Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 4, 2026

Gunther heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Gunther syas he has been looking for Sami Zayn all day and claims that Sami is hiding, and proclaims that tonight's show will not start until Sami shows himself. Sami Zayn shows up in the crowd and says that Gunther does not have to hold the show hostage, then says he is keeping his distance due to a broken hand. Sami notes that Gunther is angry at him, much like everyone else, and says that Gunther is speaking like a victim when he is the victim here and he was the one who was robbed and should still be Undisputed WWE Champion, saying the champion should be "the last real good guy left around here," but instead, the champion is the biggest "hypocrite fraud" who "should not be breathing the same air as [him]" in CM Punk. Sami says he is not asking for the world, and that he just wants what was stolen from him: the WWE Championship. Sami says that Gunther was in last week's Triple Threat Match when he was not even included, then tells Gunther to buckle up and get comfortable, for this is the future from here on out. He says there will be no #1 contender's matches and no easy rides, and that nobody will get theirs until he gets his. Gunther says he has heard enough and threatens to drag Sami from the crowd to the ring. As Sami says that he is not cleared, Finn Balor shows up in the crowd and says that he still has a bone to pick for Gunther while saying that he is here for his own justice, which he will get from Sami. Finn Balor chases Sami Zayn to the ring, and when Sami tries to leave up the entrance ramp, Kevin Owens shows up from behind. Owens chases Sami through the crowd.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis and CM Punk discuss what has just happened. Aldis says they cannot keep doing this and that they need a #1 contender. CM Punk suddenly gets an idea when he finds Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, then asks Gargano if he got to this point in his career to lie on a box or become a world champion. Candice says this will not work, but Punk says that "Johnny Wrestling lurks somewhere in there" and proposes an Undisputed WWE Championship match between himself and Gargano tonight. Gargano does not stir, and when Candice stops Punk and Aldis, Gargano is suddenly standing upright. Gargano walks up to Punk and says "Let's do it." Punk says "Perfect," then walks away.

Johnny Gargano vs. CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship is official for later tonight.

Backstage before the next match, Charlotte Flair is met by Alexa Bliss. Alexa says there is a change in plans., then Tatum Paxley shows up and says that she and Charlotte are going to work well together. Alexa says that Tatum proved herself against "Michin" Mia Yim, then calls this change of plans "a bonding exercise." Charlotte says a heads-up would have been nice, then tells Tatum to take notes and do as she says.

Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Alexa Bliss stops Jacy Jayne from interfering on the outside. After the match, Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab attack Charlotte, Alexa and Tatum. Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey join in, then let Cargill, Michin and B-Fab get the last word on their Sunday Night's Main Event opponents.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Nikki Bella. Nikki says that the only thing she took too far was her trust in Paige, who she says is "a C-grade skank" who has "hurt the Bella brand." As she says that Paige is the reason her returned was ruined, Paige shows up and says she has realized that Nikki has never, ever liked her because she built her career on "hustle, loyalty and respect," and next week, Nikki had better bring it, or else she will end her career faster than her last relationship.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Gunther, who says that Aldis has put him in a position that he should not be in. Danhausen is behind both men with a feather duster as Gunther complains about Johnny Gargano suddenly getting a WWE Championship match against CM Punk. Gunther says that Aldis felt the limelight after getting in the ring with him and does not want to escape it, then says that he is worried about his career and his business and tells Aldis to get his stuff together. Aldis tells Gunther to take it up with Punk, then says the rest of his business has to wait as he has his own business to attend to with the dctor. Aldis leaves, then Danhausen puts his hand on Gunther's shoulder and says he knows exactly how Gunther feels. Gunther grabs Danhausen by the wrist and tells him not to touch him ever again, then Danhausen puts a portrait on himself on the nearby desk with "Employee of the Month" on it.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring with Dr. Woodruff regarding Chelsea Green's injury. Aldis introduces Chelsea Green to the ring, and Chelsea says she does not care what the doctor has to say and that she and Aldis have been through this already, then tells the fans that instead of waterworks, they are getting "an extremely pissed off Women's Champion" and warns Aldis not to take this away from her after saying she can be a fighting champion. Chelsea says she understands she has a target on her eye for everyone to see, but she has waited thirteen years for this title, and if the rest of the women want to think it is easy to take the title from her, then they can try, as she is more concerned about her legacy than her safety. Aldis tells Chelsea she respects this and respects Chelsea, but says her safety is part of his job. He then says it is not up to him anymore, then has Dr. Woodruff speak. Dr. Woodruff says that Chelsea has a fractured orbital bone that has not fully healed, but it is healing, and it is his medical opinion that as long as Chelsea wears the face mask at all times, she is cleared to compete. As Chelsea thanks Dr. Woodruff, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) shows up, and Nia Jax says that she was waiting to hear this before making it clear that she wants the Interim WWE Women's Championship. Nia and Lash surround the ring as Nia demands that Chelsea give her a match before she breaks her other orbital bone, as "everyone knows [Chelsea] is mad eof glass." Adlis has to get between The Irresistible Forces and Chelsea, and Tiffany Stratton shows up and fights The Irresistible Forces. Aldis says Nia will get her championship match next week in Mexico City, Mexico, then says that Tiffany Stratton is ready to fight and that Tiffany and Nia Jax can have a match right now.

Nia Jax beats Tiffany Stratton after Lash Legend is able to stop Tiffany from hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. After the match, Nia Jax rips the mask off of Chelsea's face, then dares Chelsea to get the mask back. Chelsea confronts Nia, and that is enough for The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) to toss the mask aside and walk away.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Kevin Owens. Owens says he is happy for Johnny Gargano to get his opportunity, but states that CM Punk does not do anything unless he benefits from it and thinks that he is doing this to draw Sami Zayn to the ring. Owens almost respects this, but he does not respect anything Punk does, and if Sami does head to the ring, he will not be alone.

We see Corey Graves' interview with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes from earlier today. The interview is suddenly interrupted by Randy Orton, who mocks Cody and the no-physicality clause for their match before daring Cody to hit him. Cody is stone-faced as Orton mentions everything that he did to Cody last week, and chalks Cody's refusal to lay a hand on him up to his respect for his family and the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says Cody is an addict who loves the WWE Championship more than his own family and that he needs help, saying that he is more sick than anybody, including himself. Cody stands up and says he might be aware that he is sick, as everyone else seems to do, then tells Orton that he is screwed on Sunday because of this before leaving the room.

Backstage, Lil Yachty is met by Trick Williams. Yachty says he will get the win at Sunday Night's Main Event, but Trick says he just wants Yachty to survive the five minutes so he can get his rematch. Yachty then shows off a video of him in the ring that is actually a music video for a diss track on Baron Corbin, who he calls "Baron Borin'." Trick wants Yachty to focus, then Corbin says that Yachty is a joke like his music career and that what he will do to Yachty is no joke. Trick tells Corbin to bring that energy on Sunday, because after Yachty survives, Corbin will not. Corbin tells Trick that his title shot relies on Yachty, and that he will slaughter Yachty, stating that Yachty is dead just like Trick's state of title contention.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki (now known collectively as "Bakusai") beat The Miz and Kit Wilson. After the match, The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) and Haku show up on the stage to stare down Bakusai from the stage.

