Smackdown Highlights: WWE SmackDown aired from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. It was the blue brand’s go-home show for tomorrow’s WWE Backlash. Tonight, they had a funeral for a gingerbread man. Sami Zayn was mad about it and Trick Williams looked sad.
GUNTHER explained his attack on Cody Rhodes. Tiffany Stratton defended the WWE Women’s United States Championship against Kiana James. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair teamed with Rhea Ripley against Fatal Influence.
WWE Smackdown Highlights
Cody Rhodes Challenges GUNTHER to Fight Anytime on SmackDown
Jacob Fatu cut a fiery promo live in the arena, saying at Backlash he’s not just fighting Roman Reigns—he’s taking the title. He talked about growing up with doubt while Roman had opportunity and how everyone around him is really just protecting Roman, not him.
The Usos came out to warn him, saying they understand his drive but reminding him that if he loses, he’ll be broken down in front of his family. Jacob fired back, saying there’s no losing for him and he’s ready to put everything on the line. He warned the Usos not to interfere, or he’ll “burn the whole family tree down.”
He left the ring still hyped, promising chaos and proving he’s all gas, no brakes.
Kiana James vs Tiffany Stratton (c) (United States Championship)
Kiana James and Tiffany Stratton started with back-and-forth moves, with James targeting Stratton’s knees early. Tiffany came back with flying mares, shoulder blocks, and a handspring Stunner. James hit a running fisherman suplex and some big punches, but a distraction from Giulia let Stratton recover.
Tiffany finished the match with her springboard moonsault, keeping the WWE Women’s United States Championship.
Damian Priest vs Talla Tonga
Damian Priest started strong with punches, a superkick, and spinning roundhouse kicks, even hitting a double axhandle off the steel steps. Talla Tonga fought back, ramming him into the post and announce desk. Solo Sikoa tried to help Tonga, but Ron Killings came out to even things up.
Tonga eventually won with a chokeslam for the pin.
Jacob Fatu Targets Roman Reigns at Backlash
Cody Rhodes came out ready to face GUNTHER right there in Jacksonville. Paul Heyman brought a contract, but it was for a match in Turin, Italy at Clash, not for tonight. Cody pushed back, saying they didn’t need a contract to fight.
GUNTHER slid in, tried to hit Cody, and locked in the Gojira Clutch, but Rhodes escaped with a mic strike and tossed him through the ropes. Cody called out GUNTHER, saying if he wants respect, he has to earn it, and made it clear he’s ready to fight anytime on SmackDown.
Matt Cardona vs “Absolute” Ricky Saints
Matt Cardona and Ricky Saints went back and forth with lots of nearfalls. Saints kicked out of the Broski Boot and Rough Ryder, then hit a springboard tornado DDT and pinned Cardona with the Roshambo for the win.
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, & Rhea Ripley vs Fatal Influence
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley faced Fatal Influence in a six-woman tag. Henley started strong on Bliss, but Bliss fought back with strikes and moves. Ripley tagged in, hitting big moves on Reid and Jayne, clearing the floor with a cannonball. Flair came in hot with lariats and chops. Bliss returned, but Jacy Jayne rolled her up for the win.
Post-match, Jade Cargill appeared, attacking Bliss. Rhea tried to save her, hitting Cargill and her goons, but B-FAB and Mia Yim stopped Flair. Chaos ruled the ring as the babyfaces struggled to fight back.
Trick Williams’ Gingerbread Man Funeral Sparks Chaos
Trick Williams opened SmackDown with a funeral for the Gingerbread Man, giving a spoken-word eulogy and pouring a drink in his memory. Sami Zayn stormed the ring, furious at the spectacle, calling it a joke and vowing to teach Trick a lesson.
Zayn attacked, but suddenly the Gingerbread Man “sat up,” revealing Little Yachty, who hit Zayn with a candy cane kendo stick. Trick finished him off with the Trickshot. Williams and Yachty celebrated together as chaos unfolded, leaving Zayn down and the crowd buzzing. The segment set up a personal and wild showdown for Backlash.
FAQs
Q. What challenge did Cody Rhodes make on SmackDown?
A. Cody Rhodes said he’s ready to fight GUNTHER anytime on SmackDown, not just in Italy at Clash.
Q. Who retained the WWE Women’s United States Championship?
A. Tiffany Stratton kept the title by defeating Kiana James.
Q. Who won the match between Damian Priest and Talla Tonga?
A. Talla Tonga won after hitting a chokeslam.
Q. What chaos happened with Trick Williams and Sami Zayn?
A. Trick held a Gingerbread Man funeral, where Sami attacked. But Little Yachty appeared and they defeated Zayn together.
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