Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 1, 2026

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody mentions that earlier tonight, he met with WWE medical staff as well as General Manager Nick Aldis, and now, he is medically cleared for action. He then states that this begets the question of what is next for him, and all of a sudden, Ricky Saints, fresh out of NXT, shows up and heads to the ring. Saints introduces himself as the hottest new star on SmackDown, then mentions his history with Cody, stating that the change Cody feels in the air is a revolution and that the revolution is him as he welcomes everyone to "Friday Night Saints." Cody asks Saints what the difference is between now and the last time he stepped up to him, and Saints says it is Cody himself, saying his three world title reigns have aged him thirty years. He also says that he has been an NXT Champion since then and while he has cheered him on in the background at the detriment of his career, he will be the one to relieve him of his duties. Cody says he is game for action and that Saints also looks game for action, then proposes that they have a match and shakes hands on it. Saints is about to leave, but Saints says he is not here to make a statement, but to change who the show is about. Cody reminds Saints that he is easy to find and hard to beat.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Rhea Ripley soon shows up and says she tried to take on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) alone last week and got ambushed, and she is willing to put differences aside if Charlotte is willing to. Charlotte says they have teamed before but they will not team again, but Rhea says there is three of Fatal Influence and only two of them. Charlotte says all she needs is Alexa, and three is a crowd, then Charlotte and Alexa head to the ring.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Saints is official for later tonight.

Before the next match, Jacy Jayne says that last week was a small taste of what Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) is bringing to SmackDown, and someone just could not get enough. She then says she thrives off that, because if there is anything Fatal Influence loves to do, it is embarrassing a legend. Jacy proclaims that Fatal Influence will take out everyone's legends one at a time, and that there is nobody better to start with than Charlotte Flair.

Jacy Jayne beats Charlotte Flair after hitting the Rolling Encore on Charlotte after Charlotte boots Lainey Reid off the apron in response to Lainey clobbering Alexa Bliss for Alexa clobbering Fallon Henley for pulling Charlotte out of the Figure Eight. After the match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) attacks Charlotte, and when Alexa comes to the rescue, they attack her, too. The fans chant for Rhea Ripley, who soon shows up and cleans house. Jacy slips out of the Riptide and nearly shoves Rhea into Charlotte as she escapes. Rhea and Charlotte shake hands.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says they are impressed by Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), but their actions will catch up to them. Paige agrees, saying they will deal with them when the time comes; for now, they are focused on beating The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) and staying champions. As for their match, Brie says that they are powerful former champions, but she and Paige have the experience to get the job done, as SmackDown is their house.

Backstage, Damian Priest meets with R-Truth speaking with Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), who R-Truth thinks is Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano). Priest says Fraxiom is deserving of a tag team title shot and looks forward to defending the title. Axiom is taken aback, but Frazer is delighted and goes to talk to General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the match. Priest then finds out that R-Truth was talking about taxes with Fraxiom, much to Priest's genuine confusion.

Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson try to trap Danhausen with a briefcase full of "free human monies." Danhausen opens the briefcase, takes only some of the money, and walks away with $40,000. When Miz opens the briefcase, he and Wilson gets blasted with white dust.

Damian Priest and The Miz retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). After the match, Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa show up, and Talla Tonga lays waste to both teams at Solo's behest.

After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga are still in the ring. Solo says that Jacob Fatu made a big mistake last week. After a replay of what happened last week, Solo says that Jacob may have taken out his army, Jacob also took out his own family, brothers and blood, which Solo also claims as his. He says they are not here because of Jacob. Solo then says that when Jacob Fatu gets into the building, he is a dead man walking. All of a sudden, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up and head to the ring. Jimmy says Solo may have an issue with Jacob Fatu, but so does Roman Reigns, and that Jacob made a mistake not by attacking Solo's army, but by putting his hands on Roman and put him in the Tongan Death Grip, which Talla's father used and is a sacred last effort. Jey tells Solo and Talla Tonga to hold their plans up until Roman Reigns is done with Jacob Fatu. As Solo says there is plenty of Jacob to go around, Jey says that they are telling them, not asking them. Solo laughs and says he does not have time for this, but when he tells Talla to go, he nods his head when he goes to the ropes. Talla then takes out The Usos in short order, and Solo tells The Usos to tell Roman that he is not his tribal chief and that they do not give a damn, and whether Roman likes it or not, Jacob Fatu is a dead man.

