WWE SmackDown - May 1, 2026: Start Time, Location And Preview

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes makes his entrance during SmackDown at Dickies Arena on April 24, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

WWE Backlash is just over a week away and the blue brand is in Tulsa, Oklahoma to put the finishing touches on the upcoming premium live event's scheduled matches. We know Ricky Saints will make his debut, but we might also hear a little more about CM Punk and Cody Rhodes' program as well as Jacob Fatu's upcoming title shot against Roman Reigns. Let's get into it.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Show: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
• Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
• Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• U.S. Broadcast: USA Network
• International Broadcast: Netflix

How to Watch WWE SmackDown

There is no special start time for this week's episode of SmackDown.

The show airs live at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on USA Network from the BOK Center in Tulsa, with Netflix carrying the broadcast across most major international markets including Canada, the UK, Australia, and Mexico. Peacock subscribers can stream the episode on-demand after it airs.

Ricky Saints Makes His Main Roster Debut

Saints put Shiloh Hill over on his way out of the door in NXT. We will see if Saints can make an impact on the main roster.

The former NXT Champion’s debut tonight is expected to be a showcase squash match against an unannounced opponent, with WWE laying the groundwork through a vignette package on last week's SmackDown. Given how the company has handled the rollout, expect a star-making presentation right out of the gate.