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In this article, we will be looking at eight things WWE subtly told us on the go-home episode of SmackDown before Backlash 2026.
#8. Sami Zayn could dethrone Trick Williams at WWE Backlash
Sami Zayn confronted Trick Williams during the Gingerbread Man funeral segment. Here, the former United States Champion was unhappy with the former NXT Champion and promised to expose him at Backlash 2026.
Soon, the Gingerbread Man rose from the casket, revealed as Lil Yachty. Trick and Lil destroyed Zayn, and the show ended with Williams standing tall. Usually, if a star emerges at the top in the go-home episode, it sparks the chances of them losing at the premium live event.
Considering this, it appears that the chances are still there for Sami to become the US Champion again by defeating Trick at Backlash this year.
#7. Royce Keys could get involved in the Bloodline Civil War
Ahead of Backlash 2026, Royce Keys once again motivated Jacob Fatu against Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline. The former AEW star wanted Jacob to emerge as the new champion at the Tampa PLE.
Besides this, Keys had a match against Talla Tonga, where he scored the victory. The pairing of Royce with the Samoan Werewolf subtly hints that he could get involved in the Bloodline Civil War soon.
If Jacob needs some help at the Backlash 2026, Royce may not hesitate to assist his real-life friend. Incorporating Royce Keys in the Bloodline drama could be a great way to book him on television.
#6. Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley II is on the horizon
Jade Cargill and her alliance are back on WWE SmackDown. The former Women’s Champion destroyed Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair.
Destroying the Eradicator and standing tall on the show subtly confirms that WWE is planning a Jade vs. Rhea rematch. For those unaware, Ripley dethroned the Storm as champion at WrestleMania 42.
It appears that the ex-AEW star is back and wants to reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship on the blue brand.
#5. Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar is off the table
The latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown subtly confirmed that the Brock Lesnar vs Gunther dream match is now off the table. When the Ring General rescued Paul Heyman from Seth Rollins months ago, he asked Heyman for a favor.
Many felt that the former Imperium Leader may force Heyman to bring back Brock Lesnar for a final match at SummerSlam 2026. However, this wasn’t the case. On SmackDown, The Oracle confirmed that Gunther has cashed in his favor and now seeks an Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes.
As a result, Heyman prepared a contract to get the match official for the Clash in Italy. This development confirmed that the Beast Incarnate vs the Ring General match is now off the table. It’s unlikely that Lesnar will return to the ring in the near future.
#4. The Usos might still get involved in the Backlash main event despite Jacob Fatu’s warning
Jacob Fatu and The Usos were engaged in a heated conversation on SmackDown before Backlash 2026. The Samoan Werewolf issued a warning to Jey & Jimmy Uso.
The former United States Champion asserted that if the Samoan Twins think about interfering in his match against The OTC at the PLE, he will burn the family tree to the ground. Meanwhile, despite the warning, the Usos will likely be part of the World Heavyweight Championship match.
#3. Paul Heyman-Cody Rhodes alliance teased in WWE?
Cody Rhodes mocked Paul Heyman on SmackDown by affirming how Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk are no longer with him. In response, Oracle disclosed that he is not running out of options, as sooner or later, everyone needs a wiseman.
Heyman’s words subtly teased a future alliance between the American Nightmare and the Advocate. Over the past few months, we have seen multiple hints of Cody Rhodes’ heel turn.
So, it appears that WWE may plan to bring Heyman & Rhodes on the same page if Cody turns heel.
#2. Giulia and Kiana’s split is happening soon
Kiana James was unhappy with Giulia’s interference in her match against Tiffany Stratton. After Giulia got involved, Stratton was able to score the victory.
Post-match, there were visible tensions between these two stars. So, James’s loss after Giulia’s distraction subtly confirms that their split is imminent in WWE.
#1. Massive Rhea Ripley match teased on WWE SmackDown
When Rhea Ripley was making her entrance on the blue brand, she engaged in a heated face-off with Lash Legend. The star had no fear of The Eradicator and soon walked away with Nia Jax.
However, with this confrontation, WWE subtly confirms that Rhea vs Lash could be a potential match fans might see in the coming months.
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