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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
MAY 8, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. AT COLONIAL LIFE ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of earlier today 8,519 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 19,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed an areal view of Columbia. Then they showed wrestlers arriving including Cody Rhodes. He said R-Truth wasn’t medically cleared, so Damien Priest would face Tama Tonga in a singles match. THey showed Trick Williams in the local college stadium
-Trick made his entrance with Lil’ Yachty and talked about being from that area. He talked about when he came up with the name Lemon Pepper Steppers. He asked everyone to “look at the star you created!” Miz’s music interrupted.
Miz walked out with Kit Wilson. Miz told Trick his whole career is going to look like rejected mascots from his daughter’s birthday party. He asked if Big Bird was going to come out next. Kit didn’t like Yachty mouthing off, so he read an insult poem to him. Yachty fired back with some of his own, supposedly extemporaneous, but clearly planned given how elaborate it was. He closed with saying Miz had tiny balls. Miz raged that they’re not bringing that back. He called for a referee so he could fight Trick in front of his mama. When Kit walked up to Trick, Trick gave him a backhanded slap. Miz went after Trick, but Trick knocked him over the top rope, then played to a crowd chanting, “Whoop that Trick!” [c]
(1) THE MIZ (w/Kit Wilson) vs. TRICK WILLIAMS (w/Lil’ Yacty)
The bell rang 18 minutes into the hour. Miz took control after a Kit distraction (of course). Trick took over at ringside. Kit hit Trick with a flying back elbow, giving Miz the advantage again. Miz and Yachty went face to face as they cut to a double-box break at 4:00. [c/db]
Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale after the break. Trick kicked out. Miz’s eyes popped out, looking stunned. Miz looked under the ring and pulled a kendo stick out. Yachty yanked it out of his hands and bashed Kit at ringside with it. He threw him into the announce desk. Miz yelled at Yachty, then turned back to Trick who landed a Trick Shot for the win.
WINNER: Trick in 11:00.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Carmelo Hayes backstage. He asked him about facing Starks. Hayes said he’s been gone for a month, and he has watched Sami Zayn make a mockery of the U.S. Title, a belt he took so much pride in. In walked Stars who said he didn’t even get a formal hello from him. Hayes said he’s not running for president, but rather he is focused on regaining his title. Starks said the world is difference since he was last around and there are new tenants. Hayes said he’s the landlord of the arena. He said this place has a way of humbling people like Starks. Starks said he needs an absolute lesson.
-Elsewhere, G.M. Nick Aldis chatted with Rey Fenix briefly. Then Rey walked away and Sami walked in. Sami told Aldis he knows he lost his match at Backlash and he’s ashamed of himself and he did things out of character. He said the pressure of people telling him to do things differently got to him. He said he has to back to doing things the old way. He asked for another rematch. Aldis said he already had his rematch, so now he has to earn an additional rematch. Sami asked if he hasn’t earned more the last couple of years. He said his ride or die fans don’t forget him. He said he wants to redeem himself for them. Aldis said Sami is clearly dealing with some stuff, so his advice was to go deal with it because all he’s sensing from him is “entitled.” Rey Fenix walked up to him and said he doesn’t recognize him anymore. [c]
-Kelley interviewed Paige and Brie Bella backstage about how the target on their backs keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Advertised Matches & Appearances
- Gunther to decide whether to move to SmackDown to challenge Cody Rhodes
- Trick Williams to return to University of South Carolina for a homecoming celebration
- Jade Cargill to speak
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