WWE Friday Night SmackDown — Season 28
## WWE SmackDown: 2026 - A Season of Shifting Loyalties and Rising Challenges The 2026 season of Friday Night SmackDown kicked off with a palpable sense of uncertainty, as championship reigns were tested and new rivalries ignited across the landscape. Following WrestleMania, tensions simmered between World Heavyweight Champion [Champion's Name] and emerging star [Rival’s Name], leading to a series of intense confrontations that redefined the division’s hierarchy. The battle for dominance wasn't just about titles; it was about proving who truly ruled SmackDown. Meanwhile, the Women’s Championship saw its own dramatic shifts. A surprising upset victory shook up the established order, launching [New Champion's Name] into a reign marked by both triumph and relentless challenges from former titleholders eager to reclaim their place at the top. The division felt more competitive than ever, with alliances forming and fracturing as quickly as they appeared. Beyond the championships, simmering tensions within existing factions created unexpected cracks in established power structures. Loyalties were questioned, betrayals unfolded, and the very foundations of some groups began to crumble under the weight of ambition and personal conflict. The unpredictable nature of these shifting dynamics kept fans on the edge of their seats, never quite knowing who to trust. Throughout the season, a rising cohort of talented Superstars battled for recognition, carving out their own paths and vying for opportunities to prove themselves against established veterans. This constant influx of fresh faces ensured SmackDown remained vibrant and unpredictable, promising even greater clashes and captivating storylines as the year progressed.
An Eight-Woman Tag Team Match features Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY taking on The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax and Lash Legend.
Drew McIntyre ascended to the title of Undisputed WWE Champion, prevailing over Cody Rhodes in a grueling Three Stages of Hell Match. The contest took a dramatic turn with the unexpected return of Jacob Fatu, whose interference saw him atta…
Qualifying Matches begin in London to decide who will fight at Saturday Night's Main Event to earn an Undisputed WWE Title Match at Royal Rumble.
Montreal hosts a Triple Threat Match to decide the new No. 1 Contenders to the WWE Women's Tag Team Title. The Wyatt Sicks duel The MFTs.
With Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre's intervention concluding the match between Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and World Tag Team Champion Jey Uso against The Vision, pandemonium ensued. Jacob Fatu emerged to strike McIntyre, i…
Following a historic Royal Rumble, the Superstars of SmackDown begin The Road to WrestleMania 42 with a big night in Charlotte, N.C.
Jade Cargill defends the WWE Women's Championship against SmackDown newcomer Jordynne Grace. Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches continue.
Qualifying Matches resume with Damian Priest, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams vying for a spot in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match.
The Irresistible Forces set their sights on RHIYO and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Uncle Howdy tangles in the ring with Solo Sikoa.
A rematch between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship threatens to shake up The Road to WrestleMania 42.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton sign the contract for their title fight at WrestleMania 42. Michin seeks payback on Jade Cargill.
Drew McIntyre's recent ambush lands him in a showdown with Jacob Fatu. The Bella Twins aim for championship gold against The Irresistible Forces.
Giulia defends the Women's U.S. Championship against Tiffany Stratton. Jelly Roll and Kit Wilson escalate their war of words into a one-on-one match.
Randy Orton prepares to meet a mystery guest as The Road to WrestleMania 42 stops in his hometown of St. Louis
Pat McAfee continues to shake up the Undisputed WWE Title picture as he reappears on The Road to Wrestlemania 42 in San Jose, Calif.
The annual Andre the Giant Battle Royal ensues on the eve of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. The Wyatt Sicks battle the MFTs in an Eight-Man Street Fight.
The Superstars of SmackDown touch down in Texas to face the consequences of a historic Wrestlemania 42 weekend.
Charlotte Flair sets her sights on Jacy Jayne of Fatal Influence. Ricky Saints makes his SmackDown debut.
Rhea Ripley joins a wary Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss to battle Fatal Influence. Tiffany Stratton defends the Women's U.S. Title against Kiana James.
Gunther considers moving to SmackDown to continue his pursuit of Cody Rhodes. Trick Williams brings the U.S. Title home to South Carolina.
After being attacked by Talla Tonga, Shinsuke Nakamura gets the opportunity to retaliate when they meet one-on-one.
Axiom arrives in Barcelona for a homecoming showdown against The Miz. Clash in Italy fast approaches.
King and Queen of the Ring Qualifiers resume in Bologna, Italy. The fallout from WWE Clash in Italy continues to ripple through SmackDown.
The first round of the King and Queen of the ring Tournament concludes. Gunther lays out the terms for his rematch against Cody Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes and Gunther meet again in an Undisputed WWE Title rematch with Sami Zayn as special guest referee. The Queen of the Ring Semifinals begin.
Cody Rhodes, Gunther and Sami Zayn cross paths on the eve of their Night of Champions showdown. Former friends Giulia and Kiana James collide.
After defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther at Night of Champions, Sami Zayn begins his inaugural reign as Undisputed WWE Champion.
Finn Bálor seeks payback against Tama Tonga following a backstage attack. Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes reignite their rivalry.
