Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for July 24, 2026

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis are in the ring for Aldis' match with Gunther at SummerSlam to start tonight's show. Aldis is already in the ring, and Gunther is introduced. Pearce dictates that Aldis cannot compete as a WWE Superstar while General Manager, and that when he signs the contract, he relinquishes his position as SmackDown General Manager to Pearce. There is also a hold harmless agreement, which means that Aldis is voluntarily returning to action and that WWE is not responsible for what happens when the bell rings in the match. Aldis says he knows what he is signing up for and knows what he is giving up, even though he never wanted any of this, saying that Gunther has found his breaking point before signing the contract. Gunther says this match will be the greatest moment of Aldis' career, and says that all of this is beneath him and that he should be preparing to become champion, but cannot because Aldis cannot do his job. He says that Aldis had an issue with him and that he chalked it up to jealousy, and says that Aldis dreamed of being a WWE Superstar and never had it happen while he walked in and got it all. Gunther says that Aldis had to be honest with himself and tell himself he was not good enough to be a WWE Superstar, then says he will give him that dream, sign the contract, which he does, and make him a legend. He says that Aldis will be yet another legend like Goldberg and AJ Styles who got retired by him while looking for one more moment, and says he will end Aldis' career before it properly starts. After Gunther throws the contract at Aldis, Aldis says that Gunther keeps saying this only to get him to believe something, as Gunther thought it would never come to this, and knows Gunther wants none of this. Aldis says that Gunther has put his career in jeopardy and has put himself in a situation he cannot get out of, and at SummerSlam, Gunther will go from a career killer to a man made into a bitch by his boss. Gunther swings at Aldis, and Aldis blocks and hits back, starting a brawl. Gunther shoves Aldis into Pearce, then kicks Aldis in the groin and powerbombs him through the signing table as Pearce calls for assistance. Officials have to escort Gunther out of the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley is interrupted by Sami Zayn, who says that he won the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions and that it became crystal clear as soon as he won it that he was not wanted as champion when he had to defend against Cody Rhodes. He then says that when Cody was taken out, "Corporate Poster Boy #2" CM Punk showed up and took it from him, and says that while CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes looks good on a poster and everyone is happy, he has to ride the bench. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up, and Sami says that Aldis deserves to be in the trainer's room because Aldis screwed him, too. Sami demands that Pearce make the WWE Championship match a Triple Threat. Pearce says that he cannot do that, then tells Sami that there is a Fatal Four-Way Match tonight with Damien Priest, Royce Keys, Finn Balor, and Trick Williams, and the winner faces Sami. Sami hates the option, but Pearce says "Take it or leave it." Sami has no choice but to take it, but he wants no shenanigans or funny business.

Before the next match, Lainey Reid says it is funny how Saturday Night's Main Event was supposed to be the most important night of Fatal Influence's (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) career, yet Brie Bella and Paige will be the ones remembering it forever. Fallon says they took out two legends, which he admits could keep her up at night. Jacy Jayne says that if she had gold around her waist, Fatal Influence would be the perfect pacakge, but thanks to Brie Bella and Paige, she is not in the WWE Women's Championship ladder match. Jacy then says she has the perfect solution: taking the WWE United States Women's Championship from Tiffany Stratton. She then says that tonight, Lainey will embarrass Brie and put her out of her misery once and for all.

Brie Bella beats Lainey Reid after Paige pulls Jacy Jayne off the ring apron and Brie counters with a Sunset Flip after Lainey Reid gets caught by the referee using the ropes for leverage. After the match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) attack Brie and Paige, but Nikki Bella - who is now medically clear following a foot injury - comes back and makes the save. Nikki says that Fatal Influence will not steal from her sisters and that they are the reason they are here. Nikki then challenges Fatal Influence to a six-woman tag match at SummerSlam.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Finn Balor. Finn says he thinks about 2016 when he thinks about SummerSlam, when he had the best and worst night of his career. It has been ten years since he started clawing back to those heights, and he is close. Gunther shows up and says Finn Balor has great plans, but he is next in line, and he will take back what is his regardless of who he has to face.

Backstage, Royce Keys is met by Solo Sikoa, who looks forward to Royce Keys having two matches at SummerSlam. Royce Keys says he is focused more on tonight and becoming #1 contender and not to worry about The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu), then LA Knight shows up. He tells Royce he should always be worried about The Bloodline, but Royce says he is taking it all tonight. Solo tells both men to calm down, as they are all on the same team and The Bloodline have found an ass-whipping instead of a weakness.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green are looking forward to SummerSlam. When Chelsea leaves, Blake Monroe shows up and says she actually likes Tiffany, saying she likes the finer things in life like her. Blake says that Tiffany would worry more about her championship than Chelsea, as the more she climbs, the more people look up at what she has.

Chelsea Green beats Kiana James in an Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match qualifier.

Backstage, R-Truth catches up with Damian Priest as Priest gets ready for his match. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up, and Cody is thinking about holding the WWE Tag Team Championships with CM Punk. R-Truth leaves confusedly, then says that Cody looks forward to the Fatal 4-Way tonight after what Punk said about Priest. Priest says he has respect for Punk and Cody, but he and the boys in the back are tired of the same people being the face of SmackDown, and says that whoever is champion after SummerSlam is going to get dropped. Cody says that he likes that attitude, and wishes Priest good luck.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, then introduces CM Punk. Cody hands Punk a microphone only to accidentally drop it, much to Punk's chagrin, and Cody says it was an accident. Punk takes one from the side of the ring, then says it is a shame that they are at this point and that he cannot trust Cody. Cody says that Punk smacking him with the strap of the WWE Championship was an accident, then says he has to beat Punk for himself. Punk says there should be no other reason and that the title should not come between them. He then tells Cody that if he has another explanation, he should explain it. Cody says that he respects Punk, but he does not like him, as he says that he was inspired by Punk's "pipe bomb" promo, but while he dropped a nuke on the business, the fans wished it was Punk. He also mentions Damian Priest's comment of everyone being tired of the same people being the face of SmackDown, then mentions that he does not sweat anyone in the greatest locker room in wresting except for Punk. Cody says he can love and respect Punk, but he does not like him, and that it is only fair to say that he has to beat him at SummerSlam. Punk asks Cody if he does not like him or the fact that he is the champ, and says he casts a shadow few people can get out of. He says that brothers fight and that this is not one-way traffic, then asks Cody if did what he learned from better before stating that it is up to the fans and the history books to decide. Punk says he was learning from Cody in 2022 and that he learned that there was a way back, then tells Cody that he is lying to himself about how he feels about him. Punk says he cannot handle the pressure of taking the WWE Championship from someone that he cares about and rising to the occasion in an athletic competition with someone who is his equal, and that he has to make everyone his enemy. He says that if everyone else was Cody's enemy, then he is his only friend, and that he will stab him in the front and break his heart at SummerSlam. Cody loosens his tie and says that the both of them have said all that needs to be said, and that their upcoming tag team matches will be an apology for beating Punk at SummerSlam. Punk says he will beat Cody at SummerSlam, and that Cody will learn that not even he can touch him. Cody stops Punk, saying he will be winning the WWE Championship for a fourth time.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair. Charlotte does not regret her actions from last week and that all she thought about is that she is here and that her best friend is not, and while Jade Cargill can come after her all she wants, she will not go after Alexa Bliss. Charlotte says that if she has to go through Nia Jax to prove that point, then so be it.

