We are in the ninth inning now, as this WWE SmackDown preview covers the weekend that marks the return of WWE’s top classic Premium Live Event, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. The card is shaping up to be one good run with two title matches from WWE Raw and a star-studded 6-Woman Battle. But, before all that, let’s provide you with a WWE SmackDown preview for May 22, 2026. The night before a big PLE, WWE tends to treat it as an extension of the weekend, and we already have one huge match in the books for this Friday night.
So, stick around as we provide you with a WWE SmackDown preview of the SNME “go-home” show, which will take place live from Lexington, Kentucky, in the Rupp Arena! Now that you have all the information you need, we’re here to run it all down.
Getting Caught in the Crossfire
Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga have gone a long way back since their time in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). And that’s why Shinsuke is so invested in leading Tama back to the right path. So much so that Nakamura got his grill rocked by Talla Tonga in an extremely violent backstage assault as Shin once again tried to get through to Tama Tonga on this past week’s WWE SmackDown.
It’s no secret that Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa have had their differences, and many believe Tama is already considering that he may not want to run with MFT for long. However, Sikoa keeps insisting he is his right-hand man, even though Sikoa and Talla left him to his own devices against Damian Priest.
For months on end, Shinsuke Nakamura has pleaded his case regarding how Tama Tonga is getting used to further Solo Sikoa’s gain. But every time Shinsuke got so close, MFT would put a stop to it immediately, possibly trying to protect their ever-reliable.
This Friday night, the time for talking is over. Talla Tonga relies heavily on how big he is, and for good reason. Talla is a monster of a man. That said, Shinsuke Nakamura isn’t called the “King of Strong Style” just for anything. Nakamura is one of the most talented and dangerous individuals the professional wrestling industry has ever seen, and when push comes to shove, he can chop down any giant.
For the first time ever, Talla Tonga takes on Shinsuke Nakamura!
Will Talla Tonga finally put an end to Nakamura’s crusade? Or will Shinsuke add another reason why Tama Tonga should fend for himself?
WWE SmackDown Preview – Match Card (5/22/26):
- Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
*Card subject to change
