Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown on May 2. With Backlash right around the corner on May 10, WWE has a lot of work ahead of itself to set up the rest of the card and sell us on the feuds. Friday's show continued the buildup for the premium live event while also advancing some blue brand-specific storylines.

The United States and WWE Women's Championships occupied the spotlight as Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena got a night off on his farewell tour. That meant finding out who Jacob Fatu and Tiffany Stratton's opponents would be — or at least getting a better idea. It was a long, long night, folks.

Randy Orton is coiled and ready to strike. "The Viper" Orton is preparing for his undisputed WWE title match with John Cena at Backlash. Orton returns to SmackDown eight days before their encounter. Orton has gotten the better of Cena in each of their non-wrestling encounters after WrestleMania 41,