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

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown on May 15.

We're fresh off the Backlash PLE, but WWE is already prepping for its next event next weekend, Saturday Night's Main Event.

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

Gunther decides if he will join SmackDown or not

Trick Williams has a special celebration

Jade Cargill addresses Rhea Ripley

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Michin and B-Fab

Tama Tonga vs. Damian Priest

Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints

Let's take a look at what happened on this week's SmackDown.

Homecoming

Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images

After a brief video recapping the events of Backlash, Trick Williams came out to celebrate a homecoming of sorts at the University of South Carolina. Lil Yachty and the team mascot, Cocky, accompanied him to the ring.

He gave a promo that made a lot of the locals in the crowd happy, and he also explained the origin of his lemon pepper steppers. Surprisingly, The Miz and Kit Wilson came out to spoil the fun.

Yachty said Miz and Wilson were cursed, which inspired Wilson to read some of his slam poetry. Yachty replied with some rhymes that put Wilson to shame.

This started out as a relatively average segment for a hometown hero, but it got worse as it went. The jokes didn't land, and the brawl that ended the segment made Wilson and Miz look even more incompetent than usual.

Yachty's inclusion in Williams' story hasn't done much to help him, but it hasn't hurt him either, so at least Trick Willy is getting over from his own charisma and not because he has a celebrity by his side.

Grade: C

Notable Moments and Observations

We went from The Gingerbread Man to Cocky the Gamecock.

Williams got some local love by mentioning his favorite restaurant.

The Miz's sunglasses reached new levels of ridiculous.

The Miz vs. Trick Williams

Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn, The Miz and Kit Wilson lost to Danhausen and Minihausen (Backlash)

The Miz challenged Williams to a match before the break, and it was apparently made official because Michael Cole confirmed it would begin after the commercial.

The United States champion had the upper hand for a moment, but The A-Lister used some cheap tactics to take control. When Trick Willy regained his momentum, Wilson interfered with a running forearm at ringside.

The match lasted through the break into the next segment. The Miz almost won with a Skull Crushing Finale, but the champ kicked out. The A-Lister attempted to use a kendo stick, but Yachty stole it from him and used it on Wilson.

Williams finished the match with his signature Trick Shot. This match wasn't bad, but it's hard to call it good. It sort of just existed. The crowd loves Williams, and he deserves more than this as the U.S. champion.

Result: Williams defeated The Miz

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

We hope Elton Prince is doing well. Wilson needs him back.

The colors on The Miz and Wilson's gear are very similar to what The New Day used for a few years.

Paige and Brie Bella vs. Giulia and Kiana James

Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Paige and Brie Bella defeated Irresistible Forces (SD, May 1), Giulia and Kiana James lost to Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair (SD, March 6)

The next contest saw Paige and Brie Bella take on Giulia and Kiana James in a non-title tag match.

Brie and Kiana started for their teams. Bella was giving up a little size, so James made sure to use that power advantage to score the first takedown.

Bella and Paige may be the veterans in this showdown, but Giulia and James shone a bit brighter in this bout. They were bumping harder and selling more, but whenever they were in control, they also appeared more aggressive than their opponents.

Paige got the win for her team with the Rampage DDT on James. This was a decent bout, but the possibility of James and Giulia having issues was more interesting than the match itself.

The women's tag team division has plenty of competition, but it needs more stories to tell. If WWE invests a little time into the division, it could be great.

Result: Bella and Paige defeated James and Giulia

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

Nia Jax and Lash Legend taunted Paige and Brie before the match to hype their SNME title bout.

Giulia had a great ring jacket, but the rest of her gear lacked the unique look she has had since her debut.