Last-Minute Matches Revealed for May 23 WWE SmackDown

WWE fans tuning into Friday Night SmackDown are getting even more action than expected.

Just two hours before the May 23 episode went live, WWE posted a video featuring SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealing two surprise matches added to the card. In the video, Aldis confirmed: “Chris Sabin will go one-on-one with Tommaso Ciampa,” and “Rey Fenix will team with Jimmy Uso to take on Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo.”

These matchups add extra intensity to an already stacked lineup. Chris Sabin is stepping into rare WWE territory after a decorated career elsewhere, while Ciampa has been building momentum on SmackDown. The tag match pits Rey Fenix and Jey Uso—two of the most dynamic performers in WWE—against the rising threat of Fatu and Mateo, a duo Aldis is clearly eager to showcase.

The surprise announcements come on top of what was already a big night, with WWE previously confirming:

• R-Truth will appear live to address his upcoming match against John Cena at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
• Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Zelina Vega in a Women’s Money in the Bank qualifier
• Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Men’s Money in the Bank qualifier
• The Street Profits (c) vs. Fraxiom for the WWE Tag Team Championship

SmackDown airs live from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida, starting at 8 PM ET on the USA Network. International fans can catch the show via streaming platforms like Netflix. Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage over in our SmackDown results section.

Which of these surprise matches are you most excited for? Do you think WWE should do more last-minute reveals like this? Drop your thoughts below—we want to hear from you.