
Danhausen was shown backstage working on a liquid formula next to a crate that read “Cloning Machine.” Danhausen said that if his calculations were correct, his partner would be ready and they would take over the world at Backlash…
Tessitore hyped the Gingerbread Man funeral… [C]
Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura approached Tama Tonga and noted that he’s still an MFT. Nakamura said now his brother won’t help him. Talla Tonga entered the picture and told Nakamura to stay away from his brother, or they would have problems. Nakamura responded in Japanese, laughed, and walked away…
The broadcast team ran through the Backlash card…
Backstage, Nick Aldis approached Trick Williams and asked how he was doing. Trick said he’d been better. Aldis said everything Trick requested was in place. Trick said he appreciated it. They cut to a shot of the crew setting up for the funeral inside the ring. Gingerbread Man was in a casket… [C]
U.S. Champion Trick Williams made his entrance and joined a group of singers in the ring. Barrett said Gingerbread Man was a carbohydrate, but he was “our carbohydrate.” Trick sang with support from the background singers. A montage of photos of Gingerbread Man’s “life” was shown. Some fans chanted “Gingerbread Man.” Trick asked for a moment of silence.
Sami Zayn came out and said enough. He said he’d been putting up with this all night, and it was ridiculous. Zayn asked if he was losing his mind. Zayn said television time on Smackdown used to mean something. He said closing Smackdown used to mean something. He said there was a prestige to holding the U.S. Championship.
Zayn stood on the apron and recalled Trick recently accusing him of messing with his money. Zayn complained about the cost of the flowers and the casket. Zayn said Trick spent all this money as a joke on him. Zayn said he would never do that because he has too much respect for Smackdown and the hard-working people who paid to be there.
Zayn entered the ring and said he’s done everything. He spoke about facing guys at the top and guys at the bottom. He said he’s still standing after twenty years in the game. Zayn said he’s not going anywhere. Zayn said he hated to admit it, but Trick made him angry and got in his head.
Zayn said it’s not just about taking back the U.S. Championship at Backlash. He said he would humble, embarrass, expose, and disrespect Trick at Backlash. Zayn told Trick that he was sorry for his loss and would see him at Backlash. Zayn dropped the mic and teased leaving, only to hit Trick with a cheap shot.
Gingerbread Man sat up, Undertaker style, inside the casket. Lil Yachty removed the Gingerbread Man head to reveal himself, and then attacked him with a kendo stick that was decorated to look like a candy cane. Zayn stood up and was put right back down by a Trick Shot from Williams. Trick’s entrance theme played. The executive producer credits were shown, and then Trick and Yachty slapped hands. Trick posed on the ropes with his title belt to close the show…
Powell’s POV: The crowd’s reaction told the story. Some fans chanted for Gingerbread Man at one point, but the majority of the crowd didn’t play along. In other words, I’m sure some fans got a kick out of this, while it was a turnoff for others. I don’t mind some sports entertainment silliness, but they told the same joke repeatedly with the photos, and none of it felt particularly clever.
Overall, Smackdown provided a solid final push for Backlash. I’m surprised they didn’t add anything to the Backlash card. Having two quality matches on ESPN2 while only advertising three additional matches for the remainder of the show is pushing it for the fans who are paying $30 for ESPN Unlimited to watch WWE programming. I will be back shortly with my weekly same-night audio review of Smackdown for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons), who will also hear a same-night audio review of WWE Backlash on Saturday. Let me know what you thought of Smackdown by grading it below.
Join me for WWE Backlash coverage on Saturday starting at 5CT/6ET.
Lexxi Foxx! Hell to the yes!
I know he’s out of the band, but they released a glorious new Mother’s Day song today. Steel Panther always cracks me up. I had so much fun seeing them in Vegas that I had to see them again when they came to Minneapolis.
So it would appear that Danhausen’s tag team partner will be someone wearing Danahusen make up.
I think.
I’ve been watching wrestling for over 42 years. I’ve adapted throughout those years to how wrestling is presented. And I totally understand the place sports entertainment silliness has in the business. There have been times that things have pushed that envelope or even gone too far. But this Gingerbread Man shit is one of the dumbest, most embarrassing things I’ve seen. And that’s saying something. I’ve watched floating Undertakers, Katie Vick, Chamber of Horrors, and all sorts of stuff WWE, WCW, AEW, and TNA have presented. As Conrad says, who booked this shit?