WWE SmackDown 5/8/26, WWE Backlash Tampa 2026 review

part 3 of 4 Getting Color Commentary Father Lloyd, Derrick and BT review WWE SMACKDOWN from 5/8/26

WWE paid tribute to Ted Turner. We send our condolences to Turner’s friends, family & fans.

Jacob Fatu appeared for a promo saying he was taking Roman Reigns’ World Heavyweight Title. The Usos interrupted to warn Fatu about the emotional damage Reigns will cause to make him acknowledge him. Fatu responded by saying they had never beaten Reigns and, unlike Reigns, he was ready to die for his. Before leaving, Fatu warned The Usos to NOT interfere by saying the following: “Because if you, I swear to god, I will burn this goddamn family tree down to the ground.”

Matt Cardona challenged Ricky Saints for later tonight.

After meeting with Jacob Fatu, Royce Keys confronted Solo Sikoa. Sikoa apologized to Keys for the incident last week and told him to consider joining the MFT.

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) def. Kiana James (w/ Giulia) to retain the title.

Sami Zayn attended the backstage in memoriam of the Gingerbread Man. R-Truth wished his condolences to Zayn.

Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley & Alexa Bliss spoke backstage ahead of their match against Fatal Influence tonight.

Damian Priest told R-Truth to stay backstage for his match.

Talla Tonga (w/ Tama Tonga & Solo Sikoa) def. Damian Priest (w/ R-Truth).

MFT were about to attack R-Truth, but Royce Keys made the save.

Danhausen was offering auditions to find a partner for Backlash. The Miz & Kit Wilson made fun of him for that.

As GUNTHER was backstage to sign his SmackDown contract, Cody Rhodes interrupted with his entrance. Rhodes called out GUNTHER to come to the ring; however, Paul Heyman appeared with a contract for Clash In Italy. Heyman told Rhodes that if he wanted GUNTHER, he would need to get him all on his own. This allowed GUNTHER to appear, but Rhodes tossed him out after smashing a microphone to the face. Rhodes then told GUNTHER that if he wanted the High ground, he was easy to find but hard to beat.

Ricky Saints def. Matt Cardona.

Sami Zayn spoke with Johnny Gargano as he was lying down. Zayn then met with Rey Fenix.

Danhausen ran through the screen as Paige & Brie Bella were making their way to the ring.

Paige & Brie Bela appeared; however, Fatal Influence interrupted and declared they were coming for the WWE Tag Titles. Irresistible Forces then appeared and said they were the ones at the top of the card and first in line.

Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid) def. Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Jade Cargill attacked Rhea Ripley during the match.

Michin & B-Fab attacked Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss. Ripley tried to make the save, but Cargill blasted Ripley with a Pump Kick.

Royce Keys def. Tama Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga).

Dahausen tried to clone himself. The Clone Machinehausen broke down.

Tama Tonga was confronted by Shinsuke Nakamura before Talla Tonga appeared.

Trick Williams hosted the funeral for the Gingerbread Man. After singing with a choir & and an AI vignette, Sami Zayn interrupted and attacked Williams; however, Gingerbread Man rose from the dead. It turns out that it was Lil Yatchy in the suit. Williams & Yatchty stood tall to end the broadcast.

review WWE BACKLASH Tampa 2026

Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman) def. Seth Rollins.

WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) (w/ Lil Yatchy) def. Sami Zayn to retain the title.

Danhausen & Minihausen def. The Miz & Kit Wilson.

Iyo Sky def. Asuka.

John Cena appeared for a promo. Cena reflected on his retirement show and how it helped showcase young talents like Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, and Sol Ruca. Because of this, John Cena announced “The John Cena Classic”, a tournament pitting NXT Talents against WWE Talents, and the winners would be crowned champion. Cena revealed that this will be done at a brand-new event via a fan vote.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) def. Jacob Fatu to retain the title.

Fatu laid out everyone to end the broadcast.

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