WWE has expanded the lineup for tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, adding a new championship open challenge and another major segment involving the United States Championship picture.
The May 22 edition of SmackDown already had plenty of attention on it after WWE announced that Rhea Ripley would open the show to respond to Jade Cargill’s rematch challenge ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Now the company has confirmed even more additions for the go-home broadcast from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
In an update, Tiffany Stratton is now set to defend the WWE Women’s United States Championship in an open challenge on tonight’s show. WWE has not revealed who will answer the challenge, leaving the door open for a surprise appearance or unexpected matchup.
The company also announced that Carmelo Hayes will deliver a message directed at United States Champion Trick Williams and his manager Lil Yachty as their issues continue building on SmackDown.
Those additions join an already loaded lineup that includes Shinsuke Nakamura battling Talla Tonga after last week’s backstage confrontation involving Tama Tonga. Cody Rhodes and Gunther are also scheduled to appear as WWE continues building toward Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Earlier today, WWE also confirmed that Rhea Ripley will kick off SmackDown following Jade Cargill’s public challenge for another match.
“After @Jade_Cargill threw out the challenge for a rematch, how will WWE Women’s Champion @RheaRipley_WWE respond when she KICKS OFF #SmackDown TONIGHT?!”
Confirmed for WWE SmackDown on May 22, 2026:
- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga
- Cody Rhodes and Gunther to appear
- Rhea Ripley opens the show
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. TBA
- Carmelo Hayes delivers a message to United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty
WWE SmackDown airs tonight from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky beginning at 8 PM ET on USA Network. Ringside News will have full live coverage and results throughout the entire show.
WWE clearly is not holding anything back before Saturday Night’s Main Event, as the company continues stacking SmackDown with title implications, major appearances and unresolved rivalries that could explode before the weekend arrives.
Who do you think will answer Tiffany Stratton’s open challenge, and what message do you expect Carmelo Hayes to send to Trick Williams and Lil Yachty tonight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