Backstage, Sami Zayn confronts "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for calling him "sarcastic" and "condescending" in response to him calling him "Golden Boy," saying it was a compliment and not an insult and addressing their history, saying they are "the last real good guys" and that they need to stick together. Cody says there is a lot in truth in that, but tells him that they are not the same.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) is official for later tonight.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Danhausen announces that another fan and not Stephen A. Smith paid him off with real human monies, and for that, the New York Knicks are no longer cursed and are still in the NBA playoffs. He also makes it clear that Stephen A. Smith is still cursed.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Ricky Saints. After the match, Cody Rhodes is suddenly choked out from behind by Gunther with a sleeper hold, and Gunther goes for a second sleeper hold as three referees try to pull Gunther off of Cody and succeed. Gunther then makes it clear he wants the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Danhausen heads to the ring. Danhausen says he has spent the money he found backstage on merchandise for the fans. As he tosses merchandise to the fans from out of a bag, The Miz shows up. The Miz says that horrible things have happened to him since Danhausen showed up, and that he has come to the realization that he is cursed. The fans chant "Yes, you are!" as The Miz reluctantly becomes Danhausen's mentor. As they shake hands, Kit Wilson shows up, saying that The Miz is mentoring him and that Miz is enabling him. Kit Wilson tells Miz to wake up, but Miz says that Danhausen has mastered, inspired and zoned in on what it takes to be a WWE Superstar, and asks Kit Wilson if he can say the same. He also says that Kit Wilson is not in the same league as him, and as Miz and Danhausen are about to shake hands, Kit Wilson begs for another chance. Kit Wilson says that Danhausen should not even be in the building and should be banned, and both men demand that Miz shake their hand. Miz ends up shaking hands with Danhausen and raising his hand. Miz then says there is only one thing left to do, and as Danhausen curses Kit Wilson, The Miz attacks Danhausen from behind, and Kit Wilson joins in. Miz hits Danhausen with the Skull Crushing Finale, and Kit Wilson hits a top rope elbow drop.

We see another vignette for Blake Monroe, who gets out of her bathtub and proclaims that nobody burns brighter than she does. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.

Royce Keys beats Angel.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. She wants more challengers for the Women's United States Championship, and issues an open challenge for the title when Chelsea Green shows up and stands up out of her wheelchair. As Chelsea says she will be champion, Kiana James and Giulia show up, with Kiana wanting to secure Giulia's rematch. Tiffany says she has the whole locker room to consider, then makes Kiana her first defense and wants to see how Kiana does when she is not being held back.

WWE backstage staff are seen bringing Trick Williams' gingerbread man costume to the ring.

Backstage, Royce Keys is met by Joseph Fatu, who congratulates him on the match. Royce says he has known Jacob for about fifteen years and he is still the same guy who would run with him seven days a week, even back when they worked at the warehouse. Royce says that The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) are back in business and are ready to take everything, and tells Jacob Fatu to "werewolf his ass up" and prove that WWE did not make him soft, as people like them take everything. All of a sudden, Royce Keys is attacked by Talla Tonga, and Solo Sikoa shows up and attack Jacob Fatu when he tries to make the save.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami stands next to the the gingerbread man costume in the ring as he says that he really loves coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma, then talks about how the fans turned on Bob Dylan went electric and says that he can relate. He says he cannot figure out what caused the fans to turn on him, but he can deal with it, because he knows his ride-or-die fan club is in the house tonight and will continue to have his back. Sami says that while he can deal with some bad reactions, he cannot deal with disrespect, and calls Trick Williams "a shell of a man wearing a costume" and says it is easy to do what Trick does as he compares him to the gingerbread man costume. Sami says he can do what Trick does in his sleep and that what he really does is hard, as he leaves everything in the ring every day, month and year, and when he looks at the gingerbread man costume, he sees Trick Williams not taking him seriously. He also states that Trick Williams takes nothing seriously and takes that as disrespect, and is about to punch the gingerbread man costume in the middle of the ring. He then shakes the costume's hand before kicking the costume in the groin. Trick Williams then attacks and tears at the costume before pulling a gumdrop button off the costume. Trick Williams rushes in and fights Sami Zayn, and Sami Zayn flees through the crowd.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says that they were not pinned to lose the women's tag team championships and that Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were pinned instead, then Lash Legend says that they have something in store for Brie Bella and Paige. Nia says that "the math is mathing" with two teams in the ring and that they will end Brie Bella and Paige's reign and send them back on the couch with Nikki Bella.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams, who says that Sami Zayn crossed a line by attacking both Lil Yachty and the gingerbread man, and that Sami is now messing with his money. Trick says he does not play with his money, then says that Sami has a big problem and that he is facing him at Backlash. Trick then finds out that the gingerbread man did not survive Sami's attack, and Trick says that he will whoop Sami.

Brie Bella and Paige retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) after Paige kicks Nia's legs out from under her during the A-Nia-Lator and Brie Bella pulls back on Nia's legs to pin Nia's shoulders to the mat, win and retain.

It is announced, as per Trick Williams, that The Gingerbread Man is dead. In Memoriam, Gingerbread Man, 2026 - 2026. Rest in Pieces.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking with General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the funeral of the Gingerbread Man next week, saying that it is proof that Trick Williams takes nothing serious. Sami wants his rematch with Trick Williams for the United States Championship at Backlash, and Aldis gives it to him. Sami leaves, then Danhausen shows up wanting a match with Kit Wilson and The Miz. Nick Aldis says he will get that match if he can find a tag team partner.

