Updated preview for WWE SmackDown Backlash fallout episode
WWE has made its first slate of announcements for tonight’s Backlash fallout edition of SmackDown.
– Gunther all but joined the SmackDown roster last week, but he’ll officially decide tonight if he’s going to be part of the brand going forward. If he does sign his SmackDown contract, Gunther challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship will be confirmed for Clash in Italy on May 31.
– Tonight’s show is taking place at Colonial Life Arena on the campus of the University of South Carolina, where Trick Williams once played college football. A special homecoming celebration will be held for Williams on SmackDown. He’s coming off a successful United States Championship defense against Sami Zayn at Backlash.
– Last Friday, Jade Cargill returned for the first time since dropping the WWE Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42. She immediately set her sights back on Ripley, with Cargill, B-Fab & Michin interrupting a six-woman tag match and causing Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss to lose to Fatal Influence.
Cargill will appear on tonight’s show and address the fans following last week’s attack.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 15) —
- Gunther decides whether to join SmackDown to challenge Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
- United States Champion Trick Williams returns to the University of South Carolina for a homecoming celebration
- Jade Cargill addresses her attack on WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.