WWE SmackDown Highlights: Aleister Black Returns as Backlash Approaches

Des Moines, Iowa — WWE SmackDown on May 2 kept fans on the edge of their seats, with upcoming matches for the Backlash event on May 10. The show at the Wells Fargo Arena featured a mix of intense backstories and competitive bouts, setting the stage for more drama ahead.

Aleister Black made his much-anticipated return to WWE last week, and faced off against The Miz in his first official match back. The atmosphere was electric as Black sought to re-establish himself, delivering a strong performance despite facing challenges. The match showcased impressive tactics from both competitors; Black ultimately secured the win with a devastating Black Mass after successfully countering distractions.

In another highlight, Damian Priest clashed with LA Knight. Their feud ignited as Priest held Knight accountable for past grievances, leading to an impromptu match. The contest was marked by intense exchanges and interference from Solo Sikoa, which ended in disqualification. The two men found common ground in tackling the interference together, which added to the chaotic feel of the night.

The evening also told a story of emerging talents, with Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton brawling after Jax delivered a scathing promo. This setup ultimately led to a tag match that increased the stakes for both women. Their tensions reflect WWE’s ongoing push to develop women’s storylines and elevate their struggles in the ring.

New tag team duos also made waves, with Nathan Frazer and Axiom showcasing their skills against Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, aka Pretty Deadly. The high-paced action displayed the agility of the teams, culminating in a victory for Fraxiom after Frazer executed a stunning phoenix splash.

Finally, the overarching narrative loomed over the show as several unexpected WWE releases affected the atmosphere. Notably, names like Shayna Baszler and Braun Strowman were mentioned as part of a larger wave of roster changes, which cast uncertainty on the show. Nevertheless, performers focused on delivering a quality experience to fans, proving their resilience.

As the road to Backlash continues, the dynamics set forth on SmackDown promise an engaging build-up, leading to likely confrontations and outcomes that WWE fans eagerly await.