The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) vs. The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) ends with Jacob Fatu showing up and attacking Talla Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu smacks Talla Tonga with the ring steps, then confronts Solo Sikoa, who realizes too late from looking at Jacob's left hand that he is ready to hit someone with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob briefly chokes out Solo, and when Talla grabs Jacob, he gets the Tongan Death Grip before Jacob Fatu puts Talla through the announce desk with a Samoan Drop. Jacob then confronts The Usos, then walks right through them to end the show. Afterwards, Jacob Fatu tells The Usos to tell Roman Reigns that he will dog walk him at Backlash.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Final iMPACT! - iMPACT! recap for April 30, 2026

Jeff Hardy beats Vincent. During the match, the lights go out when Vincent goes to the top rope, and when they come back on, Matt Hardy - who is banned from ringside for this match along with Dutch - is in the ring, demanding Vincent be deleted. The lights go out again, and when they come back on a second time, Jeff Hardy is on the top rope while Vincent is down on the mat. Jeff Hardy then hits the Swanton Bomb for the win.

Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian says he is approaching tonight's Walk With Elias Match like he always has, as he has been the winner of new match match types and tonight will be no different.

Mustafa Ali retains the TNA International Championship against Adam Brooks. TNA President Carlos Silva awards Mustafa Ali with the TNA International Championship after the match.

We hear from Eric Young, who says that EC3 has not changed and that all he has done is change, adapt, evolve and become more pure, real and violent. He says that has EC3 not had enough, so next week, they can sort things out once and for all in a match where anything goes.

Mara Sadé, Rosemary and Allie beat Tessa Blanchard, Mila Moore and Victoria Crawford in a six-woman tag match.

As per the Bioflex Injury Report: Mike Santana and Rich Swann are cleared, but have the night off to rest and recover from last week's main event. Trey Miguel is still out following his match against Mustafa Ali at Rebellion, and an update will be provided when available. Frankie Kazarian and Elijah are cleared for tonight's main event.

We hear from Director of Authority Santino Marella. Despite being at home, he is no longer suspended and he is cleared of all charges thanks to a star witness. He says that he is getting back to business after what happened to two weeks ago, and this time, Moose and Leon Slater will be in a two-on-two tag match. He also announces that "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro will face The System (Brian Myers and Bear Bronson) for the tag team titles, while Lei Ying Lee will get a rematch for the Knockouts Championship against Arianna Grande, with Xia Brookside banned from ringside. As for the star witness, it is none other than Indi Hartwell, who is also no longer suspended.

Indi Hartwell shows up. She says that she and Director of Authority Santino Marella were unjustly suspended and she is glad the board of directors listened to the both of them, then says she has some unfinished business with Arianna Grace. She says that her goals have not changed, and title or no title, she is coming for Arianna Grace first.

We hear from Mike Santana, who says that he and Rich Swann showed what it meant to represent TNA last week. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth shows up with the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Trophy, and says that when he wins the tag team titles, he will become world champion and leave Santana with nothing.

Backstage, Daria Rae finds out that Director of Authority Santino Marella and Indi Hartwell are unsuspended and that all of Santino's matches are legitimate. Indi Hartwell shows up, and Daria says that she knows reminds Indi that her contract is coming up soon and to tread lightly. Indi makes a phone call after Daria leaves.

Before the next match, The Personal Concierge introduces Mr. Elegance as "real life Greek god" and "a living Adonis" who works as everyone sleeps, fasts while everyone eats and smiles while everyone frowns.

Mr. Elegance beats The Home Town Man after Ash by Elegance tries to distract The Home Town Man only to end up kissing The Home Town Man's mask before she wears it.

Backstage, Mara Sadé and Allie celebrate their win, and Rosemary reminds them they still have some work to do.

Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Lei Ying Lee. Lei Ying Lee says that she does not want the title shot, as it is too much for her and she just wants to go home. Tommy Dreamer shows up and says that Director of Authority Santino Marella feels at fault for the situation, but reminds her that she is a warrior. He understands if it too much on her mental health, but she will go out there and win and that the only person who needs to believe in her is her. Lei Ying Lee changes her mind, saying that she will win.

Leon Slater heads to the ring. Slater says that day by day, moment by moment, he gets closer to making history and becoming both the young the longest-reigning TNA X-Division Champion of all time. Slater then addresses Cedric Alexander, then says that he is willing to give him another shot, as he has trained for this moment and will not let a rat like Cedric take it away. He says he has beaten Cedric twice and has no problem beating him a third time. Cedric shows up and calls Slater "a child" and "a fake champion," then says in two weeks' time, they will do this one more time, and there will be no excuses. He then says that assumes that Slater makes it there, as he may not even make it tonight. Suddenly, the rest of The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson) attack Slater from behind while Alisha Edwards walks down the entrance ramp, but Moose shows up and makes the save. He then says that assumes that Slater makes it there, as he may not even make it tonight. Suddenly, the rest of The System attack Slater from behind, but Moose shows up and makes the save.

Backstage, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth is jealous of "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth having a tag team title match with KC Navarro while he is left out. We find out he is talking to AJ Francis, who could care less about family drama as he tells Ryan to leave KC Navarro to him.

Elijah beats Frankie Kazarian in a Walk With Elijah Match.

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for April 30, 2026

Lash Legend beats Jordynne Grace.

Otis beats Josh Briggs.

Laredo Kid beats Joaquin Wilde.

