6 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown (May 1, 2026)

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In the end, he warned the Samoan Twins and sent a message to the Head of the Table. In this article, we will discuss six things WWE subtly told us in the recent episode of the blue brand.

#6. WWE is not high on Ricky Saints

Ricky Saints made his official debut on the WWE SmackDown brand. The former AEW star confronted Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, leading to a match between them later on the show. The American Nightmare defeated Ricky, scoring a clean victory.

If WWE is high on an NXT star, they usually don’t suffer a loss clean in their main roster debut match. Furthermore, after Cody defeated Ricky in the singles bout, Gunther attacked the Undisputed Champion, implying he is coming for the title.

So, it appears that WWE only put Ricky Saints vs Cody Rhodes on SmackDown to pave the way for the former Imperium Leader.

This booking subtly confirms that the Stamford-based promotion is not high on Saints like Oba Femi.

#5. The MFT and the Bloodline civil war loading

Over the past few weeks, the MFT and the Bloodline were entangled in multiple segments. During SmackDown this week, they locked horns in a tag team match, too.

Considering all these recent developments, it seems that a Bloodline civil war is looming between MFT and the OG Bloodline.

Solo Sikoa, the current leader of the MFT, was part of the Roman Reigns faction. Later, he betrayed the OTC and started a new faction of his own. It appears WWE is planning to reignite the Bloodline Saga with new layers and use the family drama to boost ratings.

#4. Sami Zayn turning heel

A funeral segment for the Gingerbread Man occurred, which made Sami Zayn unhappy. The former IC Champion attacked the Gingerbread Man with a low blow and destroyed it completely.

Soon, Trick Williams came out, forcing Sami Zayn to escape from the ring. Though there was no human in the Gingerbread man costume, Sami’s actions subtly confirm that he is turning heel.

We are just inches away from witnessing a full-fledged heel run of Sami on Friday Night SmackDown.

#3. Kiana James-Giulia split-teased

The past few weeks were rough for Kiana James and Giulia on SmackDown. In the latest episode, the Triple H-led creative regime continues to tease a potential split, as Giulia and Kiana were spotted in a backstage conversation with Tiffany Strattion and Chelsea Green.

James attempted to get a rematch for Giulia against Tiffy Time. Meanwhile, Stratton agreed to a match against Kiana James next week. This left the former NJPW star surprised.

So, it appears that WWE will soon pull the trigger and split these two stars.

#2. Alexa Bliss turning on Charlotte Flair soon?

Alexa Bliss’ reactions towards Charlotte Flair on SmackDown appear to be hinting at a future betrayal. Fans spotted that the Goddess didn’t take her eyes off the Queen before their match on SmackDown.

Furthermore, she had a unique reaction in a backstage segment with Flair and Rhea Ripley. All these planted hints suggest WWE could be planning for Bliss to turn on Flair in the near future.

#1. Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton feud put on hold for the time being

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton’s feud remains unfinished on the blue brand. After what happened at WrestleMania 42, fans were hoping for an immediate rematch between them.

However, it seems that WWE has different plans for the Apex Predator and the American Nightmare. The Viper remains absent from the Nick Aldis show. On the other side, Gunther has emerged as the new contender for Rhodes’ Undisputed Championship.

The Ring General already teased his interest in the World Heavyweight Champion on RAW after WrestleMania 42. With Jacob Fatu already being on the line against Roman Reigns, it seems that Gunther chose a different path to get the world title.

Also, this development means that the Ring General will appear in the upcoming episode of SmackDown to feud against the Prodigal Son. Putting Cody against the former World Champion subtly confirms that WWE has put the Rhodes-Orton feud on hold for the time being.

A rematch is still expected to take place at SummerSlam this year.