We see a video package for Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says tonight's match is still not suitable and that she deserves a grander opponent and entrance, then Giulia attacks Blake again, taking their brawl to the stage. Officials try in vain to break the brawl up before Giulia knocks Blake out with the Arrivederci Knee.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Sami says he is happy for Gargano, then says that this is justice and one for "guys like them." He says that even if he is not out there with him physically, he is still there for him in spirit. He tells Gargano to take the opportunity when it falls in his lap and to not be like Kevin Owens, then tells Gargano that if he takes the title off of Punk, he wants the first shot.

CM Punk retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. During the match, Sami Zayn shows up from out of the crowd, and CM Punk fights Sami. Sami gets in the ring, and Candice LeRae sends CM Punk into the ring steps with a hurricanrana. Gargano hits a tope suicida followed by One Final Beat, but Punk kicks out. Sami then takes the Undisputed WWE Championship, but he is attacked by Owens as he tries to hand the title to Gargano. Owens is about to powerbomb Sami into the ring apron when Gunther shows up, hits Owens with a big boot, then goes for a powerbomb on Sami only for Finn Balor to come out of the crowd and hit the Sling Blade on Gunther. Sami hits Finn with the Undisputed WWE Championship, then does the same to Gunther and Owens. Punk hits Gargano with the GTS, but as Candice distracts the referee, Sami clocks Punk in the head with the Undisupted WWE Championship. Punk still kicks out despite this, and Sami whispers something to Candice. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with officials and ejects Sami from ringside, and Punk hits Gargano with the GTS to win and retain. After the match, Punk tells Sami that he does not want the Undisupted WWE Championship half as much as he wants to break Sami's face for sticking him nose where it does not belong, and if Sami wants a title shot, he will get one next week, and he will put him to sleep.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 7, 2026

In memory of Dory Funk Jr., 1941 - 2026.

It is announced that the first half-hour of the show is commercial-free.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody calls out Randy Orton and even takes off his tie and loosens his shirt collar in anticipation for a fight, then eventually asks the fans what they want to talk about. He then talks about how "a champion's champion" was lost in Dory Funk Jr. as well as about his loss to CM Punk at SummerSlam, and admits that he did know that Orton was going to roll into the ring and hit him with an RKO. All of a sudden, CM Punk shows up and heads to the ring. Cody asks Punk if he knew about Orton, and Punk said he did not know. He says that he may not be as mad as Cody about it, but he is still mad, and if Cody wants, they can go kick his ass together. Cody says he needs answers for Orton and that he will kick his ass himself, then gives Punk the ring and heads to the back. Cody says that while they have unfinished business, he needs answers for Orton and that he will kick his ass himself, then gives Punk the ring and heads to the back. As Cody leaves, Punk says "Say when" when it comes to a rematch. Kevin Owens then walks out as Cody makes his way out. Cody hands Owens a microphone as Owens heads to the ring, and Owens and Punk have a staredown in the center of the ring where they speak to each other, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up. Owens and Punk tell Aldis they have things handed, and Aldis watches from ringside before Owens tells Punk that he has wanted to face him for the last seventeen months while there was a possibility he could never wrestle again. He says that people have told him that Punk has changed and that he has never bought it, and thinks that Punk is looking past him towards a rematch with Cody, which he says proves him right about Punk. Punk says that his arrogance is what got him to where he was at and that he understands why people may not like why he calls himself the best in the world, then says that he backs it up. At this point, a group of referees are watching from ringside along with Aldis as Punk says that Owens has not appreciated his arrogance, as nobody benefitted from what he did in WWE more than Owens. Owens says he has not been world champion in ten years and that he has pictured winning it again in his head, and now, he not only gets to win the title, but he gets to humble Punk and beat his ass to get it. Punk says it is good to have impossible dreams and that he dreams so high it scares him, then says Owens should be scared and maybe a little more grateful, as if it were not for him, he would still be working a nine-to-five job he hates and still on the indies. Owens says he should be thankful for the trail Punk paved for people like him, but says he should also thank Punk for showing what not to do, what not to become and how not to treat those around him. He says that some people's egos become inflated when they call themselves the best in the world, and states that Punk must be lonely on the pedestal he has put himself on, then thanks him for showing how not to become "a miserable piece of shit like [Punk]." Aldis and the referees step in as Punk and Owens both shove each other.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says that when Jade Cargill first showed up, she saw somebody who wanted to be the top girl. She then says that tonight, she is fighting for Alexa Bliss, and says that Jade Cargill has her spotlight and that she will kick her ass in it. Charlotte also says that if Cargill has the guts, she will face her alone.

Backstage, Trick Williams tells Baron Corbin that he will get his rematch and that Corbin is only champion because he cheated. He says that Corbin does not have what it takes to beat him, and that he will beat him down tonight.

Before the next match, Baron Corbin shows up on a motorcycle.

Baron Corbin retains the WWE United States Championship against Trick Williams after using the title as a weapon on the outside behind the referee's back.

Backstage, Sami Zayn congratulates General Manager Nick Aldis on a good try against Gunther, then says he would be #1 contender for the WWE Championship had he not found CM Punk and added Gunther and Kevin Owens at the last minutes. Owens shows up, and tells Aldis he wants his title match on August 21st in Toronto, Ontario, Canada before Aldis leaves to leave things between Sami and Owens. Sami says he is happy for Owens, but says Owens' return came at his expense. Owens admits that is true, and says that Sami would have done the same thing. Sami says he would love to see Owens as champion over Punk, and offers to help him. Owens says he will handle Punk himself, and Sami tells Owens that he will not stop coming for what he wants just because it is the same thing Owens wants.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Baron Corbin. Corbin says he is not the underdog here and that he already has a championship upon his return, and hopes that everyone who doubted him feels stupid. He then says that Trick Williams will never take his title again and that nobody in the locker room will step to him for the title. This leads to Carmelo Hayes showing up, jumping Corbin, and telling Corbin that he will face him for the United States Championship next week in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.

Chelsea Green heads to the ring for a champion's celebration. Chelsea thanks the fans for sticking with her and pledging their allegiance, as they are a huge part of the reason why she walked out of SummerSlam as Interim WWE Women's Champion. After thanking herself for being the reason everyone is here, she also thanks Tiffany Stratton, who shows up and heads to the ring. She apologizes for what happened at SummerSlam, saying their friendship is stronger than that, then raises a toast to strong female friendship. Tiffany says she wants to talk to Chelsea about something when Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up. Jacy Jayne says that if it were not for Tiffany, she would be Interim WWE Women's Champion, and Lainey Reid says that Fatal Influence would be draped in gold like they were meant to be. Fallon Henley takes offense to Chelsea Green not only representing SmackDown, but thinking she deserves this. Jacy says they are not here to ruin Chelsea's moment after Chelsea tells Fatal Influence to put a pin in it, and tells Tiffany that she plans on taking the Women's United States Championship from her and that she might as well put the final nail in the coffin after Chelsea ruined her hopes of being "Tiffy Two-Titles." Tiffany gives Jacy a Women's United States title shot, but only if she and Chelsea get a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Jacy accepts, and calls for a referee to head to the ring.

Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton After the match, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) attack Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax grabs the Interim WWE Women's Championship to hold it up over a downed Chelsea.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest, who is irritated with The MFTs' (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) actions last week. He then says that he and R-Truth are not afraid, then The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up and state they will be double champions. R-Truth shows up and says he and Priest will defend the WWE World Tag Team Championships against them and The MFT's. The War Raiders leave after looking forward to beating both The MFT's and the champs, then Damian Priest shows disappointment with General Manager Nick Aldis not mentioning the AAA World Tag Team Championships.