Those Dynamite Kids - Dynamite recap for April 29, 2026

"The Jet" Kevin Knight retains the TNT Championship against MJF after MJF introduces the TNT Championship into the match as a front to use the Dynamite Diamond Ring as a weapon only for Knight to hit MJF with a low blow behind referee Bryce Remsburg's back and win and retain with an inside cradle. After the match, MJF hits Knight with a chop block, but all of a sudden, Darby Allin descends from the top of the arena and hits MJF with a Scorpion Deahtdrop. MJF calls Knight and Darby "two lowlife cheaters getting along" before stating he does not care about Knight and that the loss does not count before stating that all he cares about is the AEW World Championship. MJF demands his rematch, and Darby tells MJF he will not give him the rematch until he puts something on the line. He then gives the title shot to Kevin Knight before Brody King shows up and heads to the ring. Brody King tells Darby that he will not survive tonight, and tells Knight that he will face him and not Darby next week.

We see a video package for Brody King vs. Darby Allin for the AEW World Championship later tonight.

Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. Christian says that his left arm feels fine, then accepts FTR's challenge. Copeland is surprised by Christian's quick acceptance, and Christian insists that unlike Renee's voice, he never said "I quit."

The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) quickly beat Emily Jay and Jordan Blade.

Backstage, we hear from Thekla and Skye Blue. Thekla says she would love to stop calling people dumb bitches, but AEW is full of too many dumb bitches. Skye Blue says what happened to Persephone was entirely their fault, then says the black mist was the best thing to ever happen to her and possibly to Persephone as well. Thekla tells The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor) to stick to their tag team, as they cannot handle a spider and she is everything and they are nothing one-on-one.

Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.

"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada retains the AEW International Championship against Ace Austin. After the match, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita shows up and has a staredown with Okada from the top of the ramp.

We see a vignette where people are seen running out of a Western saloon before a bloodied man is tossed out and is forced to flee. A man whose face we cannot see finds Bandido's wanted poster. That man is revealed to be Swerve Strickland, and Prince Nana hands Swerve a lighter to point and burn the face of Bandido on the poster.

We hear from The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir). As Daniel Garcia talks about how they train in the hallway to get ready for the ring, Will Ospreay shows up and says he is not cleared, then says he and his friends back in Japan are in a title match and he does not want to let them down. Moxley applauds him for his loyalty, then tells him to "drop everything," as he needs no excess baggage. Moxley guarantees nothing and makes no promises, but he will see this through to the end as he has made a commitment to it, and asks the same in return from Ospreay, to which Ospreay agrees. Ospreay then finds out that he is training in the hallway before Moxley covers up the camera.

FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway guest on commentary for the next match.

Adam Copeland and Christian Cage beat RPG Vice (Rocky "Azucar" Romero and Trent Beretta). During the match, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) show up and brawl their way to the back with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway. After the match, Christian grabs a metal folding chair, then removes the bottom crossbar and hands it to Copeland. Copeland puts the crossbar around Beretta's mouth and makes him say "I quit."

In backstage footage from earlier tonight, Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho, who says that is more pissed off than flattered at "the Ricosault," then he is jumped by The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona). Ricochet says the jokes and subliminal messages are over, and Jericho says "Eat shit, bald." Ricochet tears Jericho's shirt, then Jericho gets thrown into a crate and laid out.

The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) retain the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championships against Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. During the match, it is announced that next week's Dynamite will be a live three-hour special.

Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Andrade el Idolo and Don Callis when MJF shows up and says that Darby Allin is on a reign of terror thanks to Andrade ruining the company. Andrade plays dumb, and Callis tells both men to focus on business before they go at it.

Rush beats Steven Fuerte. After the match, Rush says that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata, Anthony Bowens). Samoa Joe says The Opps intend to reassert their dominance not only by winning championship gold and beating their opponents, but through strategic alliance. He says that The Opps had Will Ospreay's back against The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, "The Problem" Marina Shafir), and wants Ospreay to choose between The Opps and The Death Riders.

Backstage, we hear from FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway. Stokely says that next week, Orange Cassidy will take on Dax Harwood. If Orange wins, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) have a shot at the tag team titles. If Dax wins, FTR gets a shot at the Trios title with Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa shows up and says that last time, he put Mark Briscoe on the shelf indefinitely, and next time, he will take the trios titles. Ciampa then eats a piece of popcorn hanging off Stokely's beard.

Darby Allin retains the AEW World Championship against Brody King with three Coffin Drops: one on the outside on exposed concrete following a powerbomb off the apron, and two more back inside the ring.

Generation NXT - NXT recap for April 28, 2026

In footage from earlier today, General Manager Robert Stone meets with Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom regarding fresh faces from Evolve and LFG to replace some call-ups. Shawn says that Stone can keep putting faces on index cards and making phone calls, or he can "throw a stick of dynamite in the locker room and see who runs out."

Myles Borne retains the NXT North American Championship against Saquon Shugars after Saquon has to stop Dion Lennox from hitting Borne with a chair, causing Borne to shove Saquon into Lennox and the ring steps, allowing Borne to hit Borne Again to win and retain. After the match, Tristan Angels shows up and congratulates Borne on the win, then states that everyone will be seeing more of him on NXT. All of a sudden, Borne is attacked from behind by Kam Hendrix.

