WWE SmackDown Preview: Former AEW star debuts, what’s going to Cody Rhodes do? (5/1/2026)

Friday Night SmackDown takes the center stage tonight in Tulsa, Oklahoma and you can expect some blockbuster things. With WWE Backlash looming on the horizon, the feuds and storylines will shift gears tonight. General Manager Nick Aldis can make some blockbuster announcements on the blue brand, making a few matches official for the upcoming premium live event.

Top stars like Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley and Tiffany Stratton will be in the house tonight as they progress on their upcoming storyline. Besides, Friday Night SmackDown is set to witness an explosive debut tonight that could shake up the landscape. This article explores the full card, potential surprises, outcomes, and analysis of what’s gonna happen on tonight’s show.

Here’s a full preview of the May 1 edition of WWE SmackDown:

#5. Charlotte Flair collides with Jacy Jayne in a huge match

Last week on SmackDown, Fatal Influence made a blockbuster debut with Jacy Jayne leading the charge. The NXT faction destroyed several top stars like Brie Bella, Paige, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley. As a result, there have been visible frustrations within the women’s division and tonight, Flair will look for revenge as she battles Jayne in a high-stakes match.

It is set to be an exciting bout with both women delivering a clinical performance in the ring. However, the match could end in a disqualification with Fatal Influence members getting involved in it. This could lead to a multi-woman chaos in the ring that may ultimately have implications for WWE Backlash. Nick Aldis could make a match official involving all these women for the upcoming PLE.

#4. Sami Zayn-Trick Williams rivalry takes a dramatic turn

Sami Zayn lost the United States Championship to Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42 and the bitter sting of defeat weighed him down so heavily that he couldn’t shake it. As a result, Zayn staged a huge attack on the champ last week on SmackDown, disguising himself as Gingerbread Man. This rivalry has now taken an interesting turn after what happened in the previous episode.

This feud seems far from over and it is set to see another chapter unfold. There is a good possibility that Nick Aldis could make a huge match official between Sami Zayn and Trick Williams for WWE Backlash. The United States Championship could be on the line at the upcoming premium live event. It will be interesting to see whether WWE makes it official tonight.

#3. Ricky Saints makes his explosive SmackDown debut

The RAW and SmackDown after WrestleMania 42 have seen the debuts of numerous NXT talents. This tradition is set to continue on the blue brand. Tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown will see the arrival of former AEW star Ricky Saints as he is officially headed to the main roster. After making waves in NXT, the 36-year-old-old is set to take over the blue brand.

WWE has been advertising it as a huge thing for the upcoming episode. It will be very interesting to see how Triple H presents Ricky Saints on the main roster upon his very first appearance. There is a chance that he could have a backstage segment with General Manager Nick Alidis, or Saints may also get to have a segment with Cody Rhodes tonight in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

#2. Tiffany Stratton kicks off her Women’s US Title run

Tiffany Stratton shocked the world last week on SmackDown by defeating Giulia and capturing the Women’s United States Championship. It marked a major move in the women’s division, signalling the start of Tiffy time. The Buff Barbie could address the WWE Universe tonight, shedding light on her hard-fought victory. But how long do a champion’s celebrations last?

There is a high possibility that someone could interrupt Stratton tonight on the blue brand, spoiling her celebrations. The interesting part would be to see whether WWE stretches her feud with Giulia or if the company has a fresh opponent for The Buff Barbie. This could play a key role in determining how Tiffany Stratton’s Women’s United States Championship reign kicks off.

#1. What lies ahead for Cody Rhodes?

After defeating Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes delivered a passionate promo on SmackDown last week. He put the entire roster on notice, indirectly stating that anyone who has their eyes on the gold can step up to him. Since then, fans have been wondering what’s next for The American Nightmare. And they might finally get their answers tonight.

Cody Rhodes can cut a promo on the show where Randy Orton could interrupt him. The rivalry between the two seems far from over. Therefore, what happens tonight might pave the way for the next chapter of their rivalry. There are chances that Orton can unleash a brutal attack on the champ, with WWE showcasing a storyline-injury angle that would sideline Rhodes for a while.