WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights Before Backlash 2026

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of the go-home SmackDown before Backlash.

Here's a look at what WWE advertised for Friday's show:

Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair vs. Fatal Influence

Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (Women's United States Championship)

A funeral for The Gingerbread Man

Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga

Jacob Fatu kicks off the show

Gunther addresses his attack on Cody Rhodes

No, we're not kidding about that last one. Let's take a look at what happened on this week's SmackDown.

The Rise of Jacob Fatu

Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images

Like every week, SmackDown opened with shots of various Superstars arriving and walking around backstage as Joe Tessitore gave us a quick rundown of what was to come on the show.

After a video to recap what happened on Raw with Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu made his way to the ring to hype their upcoming match this weekend at Backlash.

He gave a promo about how everyone always saw Reigns as the future when they were young, while he was seen as nothing. It didn't take too long before The Usos came to the ring to respond.

Jimmy said part of him is rooting for Jacob, but the other part of him is worried about what happens if he loses. Jey said Fatu is like him and doesn't always think things through, which was both funny and self-aware.

Fatu issued a warning for them not to interfere or he will burn the whole family tree down. This segment might not be very memorable in the long run, but it was an effective promo from the challenger. His character is one of the few in WWE who has truly felt consistent in its presentation.

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

It looks like WWE brought in a bunch of local talent to act as attendees of the Gingerbread Man's funeral.

The crowd organically getting behind Fatu has been a fun ride. He has never felt forced and feels like he belongs in main events.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James

Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia (SD, April 24), Kiana James lost to Tiffy (SD, March 13)

The first match of the night saw Tiffany Stratton defend her United States Championship against Kiana James. Giulia accompanied her partner.

Tiffy initially took control, but James got the upper hand by targeting her leg with an attack against the ring post. She maintained a position of offense throughout the break, and we returned to see her using a single-leg crab.

James and Stratton are both great athletes, but they did not get enough time to show what they can do together. The commercial break took up most of the time they spent in the ring. If they had five more minutes, this could have been great.

Giulia inadvertently cost James a chance at a pin by distracting the ref, which allowed Tiffy to hit her finisher for the win.

Result: Stratton defeated James

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

Fatu and Royce Keys had another backstage conversation. Keys hyped him up for his title match.

Chelsea Green sent in a video to wish Stratton luck in her title defense, but it was more of a warning that she is coming for the belt when she is back.

Stratton has slowly been changing her gear, and the new look suits her.

The commercial break felt very early in this match.

Talla Tonga vs. Damian Priest

Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: MFTs defeated Usos (SD, May 1), Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated Fraxiom (SD, May 1)

Damian Priest was looking for retribution against Talla Tonga in the next match after The MFT's attack last week left R-Truth with an arm injury.

Priest didn't even wait to take off his jacket before going after Tonga the second he got to the ring. They took the fight to the ringside area, where Tonga rammed Priest into the ring post to get the upper hand.

Solo Sikoa watched with glee as Tonga slammed Priest onto the announce desk. After the break, The Archer of Infamy began building up a head of steam.

Powerhouse vs. powerhouse matches can often feel slow, but they did a good job keeping the pace up. Things were a little clunky in places, but it didn't feel like they had any major botches. They just didn't have a ton of chemistry as opponents.

Tama Tonga showed up to provide a distraction, so Truth came out to help. Priest helped him take out Sikoa and Tama, but it allowed Talla to take advantage and hit a chokeslam for the pin.

Result: Tonga defeated Priest

Grade: C

Notable Moments and Observations

The mini argument between Ripley and Flair during their backstage interview felt so forced. It was like Flair was saying Ripley was only in this for herself when she said the exact opposite a few seconds before about the three of them getting revenge.

Sikoa is always hilarious when he is pretending to be scared of someone.

Much like the previous bout with Stratton, it felt like the commercial break happened way too early.

The series of kicks from Priest after the break was a fun sequence.