Add as a preferred source on Google WWE has a loaded Friday Night SmackDown lined up tonight from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, with the show serving as the final stop before Backlash.
Jacob Fatu will be the major focus, opening the broadcast just one night before he challenges Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. WWE has presented Fatu as a serious threat to the OTC, especially after he attacked Reigns on RAW and destroyed Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga on last week’s SmackDown.
In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton will defend the Women’s United States Championship against Kiana James. It will be one of Stratton’s first major title defenses since she captured the championship by defeating Giulia.
Damian Priest is also set for singles action against Talla Tonga, with Priest looking for payback after Talla attacked the WWE Tag Team Champions and Fraxiom.
WWE has also announced a Six-Woman Tag Team Match, as Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss join forces against Fatal Influence, the trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid.
Cody Rhodes will remain a major part of the story as well, with Gunther scheduled to speak after blindsiding the Undisputed WWE Champion last week.
To close out the lineup, Trick Williams will host a funeral for the Gingerbread Man, adding another chapter to his feud with Sami Zayn before their United States Championship match at Backlash.