Charlotte Flair beats Nia Jax in an Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match qualifier by disqualification after Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab show up and cause havoc around the ring before Cargill punches Charlotte in full view of the referee.

Finn Balor beats Damian Priest, Trick Williams and Royce Keys in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's match and will be facing Sami Zayn to decide a true #1 contender at SummerSlam. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up, and soon, so do The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). The Usos attack Solo, but LA Knight shows up from out of the crowd to back Solo up, and their brawl eventually goes into the crowd as the match continues to go on while Sami Zayn and Candice LeRae watch from backstage. At one point, Royce Keys nearly gets the win, but he is pulled out of the pinfall attempt by Jacob Fatu, who sends Royce Keys into the ring post. After that, Finn is able to hit Priest with the Coup de Grace for the win.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for July 3, 2026

Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Sami says it seems a lot of people came to ride or die with "the last real good guy," then thanks the fans for their support before finding it hilarious that the people who were previously booing him once wanted him to be world champion. He says he could be petty and tell those who gave up on him to kiss his ass, but he will not, because he is a good guy and he never changed. He says that he did not become selfish to win the WWE Undisputed Championship and that he won it his way and the right way. He also says that he could tell those who said he could never win the big one to kiss his ass, but he will not, because this is a celebration and he will forever go down as one of the all-time greats, a WrestleMania main eventer and a Grand Slam champion. As Sami states that nobody can take this away from him, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes suddenly shows up and heads to the ring. Sami asks Cody what he wants to talk about. Cody says that Sami was the first to celebrate with him when he won his first WWE Championship, and that he is here to return the favor before he shakes his hand. Cody is about to leave when Sami asks him to stay and just be himself for a moment, as he has something that Cody once had and will want again, and asks Cody why he is really out here when "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn do their old friendship handshake before Jey tells Sami that he is proud of him and that he deserves it, but tells him that he wants to bring the gold back to the family and that it is just business. Cody asks what year it is and asks when Jey was reduced to running errands for Roman Reigns, and Sami Zayn says that as far as he is concerned, the WWE Championship is still in the family and that it is not going anywhere. He tells Jey and Cody to stay away from him. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce shows up as Sami Zayn leaves, and says that as his first order of business taking over for Nick Aldis is to find a new challenger for Sami. Sami wants some say on his SummerSlam opponent, but Pearce says his new challenger will face him next week on Raw and it will be whoever wins between Jey and Cody tonight.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair, who says that Jade Cargill got what she deserved and that she will keep teaching Cargill lessons until she gets the picture. Alexa Bliss shows up wishing that Charlotte told her she was at Night of Champions. As Alexa and Charlotte argue, Tiffany Stratton shows up and says she did not need her help, but thanks her. Chelsea Green shows up and says Jade Cargill should be worried about them, then Charlotte says "You're welcome" to Tiffany.

Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair in a six-woman tag match.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce ends an angry phone call with Nick Aldis when Sami Zayn shows up. Pearce says he has given him a great opportunity to show he is a great champion on a great show, then runs off. Sami almost smacks another water bottle, then smacks it anyway when he sees Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae and tells Gargano that he won the big one and could not have done it without him. Sami says that one must stay true to themselves to win championship gold, then has Candice take a picture of him with Gargano.

Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia. Giulia says she does not back down from any fight, and if Blake Monroe stops being a coward, she will fight her anytime and anywhere. Kiana James shows up and says that Giulia is the kind of person to bite the hand that feeds her and that Giulia got lucky. Suddenly, Giulia is attacked from behind by Blake Monroe, and when Kiana mouths off at Giulia, Blake Monroe attacks her, too.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso is talking to Jacob Fatu when Royce Keys shows up. Jimmy wants to know where Solo Sikoa is on family business, and Royce says that blood does not make one family and that he has been loyal to Jacob for fourteen years, which makes him his family. Jimmy says "Not no more. Right, Jacob?" Jimmy leaves, and Jacob follows suit.

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Before Lil Yachty can speak, Carmelo Hayes suddenly appears and makes his way to the ring. Carmelo says that Trick got the job done and that they have no choice but to run it back for the WWE United States Championship, then gives credit where credit is due to Trick Williams and says Trick is only unstoppable because he has not chosen to stop him. He says that Trick has changed the WWE United States Championship from a title to an accessory and that he can just buy him a replica title from WWEShop, then says the United States title is the workhorse title for those who are starving, and Trick looks like he has had too much to eat. As Carmelo tells Trick to put the title up against someone he knows best, saying that Trick has "two left feet and a mouth full of marbles" when in the ring with him, then Lil Yachty interrupts and tells Carmelo he has his match next week. He then says the match is not for the title, as Carmelo has had his chance and Trick needs to get his reps in, and that when Trick wins, Carmelo will have no more excuses as to why he cannot get the job done. Trick acknowledges that given their history, he knows Carmelo like the back of his hand, then turns around and backhands Carmelo before leaving with Lil Yachty. Carmelo responds with a dive over the top rope that takes out Trick. Trick has to stop Lil Yachty from retaliating.

Backstage, Danhausen has Kit Wilson and The Miz in his lab when Matt Cardona shows up. Danhausen mentions that he has a match with JD McDonagh on Saturday Night's Main Event, then says he has back-up local to New York City for the match. Dahausen then has Cardona twist a knob on a machine, which smokes when Cardona does so, and Danhausen thinks The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) sabotaged his equipment before leaving while Miz and Kit get shocked.

Lainey Reid beats Brie Bella after Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley get involved on the outside.

Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), R-Truth and Damian Priest have a hot dog eating contest, which R-Truth wins. Fraxiom leaves, the The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up and Ivar eats the hot dog while Erik asks if they will accept their challenges with both of their tag team titles on the line. R-Truth accepts their challenge to a winner takes all match, as does Priest, and Priest says it will happen on SmackDown.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Finn Balor. Cody welcomes Finn to SmackDown, and Finn says he has wanted to face him. He hoped that it would be for the title, however, and tells Cody to get the WWE Championship back. Cody leaves, then Tama Tonga shows up and says that he has thought about what Finn told him. Talla Tonga shows up from behind and attacks Finn, then Tama says he is closing the books from everything in his past and that Finn is next.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats "Main Event" Jey Uso to become #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship next week on Raw after hitting Cross Rhodes following a sleeper hold attempt by Jey Uso in the corner.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

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

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 22, 2026

Oba Femi heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Oba says that since he was born, he has been backed by destiny, which allowed him to enter the WWE, beat Brock Lesnar and reach the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament. He says that destiny is still on his side, and this weekend, destiny will take him to new heights when he becomes the new King of the Ring. Oba then states that when he becomes King, he still has the dilemma of picking between the Undisputed WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. All of a sudden, he is interrupted by "Main Event" Jey Uso, and despite Oba Femi's claims that he will stop Jey from "running it back," Jey Uso has his theme play for a few more seconds anyway. Jey says that everyone has counted him out when he won the Royal Rumble, won the World Heavyweight Championship, shook arenas, and in the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament, and that people are counting him out against Oba Femi. Jey says he will shock the world and silence the haters by beating Oba Femi to become King of the Ring and beat "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He calls this "a warning shot," but an unfazed Oba Femi tells Jey that he will destroy him regardless of whether he misses when he shoots his shot and that Jey is not the family member that he is really worried about. He then tells Jey to hand his bullets to his cousin Roman Reigns.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by LA Knight, who still thinks that Pearce is siding with The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu) Jimmy Uso shows up and confronts LA Knight for his actions from last week, and Pearce gets between them only to be told to shut up by LA Knight. Pearce puts Knight and Jimmy in a match, and LA Knight responds by refusing to listen to Pearce and puts himself in a match tonight with Jimmy.

Before the next match, Jackie Redmond interviews Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Lyra says that this is the night where they become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, and Bayley says they have been the best team in the women's division for far too long and that it is all or nothing.

Brie Bella and Paige retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. After the match, Bayley helps Lyra up and says that they are still the best, but Lyra Valkyria throws Bayley into the ropes and attacks her. Officials have to run into the ring to pull Lyra off of Bayley, but that leads to Lyra hitting Bayley with Nightwing.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Lyra Valkyria, who is not even in the mood to be interviewed before she walks off.

Chad Gable heads to the ring. Gable says he is in the ring for something special and that he has had "a hell of a month" after losing his mask in Mexico, and that he not only lost his mask, but he lost his self-respect, his reputation, his dignity and even some of his friends. He says that Rey Mysterio has made him realize it is never too late to right some wrongs in your life, then asks Alpha Academy (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri) to come to the ring. Alpha Academy come to the ring, and Gable thanks them, saying that he does not deserve them giving him the time of day. Gable congratulates Maxxine on winning a singles championship and states that the way he treated her was pathetic and embarrassing, and says it is all his fault. He says that Tozawa has the heart of a lion, but he tried to hold him down and hold him back, and says how he treated him was pathetic and embarrassing, and it is all his fault. He calls Otis the most loyal friend a human being could ever have and says that Otis would have taken a bullet for him, and that he misses him. He says that they were neighbors, Olympic training partners and tag team champions, and he threw it all away because he selfishly wanted a singles title more than his friendship and it is all on him. Gable says that Alpha Academy does not owe him a damn thing, but he owes them something, and apologizes for his behavior. Before Otis can forgive Gable, Maxxine stands between them, saying there was a time that she would believe everything he said, but now she sees clearly, and that everything about Gable is a lie. She knows that everyone wants to forgive him, including Otis and Tozawa, but she does not, especially after she had to stop and especially after they had to drown in the business alone while he chased his own dreams because it was all about him. She says the apology is for him, but when she achieved his dream, he finally realized that they never needed him. Maxxine then says they will leave him the same way he left Alpha Academy: alone. She then shoves the microphone into Gable's chest and leaves with Tozawa, and Otis looks briefly at Gable before joining them.

Backstage, Dragon Lee is met by Rey Mysterio, who tells "All Ego" Ethan Page some respect for lucha libre after what Ethan and Rusev last week. Penta shows up and says tonight is Dragon Lee's night.

"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Dragon Lee after hitting Dragon Lee low with his head in a way that looks inadvertent to the referee before hitting the Ego-Plex for the win.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The Vision (Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory). Theory says that everyone is after them, including Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who Breakker will handle in a steel cage, and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who do not know respect. He says that when it comes to building the future, The Vision are the ones doing it. He says that nobody knows sacrifice like Logan Paul, who says that if it were up to him, he would beat The Street Profits over the head with his cast, then brags than he is healing faster than anybody in the course of human history who has ever healed and that he has his money on The Vision tonight. Bron Breakker says that they will handle business tonight and retain the World Tag Team Championships.

We hear from Sol Ruca, who says that she is a thrill-seeker not just in the ring, but in everything that she does. She loves learning new things and challenging herself, as well as failing, getting back up and making a fool out of herself. She says that the feeling she gets when she gets back up and proves everyone wrong is what drives her, and that she is unapologetically herself and the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion.

Zuffa boxers Lee Cutler and Alex MacMillan, former boxer Derek Chisora, UFC Welterweight Figher Michael "Venom" Page and actor Jason Statham are seen in the crowd.

Jackie Redmond interviews Iyo Sky in the ring. Iyo says she is extremely grateful to have gotten here, and she cannot wait to beat Liv Morgan to become Queen of the Ring. Suddenly, Liv Morgan shows up and says that Iyo has forgotten who she is dealing with and that Iyo is not beating her because she is so much better and so much more talented than Iyo. Liv says she is the face of the women's division and that all she is missing is her crown as she enters the ring, and that she will make history by becoming Queen of the Ring while Women's World Champion and beating Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Championship. Iyo asks Liv if the crown will fit on her big head, then says that Liv is arrogant. Iyo then says something to Liv in Japanese before Liv hits her, and Iyo answers back with a springboard drop kick.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso is met by "Main Event" Jey Uso. Jimmy says he has LA Knight and that Jey should focus on becoming King of the Ring. Jacob Fatu shows up, and Jey wonders where Jacob has been. Jacob says he only answers to Roman Reigns, and that the only thing that matters is that Solo Sikoa got the message, and now, they sit and wait. Jey asks what the plan is, and Jacob says that they wait for Solo to cross the line.

Backstage, Danhausen is met by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh. Dominik says that they want their money, and Danhausen says that he spent it on his experiment. McDonagh says that they either get their $100,000 back or they will take the experiment. Danhausen curses McDonagh, who then grabs the experiment only to shock himself. This allows Danhausen to quickly disappear.