Randy Orton heads to the ring. Before Orton can speak, he is interrupted by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, and Orton rolls out of the ring as soon as Cody slides in. Cody tells Orton that it has been one hundred days and that he knows it must end in the ring, and he tells Orton to get in the ring. Orton teases getting in the ring, but backs off as General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with referees. Cody says he knows Orton answers to nobody, but Orton still owes him an explanation. Orton says he owes Cody nothing, saying that Cody asked for this when he asked for the very best version of Randy Orton before calling him a "cocky, arrogant son-of-a-bitch." He says he did just that, and Cody beat him in the middle of the ring. He congratulates Cody for doing that, but in the middle of that moment, he felt something snap, and the voices came back more clearly than in his entire career and told him to put Cody down. Orton then realized that the best version of him would not bring him his fifteenth world title, yet his worst version will, and he does not care who he has to beat to get it. He knows he will not take it from Cody, however, and he will ensure that Cody will never be WWE Champion again.Cody says he is not held to the standard of the championship anymore and that he does not have to be "the damn good guy" anymore, and tells Orton that he is the last legend left in WWE before asking Orton "Who kills you?"

Backstage, Sami Zayn tells a planking Johnny Gargano as well as Candice LeRae his problems. As Sami mentions telling CM Punk how much of a fraud he really is, Candice lets Sami know that Punk is around. Punk has no idea what is going on, then says that Kevin Owens has the guts to say what he has to say about him to his face. Sami says Punk is a fraud, and says that if his left hand was not broken, he would break his face. Punk says he wouldn't, because he would have if he could do it in Chicago, Illinois. He then tells Sami to go to the back of the line.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim. B-Fab says they do not care what Charlotte Flair has to say and that Charlotte is nothing compared to Cargill, and Michin says Charlotte is jealous of Cargill for being everything Charlotte is not, and that Cargill just needs a title around her waist. Cargill says this is business as usual, and that she will put an end to the disrespect by beating Charlotte's ass.

We hear from Nikki Bella, who says she tried to be supportive and that she worked so hard only to have WrestleMania taken away from her, and while the call she made to Paige worked and Paige's career was revitalized, Paige repaid her by losing the women's tag titles. She says that Paige failed her and Brie Bella when she failed to win back the tag titles, and blames Paige for Brie's shoulder injury. She then says that she will make Paige feel her sister Brie's pain and make Paige's life pure misery.

We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura. He says that The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) think they have evolved with a new leader, but they still have past enemies. He says The MFT's need to remember who he is, not who they are, and says he is back and that he will not be alone. Nakamura says he is starting a war and that he is no longer a one-man army, and that he and his new ally make it clear who are warriors and who are just pawns, and that The MFT's are running out of time.

Charlotte Flair beats Jade Cargill. During the match, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab show up, and B-Fab distracts the referee while Michin pulls Charlotte out of the Figure Eight. Alexa Bliss shows up for the first time since suffering an arm injury with Lilly, then the lights go out. When they come back on, Tatum Paxley is on the top of a ring post, and she hits Michin and B-Fab with a cross body. Charlotte soon hits a Natural Selection off the top rope 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 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!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 22, 2026

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rhea mentions Jade Cargill and her crew attacking her to send a message only to piss her off, and now that she is back, she is itching for a fight. Rhea tells Cargill that if she wants her rematch, she will happily beat her again at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women's Championship. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up, and Charlotte tells Rhea not to get ahead of herself as they all still have a six-woman tag team match, and Alexa says they need to be on the same page. Charlotte also wants to know where Rhea was when they were attacked last week. Rhea says she was with family in Australia. Charlotte says she needed her help, but Rhea mentions that Charlotte told her she did not need her help. Rhea asks Charlotte how she can trust her to have her back if she cannot have Alexa's, and Charlotte takes this as Rhea drawing a wedge between her and Alexa. Suddenly, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up. Jacy Jayne is entertained by Charlotte and Rhea arguing, which she says all started when Fatal Influence stepped onto the scene. She also says that while they have been at each others' throats, Fatal Influence have ascended to the top. She says that when there is an opportunity, Fatal Influence takes it. Charlotte challenges Fatal Influence to a tag team match later tonight. Jacy says that is all she needed to hear.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga). Solo Sikoa says Talla Tonga is more than ready and that he wants everyone, including Tama Tonga, to watch what Talla does to Shinsuke Nakamura tonight. Royce Keys shows up and confronts Solo Sikoa for costing him a title match, and tells Solo to stay out of his business. Solo says that if Royce did not need his help, all he had to do was say so. He just says that Royce needs somebody to watch his back, and asks who better to do it than family.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with Alexa Bliss. Alexa tells Charlotte that she is sick and tired of Charlotte and Rhea bickering and that they will be the ones teaming up tonight out of the three of them.

Talla Tonga beats Shinsuke Nakamura following the distraction and interference attempt by Solo Sikoa. After the match, Solo Sikoa goes for the Samoan Spike as Talla Tonga holds Nakamura down. Tama Tonga stops Solo, then attacks Nakamura himself. Solo goes for a Samoan Spike again, but Damian Priest shows up with a metal folding chair. Solo, Talla and Tama leave the ring.

We see a video package for Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat at Clash in Italy.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with referee Charles Robinson regarding the power outage, then meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He asks Cody to let him handle Gunther and make sure the contract gets signed. Cody agrees, then runs into Sami Zayn, who tells Cody that if he needs help, all he has to do is ask. Cody says "Thanks, but no thanks" and leaves. Sami then meets with Aldis, and is told that time is tight. Sami says that he is owed a little respect and cannot get a match, even though Cody can get time to address his fans while he cannot. Cody shows up, having overheard everything, makes himself Sami's opponent tonight.

Backstage, The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) meet in the locker room. Tama Tonga says that everyone thinks they are weak, and says that Solo Sikoa has to handle Damian Priest and show that they are not weak, and that he must do this on his own for the family. Solo agrees, and tells Tama to get the match made.

Before the next match, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up. Nia says that tomorrow night she and Lash will end Paige and Brie Bella's nostalgia tour and take the women's tag titles back, and Lash says that taking Tiffany Stratton's title will be the perfect beginning to a golden weekend.

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Lash Legend in an open challenge match. During the match, Chelsea Green shows up to support Tiffany Stratton from ringside. Near the end of the match, Nia Jax grabs at Tiffany as Tiffany is at the top rope, but Tiffany kicks her away. Chelsea soon sends Nia into the ring post, and when Lash grabs at Chelsea, Tiffany gets the schoolkid pin and the win to retain.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis finds out that the power issue in the arena is being caused by Danhausen working with his cloning machine. Danhausen disappears when he presses a button and the power goes out in the room.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz and Kit Wilson. The Miz insists that he is not cursed by Danhausen, despite what has happened to them as of late, then Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) shows up. Axiom says that Danhausen has cursed The Miz, and Kit Wilson calls this disrespectful and toxic. The Miz then challenges Axiom to a match next week in his hometown, to which Axiom agrees.

