WWE SmackDown 2026: Five Controversial Booking Decisions That Confused Fans
Introduction to SmackDown 2026
The inaugural SmackDown of 2026 aimed to establish a strong foundation for WWE's upcoming year. However, various creative decisions left the audience scratching their heads. Below are five booking choices that sparked confusion among fans.
Kabuki Warriors Struggle for Credibility
As the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, the Kabuki Warriors have faced challenges in maintaining their credibility. Since capturing the titles, they have suffered losses in nearly every tag team match. Aside from Asuka's individual win against Rhea Ripley, their overall performance has been disappointing. Even in multi-woman bouts, they have frequently been pinned by challengers, which undermines their status as champions.
Rey Fenix's Underutilization
Rey Fenix, a seasoned champion with international experience, has not been utilized effectively since joining WWE. His backstage interaction with Nick Aldis was cut short by Trick Williams, leading to a match scheduled in Berlin. Pitting Fenix against Williams seems like a miscalculation; given his skills, he should be pursuing the United States title or aiming for a higher position on the SmackDown roster.
Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Feud
The rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes intensified with the announcement of a Three Stages of Hell match. While this stipulation promised excitement, McIntyre's initial choice of a standard wrestling match failed to deliver the anticipated brutality. Although the subsequent No Disqualification and steel cage matches were appropriate, the opening stage lacked the intensity that such a stipulation should convey.
Frustration Over Rapid Title Changes
Frequent title changes have continued to frustrate fans. Dominik Mysterio reclaimed the Intercontinental Championship from John Cena after just two weeks, while Jacy Jayne regained the NXT Women’s title from Tatum Paxley in a similar manner. Chelsea Green, who briefly held the Women’s United States Championship, lost it back to Giulia on SmackDown. These quick reigns diminish the titles' prestige and hinder potential challengers who find themselves stuck in tag team narratives.
Ambulance Match Outcome
The Ambulance match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black had the potential to position Black as a formidable contender. However, Priest's victory halted Black's momentum. Given Ripley's earlier dominance in the night, Priest's win felt excessive. Black, one of WWE's more captivating talents, now faces a setback, while Priest remains in a stagnant position since departing from Judgment Day.