LA Knight beats Jimmy Uso. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up out of the crowd and hits Jimmy Uso with a Samoan Spike, which allows LA Knight to hit the BFT for the win.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Angelo says they are ready, saying they are ready for The Vision (Bron Breakker and Austin Theory) and that unlike Logan Paul, he is 100%. He also says that unlike Austin Theory, they will get the job done. Montez says they will not only take the World Tag Team Championships, but The Vision's London Bridge is going down.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Bayley. Bayley says she has nothing to say after Lyra Valkyria turned on her and walks off.

Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez is frustrated with losing opportunities as she talks to Roxanne Perez. Roxanne says she is happy for Liv Morgan, but says it should have been Liv and Raquel in the Queen of the Ring Tournament finals. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh show up, and JD McDonagh's hand is shaking as he introduces himself to Roxanne and Raquel, as if he does not know them. Liv Morgan shows up angry at what Iyo Sky did to her, and Raquel says that while Liv Morgan will become Queen of the Ring, the rest of them are not doing so well. Liv says she will become a double champion while Raquel will handle Sol Ruca. Suddenly, McDonagh's condition takes a turn for the worse, and he has to be rushed to medical.

We see Corey Graves' interview with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins from earlier today. Rollins says he has gotten closer to his goal of destroying The Vision (Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory), although it has not gone the way he expected. He says that if it were not for The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), he does not know if he would be one win away from doing it. Rollins says he knows the risks of a steel cage match with Bron Breakker and says a lot could go wrong, but when you have a problem, you must find a way around it, and he is an expert at that and putting other chips on the table. He says that this steel cage match will tell him and the world who he is, and if he can beat Breakker, then he can put The Vision behind him and take back the World Heavyweight Championship that he never lost.

Backstage, Chad Gable meets with General Manager Adam Pearce. They are both met by The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) as they mention Penta, and Dominik says that Gable is not facing Penta before him when he cannot even get an apology from "[his] loser friends." Dominik then demands an apology from Gable for disrespecting him as well as Pearce for Danahusen stealing his money. Gable says that Dominik sent him to Mexico in the first place and that this is what he gets for "listening to [his] dumb ass." Gable then says that Dominik will have to beat an apology out of him, but Dominik says he does not just give away matches. Pearce then makes a match between Gable and McDonagh - who thinks Pearce is a doctor - official for next week.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The Vision (Bron Breakker and Austin Theory) to become the World Tag Team Champions and five-time tag team champions in WWE. During the match, Logan Paul gets ejected from ringside for putting Theory's foot on the rope during a pinfall attempt, but he later returns with brass knuckles. Joe Hendry shows up and chases Logan Paul through the crowd, but when Theory goes for the knuckles that Logan Paul has left in the ring, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up through the crowd as Breakker waits for him at the bottom ofthe ramp. Rollins takes the knuckles and knocks Theory out with them, and Breakker chases after Rollins in the crowd, leaving Theory subsceptible to The Street Profits' double-team offense and allowing The Street Profits to win the match and the titles.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here is this week's Raw Recap!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 12, 2026

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Aldis says he has not heard from Gunther yet, but he is assured they will hear from him tonight. Cody hopes that they have a good show tonight. Cody then runs into The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and fist bumps them, then Jey says that tonight is his King of the Ring match, and he will win tonight, win the tournament and face him for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody hopes Jey is right, as Jey deserves to chase his title, but he hopes it is his decision and not Roman Reigns'.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill. Cargill says she has built a career off of pressure and has nothing to worry about, and "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab are certain that Cargill will win tonight. Cargill tells Rhea Ripley that she will get her lick back, and that she will see her at SummerSlam.

Charlotte Flair beats Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca and Jade Cargill by submission with a Figure Eight to Lyra to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. During the match, Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton show up to fight "Michin" Mia Yim when they get involved in the match, and this leads to a brawl that makes its way to the back.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that Jade Cargill should not be champion, and when "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab confront Tiffany, Chelsea Green comes to the rescue with a shinai.

Backstage, Jacob Fatu meets with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). Jacob Fatu says he is here for Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy says he is here to ensure nobody stops Jey. Solo says that they have their business and that he has his.

We see footage of Carmelo Hayes with the New England Patriots, who are seen in the front row.

We hear from Blake Monroe, who admires Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss as she writes in her diary, then says they have deluded themselves into thinking they are stronger together only to become weak and soft. She says that stars shine brighter alone before stating that she is coming soon to SmackDown.

Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis backstage. Gunther says that he will be picking the referee for his match with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says that he will know who the referee is by the end of the night.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Finn Balor, who is excited to be on SmackDown. He says that he has old friends and old foes and that his past is not erased by being here, then he is met by R-Truth, who declares that The Judgment Day is back together. Damian Priest shows up, and he and Finn are not exactly happy to see each other. Finn leaves for his match, and Priest says that all they need are each other and that they will still be champions after their match with The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga).

Tiffany Stratton and Chelesa Green vs. "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab is official for later tonight.

Brie Bella and Paige beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Brie reverses Fallon's inside cradle on Paige behind the referee's back as the referee ejects Jacy Jayne for pulling Fallon Henley out of a submission hold from the outside of the ring.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking to Johnny Gargano again while Candice LeRae is on her phone. Sami takes Candice's advice to Gargano to "get up and do something about it" as advice for himself, and Sami then leaves to look for General Manager Nick Aldis.

Backstage, Los Garza (Angel and Berto) meets with Danhausen, asking him to re-curse the New York Knicks. They then hand him a bag of human money, then leave as Matt Cardona shows up. After Matt Cardona hands Danhausen his watch and a ring to keep the New York Knicks uncursed, Kit Wilson shows up with an electrified Miz, and Danhausen's like for a Frankenstein's Monster-like Miz causes Kit Wilson to swing a metal rod at Danhausen only to miss and hit a wire, which in turn electrifies Kit Wilson.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says that the "ride or dies" showed up in full force for him in Europe compared to Providence, Rhode Island, and says the fans can either sit there with a sour look on their faces and boo him or ride and die with "the last real good guy." Sami then says that something has been brewing for months and months, and that it needs to come to an end. He says that he needs to clear the air, and asks that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes come to the ring. Cody comes to the ring, and Sami says they have had months' worth of misunderstandings where he helps Cody and ends up paying for it while Cody stands all, and wants to know if this is in an accident. Cody says that he cannot just turn this off and that they should not be in the ring this way. As Cody mentions WrestleMania 40, Sami says he was and still is happy for him, but mentions that Cody has lost past friends and wants to if it is them of if it is Cody. Cody says that he could not be honest with them like he can be honest with Sami, then tells Cody that the fans hate him and tell him that he sucks because he whines and cries and has become desperate. He says that the Undipusted WWE Championship is the only thing between them, then apologizes for holding the championship and that it means he never will. Sami slaps Cody, then starts apologizing. Cody slaps Sami back. Sami slowly leaves the ring, then comes back with a chair. Sami stands on the apron with the chair, then tosses it to the side and leaves.

