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WWE Friday Night SmackDown Full Card, Predictions, How to Watch (5/22/26) 

WWE Friday Night SmackDown Full Card, Predictions, How to Watch (5/22/26) 

DraftKings Network Pro Wrestling WWE

Published:

By: Ryan Wohl

Before WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 23, the promotion is in Lexington, Kentucky, at the Rupp Arena for their upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown. WWE was last in Lexington, Kentucky, for an episode of Monday Night Raw in January 2020.

So far, only one match has been announced for this card, but we will likely see Gunther respond to Cody Rhodes ahead of their showdown at Clash in Italy. Check out viewing information and the advertised superstars for WWE’s upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown below. This article will be updated when matches and segments are added to the card.

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How to Watch Friday Night SmackDown

Friday Night SmackDown airs live on the USA Network in the United States beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.


WWE Friday Night SmackDown Full Card and Predictions

Singles Match: Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Although Shinsuke Nakamura is more experienced, Talla Tonga’s power advantage is the difference maker in this match. Since entering WWE, very few competitors have been able to hurt Tonga, and Nakamura doesn’t have the skill set to do so.

Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura Prediction: Talla Tonga defeats Shinsuke Nakamura.

Advertised for SmackDown

  • Gunther will respond to Cody Rhodes, who attacked him last week.
  • WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is kicking off SmackDown to answer Jade Cargill’s challenge.
  • Tiffany Stratton will have a Women’s United States Open Challenge.
  • Carmelo Hayes addresses United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty.
  • On WWE.com, Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton are also scheduled to appear on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.

Results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown (5/15/26)

  • Trick Williams def. The Miz 
  • Brie Bella & Paige def. Giulia & Kiana James 
  • Carmelo Hayes def. Ricky Saints 
  • Damian Priest def. Tama Tonga 
  • Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss def. Michin & B-Fab via Disqualification 
  • Gunther def. Royce Keys

WWE Friday Night SmackDown FAQ

Where will the upcoming episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown take place?

The event is taking place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

What time does WWE Friday Night SmackDown start?

Friday Night SmackDown starts at 8:00 p.m. ET.

How can I watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

Fans in the U.S. can view this event live on USA Network.

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Ryan Wohl
Ryan Wohl

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.