WWE SmackDown #1393 Results: Gunther Creates Chaos in Tulsa

The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, served as the backdrop for episode 1393 of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on May 1, 2026. The event featured a series of high-profile debuts and confrontations as the company began building toward the upcoming WWE Backlash event scheduled for the following week in Tampa, Florida.

A central focus of the evening was the presence of Gunther, the Vienna-born superstar, whose actions in the ring contributed to a chaotic atmosphere during the broadcast. According to reporting from OE24, Gunther’s involvement led to significant disruption within the ring, continuing his trajectory as a dominant and disruptive force on the SmackDown roster.

Major Debuts and Roster Shifts

The episode was marked by the main roster debut of Ricky Starks, also referred to in some reports as Ricky Saints. Starks’ arrival on the SmackDown brand is part of a broader wave of new arrivals following the events of WrestleMania 42, as the company integrates former NXT stars and new talent into the primary storylines.

In addition to Starks, the show continued to develop the presence of the group known as Fatal Influence. The trio, consisting of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid, have recently targeted several established figures on the roster. This tension culminated in a match on May 1, 2026, where Jacy Jayne faced off against Charlotte Flair.

Champion’s Address and Title Implications

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes opened the broadcast to address recent developments. Rhodes used the segment to discuss the aftermath of WrestleMania and respond to a vicious punt attack carried out by Randy Orton. The champion’s address served to establish the next challenges facing his title reign as the roster shifts into the post-WrestleMania cycle.

The episode also featured developments regarding Jacob Fatu. Following a challenge accepted by Roman Reigns during the Monday Raw broadcast, Fatu’s presence on the May 1 episode furthered the anticipation for a potential title clash between the two competitors.

Road to Backlash

The events in Tulsa are designed to set the stage for the WWE Backlash premium live event. With three major events scheduled for May 2026, the company is utilizing the weekly broadcasts to establish stakes and rivalries. The combination of Gunther’s ring chaos, the arrival of Ricky Starks, and the escalating conflict involving Fatal Influence suggests a crowded landscape heading into the Tampa event.