WWE SmackDown after Backlash Preview: Rhea Ripley’s next opponent, 41-year-old star confirms heel turn (5/15/2026)

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Here’s a full preview of the May 15 edition of Friday Night SmackDown:

#5. Trick Williams returns home as US Champion

Trick Williams captured the United States Championship at WrestleMania 42 to a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Well, that reaction might get much louder tonight as Williams returns to his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, with championship gold around his waist. The hometown hero is expected to receive a massive reception from the crowd, with the arena likely echoing with the chants of “Whop That Trick!”

WWE is expected to give the champ a major segment on the show, allowing him to interact with the crowd and celebrate his moment. Rumors have been swirling that the company may officially turn Trick Williams into a babyface tonight. Fans have been clamoring for this move for quite some time now and what better stage to pull the trigger than in his hometown? It will be interesting to see what WWE has in store for Williams.

#4. Sami Zayn may embrace his full-fledged heel turn

Sami Zayn has been in the midst of a massive character transition on Friday Night SmackDown. Even though he has been showing shades of his villainous side, Zayn has been holding back from becoming a full-fledged heel. However, tonight could be the night where the 41-year-old might officially embrace his dark side, as fans have completely turned their backs on him.

On top of that, Sami Zayn faced a bitter defeat at the hands of Trick Williams this past weekend at Backlash. He once again failed to capture the United States Championship despite making bold claims. Therefore, frustrations could boil over tonight and Zayn might crash out. He could embrace his full-fledged heel turn by attacking any babyface superstar on SmackDown.

#3. Cody Rhodes and Gunther accentuate their heated rivalry

One of the biggest rivalries that kicked off on SmackDown lately is between Gunther and Cody Rhodes. It all began after The Ring General shocked the world two weeks ago by ambushing the champ from behind. However, Rhodes gave him a receipt last week on the blue brand. The two superstars are set to collide in a high-voltage clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy.

Gunther and Cody Rhodes will be in the house tonight and fans can expect another thrilling segment between them. The two superstars could exchange some heated words ahead of their blockbuster clash, adding much more drama to their feud. Besides, Paul Heyman will likely serve as The Ring General’s mouthpiece on SmackDown, as he is the reason this match got official in the first place.

#2. Royce Keys to forge an unlikely alliance on SmackDown?

Royce Keys is currently entangled in a storyline with Solo Sikoa, who has been relentlessly trying to recruit him to his faction. Last week on SmackDown, the 41-year-old came to the aid of Damian Priest and R-Truth when the duo was in the middle of a beatdown at the hands of the MFT. Things are bound to get interesting tonight as it has now become a six-versus-six situation.

There is a high chance that Royce Keys could team up with Damian Priest and R-Truth to take on Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. This could lead to a massive six-man tag team match between the two teams. WWE appears to be building towards this potential match on SmackDown as all six superstars are currently entangled in the same storyline.

#1. Rhea Ripley’s championship reign faces a serious threat

Rhea Ripley has currently become the prime target for many superstars due to her possession of the WWE Women’s Championship. Last week on SmackDown, Jade Cargill made a shocking return and attacked The Eradicator. She, along with Michin and B-Fab, unleashed a merciless assault on Ripley, making it clear that their rivalry is far from over. This was apparently a major hint that Cargill is back to reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship.

Things could get very interesting tonight on SmackDown as The Storm might officially challenge Rhea Ripley for a rematch. The two superstars could get involved in a war of words, leading to a physical altercation. This may eventually work as a catalyst for another blockbuster clash between Jade Cargill and The Eradicator, which may take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event or Clash in Italy.