Backstage, Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair are talking about the new talents showing up when Kelani Jordan shows up saying she is the one to beat despite being knocked out by Lola Vice. She also warns Sinclair that Kendal will turn on her. Sinclair challenges Kelani to a match, and Kelani accepts, saying she does not want Sinclair's title and just wants to embarrass her.

Tony D'Angelo heads to the ring. D'Angelo says that the more NXT changes, the more it stays the same, and that the only constant is that competitors come and go. He then says that he has become the constant, and that there is no man tough enough to kick him off the mountain. He also says that includes whoever sent him that box last week. D'Angelo says that while all sorts of competitors are coming for him, he is wondering about the box, knowing it is a warning. The lights go out, then all of a sudden, former New Japan Pro Wrestling wrestler EVIL shows up. EVIL heads to the ring, and hands D'Angelo a black fabric with the same kanji that was on the box. EVIL then leaves the ring. As EVIL leaves, D'Angelo is suddenly attacked from behind by Tavion Heights, who says that he is tired of waiting and is taking what he wants. As this goes on, Will Kroos gets in the ring and hits a moonsault on D'Angelo.

Tatum Paxley and Shiloh Hill dig a grave for Blake Monroe, and hope that her soul finds peace. Tatum then gets worried about having to always be in survival mode as champion, but Shiloh gets it, knowing Tatum is attached to objects and that the Women's United States Championship is a part of her now. Tatum says she will figure things out, then mentions Shiloh's upcoming match with Ricky Saints. Shiloh says he has planned the match out, and Tatum says that Shiloh will kill it in that match. As Shiloh leaves, Tatum lies down next to the grave dug up for Blake Monroe.

Before the next match, Lexis King says that there is no such thing as a slow news day as the fastest man alive. Lexis says he was going to cheer his teammates on, but unfortunately, EK Propser will have to prosper on his own, as Dorian Van Dux has suffered "a little accident." We see footage of Birthright attacking Dorian Van Dux with a metal folding chair while Arianna Grace laughs at the phone. EK Prosper runs into the ring only to get beaten down, but a now-recovered "Super" Sean Legacy rushes into the ring and helps EK Prosper clean house.

EK Prosper and "Super" Sean Legacy beat Birthright (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Uriah Connors). After the match, the rest of Birthright helps Stacks and Uriah jump Prosperr and Legacy. All of a sudden, Tate Wilder, fresh out of Evolve, shows up and helps Prosperr and Legacy clean house.

Backstage, Thea Hail and Jaida Parker are wondering who else will show up when Kali Armstrong, saying Jaida is scared of a little competition before stating that she will be a difference maker. The women's locker room have to keep Kali and Jaida from going at it.

Shawn Michaels announces that NXT premium live events will become exclusive to The CW starting this summer in the United States.

Backstage, General Manager Robert Stone welcomes Tate Wilder to NXT, then Lola Vice says that if Izzi Dame wants to play games, then she will call her out. Lola Vice then heads to the ring. Lola Vice says that Izzi Dame only thought she had her moment, then says she feels sorry for Izzi because she cannot do anything on her own, and when she does, she is getting knocked out. She calls Izzi out so she can show her what she is about to do her, then reiterates that she will be a fighting champion before Shawn Spears appears on the TitanTron, saying that Lola did not think things through. He tells Lola to stay one step ahead like The Culling (Shawn Spears, Izzi Dame, Niko Vance) if she wants to keep her title, then Izzi Dame and Niko Vance suddenly show up behind Lola. All of a sudden, Mr. Iguana shows up from underneath the ring and helps Lola outsmart Izzi and Niko in a quick brawl.

Backstage, Dion Lennox and Saquon Shugars argue over what happened in Saquon's match. Cutler James and Osiris Griffin tell them to shut up and stop dropping the bawl, then Cutler says that he and Osiris will get the tag team titles back.

Lizzy Rain beats Nikkita Lyons in her NXT debut.

Backstage, Myles Borne runs into Tavion Heights. Heights says that he is kicking doors down, and when Borne says that is not him, Heights is surprised, but Borne says he gets it, as it is every man for himself. Heights says Borne can add him as one of those men on the way out, then Borne meets Keanu Carver, who says that the sharks are swimming and that Borne is looking at "the great white."

The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) meets backstage. They know that NXT is changing and that it is time for Jackson Drake to step up, and Jackson Drake celebrates having a new girlfriend before stating that he is on top of the world and can take on anything. Jasper Troy shows up and says that Drake should be concentrating on championship gold instead of dating apps before challenging him to a match next week.

Kelani Jordan beats Wren Sinclair when Sinclair's knee, which Sinclair tweaks on a drop kick to the outside during the match, gives out when Sinclair goes for the Final Wrench.

We hear from Zaria. We see a burnt, flaming surfboard with "Sol Ruca" on it. Zaria says Sol Ruca was a beauty from a distance, but up close, she was drowning her until she opened her eyes and remembered who she was as we see an image of Sol Ruca disintegrate. Zaria says she does not make compromises, and now that Sol Ruca is gone, she will scorch everyone and everything in her way. (The segment comes under fire afterwards for being made with AI.)