Backstage, Jacob Fatu confronts Solo Sikoa with a message from Roman Reigns. He says it has been way too long and long enough, and that Roman needs him to come home. Solo says that is not home and that Jacob is Roman's lap dog, then wants to know what happened to Jacob. He says that Jacob used to be a killer that everyone was afraid of and was so close to beating Roman. Solo says Roman has done nothing but embarrass and humiliate him, which is not how someone treats somebody they love. Solo then tells Jacob to tell Roman that he can go to Hell. Jacob says he knows where Solo is coming from, but he has made his decision and he will stand on business, and if Roman sends him for him, he will come for him. Solo tells Jacob to tell Roman that if he wants him to come home, then he can come and get him.

Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Axiom.

Backstage, Gunther meets with General Manager Nick Aldis, stating that he has made a decision. He says that he needs somebody with experience as well as their heart in the right place. He says he needs a good guy - the last real good guy - and says Sami Zayn will be the referee for next week's WWE Championship match.

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty show up at the arena.

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Trick Williams is not happy that he lost in the King of the Ring Tournament, then says that it woke up something in him and lit a fire that he has not felt in a long time. Trick says he wants to step his game up and bring SmackDown to new heights. He says that he is the king of the new school and that he is still the United States Champion. All of a sudden, Ricky Saints shows up. As Saints makes his way to the ring, however, Carmelo Hayes shows up and shoves Saints out of his way to the ring. Saints beats Carmelo to the ring as Carmelo tells Trick to make up his mind, and Saints says that he beat Carmelo as Carmelo wants Trick to defend his title. Both men start arguing, and Trick tells them to battle it out so he can defend the title against the winner. As Trick leaves, Saints shoves Carmelo into Trick, and that leads to a brawl between Carmelo and Saints. Trick gets back into the ring and sends Carmelo into the ring post, then hits the Book End on Saints.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa shows up and tells him that The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu) is here to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight, and that Jacob Fatu is there to help him. He tells Royce that he does not have to fight with him, but he does not want Royce to be a casualty in Roman Reigns' war.

"Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green after Jade Cargill pulls Tiffany Stratton off the ring apron before Chelsea Green can tag her in, which allows Michin to hit Chelsea with Styles Clash for the win. After the match, Jade Cargill gets in the ring, and Tiffany Stratton ends up being the victim of a three-on-one beatdown.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kiana James. Kiana says she did everything for Giulia and that Giulia needed her, and the one time she asks her for help, she is useful. Giulia says she needed help with English and with contract, but Kiana says she did not need her for anything. Giulia says Kiana used her momentum, but Kiana says she eclisped her. Giulia says her English is better now, then slaps Kiana in the face.

Backstage, Tama Tonga welcomes Finn Balor to SmackDown, and he is also not happy to see Finn.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says that Sami Zayn is an emotional wreck and all over the place before Sami suddenly shows up. Sami uses Cody's words against him before sarcastically wishing him good luck next week.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews LA Knight. Knight says that he saw it coming and that Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are going to ensure Jey Uso wins tonight and are also trying to get Solo Sikoa back in the fold. He then says he will not make any promises, but if he can defy the odds, he will win the tournament and stomp Roman Reigns out.

"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Royce Keys, LA Knight and Finn Balor to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament after Royce hits Knight with a spinebuster only for Jey Uso to hit a top rope splash and pin Royce for the win. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up to watch from ringside, and LA Knight ends up booting Royce Keys into him near the end of the match.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 18, 2026

Roman Reigns arrives at the arena and is met by General Manager Adam Pearce, who says that none of this would have happened if Roman listened to him. Roman says that does not matter now, as he needs a few minutes with Jacob Fatu. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu heads to the ring. Jacob says that if Roman is going to call him out, then Roman can come to the ring so he can dog walk him. The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up, and Jey is holding a metal folding chair on the way to the ring. Jimmy says that Jacob is taking the hardest path to feeding his family and that he is about to be fired for it. Jey rushes at Jacob, but gets laid out. When Jimmy tries to save Jey, Jacob puts him in the Tongan Death Grip. Jey hits Jacob in the back with the chair, but it has no effect, and he also gets the Tongan Death Grip. Roman shows up with a chair of his own, and Jacob is ready to lock in the Tongan Death Grip. Both men exchange blows, and when Roman goes for a Superman Punch, Jacob locks it in only to eat two Superkicks and a Spear from Jey and a top rope splash from Jimmy. The Usos then put Jacob down with the 1D before tying him up in the ropes, and Roman hits Jacob with two Superman Punches while The Usos hit Jacob with two double superkicks. Roman then hits a Spear on Jacob with help from The Usos, then Roman and The Usos run into General Manager Adam Pearce. Roman tells Pearce to fire Jacob, but Jacob says "Tribal Combat." Roman says "I accept."

We see a video package of the events leading up to JD McDonagh vs. Finn Balor in a street fight tonight.

Finn Balor beast JD McDonagh in a street fight following a Coup de Grace to McDonagh in a trash can.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says that he is a marked man with "absolutely zero allies," and sooner or later, he has to put an end to The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory). He says he has been spinning his wheels figuring out how to do it, and says the easiest way to get through a problem is to run right through it. Rollins then realizes he has not had a match on Raw in nine months, and that this should change tonight. He says that General Manager Adam Pearce has given him the main event, and he will use it to throw a challenge to The Vision, especially Bron Breakker, as he cannot tell if he is a "nepo baby," "a wad of wasted potential," or everything Breakker says he is. Rollins then challenges Breakker to prove he is everything he says he is.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Sol Ruca. Sol Ruca says she is stoked to wrestle some of the best, and while she has not won a match on Raw yet, she has put the locker room on notice. Becky Lynch shows up and says that Sol Ruca has yet to face her and has bitten off more than she can chew and that she should go. Sol Ruca says he will do just that, then heads to the ring. Sol Ruca cuts to the chase and calls out Becky Lynch, and Becky Lynch shows up wanting to know what kind of stunt Sol Ruca is pulling. Sol Ruca says she has worked too hard to give up and has been good at proving people wrong. She then challenges Becky to a match, which Becky refuses before bragging about how good she is and how she is a mentor for the youth of today and mocking her recent opponents. Becky then tells Sol Ruca that if she really is ready, then she can face her at Saturday Night's Main Event, then reminds her she is a star breaker, not a star maker. Sol Ruca says she will snatch Becky's soul and snatch her title. Becky says that nobody said anything about the title, and that Sol Ruca is not ready for her.

Backstage, Bron Breakker meets with the rest of The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) and wants Paul Heyman to make the match with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins tonight. Heyman makes the match, but with Austin Theory, then Breakker wants to speak with Heyman alone. Heyman tells Breakker that since he now knows where Rollins will be and that Rollins will have his hands full, he will want to run the play he has in mind.