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. As Trick Williams and Lil Yachty talk about The Miz interrupting them, Carmelo Hayes suddenly shows up and tells Trick to do the right thing, as Trick screwed him out of his championship opportunity. He also says that if it were not for Trick, he would still be United States Championship. Carmelo says that he is not here to discredit Trick and that he has always believed in him, then says there is a difference between carrying a title and being a champion. He says that he won the fans over with his hard work and his blood, sweat and tears, and tells Trick to give what both him and the fans want: a match for the WWE United States Championship right here, right now. Lil Yachty says that Trick Williams has a tight schedule, Carmelo tells Trick to make time for a title defense if his secretary allows for it, as the old Trick Williams would not have anyone telling him what to do. After Carmelo says that Trick was always good at playing second fiddle, Trick says that he does not eat dirty rice or chew his cabbage twice, and says that while he ended the open challenge, Carmelo will get his match tonight, and the ass-whupping is on the house. Trick Williams then calls for a referee for this impromptu title match.

Trick Williams beats Carmelo Hayes. During the match, Ricky Saints shows up to watch the match from ringside. Near the end of the match, Saints mouths off at Carmelo at ringside only to be shoved out of the way by authority at ringside, and when Saints' argument with referee Charles Robinson costs Carmelo the win, Carmelo knocks Saints off the ring apron. That allows Trick to hit the Trick Shot for the win.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is angry with himself again when he notices Johnny Gargano lying on a road crate. He tells Gargano what is going on, saying he knows what is going on around here and that Gargano is "the last good guy left" for letting nobody change who he is. When Sami leaves, Gargano knocks over the water bottle near his own head in reference to the two other water bottles that Sami has just angrily smacked around.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Ricky Saints, who is then immediately punched in the face by Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo then tells Saints to stay out of his business.

Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Charlotte gets a revenge-filled hot tag and hits Lainey Reid with Natural Selection following Rhea's Riptide in response to Lainey Reid hitting her with a superkick meant for Rhea. After the match, Rhea, Charlotte and Alexa Bliss are attacked by Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Cargill and Rhea are the only ones left near the ring, and Cargill hits Rhea with a pump kick followed by Jaded.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says he and Sami Zayn are friends, but he does not recognize Sami so much and says that his change in attitude has become too much. He hopes to make Sami Zayn look in the mirror and become accountable, then says than Gunther can do whatever he wants, as he cannot change the fact that he is facing him.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Michin says that the women's division is lying about who is the best when they are the best, and that they will prove they are the best again. B-Fab says it is best their opponents not just show up. Jade Cargill says it is time to do the work and get her title back.

Solo Sikoa beats Damian Priest after Priest ends off Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga only for Solo to hit him with the Samoan Spike for the win. After the match, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) attack Damian Priest before Royce Keys shows up and makes quick work of Tama and Talla before confronting Solo, who just walks away. Royce helps Priest up, and Priest almost choke slams Royce before realizing who he is.

Backstage, we hear from Brie Bella and Paige. Brie and Paige have talked about their successful women's tag team title reign and state that there is more to staying champion than brute strength. They state that when they step into the ring at Saturday Night's Main Event, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) will not know what hit them.

Backstage, Chelsea Green runs into Blake Monroe. They both introduce themselves to each other, then Blake Monroe says she saw Chelsea earlier and wishes she didn't. Blake leaves, then The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) rush out and smack her into some road crates.

Backstage, Royce Keys confronts Damian Priest, asking him what his problem is and telling him that R-Truth told him to have Priest's back tonight. Priest says he does not know or trust him, and says that Royce would have done the same thing in his shoes. Royce says that if it is an issue Priest wants, it is an issue Priest will get.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Sami Zayn after Gunther suddenly shows up and puts Cody in a sleeper hold from the apron. When this happens, Sami charges at Cody, but Cody dodges and Sami nails Gunther instead. Cody then hits Sami with the Cross Rhodes for the win. After the match, Cody and Gunther brawl, and Gunther powerbombs Cody. Sami confronts Gunther before Gunther can put Cody in a sleeper hold, but Sami backs down and lets Gunther put Cody in a sleeper anyway. Sami has second thoughts about leaving Cody to Gunther as he leaves, and Gunther ultimately makes Cody pass out before holding up the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 8, 2026

In memory of Ted Turner, 1938 - 2026.

Jacob Fatu heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Jacob says that tomorrow night, he is not fighting Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship; he is taking the World Heavyweight Championship. He says that ever since they were young, everyone saw Roman as the future while seeing nothing in him, and now those same people want to talk nice to him. He says that history repeats himself, but everyone tagging in with him really wants to protect Roman. Jacob says that Roman was born with opportunity while he was born with doubt, then The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) make their way to the ring. Jimmy says they are not here to change Jacob's mind, as part of him is still proud of him while the other part is watching out for him, and wants to know if he has thought about what would happen if he lost to Roman. Jey says Jacob has not thought about that because he never thinks like that, and tells Jacob "Tribal Chief is gonna beat that ass" and break Jacob down emotionally and physically in front of his family. Jimmy says he knows Jacob's family will be in the front row, and if Jacob loses, they will have to acknowledge Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief. Jacob says that he is not losing and that he cannot lose, then says that Jay wants to school him on losing to Roman when he has never beaten Roman. He also tells Jimmy that there will be no acknowledging for his family, because the match is all about his family, who will see him become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Jacob says he is willing to put it all on the line, and asks if Roman is willing to do the same. He also tells The Usos that if they interfere in tomorrow night's, he will "burn the whole goddamn family tree down."

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Nick Aldis, who says that Gunther's recent actions were completely unacceptable. All of a sudden, Ricky Saints says everyone should be talking about him and his debut, then says he has gone from facing "QB1" to "QB4." Matt Cardona says he is not here to pass the torch to guys like him, and that he will see him in the ring tonight.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis wishes Jacob Fatu well on his way out of the building, then Jacob Fatu runs into Royce Keys, who says that failure was never an option for Jacob Fatu and tells Jacob to "werewolf up" and beat Roman Reigns. Afterwards, Royce Keys runs into Solo Sikoa, and tells him to pick his words carefully. Solo says that last week was just the wrong place at the wrong time, then tells Royce Keys that there is room in his family for him and that he needs an answer soon, and time is running out.

We hear from Chelsea Green, who wishes Tiffany Stratton luck on her first title defense via a video on X (formerly Twitter).

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Kiana James after Giulia inadvertently costs Kiana the victory while distracting the referee.

Sami Zayn is at the funeral for The Gingerbread Man. General Manager Nick Aldis says everyone just needs closure, then R-Truth shows up with a rose and says "I'm sorry for your loss" while trying to console Sami, much to Sami's chagrin.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Rhea says Fatal Influence have made an impression, but chose the wrong people to attack, and she cannot wait to get her hands on them. Charlotte says they can all get their hands on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), and Alexa has to get between them as things get tense and tell them that they need to trust each other.

Backstage, R-Truth meets on Damian Priest, who is more focused on Talla Tonga than the funeral for the Gingerbread Man. Priest asks R-Truth to stay backstage, as Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga will get to R-Truth to get to him. He asks R-Truth to trust him, as he knows how to handle them alone.

Talla Tonga beats Damian Priest despite R-Truth and Damian Priest being able to fend off both Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa. After the match, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) are about to attack Damian Priest when Royce Keys shows up, causing them to retreat.

Backstage, Danhausen takes sign-ups for his tag team partner at Backlash when The Miz and Kit Wilson show up and notice that Danhausen has no tag team partner. Kit Wilson says that the only person toxic enough to team with Danhausen is Danhausen, who likes what he sees in Kit Wilson's mirror.

