Updated WWE SmackDown preview with two new additions
WWE has made two new additions to the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown episode.
On the eve of Backlash, SmackDown is taking place from Jacksonville, Florida tonight. It’s been announced that an appearance by Jacob Fatu will kick off the broadcast. The segment will help finish off the build to Fatu challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in an all-Bloodline matchup at Backlash.
WWE.com wrote:
- On Monday, Jacob Fatu took out World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns for the second week in a row, smashing The OTC through a table with the devastating Tongan Death Grip.
- Just three days prior on last week’s SmackDown, The Samoan Werewolf ruthlessly attacked Solo Sikoa and slammed Talla Tonga through the announce table.
- Fatu is set to kick off SmackDown on Friday, one night before he challenges Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash. Find out what bedlam will be unleashed at 8 ET/7 CT on USA.
A new match announcement has also been made for tonight’s show with Damian Priest facing off against Talla Tonga, who attacked Priest, R-Truth, Nathan Frazer, and Axiom last week after Priest & Truth retained their WWE Tag Team titles over Fraxiom. Tonga & Solo Sikoa then declared war on Fatu, Reigns, and The Usos.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 8) —
- Gunther addresses his attack on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
- United States Champion Trick Williams hosts a funeral for the Gingerbread Man ahead of title defense against Sami Zayn at Backlash
- Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
- Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Kiana James
- Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
- Jacob Fatu kicks off SmackDown
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.