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WWE SmackDown Tonight (5/15/26): Start Time, Match Card, How To Watch & Live Stream

Cody Rhodes is easy to find but hard to beat. A week after the stage was set for his next WWE Title defense, the American Nightmare is expected back on WWE SmackDown to continue the build to Clash in Italy.
Rick Ucchino|
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes | WWE

Easy to find, hard to beat.

Friday Night SmackDown is the home of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, and now, thanks to some backstage politicking by Paul Heyman, the same can be said for Gunther. As long as he agrees to the final terms.

The American Nightmare and The Career Killer are on a collision course for Clash in Italy coming up on Sunday, May 31, but before the contract for that WWE Championship match could be signed last week, Rhodes was forced to fight off a blindside attack from his next challenger.

Both Cody Rhodes and Gunther will be in Columbia, South Carolina tonight as the next episode of the Blue Brand emanates from Colonial Life Arena. WWE says that the former World Heavyweight Champion has to decide if he'll officially join SmackDown in order to get his shot at the WWE Championship.

WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley is facing challenges from new and old foes alike. Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab made their return to SmackDown last week and cost Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss their six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence.

The formidable trio then left all three woman laying, as The Storm sent a clear message that she has returned to reclaim the title she lost at WrestleMania 42. Although Jacy Jayne may take issue with those plans.

Trick Williams is still the WWE Men's United States Champion after he defeated Sami Zayn at Backlash. Danhausen and his clones also got the better of The Miz and Kit Wilson last Saturday night in Tampa. Perhaps both Trick Willy and Danhausen can finally turn the page on these rivalries and start a new chapter tonight in Columbia.

Ricky Saints and Royce Keys are two relative newcomers on SmackDown, but they've quickly been gaining momentum these past few Friday nights. Keys has not been announced for the card, but he could find himself backing up Damian Priest when he goes one-on-one with Talla Tonga. Saints will be in action, meantime, against the returning Carmelo Hayes.

WWE Women's United States Champion Tiffany Stratton is among the WWE Superstars who are being advertised for this week's SmackDown. She's fresh off a successful title defense against Kiana James, but we all know that Giulia is looking to get another opportunity at winning back the gold.

Tiffany Stratton
Tiffany Stratton | WWE

Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton are both being advertised for tonight's show as well, but neither man has been seen since WrestleMania. Will they show up? We'll find out in due time.

Make sure to check back for updates as matches and segments will be officially announced prior to SmackDown going live on the USA Network.

How to watch WWE SmackDown tonight:

Watch: USA Network

WWE SmackDown time:

Time: 8 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CST)

WWE SmackDown location:

Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina

WWE Smackdown card (Announced):

  • Gunther will make his decision on whether to join SmackDown
  • Trick Williams returns to the University of South Carolina for a special celebration
  • Jade Cargill addresses her surprise return last Friday night
  • Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Michin and B-Fab
  • Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
  • Ricky Saints vs. Carmelo Hayes
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Published | Modified
Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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