Current Champions return after 6 months and confront R-Truth on SmackDown

R-Truth found himself in a rather precarious position backstage on SmackDown after Clash in Italy 2026. He was confronted by two current Champions, who returned after half a year away.

This week on SmackDown, R-Truth put himself in harm’s way again so he could try to help Royce Keys out. Keys faced the imposing Talla Tonga and would end up defeated thanks to a distraction from Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. While this is Keys’ second single loss in WWE, Talla Tonga has yet to face a defeat since his WWE debut. He has lowkey been one of the most dominant stars on the roster, but it’s hard to tell because he doesn’t even have a theme song of his own. Either way, R-Truth came out and would pay the price for it. Damian Priest spoke to Truth backstage, explaining his stance – that he wasn’t obligated to help Royce Keys, and that he only wanted to help Truth. The veteran then said it was for his brother, and Priest told him he didn’t have a brother. Truth then said “hustle, loyalty, and respect”, referencing John Cena.

As Damian Priest had no response, he simply walked away. Truth was then confronted very calmly by the AAA World Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders. Erik and Ivar made their return for the first time since 8th December, 2025. Recently winning the AAA Tag Titles, they offered to challenge R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championship. He hilariously responded that he has never met them a day in his life.

This means that WWE is looking to add more depth to the tag team division despite some prominent releases such as The Motor City Machine Guns.

Meanwhile, Erik and Ivar are quietly stacking up an impressive resume of tag team titles together.