Los Americanos (El Grande Americano II, Rayo Americano, Bravo Americano) beat El Grande Americano I and Los Americanos Hermanos (Julio and Bruto) in a six-man tornado tag match.

What-a-Guy, the What-a-Burger mascot, shows up with a Doordash bag for Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) backstage.

We see a video package chronicling the history of Tribal Combat in WWE.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). Jey says that Tribal Combat is sacred combat between two families and that anything can happen, then LA Knight shows up. Jimmy says "Not now," but Knight says that The Usos are now no better than The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) and that he will handle things alone if he has to. Jimmy says "Not now," then he and Jey walk away.

We see Michael Cole's interview with "All Ego" Ethan Page, who supplies the questions for Michael Cole. Ethan says he was born to be champion while people like Penta have to work very hard to be as successful as him. Michael Cole then asks Ethan Page why he is like this, as while he has the potential to be great, he also has ego, and says that ego will cost him. Ethan says his ego is really confidence and that he will prove that he is better than the rest of WWE. He then says he will be the first person to put "fear" in Penta's vocabulary before leaving with the Intercontinental Championship - which he wants to name after himself if he wins it - after Saturday Night's Main Event.

Paige and Brie Bella retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) after Liv Morgan gets herself ejected so that Roxanne can use one of the tag team titles as a weapon only for the plan to backfire whe Brie ducks and pins Roxanne with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Liv and The Judgment Day go on the attack, but Bayley and Lyra Valkyria make the save.

Backstage, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is met by LA Knight. Rollins thinks Knight wants a fight, but Knight tells Rollins that he knows what is going to happen. Knight admits he is no friend of Rollins', but knows that Rollins will need help before telling him to enjoy getting stomped out as he leaves.

We hear from Penta, who tells "All Ego" Ethan Page that he fights for his people, not for ego, and that his title represents those who do not give up. He tells Ethan to get ready for Saturday Night's Main Event.

When Oba Femi heads to the ring for his open challenge, he is suddenly attacked with multiple F-5's by Brock Lesnar.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce wants Paul Heyman in his office. When he enters his office, Heyman is already there, knowing that Pearce is looking for him. Heyman produces a contract for Clash in Italy with Brock Lesnar's signature on it, and says that if Oba Femi signs it, Pearce will have the biggest rematch in history.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Dawkins says there is a reason The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) are tough and have the World Tag Team titles, but Montez says The Street Profits have a vision of becoming the new World Tag Team Champions at Saturday Night's Main Event. Suddenly, Dawkins notices Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, and Montez makes the decision not to get involved. Dawkins tells Rollins that they do not need to be friends, but Rollins says he gets it and thanks Dawkins for understanding. He then says he has a match right now.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats Austin Theory with the Pedigree when Theory's use of Logan Paul's brass knuckles backfires and Rollins is able to hit the Pedigree when Theory cannot pin him. After the match, Logan Paul attacks Rollins, then Angelo Dawkins shows up and fights Logan. The numbers game takes over, but Montez Ford runs out while shaking his head and evens it up. As Montez Ford tells Angelo Dawkins that helping Rollins is not worth it, they are soon taken out by Bron Breakker. Rollins gets in the ring and rakes Breakker's eyes only for Logan to grab at Rollins, allowing Breakker to hit the Spear on Rollins. Officials show up and stop The Vision before Breakker can smash Rollins with the ring steps, but Breakker gets around them and attacks Rollins again.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here is the recap for tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 15, 2026

Trick Williams heads to the ring, accompanied by Lil Yachty and Cocky the Gamecock (the South Carolina Gamecocks' mascot) to start tonight's show. Trick is excited to be back home and references the special chicken wing sauce from Kiki's Chicken and Waffles, which were used to accidentally christen "the lemon pepper steppers." He also talks about his time playing football for the University of South Carolina and mentions that his family is here, then declares that South Carolina has created a star. The Miz and Kit Wilson suddenly show up, and The Miz says that Trick's career is starting to look like rejected mascots from his daughter's birthday party, and asks if this is WWE or Sesame Street before asking if Big Bird is going to come out. Lil Yachty takes exception to The Miz's interruption, and says this is why he and Kit Wilson were attacked by Minihausens and cursed. Miz insists that he is not cursed, and Kit Wilson reads slam poetry where he mocks Trick and Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty decides to hit them both with a rebuttal of his own, and also says that Miz has tiny balls. A furious miz wants to leave Columbia, South Carolina, which he calls "a dumpster fire of a city" before stating that if he lived in Columbia, he would volunteer to move to Tennessee. He then calls for a referee so he can whup Trick in front of his mama, and when Kit Wilson opens his mouth, Trick slaps him before sending him and Miz out of the ring.

Trick Williams beats The Miz. During the match, The Miz produces a shinai from underneath the ring, but Lil Yachty takes ita way from him before he can use it and strikes Kit Wilson with it before tossing him into the announce table. Trick then hits the Trick Shot for the win.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he may have been gone for a month, but he has watched Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes make a mockery of the WWE United States Championship and that he is shooting for the title again. Suddenly, Ricky Saints shows up and says that SmackDown has changed, but Carmelo Hayes takes this as a challenge and warns him that the main roster has a way of humbling people and that Saints will eventually be humbled. Saints says that Carmelo needs to learn a lesson and that he will see him in the ring tonight.

General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Rey Fenix, then meets with Sami Zayn, who says that he did things at WrestleMania that he is ashamed of and wants a rematch at the WWE United States Championship so he can do things the right way, but Aldis tells him he will have to earn it. Sami goes back to mentioning his "ride or die" fans and that the last several years have to have proven something, then Aldis says that Sami has things to deal with that he needs to deal with and that all he sees out of Sami is entitlement. Fenix tells Sami to calm down, and has to tell him to calm down and that he does not even recognize him when Sami insists he is the same person while everything around him has changed.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says the women's division is competitive and that holding the women's tag titles is like being in a shark tank and everyone wants to take a bite, including The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez). Paige says that it took years to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and that they are not giving them up easily, then The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up wanting Paige and Brie to win so they can get the titles back.

