WWE made another late change to Friday Night SmackDown just hours before the show went live. After confirming that R-Truth was not medically cleared to compete, WWE has now added a brand-new women’s tag team match to the lineup at the last minute as well.
Earlier in the day, Nick Aldis announced that Truth had been pulled from in-ring competition, forcing WWE to scrap the originally advertised tag match featuring Damian Priest and R-Truth against Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. Aldis confirmed that Priest will now face Tama Tonga in singles action instead.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, R-Truth is not medically cleared to compete tonight, therefore Damian Priest will now go 1-on-1 with Tama Tonga. See you tonight on #SmackDown.”
Now WWE has officially added another match to the card. The company announced that WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige will team up against Giulia and Kiana James in tag team action tonight on SmackDown.
The announcement was made on WWE’s official social media accounts shortly before the show began.
At this point, WWE still has not revealed why Truth was pulled from competition or whether the issue is injury-related. His current status remains unclear heading into the show.
Confirmed for WWE SmackDown on May 15, 2026:
- Gunther to make a decision regarding Cody Rhodes and SmackDown
- Jade Cargill scheduled to speak
- Trick Williams returns to South Carolina for a celebration
- Damian Priest vs. Tama Tonga
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Michin & B-Fab
- Brie Bella & Paige vs. Giulia & Kiana James
Make sure to keep checking Ringside News throughout the night for full WWE SmackDown coverage, breaking updates, results, and backstage news.
Do you think WWE handled the late SmackDown changes correctly, and which match are you most looking forward to tonight? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.