WWE SmackDown Preview for May 5, 2023: Cody Rhodes and Bad Bunny are set to return in a special episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Puerto Rico. Will Roman Reigns make an appearance on May 5, 2023?
The blue brand is ready to deliver another action-packed episode of SmackDown this Friday night. It will be a special edition from Puerto Rico, just one day before WWE Backlash, with huge surprises and matches in store for the WWE Universe. Here are some of the things you can expect to see on SmackDown on May 5, 2023:
Cody Rhodes is set to appear on the blue brand just one day before he clashes with The Beast Brock Lesnar at Backlash.
The American Nightmare shocked the world when he was drafted to Raw in the first round of the 2023 WWE Draft, leaving behind his longtime home on SmackDown. But before he officially joins the red brand, he has one more unfinished business to settle on SmackDown: his epic showdown with Brock Lesnar at Backlash.
Rhodes will make his final appearance on SmackDown this Friday night, and he will surely have something to say about his upcoming match with The Beast Incarnate. Will Rhodes be able to stand tall before he faces one of the most dominant forces in WWE history? Or will Lesnar make a surprise appearance and send a message to his rival?
#SmackDown will be in Puerto Rico tomorrow night ahead of #WWEBacklash … and so will @CodyRhodes! pic.twitter.com/KCE7c1m366
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2023
Bad Bunny will be back on SmackDown for a special appearance.
The Grammy-winning superstar and former 24/7 Champion Bad Bunny has been making waves in the music industry. He will face Damian Priest in a street fight at Backlash. What will Bad Bunny have in store for the WWE fans?
#SmackDown comes to Puerto Rico tomorrow night ahead of #WWEBacklash!
What will @sanbenito have in store just one night before the San Juan Street Fight against @ArcherOfInfamy?https://t.co/TgNDwPTIIY pic.twitter.com/0WoSula5Jc
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2023
WWE SmackDown: Nakamura vs Karrion Kross
Two of the most charismatic and dangerous Superstars in WWE will collide on SmackDown this Friday night, as Shinsuke Nakamura takes on Karrion Kross. Nakamura, who was drafted to Raw in the fourth round of the WWE Draft, will look to make a lasting impression on his former brand before he leaves.
Kross, who was drafted to SmackDown in the same round, will look to make a statement on his new brand and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with. Who will emerge victorious in this clash of styles and personalities?
Before heading to #WWERaw, @ShinsukeN has one final score to settle with @realKILLERkross tomorrow night on #SmackDown, live from Puerto Rico. pic.twitter.com/nU3YSOBwI4
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2023
Viking Raiders vs The O.C.
The tag team division on SmackDown is heating up, as two of the most dominant teams in WWE will face off this Friday night. The Viking Raiders, who were drafted to SmackDown in the third round of the WWE Draft, will look to establish themselves as the top contenders for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
The O.C., who were also drafted to SmackDown in the same round, will look to assert their dominance and show why they are still one of the best teams in the business. Which team will gain momentum and move closer to a title opportunity?
The Viking Raiders battle The O.C. tomorrow night on #SmackDown, live from Puerto Rico! pic.twitter.com/gFyfVzSrTB
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2023
Will Roman Reigns appear on SmackDown on May 5, 2023?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether or not the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will show up on SmackDown this Friday night. Reigns, who was drafted to SmackDown in the first round of the WWE Draft along with his cousin Solo Sikoa and his advocate Paul Heyman, has been absent from WWE television since he defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.
The Tribal Chief last appeared on WWE TV at Raw after WrestleMania, and his status for Backlash is still unclear, but some reports suggest that Roman Reigns will make an appearance at SmackDown in Puerto Rico.
As of now Roman Reigns is being advertised for WWE’s Money in the Bank in London England.
Who’s the ideal opponent if a title defense does take place on said show? pic.twitter.com/zK22zpHgeX
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 4, 2023
Reigns is also advertised for Night of Champions premium live event in Saudi Arabia on May 27, 2023, and the Money in the Bank UK event. As of now, his opponents for these events have not been revealed. Will Reigns make his return to SmackDown this Friday night and announce his next target? Or will he clash with his WrestleMania 39 opponent Cody Rhodes to set up a rematch?
Don’t miss any of the action and drama on SmackDown this Friday night at 8/7c on FOX!