We see footage of Gingerbread Man in the middle of great moments in WWE history.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Paul Heyman regarding a contract when Gunther shows up. Aldis chides Gunther for his recent behavior even though he is happy to have him on SmackDown, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, much to Gunther's chagrin. Gunther walks out angrily, and Heyman tells Aldis that he will handle this. Cody says that Gunther has made it clear that he is next in line, and would like it if Gunther would come out to the ring and do just that. Heyman shows up with a contract for a Gunther-Cody match, and Cody asks if Heyman is now Gunther's advocate. Cody then says the contract is not necessary and that they can just do this right now, but Heyman says he owes Gunther a favor and that this match is the favor he owes him. Heyman also admits that he is a big fan of Cody, and just wants him to know that he needs a contract when an undisputed heavyweight championship is at stake, and tells him that the contract for the match will be for Clash in Italy. Heyman hands Cody the contract, then tells Cody that if he wants Gunther's name on the contract, then he will have to get it himself. Cody notes that CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Brock Lensar are now gone and that Heyman is running out of options. Heyman says that he is not running out of options as he leaves, and that sooner or later, they all need the wiseman. All of a sudden, Gunther comes out of the crowd, and Cody fights back only to be put in a sleeper hold. Cody slings Gunther out of the ring and keeps him out, then says he does not sweat Gunther and dares him to get the high ground.

We see The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) backstage. Tama Tonga says that Royce Keys is a problem that needs to be dealt with, but Solo Sikoa says he sees Royce as more of a solution than a problem and a perfect fit for the family. Tama says Royce embarrassed them, which does not sit right with him, and that he will handle business and show what he is all about. Talla Tonga is about to follow Tama, but Solo says that if Tama wants to go out on his own, then he will find out on his own.

Ricky Saints beats Matt Cardona.

At the Gingerbread Man's funeral, Sami Zayn is talking to someone about how this is all a big joke. The person he is talking to is a planking Johnny Gargano, and Sami wants to know if "Johnny Wrestling" is still in there. Johnny barely rises. As Candice LeRae checks on Gargano, Sami notices Rey Fenix, but Rey Fenix says this is not the time or place as Sami gets mad at Fenix being a funeral for something that was all one big shot at him.

Backstage, a ladder falls behind Brie Bella and Paige, then Danhausen streaks by, plucking a hair from Brie's head when Brie and Paige turn around.

We see another vignette for Blake Monroe as Blake Monroe picks a dress. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.

Brie Bella and Paige head to the ring. Brie says there are a lot of teams in WWE saying they have wait to takes to beat them and become champions, but it is not so easy to beat them, and the results will always be the same. Paige says that this is not a nostalgia tour and that she and Brie are at the best they have ever been, and if The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) want to step up, then they should step up, for they are the champions and this is their house. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up, and Jacy Jayne says that Brie and Paige are in over their heads and that The Judgment Day are not the ones to worry about, especially after they dropped them and left them laying in the middle of the ring two weeks ago. Fallon Henley says that Fatal Influence is taking over SmackDown, and that part of the takeover includes the women's tag team titles. Lainey Reid says there is plenty of gold to go around, and that Jacy will soon be WWE Women's Champion. Jacy then says they have business to take care, and tells Brie and Paige to get out of the ring to see how a real team gets it done. Suddenly, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up. Nia says that Fatal Influence cannot just skip the line, and Lash Legend says that this is not NXT and that Fatal Influence will not get in the way of them getting the women's tag team titles back. Nia says Fatal Influence look like "discount mean girls," then Lash tells Fatal Influence to get to the back of the line before she and Nia lay out Brie and Paige. Rhea Ripley then heads to the ring for the next match - and stares down Lash Legend - on The Irresistible Forces' way out.

We see more footage of The Gingerbread Man at even more iconic moments in WWE history.

Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) beat Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag match after Jade Cargill shows up and yanks Rhea Ripley off the ring apron, allowing Jacy to hit Alexa with the Rolling Encore for the win. After the match, Fatal Influence back away from Jade Cargill as they leave the ring, and Cargill mockingly tells Alexa Bliss to get up. As Charlotte Flair gets in the ring, she is attacked by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Rhea Ripley gets in the ring and lays out Michin and B-Fab, but she is taken out with a pump kick by Cargill. B-Fab then puts Alexa in a full nelson slam, and Charlotte tries to fight back only to fare no better.

Backstage, Royce Keys is met by The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). They know that Royce has been talking to Jacob Fatu, and Jey tells Royce to stay in his lane or else he might catch Roman Reigns' eye.

We see even more footage of The Gingerbread Man at even more iconic WWE moments.

Royce Keys beas Tama Tonga.

Backstage, Danhausen performs a science experiment where he decides to make a clone with Brie Bella's hair and one of his own teeth with a cloning machine. It is not going very well.

Backstage, Tama Tonga is met by Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that not even his own brother will help him. Talla Tonga shows up and tells Nakamura to stay away from Tama, or else they will have problems. Nakamura says something in Japanese, then walks away.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis welcomes Trick Williams to the arena and to the funeral for the Gingerbread Man, saying that the rest of the broadcast is all for him. The ring is then prepared for The Gingerbread Man's funeral.

Trick Williams heads to the ring for The Gingerbread Man's funeral. Trick eulogizes The Gingerbread Man in song, then we see an AI-generated montage of The Gingerbread Man's life. During the moment of silence, however, Sami Zayn interrupts, calling the funeral a waste of SmackDown TV time and calling it a joke targeting him. He also criticizes how expensive the funeral is before getting in the ring while Trick takes his fur coat off, then says he would not do something like this because he has too much respect for himself, the fans and the show. Sami Zayn says he is a working class hero and that he represents his "ride or die" fans until the end, and says he has been all over the card against people who thought they would knock him off his perch and has been in the game for twenty years, then gives credit where credit is due to Trick for getting in his head. Sami then tells Trick that he played himself and that he will make a joke out of him, then tells Trick to enjoy his night before he sees him at Backlash. Sami turns to leave, then hits a cheap shot. All of a sudden, The Gingerbread Man rises from the dead and unmasks to reveal that he is Lil Yachty, who hits Sami Zayn in the back with a candy cane. Trick then hits the Trick Shot on Sami to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for March 24, 2026

Backstage, Interim General Manager Robert Stone meets with Shiloh Hill when Tatum Paxley is meeting with Blake Monroe. Stone says that she has not seen Blake, who has the Women's North American title. Shiloh and Tatum leave to go after Blake, then Josh Briggs shows up. All of a sudden, it is revealed that somebody has been attacked in the parking lot.

Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) by submission with the cross arm breaker on Lainey Reid as Wren Sinclair puts the Final Wrench on Fallon Henley. During the match, it is revealed that Elio LeFleur and Eli Knight have been attacked in the parking lot. After the match, Kendal Grey brags about tapping Lainey Reid out after Wren Sinclair took the Women's Speed title from Fallon, then states that she will take the NXT Women's Championship from Jacy Jayne. Lola Vice shows up and agrees that a new woman needs to run the women's division, and while Kendal will hold a title one day, it will not be that day when she breaks Jacy's jaw and becomes champion herself. Interim General Manager Robert Stone shows up and makes Lola vs. Kendal in a #1 contender's match for the NXT Women's Championship next week.