Paige and Brie Bella beat Giulia and Kiana James.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. All of a sudden, Giulia and Kiana James are heard arguing with each other, then Chelsea Green shows up and says that Giulia and Kiana have been bickering since she beat both of them. Tiffany says that some people are not meant to be a team and are oblivious to it. Chelsea says that would never be them, and Tiffany agrees, saying they were never meant to be a team before walking away.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and sets up his own contract signing in the middle of the ring, complete with a contract for a match with Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship as well as a contract for Gunther to come to SmackDown. Gunther shows up and accuses Cody of making this all about himself "like a typical American," and says that Cody cries and complains when the attention is not on him. Gunther says that this is his deal and his title match, and that the Undisputed WWE Championship will be his title. Gunther tells Cody to be professional, address him nicely and say "please." Cody reminds Gunther that he is the one to get the drop on him, got a favor from "The Oracle" Paul Heyman, and refused to sign last week. He says that Gunther is making it weird and that he will make it simple, and tells him to sign the contract so he can guarantee himself an ass whipping at Clash in Italy, remembering to say "please" in the process. Gunther says that Cody did not mean anything he said, and as he rephrases things for Cody, Royce Keys shows up and says that if Gunther will not sign it, he will. Royce Keys gets in the ring, but Gunther gets in the ring and argues with Royce Keys over the contract. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and tells Gunther he has overplayed his hand to the point that his title shot is up for grabs, then makes a match between Gunther and Royce Keys where the winner will sign the contract to face Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Crash in Italy. A furious Gunther leaves the ring, and Cody tells Royce that while he is proud of Royce, he is still easy to find and hard to beat.

Backstage, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) meet. Solo tells Tama to take Damian Priest out tonight, then leaves with Talla to talk to Royce Keys. Shinsuke Nakamura shows up, but he is taken out by Talla Tonga, who choke slams him through a table.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Gunther again that he overplayed his hand and that he will have to earn his title shot.

Carmelo Hayes beats Ricky Saints with a schoolkid pin while using the ropes for leverage after Saints gets caught by referee Charles Robinson for using the top rope for leverage during a stack-up pin in the corner.

Backstage, R-Truth meets with Royce Keys and thanks him for last week, then says that they are making a clubhouse for The Judgment Day and that Royce should fill out an application to join. Damian Priest shows up after Royce leaves and figures out what is going on, and he finds it suspicious that The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) are attacking everyone but Royce. He says that Royce has yet to earn his respect because of that, and tells R-Truth to be careful. R-Truth tells Priest that he was right about last week and says it will not happen again. Priest says that whatever happens tonight happens, but at least R-Truth will be safe, ashe is not medically cleared and cannot be out at the ring tonight.

Backstage, Danhausen heads to his laboratory for another experiment, which he expects to be bigger, better and larger. He drags out a body on a gurney for his next creation.

Damian Priest beats Tama Tonga. (The match was originally Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga vs. Damian Priest and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championships, but R-Truth is not medically cleared after last week.) After the match, Priest is attacked by Talla Tonga as Solo Sikoa gets in the ring to hit a Samoan Spike.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is seen talking about his recent meeting with General Manager Nick Aldis and complaining that SmackDown is not the same to a planking Johnny Gargano. Candice LeRae shows up not happy that Gargano is not doing any better, and Sami tells Gargano to block out the noise before leaving.

Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim head to the ring. Cargill says everyone acts tough when she is not in the building, but when her music hits, everyone gets real quiet. She says that Rhea Ripley found out that pressure busts pipes, and at Clash in Italy, she busts champions, too. Jade Cargill says that the WWE Women's Championship is coming home to her, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up. Charlotee says that nobody wants to hear Cargill talk, as this is Flair Country, and that Cargill finally pissed her off last week. Cargill wants to know where Rhea is, and Alexa wants to know why Michin and B-Fab are not making Cargill look good. Charlotte then tells Cargill to take a seat and take some notes, and Cargill tells Charlotte and Alexa to entertain her, as she is getting bored of them.

We see another vignette for "The Glamour" Blake Monroe, who is coming soon to SmackDown.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beats "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab by disqualification after Jade Cargill pulls Alexa out of a pinfall attempt and hits her with a forearm on the outside. After the match, both teams continue to brawl, and Charlotte makes quick work of Michin and B-Fab before daring Cargill to face her.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid). Fallon says that in this business, you are either predator or prey, and Tatal Influence is at the top of the food chain. Lainey says all the team wants to act like best friends, but nobody can stand each other. Jacy says they are a unit and loyalty is their currency, and it will pay dividends when they are draped in gold. She tells the women's division to take this as a warning shot before they all fall at the feet of Fatal Influence.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss have a conversation. Charlotte says she is working hard on being a team player, but wants to know where Rhea Ripley was this week. She says they have been outnumbered for the last six months, and Alexa say they need help. Charlotte says she does not need help, but Alexa says theya re outnumbered and Rhea owes them.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa meets with Royce Keys, saying he can help him beat Gunther and become champion. He tells Royce to listen to him, not Jacob Fatu, and that the two of them can take over SmackDown and take everything. He also says that he does not want what happened to Shinsuke Nakamura to happen to him. Royce says he has this, and Solo says that Jacob Fatu said the same thing.

Gunther beats Royce Keys in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's match. During the match, Solo Sikoa wills Royce Keys to get up from Gunther's sleeper hold, and eventually slides a metal folding chair to Royce only for Royce to throw the chair at Solo. Gunther hits Royce Keys with a clothesline followed by a powerbomb for the win. After the match, Gunther grabs and speaks into the camera only to be hit with a Cross Rhodes from out of nowhere by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

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!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for April 24, 2026

Backstage, Trick Williams, Lil Yachty and the Gingerbread Man nearly get run over by Danhausen's coffin go-kart.

Jacob Fatu heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Jacob Fatu mentions his confrontation with Roman Reigns and his desire for the Undisputed WWE Championship, as well as how Roman Reigns has said he is not ready. Jacob says that Roman is right when he said he was not ready. He says that he has been hearing that his entire life, then tells Roman to step into the ring and prove it. Suddenly, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up and head to the ring. Jimmy says he agrees with what Jacob has had to say about levelling up, then asks him not to come at Roman Reigns and join the family so that he can do all that without having to face Roman. He also tells Jacob that the fans are not going to level him up. Jey then says it is too late for all that, as he stepped up, opened his mouth, and is now in the deep end and that they will see if he can swim. Jey says Jacob has to look Roman in the eye and get ready for war, then the MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo) show up. Solo tells Jacob that The Usos are lying to him and that he was the one to bring him into WWE, then asks The Usos what they will teach Jacob besides "how to yeet." He tells Jacob that he will not beat Roman unless he has an army, and that he himself has an army. Tama Tonga stops Solo, wanting to know why they are wasting their time and calling Jacob "a lost cause." Tama Tonga says that Jacob cannot beat Roman and that he cannot even beat Solo. Jacob superkicks Tama, and Solo holds Loa and Mateo back before Jacob challenges Solo to a match tonight.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia and Kiana James. Kiana James says that she and Giulia have not been getting respect, but it only fuels the fire to win tonight. Giulia says she has beaten Tiffany Stratton once and she will beat her again and that she feels no pressure; only anger. Giulia leaves, then Kiana blames Cathy Kelley on her and Giulia arguing.

