By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,396)
Lexington, Kentucky, at Rupp Arena
Simulcast live May 22, 2026, on USA Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] Joe Tessitore opened the show and set up a recap of last week’s Gunther vs. Royce Keys main event, along with Cody Rhodes attacking Gunther afterward… Tessitore narrated backstage/arrival shots of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, a split-screen shot of Shinsuke Nakamura on one side, and Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga, and a separate shot of Women’s U.S. Champion Tiffany Stratton…
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance and welcomed viewers to “Friday Night Mami.” Ripley said she was itching for a fight. She said that if Jade Cargill wants her rematch, she will happily beat her again. Ripley said she would put her title on the line against Cargill at Clash in Italy.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance. Flair said she understood Ripley wanting to defend her title, but she told her not to get ahead of herself because they have a six-woman tag match against Jade, B-Fab, and Michin at Saturday’s Night’s Main Event.
Flair asked where Ripley was last week when she and Bliss needed her help. Ripley said she wanted to go home and asked if she was entitled to a day off like everyone else. Flair said she was, but still took issue with Ripley not being there. Ripley recalled Flair saying she didn’t need help. Bliss tried to play peacemaker, and Flair accused Ripley of trying to create a wedge between her and Bliss.
The Fatal Influence trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid walked out. Jayne said she loves seeing the Smackdown women’s division unravel. She said it seemed to start when Fatal Influence arrived. Fans booed. Jayne told them to quiet down because she wasn’t finished talking.
Jayne said they saw an opportunity, and when they do, they always take it. Flair challenged any two members of Fatal Influence to face her and Bliss. Jayen said that was perfect and all she needed to hear. Flair dismissed the heels, and then her entrance music played…
Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga were walking backstage when Cathy Kelley approached them and asked about Talla’s match against Shinsuke Nakamura. Royce Keys showed up and accused Solo of costing him a title match. Keys told him to stay out of his business. Solo said Keys threw a chair in his face. He said Keys needs someone to watch his back, and questioned who better to do that than his crew…
Talla Tonga made his entrance with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga while Wade Barrett checked in on commentary before the first commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: The opening segment was a pretty basic way to reestablish the friction between Ripley and Flair, while also setting up a tag team match for later in the show. On a side note, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 9,795 with 9,035 tickets distributed roughly an hour before showtime. The total number of seats on the map is 19,363. The last time WWE ran the venue, 12,270 tickets were distributed for the June 13, 2025, Smackdown.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss told Charlotte Flair that she’s not medically cleared. Flair didn’t buy it because Bliss was just good to go. Bliss faked a sneeze. She said she’s sick of being stuck in the middle when Flair and Rhea Ripley bicker. Bliss said Flair and Ripley would team together tonight and work it out. Bliss told Flair to have fun…
Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance while being introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash…
1. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga). Nakamura threw a kick at Talla’s leg, but Talla quickly took offensive control. Nakamura came back and clotheslined Talla over the top rope and then Talla landed on his feet on the floor. Talla pulled Nakamura to the floor and ran him into the barricade. [C]
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