Shiloh Hill beats Ricky Saints after Saints brings a metal folding chair into the ring only for Shiloh to knock the chair out of his hands, sends Saints into the chair with a drop toe hold, then hit Whisper of the Beast to get the pin and the win. (With Ricky Saints heading to SmackDown on Friday, this is Saints' last match in NXT before the call-up is official.)

Backstage, Tony D'Angelo meets with Shawn Michaels, saying that the sharks are circling and got one on him tonight, but he loves the chaos. Shawn says D'Angelo is the champion, and now it is time to prove it.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for April 27, 2026

We hear from Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). Roman says he will leave the past in the past and calls The Usos the only people he can trust. He states that he does not know where Jacob Fatu is coming from, and that everyone had two years to make their move. Jey agrees with Jacob Fatu wanting to upgrade his household, but says it should not be at Roman's expense. Jimmy says that Jacob Fatu is dangerous when Jey says that Jacob is a different breed, and that there must be consequences for Jacob stepping up. Roman takes stock of what The Usos have to say and states that he will address this later tonight.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins says he lost to Gunther at WrestleMania because of Bron Breakker, who he blames for Roman Reigns holding the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins then calls Breakker out so they can handle some unfinished business. Bron Breakker and "The Oracle" Paul Heyman show up and head to the ring, and Rollins tells Breakker that he gave him the world on a silver platter only for Breakker to take everything away from him. He says that Breakker is responsible for his having to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship and miss WrestleMania, but Breakker says that he and "Big" Bronson Reed had to be Rollins' errand boys and put out the fires he started. Breakker says that they had to fight all of Rollins' battles for him while he kept repeating the same introduction every week, and says that he never needed Rollins or his vision, and that he is here today because he needed Paul Heyman. Rollins says that Breakker just proved everything he knew about him, even when he knew that Breakker was the next big thing in WWE and the most versatile athlete he had ever seen in WWE in fourteen years, yet Breakker did not have a mind for the business. Rollins says he knows better than anybody about being a 28-year-old coming into WWE thinking the business owes them something and having to make hard decisions, yet where Breakker tries, he succeeds. He says that when he bet on himself, he becomes a champion, but when Breakker bet on himself, it only gave him The Vision. Rollins then says that Breakker is not ready, but Breakker says he was going to be a main eventer with or without Rollins. He says that Rollins cannot handle being champion anymore, and says that while he came up short at becoming World Heavyweight Champion, he lost to the best in the world instead of someone who self-proclaims it. Breakker gives credit where credit is due to Rollins and tells him that he is the best in the world at being number two, and Rollins asks Breakker if he had to ask his uncle for help with his promo. Rollins then gives Breakker the opportunity to prove that he is ready at Backlash, then tells Breakker that he is not even number two in his own family.

Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez assaults Stephanie Vaquer from behind. As Liv Morgan watches, Roxanne Perez crushes Vaquer between two road crates before Liv proclaims that the Women's World Championship is hers.

"All Ego" Ethan Page watches the next match from ringside.

Penta beats Rusev after slipping out of the Accolade and tricking Rusev into kicking him out of mid-air again by holding on to the ropes before going for - and winning with - a schoolkid pin. After the match, Rusev attacks Penta, then glares at "All Ego" Ethan Page when he tries to join in. Ethan backs off, and when Penta fights back, Ethan attacks Penta from behind. Rusev and Ethan gang up on Penta when Je'Von Evans shows up and makes the save.

We hear from Los Americanos (El Grande Americano II, Rayo Americano, Bravo Americano). El Grande Americano II says he will face El Grande Americano I in a mask vs. mask match that will be the biggest and most important fight he has ever had. He says he will have to be ready to fight for not only his life, but his name, his colors and his home, and there is no better way to prepare for this by issuing a respectful challenge to Rey Mysterio. He says it would be an honor to prepare himself by facing Rey Mysterio.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky boasts that she has gotten rid of AJ Lee and ended her "horrible" title reign and put championship gold around the waist of someone who truly deserves it - herself - and become the first woman to win four different titles at WrestleMania. She also states that she is not only a three-time Women's Intercontinental Champion, but she is on the way to becoming the winningest woman in WrestleMania history and beating The Undertaker's record. Becky then says that she had to show her daughter what a real champion is, and that even though it is not about the five-star hotels and the biggest cities, but about showing up in "run-down" towns like Laredo, Texas for the "common folk." She knows that the fans want her to be a fighting champion and face the best of the best, and for that, she issues an open challenge to whoever wants to come out and get welcomed to the big time. The challenge is answered by Iyo Sky, who heads to the ring and verbally accepts Becky's challenge. Becky says that Iyo is not new and shiny and that she is accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley, saying she wants "to fight Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty." When Becky says that Iyo Sky has been holding Rhea Ripley back, Iyo Sky slaps her. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and makes the match between Iyo and Becky for the Women's Intercontinental Championship official.

Becky Lynch retains the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Iyo Sky after Asuka shows up and trips Iyo Sky down as the referee checks on Becky Lynch. After the match, Asuka attacks Iyo and puts her in the Asuka Lock.

