WWE Backlash is just over a week away and the blue brand is in Tulsa, Oklahoma to put the finishing touches on the upcoming premium live event's scheduled matches. We know Ricky Saints will make his debut, but we might also hear a little more about CM Punk and Cody Rhodes' program as well as Jacob Fatu's upcoming title shot against Roman Reigns . Let's get into it.

  • Show: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
  • U.S. Broadcast: USA Network
  • International Broadcast: Netflix

How to Watch WWE SmackDown

There is no special start time for this week's episode of SmackDown.

The show airs live at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on USA Network from the BOK Center in Tulsa, with Netflix carrying the broadcast across most major international markets including Canada, the UK, Australia, and Mexico. Peacock subscribers can stream the episode on-demand after it airs.

Ricky Saints Makes His Main Roster Debut

Saints put Shiloh Hill over on his way out of the door in NXT. We will see if Saints can make an impact on the main roster.

The former NXT Champion’s debut tonight is expected to be a showcase squash match against an unannounced opponent, with WWE laying the groundwork through a vignette package on last week's SmackDown. Given how the company has handled the rollout, expect a star-making presentation right out of the gate.

Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne

Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence made a memorable debut last week as the trio was booed out of the building. Jayne is the real deal, so I expect her to bounce back and WWE is likely serious about giving her and her faction a push.

Jayne, Fallon Henley , and Lainey Reid attacked Charlotte Flair , Alexa Bliss , Brie Bella, and Paige during last week’s Women's Tag Team Championship match, costing them the title shot. Flair told Bliss backstage she'd handle Jayne herself this week, which sets the table for plenty of Fatal Influence interference and a likely Backlash payoff.

What Should Fans Expect on the Road to Backlash?

With three matches confirmed, it is very possible we see at least one more added on Friday. Punk vs. Rhodes is likely built to play out down the road like Money in the Bank or SummerSlam.

The Raw side of Backlash is already locked with Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker , and Asuka vs. IYO SKY , but the SmackDown half is wide open. With Cody Rhodes still recovering from the orbital injury Randy Orton inflicted at WrestleMania 42, expect tonight to clarify exactly what direction WWE takes the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.