Friday Night Smackdown Review 7.2.2026.

Written by Patrick O'malley

Intro.

I was asking a friend of mine lately, who's also a big Pro Wrestling fan, and I asked her a question. I said is this the best time to be a WWE fan? And her answer was swift. Well, What do you think? and at that point I knew that she was right. I love the rd to WrestleMania. There's just something unpredictable about this build, because you never know what twists and turns this course of creative is going to take. Roman vs Punk, and the looming threat of that three way, between Cody. Drew, and. Jacob, this WrestleMania season is starting to shape up just nicely. 

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Tiffany Stratton. Lash Legend. Nia Jax. Randy Orton, and. Solo Sikoa were seen showing up to the venue.

Drew Mcintyre Segment.

Drew Mcintyre was given the walk through treatment, but before he could get to the ring, he was attacked by Cody Rhodes. Security had to pull these two apart. Cody then took to the mic. His passion is infectious. I understand that Mr Rhodes is starting to annoy a lot of fans, but ask me this. Name me another superstar who's this passionate, because I think that Cody is the definition of that word. He talked about local pride, and then said that his nickname was Raheem, and just like that my mind goes straight to football. So Cody is nick named after a washed up former Man City player. This was an excellent way to start the show. This would also be an episode long storythread.

Rhiyo vs Giulia And Kiana James WWE Womens Tag Team Championships.

I'm starting to like the team of Iyo Sky, and. Rhea Ripley. They took a while, but they're now growing on me. This outing on paper didn't look very good, but after watching it this. I can honestly say that i've never been more happy to be wrong. This was a well booked TV Match, that saw the champs retain. The chemistry that was on display was excellent.

The Miz vs Carmelo Hayes.

Ok guys. This Match wasn't great, but it does get a pass because it's the year of The Miz, ( hoooooooooooooooorah ) so this gets a pass. Carmelo got the win.

Tacky Time. Chelsea Green vs Lash Legend vs Tiffany Stratton Elimination Chamber Qualifier.

I have to say it. God bless you Chelsea Green. This segment with her, Alba Fyre, and. Tiffany Stratton was pure comedic gold. She then lost to Tiffany Stratton, and. Lash Legend in what was a great bit of business when you look at how the Elimination Chamber is shaping up.

Kit Wilson Segment.

I don't like what WWE are doing with Kit Wilson. I know i'm one fan in a big see of fans who dosen't like this, but when you take a look at the world at the moment. The internet is full of these types of people. Thank God for Oba Femi, and his need to wreck people like Ralph, because this was great. R Truth loved this. Damien Priest I'm not too sure about, and we all know what Drew Mcintyre is thinking.

Drew Mcintyre Segment.

Drew tried to speak again, but this time he was attacked by Jacob Fatu. These two need to have a face without Cody, because I don't think that Jacob hasn't been tested on the mic.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Tama Tonga.

This was flat. I don't know what else to say, because the fans that were in attendence sounded tired. Tama got the win. This Match is one of the many problems when you run a 3 hour show. 

Johnny Gargano Segment.

Fraxiom, and. The Motorcity Machine Gunns were having fun at Johnny Garganos expense. I think I can some it up. I'm a massive fan of Greenday, and to quote there lyrics. Nobody likes him. Tomasso has left him, he's moved to AEW, and is having fun.

Liv Morgan Segment.

I didn't like this. From something that had promise, to a segment that turned into a promotrain. Liv put herself over, whilst Raquel looked pissed off after what happened last Monday, and don't get me started on the Royal Rumble last weekend. This years ladies winner was interrupted by Jade Cargill, after Liv put over her love for the Toby Maguire Spiderman Films. Jade was then interrupted by Jordynne Grace, and this prompted Nick Aldis to put these ladies in an Impromptu Match. From clunky booking, to my outrage surrounding  bad execution of the Match, that did nothing for me. Jade, and. Jordynne got the win, after Jade accidentally kicked her partner in the face. Jade will face Jordynne next week for the WWE Womens Championship.

Everyone Loves Sami Zayn.

Now I don't know about you guys, but I love Sami Zayn. Everyone loves Sami Zayn. Rey Fenix loves Sami Zayn. Trick Williams on the other hand, yeah, not so much.

Drew Mcintyre Finally Talks.

From giving those who came before him respect, ( except for Dusty Rhodes ) him giving his thoughts on what transpired on Monday Night Raw, between Cm Punk, and. Roman Reigns, and his interaction with Trick Williams, this, for a TV segment was perfect. I loved this. No notes.

Randy Orton vs Solo Sikoa vs Alestair Black Elimination Chamber Qualifier.

This was good. In Keyfabe this had no right to be as good as it was, but for a WWE tv Match, this was solid. I didn't agree with Randy getting the win, because I think that this would've suited Alestair a bit more, and at this stage in Ortons career, I don't think that the booking has done him favours here, because a gimmick like The Elimination Chamber should be used as a test for underutilised talent. I know that not many people will agree with me, but this is just my opinion.

Overview of  WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

This weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown was a joy to watch, on a Saturday Morning with a round of Bacon Sandwiches. The in-ring work was solid, as my excitement for this years WrestleMania starts to grow. Keep this up WWE.

This weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown is a high 7/10.