Backstage, El Grande Americano I meets with Rey Mysterio and accuses Rey of endorsing El Grande Americano II, then asks if he needs to watch his back during the mask vs. mask match. Rey says that all he wants is for both Americanos to respect lucha libre, then Los Americanos (El Grande Americano II, Rayo Americano, Bravo Americano) show up and confront El Grande Americano I and Rey. Rey says he is not taking sides here, and El Grande Americano II says they will settle things in the ring.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). As Jimmy and Jey say that Roman Reigns will announce his decision when he makes it, LA Knight shows up and tells them they do not need Roman. The Usos say that this is family business, but Knight tells them that they have power and when power corrupts, it becomes his business.

Joe Hendry is in the ring for his first main roster concert. He sings about his WWE career so far before stating that he has signed to Raw, then tells General Manager Adam Pearce to fire Logan Paul. An angry Logan Paul storms out to the ring with Austin Theory, insisting that he is unfireable and says that the fans are awful just like Hendry's song. He also says that Hendry's first night on Raw will be his last. Theory states that the World Tag Team Championships make him and Logan Paul the best tag team in the world and make them winners, even though the fans feel otherwise. Hendry tells Logan and Theory that all he sees is a couple of prime time losers. Theory and Logan clear the ring, then Theory declares that the ring is theirs and that they go through everyone, starting with Hendry. Theory slaps Hendry, and Hendry fires back until the numbers game takes over. All of a sudden, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up and fight Logan and Theory, making quick work of them before Logan saves Theory from a splash by Montez Ford. Hendry hits the aerial offense, then celebrates with The Street Profits.

Backstage, Grayson Waller demands an opportunity from General Manager Adam Pearce, even going so far as to call Oba Femi "Oba rated" for beating Brock Lesnar at the end of Lesnar's career. Oba Femi is surprisingly behind Grayson, and makes it clear he wants him in the ring tonight.

Backstage, Joe Hendry thanks The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the help, and after Hendry leaves, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Before Rollins speaks, Montez Ford tells Rollins that last week was about the World Tag Team Titles before he and Dawkins walk off.

Rey Mysterio beats El Grande Americano II. During the match, Bravo Americano trips Rey and distracts the referee so that Rayo Americano can load El Grande Americano II's mask with a steel plate. Rayo ends up eating a 619, but El Grande Americano II still has the steel plate. El Grande Americano I shows up and stops El Grande Americano II from using the steel plate, and Rey hits El Grande Americano II with the 619 for the pin and the win. After the match, Rey Mysterio finds the steel plate and takes it with him on the way out. Afterwards, El Grande Americano I gets in the ring and attacks El Grande Americano II, and officials have to rush into the ring to restore order.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. Bron Breakker and Iyo Sky vs. Asuka are both official for Backlash.

We her from Asuka, who says that she and Iyo Sky are done when she says she is done. She says that she is still Iyo's senpai and that Iyo has done nothing but disappoint her. Asuka says she used to blame herself, but she finally realizes that Iyo is the problem. She says that Iyo failed her and her family, then says that she is now alone because she did not want another Iyo. She says she spared Iyo so she could still make her part of her family again, but now that she has given up on having a family, she will destroy Iyo and prove that Iyo will never be ready for her.

Oba Femi beats Grayson Waller. After the match, Oba Femi mentions Grayson Waller stating that there are no opportunities and proposes a solution to the problem. He then announces that starting tonight, the Oba Femi open challenge will commence. He asks anyone who wants to face him and see how he compares to the top of the mountain to step up, but warns that he will punish them, as they are stepping into the ring with "The Ruler."

Backstage, Liv Morgan speaks with Roxanne Perez as Raquel gets ready for her match. Liv apologizes to Roxanne about how things down with Finn Balor and says that The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) is family and Finn put himself before the family. Liv says she will be in Roxanne's corner as she gets one step closer to tag team gold. Liv leaves after Roxanne says she needs a second, then Finn Balor shows up and warns Roxanne that she cannot trust Liv or anyone in The Judgment Day. Roxanne questions who she can really trust between him and The Judgment Day and warns Finn to leave before he gets hurt. Finn wishes her luck and leaves.

The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) beat Bayley and Lyra Valyria.

We see a video package for Sol Ruca, who officially signs her Raw contract next week.

Roman Reigns heads to the ring. Roman says the World Heavyweight Championship was made in spite of him and to take away his shine, but it never worked, then says that the title does not make the man and that the man makes the title, which he has already done. Roman boasts that he put the World Heavyweight Championship in Night 2 of WrestleMania and made it relevant, and now he is proud of the title, which he proclaims is now respected and acknowledged. As the crowd acknowledges Roman, Jacob Fatu shows up and heads to the ring. Roman hopes that Jacob Fatu made the right choice to unite their family and not divide it after a week, but Jacob says he did not even need an hour to think about it and insists that he needs the World Heavyweight Championship. He accuses Roman of being stuck in his championship bubble and not being on the grind like he is, stating that he was broke wondering if he would be in WWE while Roman ran The Bloodline. Jacob says that it is not about how you start, but how you finish, and it eventually got him here after Solo Sikoa was the one to call him and give him a chance. Roman says Jacob is either confused or dumb and that Solo could not get a cup of coffee in the building if he wanted to. Roman states that he is the one who runs the place, and while he has been distracted and things have gotten hectic, and he has not forgotten about Jacob, even having signed off on him. He says that Jacob does not deserve the World Heavyweight Championship and is akin to nepotism, which causes Jacob Fatu to hit Roman with the Tongan Death Grip not once, but twice, and choke him out. Jacob tells Roman that he will take everything from him, then lets go and leaves the ring. Roman tells Jacob that he owes him at Backlash, and he will see him then. Jacob tells Roman that he will see him next week before the show fades to black.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here is tonight's Raw Recap!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Let's Go! - LFG recap for April 26, 2026