Sol Ruca is in the ring. She says she has been going back and forth about what she wanted to talk about, and part of her did not want to say anything at all. She says she has seen what Zaria has said on social media, and thought that they were stronger than this. Sol Ruca states that Zaria states that decided that she was not worth standing next to anymore, even after she fought for her when no one else would and always gave her the benefit of the doubt so she could make her name mean something. She then says that Zaria never wanted to be part of a team and just wanted her moment, and when she could not get her own moment, Zaria took her out. Sol Ruca says she wanted to pull Zaria forward and did what she did because she thought they were better together, and that she wanted Zaria to shine as much as she did. She says that while she was fighting for the both of them, Zaria just wanted to make everything about her. Sol Ruca then says she sees and hears her and knows who Zaria really are, and dares Zaria to prove she can stand alone at Stand & Deliver. When Sol Ruca demands Zaria face her, Zaria shows up and accuses Sol Ruca of wanting her own success more while giving her nothing and making her nothing more than "Sol Ruca's partner" rather than Zaria. She states that when she Speared Sol Ruca, she took back everything Sol Ruca took from her, and she was no longer standing in her own shadow. She says that this all started at Stand & Deliver and that it will all end there. Zaria says that Sol Ruca was never going to share anything with her as soon as she kicked her off the ladder, and that she hated having to stand near someone who had everything she wanted and could not get it. Zaria concludes for that as long as Sol Ruca stands, she is never going to. She says this is not about Sol Ruca, but about choosing herself, and if breaking her will allow her to be who she wants to become, so be it. Sol Ruca is surprised that Zaria views her as the bad guy in her story and that she viewed their friendship as a transactional relationship, then says that Zaria threw away opportunities because she was ashamed to stand beside her. Zaria says that Sol Ruca is not the villain, but the mistake.

Backstage, "All Ego" Ethan Page and Ricky Saints talk in the locker room. Ethan says she wants to be NXT Champion, as does Saints. Josh Briggs is sitting nearby and listening, and say that while they are complaining, he cannot even get five minutes with Interim General Manager Robert Stone. As they continue to argue after Briggs leaves, Joe Hendry shows up and says that if Saints cannot take care of Tony D'Angelo, then he will have to. Hendry leaves as Ethan and Saints continue to argue.

Kelani Jordan beats Thea Hail. After the match, Kelani continues to attack Thea and goes for a submission hold until Jaida Parker shows up and gives her a beatdown. Kelani is forced to roll out of the ring.

In this week's NXT Spotlight, Jasper Troy talks about how Booker T has been a father figure to him and how he had to act when Keanu Carver disrespected him. He plans to take the fight to Carver next week, and promises that Carver will regret his actions.

Backstage, Tatum Paxley finds out from Shiloh Hill where Blake Monroe is, then Shiloh Hill heads to the ring for the next match.

Johnny Gargano beats Dion Lennox, Jackson Drake, Charlie Dempsey and Shiloh Hill to win the NXT North American Championship #1 contender's Gauntlet Eliminator after Candice LeRae has to shove Gargano downward onto Shiloh Hill from the corner in order to get him the pin and the win. During the match, Candice LeRae shows up and says she has tried everything to snap Johnny Gargano out of his funk, except bringing him back to NXT. Candice has to bring a slightly confused Gargano to the ring, and Gargano starts planking again after being struck upon trying to get in the ring. Shortly afterwards, Dion Lennox is attacked by OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price on the outside. After the match, Myles Borne shows up and stares down Johnny Gargano, and the fire returns to Gargano once again.

Backstage, Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes and Josh Briggs all want Interim General Manager Robert Stone's time when a referee shows up, stating that Keanu Carver is out of control again. The referee leaves, then Jaida Parker shows up wanting a match with Kelani Jordan. Stone makes it official for next week.

NXT Origins with Tiffany Stratton from last night's Raw is replayed.

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price). Bronco Nima and Lucien Price say that this is revenge on Darkstate's (Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars, Osiris Griffin) recent parking lot attack and while DarkState made it personal, they made if official. They will face DarkState next week in a six-man tag match, and Lucien Price says they have somebody outside of NXT who will team with them: Mike Santana, who says that DarkState is dealing with a collection of savages surrounded by a concrete jungle and is stepping into his home.

Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) replaces Elio LaFleur and Eli Knight in the next match.

Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) beat The Culling (Shawn Spears and Niko Vance) to advance in the NXT Tag Team Championship #1 contender's tournament after headbutting both members of The Culling with loaded masks.

Backstage, Interim General Manager Robert Stone meets with Keanu Carver, who tells him that he will be fined for his recent actions and that nobody will referee his potential match with Jasper Troy. Josh Briggs shows up and offers to referee Keanu Carver vs. Jasper Troy, saying that he is not scared of either man and that he will get to Madison Square Garden any way he can. Stone makes it official.

Tatum Paxley has found Blake Monroe's hotel and is looking for her.

Blake Monroe is in the bathtub of her hotel room with the NXT Women's North American Championship when she hears a knock on the door. Believing it is room service, she answers only to find out that it is really Tatum Paxley. Tatum says Blake has something that belongs to her, and that she will face her next week for the Women's North American Championship.

It is announced that Sexyy Red will be returning to NXT at NXT Stand & Deliver.

Tony D'Angelo beats Ricky Saints by disqualification after "All Ego" Ethan Page hits D'Angelo with a chop block in full view of the ref in response to D'Angelo knocking him off the ring apron. After the match, Ethan Page and Ricky Saints gang up on Tony D'Angelo. Joe Hendry shows up before the two of them can hit D'Angelo with a double-team spike piledriver, and sends Saints and Ethan Page packing before hitting D'Angelo with the Standing Ovation. D'Angelo is smiling in the corner as Ethan Page and Ricky Saints both have their hands on the NXT Championship.

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Interim General Manager Robert Stone, who announces that Joe Hendry will defend the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver against "All Ego" Ethan Page, Ricky Saints and Tony D'Angelo in a Fatal 4-Way Match. He also announces that next week, all four men will sign a contract for that match.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for March 17, 2026

Jacy Jayne retains the NXT Women's Championship against Sol Ruca and Zaria after Zaria pulls Sol Ruca out of the pin and hits her with an F5. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid fight Zaria on the outside, and that allows Jacy to get on top of Sol Ruca to win and retain.

Backstage, Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey are met by Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Arianna Grace and Uriah Connors. Sinclair says that Dempsey has been ghosting them, but Dempsey says he has found someone better. Dempsey and company leave, then Lola Vice shows up and wishes Sinclair luck before telling Kendal that nothing will stop her from winning the NXT Women's Championship at Stand & Deliver.

Ricky Saints heads to the ring. Saints says that nothing can dampen his spirits because he is the real main event and things are looking up, and after a small setback, he and "All Ego" Ethan Page are pivoting back into title competition. He says that he and Ethan beat Myles Borne and Joe Hendry because they are a great tag team, then says that if it were not for The Vanity Project, they would be in the tag team tournament; thankfully, they only want singles gold and the tag division is safe. Saints claims that he will soon take his place as a two-time NXT Champion when "All Ego" Ethan Page shows up and reminds Saints that he pinned Joe Hendry. Saints lets Ethan call out Borne, but Ethan wants to be a two-time NXT Champion, not North American. As Saints says this was not part of the plan, Joe Hendry shows up, and while he gives Ethan credit where credit is due, he says that Saints does not want it as badly as Ethan. He then says that they only thing both of them will get is medical attention if they think they can step up to him, and admits that Saints has none of the musical talent that he does. Ethan and Saints soon argue with each other, then attack Hendry at the same time only for Hendry to bounce back with a double clothesline and two Fallaway Slams. All of a sudden, Hendry is hit out of nowhere with a Spear by Tony D'Angelo, who soon lays out both Ethan and Saints right after that.