Tiffany Stratton beats Giulia to become the WWE Women's United States Champion!

In footage from earlier this week, Danhausen finds The Miz's home and knocks on the door. The Miz opens the door to find nobody there, but when he cloeses the door, he finds Danhausen in his house. The Miz kicks Danhausen out of his home, but Danhausen disappears again, then reappears in his pool. The Miz kicks him out, and dives at him only to fall into his own pool.

Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton on the stage. Tiffany says it feels amazing to be back on top after having "the runner-up story," and now, she is a champion. She plans to show why the WWE runs on "Tiffy Time" until Brie Bella shows up. Paige also shows up with Brie Bella, and they head to the ring as Tiffany heads to the back. Brie says it feels incredible to stand in the ring as a champion, and says that while she could not compete with her sister Nikki Bella, WrestleMania was incredible, and she is glad she had the idea of calling an old friend she could count on and call "sister." Paige says that when Brie gave her the call to have her back at WrestleMania, it was a great way to come back home. She says it is great to be here with Brie after walking out of WrestleMania as the Women's Tag Team Champions. She admits it was a long, hard road, but she is back home, and SmackDown is her house and that she and Brie are not going anywhere. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss head to the ring. Charlotte says they are happy to see Paige back, but she and Brie have something they want. Alexa says they will not let WrestleMania get in their way. Charlotte says that if Paige wants to prove this is her house, she and Brie will have to face her and Alexa. Brie and Paige are down for a match and want to handle things in the ring tonight, and that leads to a referee coming to the ring. Referee Charles Robinson runs to the ring, making the match official.

Brie Bella and Paige vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss ends with Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) showing up and taking out both teams.

We hear from people in East Palo Alto, some of whom are friends of Royce Keys, speak about Royce Keys as a role model. Royce Keys says it is his time to give back after making it to WWE, and that there is no stopping him.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody talks about how he still made the decision to walk up the long ramp at WrestleMania as he felt it was the job of being Undisputed WWE Champion, and because he always gets back up when he falls. He says he wanted to send a message at WrestleMania that he would not be medically cleared afterwards and that he wanted to send a message to Randy Orton - who is not here tonight - saying Orton gave his best, yet he is still standing. He says he wanted to send a message to Sami Zayn, who called him "The Golden Boy," and that he showed up draped in gold because he, his family and he fans will all be gold. Cody then says that anyone who wants to face him that is currently 0-3, then tells outside forces to count their money and mind their business. He says that as champion, it is easy to find him, and that no matter where in WWE anyone might be, he is easy to find and hard to beat.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells JC Mateo and Tama Tonga to get the WWE Tag Team Championships back and to not mess it up and let the family down. Tama Tonga asks about Jacob Fatu, and Solo says that he will teach Jacob that without them, Jacob cannot beat Roman.

Damian Priest and R-Truth retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The MFTs (Tama Tonga and JC Mateo) despite Tonga Loa distracting referee Dan Engler.

We see more footage from The Miz's house. He finds Danhausen at his virtual golf course, and Danhausen crotches Miz with a golf club. He accidentally breaks a Slammy Award as he walks off with it, then runs into Maryse. The Miz throws chocolate powder at Danhausen, but hits Maryse instead. Danhausen then gets away on Miz's daughter's bicycle, passing by a Cybertruck on the way out.

Trick Williams slaps a man in the face as he, Lil Yachty and the Gingerbread Man head to the ring.

Trick Williams, Lil Yachty and The Gingerbread Man head to the ring for a championsip celebration. Trick says that the fans are excited to celebrate with the new United States Champion after he came to WrestleMania to "whoop that trick," then Lil Yachty says that he is here to stay, saying he is the Quincy Jones to Trick's Michael Jackson. Lil Yachty then says that the United States open challenge is over and that Trick Williams is the ultimate opportunity, and he and Trick state that there will be no handouts. Afterwards, The Gingerbread Man smacks Trick Williams with the candy cane, then does the same to Lil Yachty when he checks on him. The Gingerbread man then takes off his mask to reveal that he is none other than Sami Zayn. Sami attacks Lil Yachty with a ground and pound, then hits Trick with the Helluva Kick before mockingly dancing around and leaving the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys. Royce says it has been emotional since his debut and that he is just getting started at taking everything he wants. Solo Sikoa shows up and says Talla Tonga is not happy about losing the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, then says there is always room for Royce Keys in his family.

Danhausen beats The Miz after cursing The Miz and Kit Wilson with a pyro blast. After the match, Danhausen sets off some more pyro, then The Miz chases after him and leaps over Kit Wilson on the way to the coffin kart, causing The Miz to comedically collide with Kit Wilson.

We see a vignette for Blake Monroe, who is coming soon to SmackDown.

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Rhea declares that she is champion again after beating Jade Cargill at WrestleMania. She admits that Cargill proved to her that she can go, but it is now her time to prove that she is a fighting champion. She knows that there are women in the back who want to take a shot at her, and if any of them want to step up, now is their chance. Suddenly, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up. Fatal Influence is booed out of the building as Jacy Jayne gives Rhea Ripley credit where credit is due, then says Fatal Influence deserves the credit for taking out everyone's favorite legends tonight. Rhea Ripley admits she is impressed by Fatal Influence's actions tonight, then warns them to stop while they are ahead. Fallon Henley says that tonight is nothing compared to what Fatal Influence will do to Rhea. Rhea says she has been used to the numbers game by now thanks to Jade Cargill, and if Fatal Influence wants a fight, she is ready for a fight, and all Jacy Jayne has to do is take her shot. Jacy tells Rhea that Fatal Influence is always ready to throw hands, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a match between Jacy Jayne and Rhea Ripley that happens right now.

Rhea Ripley beats Jacy Jayne by disqualification following a chop block from Fallon Henley as Rhea goes for Riptide. After the match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) gangs up on Rhea Ripley and lay her out.

Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) meet with Jacob Fatu. Jimmy says that The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo) will get involved one way or another and that they have his back, but Jacob says he does not need The Usos' help. After Jacob leaves, Jey tells Jimmy "Man, I told you!"

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are met by Rhea Ripley in the trainer's room. Charlotte Flair says that she will get her hands on Jacy Jayne next week, unlike some people, then Alexa tells Rhea that Charlotte is "just like this" as Charlotte leaves.

We see a vignette for Ricky Saints, who debuts on SmackDown next week.

Jacob Fatu beats Solo Sikoa after taking out the rest of The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo). After the match, The MFTs attack Jacob Fatu, but The Usos make their way to the ring. Jacob Fatu fights The MFTs off single-handedly. Jacob wraps chairs around Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu's chairs before hitting them with hip attacks, then beats up Tonga Loa before splashing him through the commentary table.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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