The final WWE SmackDown before Backlash delivered a wild and emotional night in Jacksonville, capped off by an unforgettable Gingerbread Man funeral that had the WWE Universe buzzing. From high-stakes warnings to shocking betrayals, here are the top takeaways from the go-home show.
The night kicked off with intensity as Jacob Fatu stepped into the ring for his final words before facing Roman Reigns at Backlash. The Usos joined him, delivering a stern warning that echoed through the arena. Jey Uso didn't hold back, telling Fatu that Reigns would "beat that ass" and break him down both physically and emotionally—all in front of his family, who would then be forced to acknowledge the Tribal Chief. Fatu fired back with equal fire, promising to burn the entire family tree down if either Uso interfered in the match. His closing statement, "This is for MY FAMILY," set the stage for what promises to be a brutal showdown. It was a smart move to lead the show with this segment, giving fans a final taste of the tension before Backlash. Fatu's intensity was unmatched, and his determination to win without outside help couldn't be clearer. WWE has a golden opportunity to give Fatu a career-defining moment here, but whether the creative team will pull the trigger remains to be seen.
In a bizarre and entertaining twist, Danhausen spent the evening searching for a tag team partner to face The Miz and Kit Wilson at Backlash. His desperation led him to attempt cloning himself—a move that had fans laughing but also wondering who will step up to join him. Meanwhile, Talla Tonga scored a solid win over Damian Priest, showcasing her growing momentum. Ricky Saints continued his hot streak by pinning Matt Cardona, and Royce Keys took down Tama Tonga in a hard-fought bout. The women's division also delivered, with Fatal Influence securing a six-woman tag victory over the powerhouse trio of Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley. The win came thanks to a surprise attack from Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin, adding another layer of chaos to the Backlash card.
The show also featured the Women's United States Championship match between Tiffany Stratton and Kiana James, a clash born from Stratton overlooking Giulia. While the match itself was solid, the real story was the tension brewing between the competitors. With Backlash just days away, every move on SmackDown felt like a chess piece being set in place. Whether it's the emotional weight of Fatu vs. Reigns, the quirky antics of Danhausen, or the shifting alliances in the women's division, this go-home show had everything a fan could ask for—and left us counting down the hours until the big event. Get ready, because Backlash is shaping up to be a night you won't want to miss.