The WWE hosted the Backlash 2025 PLE successfully on May 10 in St Louis. John Cena defeated his career-long rival, Randy Orton, to defend his Undisputed WWE Champion title for the first time since snatching it away from The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, at WrestleMania 41. After the conclusion of the Backlash PLE, the WWE is set to deliver the fallout show on Friday Night SmackDown. WWE Backlash 2025 Results: John Cena Retains Undisputed Championship, Jacob Fatu, Dominik Mysterio, and Lyra Valkyria Successfully Defend Respective Titles (Watch Video Highlights).

The SmackDown episode on May 16 will be aired live from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The show will see major development that transpired during Backlash and will also start building towards the next PLE, i.e., Money in the Bank 2025. In this article, we will talk about the confirmed matches in the upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches

The fallout show of SmackDown will kick off the qualifying matches for the Money in the Bank. This was announced by Michael Cole on this week's Raw. The next PLE of WWE will take place on June 7, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Former US Women's champion Chelsea Green will face Michin and Alexa Bliss in a triple threat match. There will be another triple threat match for the men involving Jimmy Uso, Rey Fenix and Solo Sikoa.  Fan Throws Beer Bottle At Undisputed Champion John Cena During WWE Friday Night SmackDown (Watch Videos).

Will Cody Rhodes Return?

In this week's episode, Cody Rhodes might be seen returning to the ring after a long absence following his WrestleMania 41 defeat against John Cena. Fans are eagerly waiting in anticipation to witness the American Nightmare on the Blue Brand.

R-Truth to Address John Cena's Attack

R-Truth is set to address the attack by John Cena in an interview with Wade Barrett. Having called himself a lifelong fan of John Cena, R-Truth helped the 17-time champion retain his WWE Undisputed Championship against Randy Orton at Backlash 2025. However, he interrupted John Cena's press conference later on and was attacked by the champion. What will he have to say against the man he says he has idolised? John Cena Gives R-Truth 'Attitude Adjustment' Through A Table During WWE Backlash 2025 Press Conference After Beating Randy Orton To Retain Title (Watch Video).

Nia Jax vs Tiffany Stratton for WWE Women's Championship

Nia Jax will go up against Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship. The champion has been attacked by her former friend in the past and will look to end this feud once and for all. Nia Jax on the other hand, would look to have her hands on the WWE Women's Title once again after losing it to Tiffany Stratton earlier on.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2025 02:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).