Tonight's NXT Focus shows William Regal and Fit Finely with Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King, Arianna Grace, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Uriah Connors, now collectively known as "Birthright." Interim General Manager Robert Stone shows up and speaks privately with Regal, who feels that Stone should have the general manager position permanently.

Los Americanos (El Grande Americano II, Rayo Americano, Bravo Americano) beat The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) in a six-man tag match.

Backstage, Eli Knight and "Super" Sean Legacy meet with Elio LeFleur. Legacy is on crutches and cannot compete in the tag team tournament. LeFleur offers to take over for Legacy until Legacy gets better, and he enters the tournament. They all leave, then Sol Ruca shows up and says that Zaria screwed her out of the NXT Women's Championship and that she wants to deal with Zaria first.

Vic Joseph is in the ring to introduce Booker T for Booker T Appreciation Night. Booker T leaves the commentary table to head to the ring. We see a video package where Booker T's peers as well as current and former NXT Superstars mention their memories of Booker T before Booker T is presented with a plaque commemorating Booker T Appreciation Night. Booker T says he has been doing this for 35 years and that it has been an amazing ride. He thanks the fans for making this possible, then Keanu Carver shows up, attacks security guards, and threatens to beat Booker T up if he does not leave the ring. Two of Booker T's students are in the ring, and Carver makes quick work of them before Jasper Troy shows up and fights Carver. Jasper clotheslines Carver out of the ring, adn Carver is forced back to the back. The locker room empties out and gives Booker T a standing ovation, and Booker T wants to know what is going on, saying this should not be happening in his city.

Wren Sinclair beats Fallon Henley by submission with the Final Wrench to win WWE Women's Speed Championship!

Backstage, "All Ego" Ethan Page and Ricky Saints meet with Interim General Manager Robert Stone. Ricky Saints gets a match against Tony D'Angelo next week thanks to Ethan, much to Saints' slight chagrin.

Birthright (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Uriah Connors) beat Hank Walker and Tank Ledger to advance in the NXT Tag Team Championship #1 contender's tournament after Lexis King takes the bullet for Stacks and gets double-teamed. This allows Uriah Connors to tag in, and when Stacks gets double-teamed, Connors swoops in and gets the pin and the win.

Backstage, Joe Hendry meets with Interim General Manager Robert Stone, and ends up getting a match with Ethan Page. Meanwhile, DarkState (Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars, Osiris Griffin) and OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) brawl in the parking lot.

Backstage, Thea Hail meets with Tatum Paxley and tells her that she has tonight's steel cage match handled. Tatum says NXT needs more people like Thea. Kelani Jordan shows up after Tatum leaves and says she used to be like her until the locker room turned on her. Jaida Parker shows up and tells Kelani to knock it off, then Thea tells Kelani that last week, she got knocked out, and next week, she gets tapped out.

Backstage, Jacy Jayne is happy to still be champion, but Fallon Henley is less that thrilled to lose the WWE Women's Speed Championship. Henley says that she and Lainey Reid will take care of Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey next week as she tries to get her rematch.

Backstage, Interim General Manager Robert Stone meets with Myles Borne, who finds out that his next title challenger will be decided in a gauntlet match next week. Birthright (Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King, Arianna Grace, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Uriah Connors) shows up, with Lexis King wanting the North American Championship, and hopes that Stone does the right thing and puts him in the gauntlet.

Tatum Paxley retains the NXT Women's North American Championship against Izzi Dame in a steel cage match. After the match, Blake Monroe comes out of a hatch in the ramp and pulls Tatum Paxley into it before holding up the Women's North American Championship.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for January 20, 2026

Backstage, General Manager Ava asks security to be on the look out for Tony D'Angelo in case he shows up, as he is the not the same man that she once knew following his recent wave of attacks.

"All Ego" Ethan Page retains the NXT North American Championship against Elio LaFleur after powerbombing LaFleur out of the corner and grabbing the tights. After the match, Ricky Saints shows up and says that he and Ethan Page are the glue holding NXT together, but Ethan says that when they last clashed, he beat him. Saints then says he will guest on commentary for the next match to see who is qualifying, and tells Ethan to head to the back and put his feet up.

In an LFG exclusive, we find that there is a rift between Booker T and Keanu Carver. In backstage footage where Kam Hendrix is talking about LFG, Keanu Carver is seen yelling into a room, slamming the door and walking out.

Shiloh Hill beats Josh Briggs in an NXT Championship Ladder Match qualifier with a neckbreaker after avoiding a top rope moonsault. After the match, Tony D'Angelo shows up, takes out both men, then looks straight at Ricky Saints before leaving.

Backstage, Sol Ruca and Zaria mention what happened at Total Nonstop Action Genesis, then Zaria says that her left shoulder is not at 100% coming into tonight's tag team triple threat match.

The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor and "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes) beats Chase University (Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon).

Backstage, General Manager Ava calls the police on Tony D'Angelo, who she has now suspended. Lola Vice shows up wanting a shot at the Women's North American title. Thea Hail shows up wanting a shot at the title as well. Ava gives them both a shot at Izzi Dame and the title next week.

We see Blake Howard's sit-down interview with Keanu Carver, who mentions that he was required to be here and that he is not answering any questions. It is not long before he walks out of the interview.

Jaida Parker heads to the ring. Parker says that she is happy to be back, and while things have changed in NXT, she has not, and she has been watching while she was gone, saying that the women's division has been tearing it up. She says that she wanted to come back with no excuses, because standards do not to talk; they get checked, tested, pressed, and keep getting up again and again. Jaida then says that everybody has their opinions about her, and while there are days she may not be able to catch a break, she can catch eyes and she can catch people's attention. As she continues to speak, the lights go out, and Jaida is not impressed with this before Blake Monroe shows up on the balcony with the spotlight on her. The lights go on as Blake says Jaida made a mistake interrupting her, saying she is just talk and that she does not come back and get in her way. Jaida says Blake only talks so much because she has nothing to prove, and says that Blake has her to deal with at the end of the day.

Backstage, Myles Borne meets with General Manager Ava when Elio LaFleur shows up and thanks Ava for the opportunity, saying this is just the beginning. Meanwhile, Ricky Saints heads back towards the ring for commentary, and Myles tells Saints he will see him in the ladder match when he wins his qualifying match against Dion Lennox next week. Ethan Page shows up and says it depends on which version of Myles shows up. Saints says Ethan has a good point before leaving, then Ethan tells Myles that the choice is his and that he knows what he needs to do.

"Super" Sean Legacy beats Eli Knight in an NXT Championship Ladder Match qualifier. After the match, both men are attacked by Tony D'Angelo, who also choke slams Sean Legacy into the commentary table before briefly looking at Ricky Saints. General Manager Ava shows up with three policemen, and Tony D'Angelo turns himself in before escorted to the back.