Shawn Michaels thanks Bubba Ray Dudley and Booker T for returning for LFG. With The Undertaker being part of AAA creative, Shawn Michaels needs athletes ready for NXT, and while he wants to do away with the scoring system, he does want others to help him, such as trainer and head coach Matt Bloom, who is also in the room. He says that with everything going on, he needs people in the pipeline at all times.

We are introduced to trainer and head coach Matt Bloom, and talks about his time in WWE as Prince Albert, A-Train, and Lord Tensai. We are then introduced to Kevin Owens, who is hoping to reach the next generation of WWE Superstars as he recovers from injury. Owens has been in the business for 25 years and professional wrestling is all he has ever done. He is glad to be around people after being out for eight to nine months. We are also introduced to Natalya, who is aware of the machine that WWE is and is also hoping to pass on her knowledge as well. We hear from Elijah Holyfield, who is back from injury. We also hear from Harlem Lewis, who was runner up in Season 2. For him, it is not just about winning; he is here to be better than all the rest.

Matt Bloom meets with Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, Kevin Owens and Natalya. He says that Shawn Michaels has some people who he needs to be ready. Two of them are Nikkita Lyons and. Meanwhile, Bubba Ray gets to work with Drake Morreaux again while Kevin Owens is introduced to Keanu Carver. Kendal Grey is viewed as having the highest potential, and Natalya gets to coach her. Penina Tuilalepa, now known as PJ Vasa, will be coached by Booker T.

We are introduced to Nikkita Lyons, who mentions her injured right knee and the ten months of rehab that she had to undergo. She says that he has been trying to find herself again, and that she is the one writing the story. She then teaches Bubba Ray a secret handshake, as Bubba Ray is hoping to get Nikkita Lyons back to where she was before her injury. We then get introduced to Kali Armstrong, who ran track and field both in college and professionally before coming to WWE.

Kali Armstrong beats Nikkita Lyons. Bubba Ray Dudley and Booker T agree that the match was entertaining and that both women have plenty of star power. After the match, Booker T wants Kali Armstrong to think like she did in the match in future matches. Bubba Ray likes the physicality from both women, even though they could have sold moves a little more appropriately. He also reminds Nikkita not to do something that could take the eyes off of her opponent during entrances.

Before the next match, Booker T and Bubba Ray Dudley get frustrated with Keanu Carver, and Carver gets frustrated in turn. We learn more about Keanu Carver, such as how he got in a fight with his college football coach, wisely decided that he would not make it to professional football, and then became an Uber Eats driver before people asked him what he was even doing. This led to him coming to WWE through their recruiting page. Bubba Ray tells Drake Morreaux that Carver made a bad first impression before Kevin Owens speaks with Carver. Owens tells Carver to think about what is more important to him and to be more coachable. Meanwhile, Bubba Ray reminds Drake that he will have his fair share of doubters. We then hear from Drake Morreaux, whose contract with WWE is about to expire and that it is "nut up or shut up." Matt Bloom says that the clock is ticking and that if Drake Morreaux cannot come up with something that will make him more noticeable, his WWE career may come to an end.

Drake Morreaux beats Keanu Carver. Both men notice that the match is not very physical. Bubba Ray states that Drake did better in the beginning and the end than in the middle. After the match, Owens tells Carver that both men looked "too light" and were too careful, and that his offense and his presence needs to match and that he needs to be more vicious. Bubba Ray tells Drake mostly the same thing, and tells him that both of them need to bring it and lay it in. He tells Drake to dive into the swamp and fight the alligator with his bare hands, and to "let it go." Drake feels happy, but also pissed off, to be back.

We are introducd to Kendal Grey, who talks about her amateur wrestling past and being on the boys' varsity theme before saying that she will not stop until she gets what she wants. Natalya feels that Kendal is someone to watch out for as she and Booker T look into how to make Kendal vs. PJ Vasa look like a David vs. Goliath-style match. Booker T notes that PJ Vasa has a lot of pressure on her right now after the progress she has made in the first two seasons.

Kendal Grey beats PJ Vasa. Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom agree that Kendal Grey will do great, and when Kendal goes behind the curtain, she finds out that Shawn and Matt Bloom have talked and that she will be going to NXT. Natalya is proud of Kendal, who says that she is where she wants to be. PJ Vasa says that the crowd was on fire. Booker T is proud of both women, saying they did what they needed to do perfectly. PJ Vasa is happy that Kendal is on NXT and is proud to be the one to push her upwards. We then see Kendal Grey sign her NXT contract.