Tonight’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky, is poised to be a pivotal night with several major names reportedly backstage—setting the stage for potential debuts, returns, and cross-brand appearances that could shake up ongoing storylines.
According to PWInsiderElite.com, former NJPW star Hikuleo is in the Lexington area and has been confirmed to be backstage at the show. His signing with WWE has been anticipated for months following the expiration of his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract, and his presence tonight could signal the long-awaited start of his WWE journey. Hikuleo is the younger brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, both of whom are now aligned with The Bloodline, making his involvement in the evolving Jacob Fatu–Solo Sikoa storyline highly likely. While an on-screen appearance is not guaranteed, all signs point toward an imminent debut.
Adding to the intrigue, Fightful Select has reported that Kiana James is also backstage for SmackDown. This marks her first presence at a WWE event since June 2024, when she suffered a leg injury that sidelined her shortly after being drafted from NXT to Raw. Her last televised match was a Money in the Bank qualifier against IYO SKY and Zelina Vega on the June 17, 2024, edition of Monday Night Raw. A return tonight would reignite her stalled main roster momentum and provide a surprise boost to the women’s division.
Also confirmed for tonight’s show is Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, who continues to play a central role in SmackDown’s top-tier narratives. Ms. Money in the Bank Naomi is also scheduled to appear, further stacking the deck for an explosive episode.
In another interesting note, Raw’s Bronson Reed is reportedly in town. While it’s unclear whether he’ll appear in a dark match or be part of the televised broadcast, his presence could indicate cross-brand activity or a storyline pivot heading into the summer stretch.
With a mix of debuts, potential returns, and surprise appearances, tonight’s SmackDown from Lexington is shaping up to be a can’t-miss broadcast.