We hear from The Culling (Shawn Spears, Nikko Vance, Izzi Dame). Izzi Dame says her Women's North American Championship personifies why The Culling was created. Spears is proud of Izzi. Niko Vance agrees with Izzi, then says that he and Shawn Spears should re-focus on the tag team titles and have OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) and DarkState (Saquon Shugars and Osiris Griffin) do most of the work. Izzi knows they can get the job done.

Tony D'Angelo is escorted from the building by police. General Manager Ava says she had no choice, and D'Angelo does not answer any questions. Meanwhile, OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) tells DarkState (Saquon Shugars and Osiris Griffin) that last week was a warning, and now, they are coming for the tag team titles next week.

Backstage, The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) brag about getting the win tonight, and Brad Baylor says that next week will be even better when Jackson Drake wins his NXT Championship Ladder Match qualifier. Robert Stone congratulates The Vanity Project, then tells Jackson Drake that he will face Joe Hendry in next week's qualifier. Hendry shows up around Ricky's arm and says he will not pass up this match and that he will see Drake next week. Hendry leaves, and Ricky Smokes is wondering how the woman who is arm was around was replaced with Hendry before questioning whether or not he actually kissed Joe Hendry.

Backstage, Saquon Shugars and Osiris Griffin talk about OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price), saying they are delusional for thinking they can win the NXT tag titles and Joe Hendry is rubbing off on them. Cutler James shows up and mentions Tony D'Angelo costing Dion Lennox his match, saying D'Angelo is safer in jail than out in public. Lennox shows up and says that if everyone wants a shot at them, that is cool. He then says he will beat Myles Borne and qualify for the NXT Championship Ladder Match.

The Personal Concierge George Iceman is in the crowd for the next match.

Sol Ruca and Zaria beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) and the team of Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey in a tag team Triple Threat Match to become #1 contenders for the Total Nonstop Action Knockouts World Tag Team Championships.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for December 16, 2025

Backstage, General Manager Ava runs into Je'Von Evans, who is waiting in the parking lot for Ricky Saints. Ava wants Je'Von to return to the building to reason with him, but Je'Von insists on waiting.

Thea Hail beats Blake Monroe to become the NXT Women's North American Champion! During the match, Thea Hail hits Blake Monroe with a springboard senton, and while Blake gets her right shoulder up in the nick of time, the referee does not see it.

We hear from The Culling (Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, Izzi Dame0. They see two dolls of Niko Vance and Shawn Spears, and Izzi Dame says that Tatum Paxley cannot accept defeat and cannot move on like they have have.

"All Ego" Ethan Page heads to the ring. Ethan Page complains that more people care about John Cena than him, especially after he was attacked, then says he wants answers as to why he was attacked by Tony D'Angelo, who he calls out. Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Arianna Grace show up instead, and Stacks says he does not know or care about D'Angelo or what his problem is, then mentions Ethan talking about being a champion and how Arianna wants more gold for Christmas. Stacks says the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships would look better on him and Arianna, then Moose suddenly shows up and takes offense to Stacks being Total Nonstop Action International Champion, saying "the boys are pissed" and that he is going to do something about it. As Ethan leaves the ring, Moose says he is also laser-focused on Ethan Page, who stops in his tracks to take one of NXT's most prestigious titles back. As Ethan says there are rules, Moose says that General Manager Ava and TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella have signed off on it. He announces that Ethan will defend the North American title against him at the end of year awards show. Ethan goes for a cheap shot, but Moose overpowers him.

Backstage, Leon Slater is talking to Je'Von Evans in the parking lot, saying that Ricky Saints may not show up tonight and that they have a tag team title #1 contender's match. Je'Von joins Slater back in the arena.

Hank Walker and Tank Ledger beat OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price). During the match, a black Chevrolet luxury vehicle pulls up in the parking lot. Later on in the match, Bronco Nima has Hank Walker up for a vertical suplex, but Tank bounces off the corner and bumps Lucien into Bronco, allowing Hank to counter with an inside cradle on Bronco for the win.

Ricky Saints is seen coming out of the black Chevy SUV from earlier and entering the arena alongside security. (Interestingly, the front security guard on the left - Ricky's right - is Chris Island from LFG.)

Backstage, General Manager Ava meets with Jasper Troy. Ava announces that next week, there is another WWE Speed Championship tournament, and Jasper Troy says that is bad news for whoever is in the tournament as well as whoever he has to face.

Ricky Saints heads to the ring, with the security guards from earlier standing around the ring apron. Saints says that he is not out here to apologize for the day he stepped foot into the ring and bring in "The Absolute Era," as he wanted to prove to the world that he is the guy who can carry any brand as he is relentlessly booed. He says that he took a gamble on himself and did not have any more options, and that he had to be obsessed with being number one. Saints that he was the man to beat Oba Femi and he did it, yet the fans really wanted Je'Von Evans to beat Oba. Saints says this is why nobody cared when Je'Von jumped the line and cashed in his title shot in front of him, and that he had to put him in check and tell him that he is not the man until he says so. Saints says he will not be ignored or passed over anymore and that he will take what he wants, and if he has to stab someone in the back to do it, so be it. He then says that he will prove that Je'Von and everyone will have to wait, for he is done with the popularity contest with people chasing clout when he is a real main eventer. He says that the revolution is televised and that will nobody will get to the top and take the risks to keep the top spot more than him. All of a sudden, he is attacked by Je'Von Evans from the outside of the ring. The security guards move in, and this leads to a brawl. Saints overpowers Je'Von and puts him through the announce table with a Ro-Sham-Bo.

Backstage, "All Ego" Ethan Page interrupts General Manager Ava and she talks with Sol Ruca and Zaria, angry about what has happened to him tonight. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre soon join Ethan, and Chelsea complains about what has been going on in NXT as of late. Ava says she is not to blame for what is happening to Chelsea, and says that Chelsea and Ethan will be tested for the next two weeks. While Ethan will defend the North American Championship in two weeks, Chelsea will defend the Women's United States Championship against Sol Ruca next week.

Jacy Jayne guests on commentary for the next match.

Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) by submission with a cross arm breaker from Kendal to Fallon.

Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews Thea Hail. Thea rambles on, still surprised that she is now a champion. Jordynne Grace shows up, amazed that Thea was able to beat Blake Monroe faster than she could, then Blake shows up furious that she is lost. Jordynne tells Blake to lick her wounds somewhere else and let Thea have her moment. Blake says she wants her rematch, then leaves.

Backstage, Izzi Dame is met by Lola Vice, who says that she would be watching her own back if she did what Izzi did to Tatum Paxley. Meanwhile, Kelani moves back into the women's locker room, thinking less of Lola because of her own success, but Lola warns her that gymnastics is nothing compared to MMA.

Backstage, Shiloh Hill is talking with Skyler Raye about their recent happenings in NXT when Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Arianna Grace. Shiloh Hill thinks Stacks it talking about a real moose when Stacks mentions Moose, and this leads to Stacks going off on Shiloh. Skyler thinks that Stacks and Arianna have a problem, and Arianna takes exception to Skyler's response. This soon leads to Stacks challenging the two of them to a mixed tag match when DarkState (Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Saquon Shugars, Osiris Griffin) shows up and heads to the ring.

Voting is now open for the NXT Year-End Awards on WWE's website!

Leon Slater beats Myles Borne, Joe Hendry and Dion Lennox in a Fatal 4-Way Match to become the new #1 contender for the NXT Championship. After the match, Oba Femi shows up to raise the NXT Championship at the ramp while Tony D'Angelo watches from a distance from above the crowd.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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