WWE is not wasting any time getting to one of the biggest questions hanging over Friday Night SmackDown, because Rhea Ripley will be front and center the moment the show begins.
WWE announced in an update ahead of the May 22 episode of SmackDown that the WWE Women’s Champion will kick off tonight’s broadcast from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The opening segment comes after Jade Cargill issued a challenge for a rematch, putting the pressure directly on Ripley to respond before Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE made the opening segment official while promoting tonight’s show on social media.
“After @Jade_Cargill threw out the challenge for a rematch, how will WWE Women’s Champion @RheaRipley_WWE respond when she KICKS OFF #SmackDown TONIGHT?!”
The announcement makes Ripley’s response to Cargill the first major moment fans will see on the go-home edition of SmackDown. With Cargill already making it known that she wants another shot, Ripley now has the chance to either accept the challenge, shut it down or set the stage for another confrontation between the two women.
The timing is especially important with Saturday Night’s Main Event coming up next. WWE has positioned Ripley and Cargill’s unresolved issue at the top of tonight’s broadcast, which could mean the Women’s Championship picture is about to take another major turn before the weekend is over.
The updated SmackDown lineup also includes Talla Tonga going one-on-one with Shinsuke Nakamura. That match was set after last week’s backstage confrontation, where Nakamura attempted to speak with Tama Tonga before Talla blindsided him and turned the situation physical.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight, May 22, from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, beginning at 8 PM ET on USA Network. Fans can follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage of everything that happens during the show.
Confirmed for WWE SmackDown on May 22, 2026:
- WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley kicks off SmackDown to respond to Jade Cargill’s rematch challenge.
- Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.
What do you think Rhea Ripley will say when she responds to Jade Cargill’s rematch challenge on SmackDown tonight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.