SmackDown Preview: Backlash Go-Home Show (May 9, 2025) | Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther: WWE Clash in Italy | El Grande Americano Saga Continues: New Stablemates, Firings, and a Mask vs. Mask Showdown | John Cena's WWE Return: Backlash and Beyond | WWE Backlash 2026: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu & More | SmackDown Preview: Cody Rhodes Seeks Challenger, Jacob Fatu Returns, and More (May 1, 2026) | Ricky Saints Debuts on SmackDown: What to Expect | SmackDown April 24, 2026: Fatu Conquers Sikoa, Stratton Wins Title | Paul Heyman on Jade Cargill, Randy Orton Wants to RKO The Rock | SmackDown Preview: Backlash Go-Home Show (May 9, 2025) | Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther: WWE Clash in Italy | El Grande Americano Saga Continues: New Stablemates, Firings, and a Mask vs. Mask Showdown | John Cena's WWE Return: Backlash and Beyond | WWE Backlash 2026: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu & More | SmackDown Preview: Cody Rhodes Seeks Challenger, Jacob Fatu Returns, and More (May 1, 2026) | Ricky Saints Debuts on SmackDown: What to Expect | SmackDown April 24, 2026: Fatu Conquers Sikoa, Stratton Wins Title | Paul Heyman on Jade Cargill, Randy Orton Wants to RKO The Rock
WWE / Smackdown
SmackDown Preview: Backlash Go-Home Show (May 9, 2025)
Get ready for the May 9, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, the go-home show before WWE Backlash! This episode features the return of John Cena, a crucial No. 1 contender's match, and a tag team showdown, setting the stage for an acti...
SmackDown preview, May 9, 2025: John Cena returns to SmackDown en route to WWE Backlash
John Cena returns to SmackDown to address Randy Orton before their WWE Backlash match. Why this matters: Cena's appearance adds significant hype to the upcoming championship clash.
Jade Cargill faces Nia Jax to determine the No. 1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship. Why this matters: This match will define who challenges Tiffany Stratton next, shaping the future of the women's division.
LA Knight and Damian Priest team up against Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. Why this matters: This tag team match features combustible pairings with individual title aspirations, promising high-stakes action.
Alexa Bliss returns as Zelina Vega's tag team partner, defeating Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Why this matters: Bliss's return injects fresh excitement into the women's tag team scene.
Drew McIntyre interferes after the tag team match, attacking Jacob Fatu. Why this matters: McIntyre's actions signal his intent to contend for the United States Championship.
In-Depth Analysis
The May 9th episode of SmackDown served as the final build-up to WWE Backlash. Key segments included:
**Opening Segment**: Damian Priest and LA Knight were interviewed backstage, setting up their tag team match. The tension between them was palpable, highlighting their individual goals despite being a team.
**Tag Team Match: Damian Priest & LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa**: The match ended with Priest and Knight winning, but a post-match brawl saw Drew McIntyre interfering, delivering a Claymore to Fatu. This underscored McIntyre's determination to capture the United States Championship.
**Women's Division Developments**: Chelsea Green's memorial service for her U.S. title reign was interrupted, leading to a tag team match where Alexa Bliss returned as Zelina Vega's partner. Jade Cargill and Nia Jax battled for a title shot, with Jax ultimately winning after Naomi interfered, setting up a future match with Tiffany Stratton.
**Aleister Black Promo**: Aleister Black delivered a cryptic promo, teasing a darker persona and hinting at a feud with Carmelo Hayes.
**Charlotte Flair Segment**: Charlotte Flair's promo was cut short due to crowd disapproval, leading to a backstage confrontation with Alexa Bliss, adding intrigue to both characters' storylines.
Who won the No. 1 contender's match for the WWE Women's Championship?
Nia Jax defeated Jade Cargill to become the No. 1 contender.
Who was Zelina Vega's mystery tag team partner?
Alexa Bliss made her return to WWE as Vega's partner.
What happened after the tag team match between LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa?
Drew McIntyre attacked Jacob Fatu after the match.
Takeaways
John Cena's return amplified the hype for his upcoming match against Randy Orton at Backlash.
Nia Jax secured a title opportunity, setting up a compelling match against Tiffany Stratton.
The tensions between LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre hint at a developing feud for the United States Championship.
Alexa Bliss's return adds a fresh dynamic to the women's division.
Discussion
What did you think of Alexa Bliss's return? How do you see the McIntyre/Fatu/Knight/Priest US Title feud playing out? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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