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WWE SmackDown Feb 6: Preview & Liv Morgan's Choice

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Jackson | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 10:46 AM ET

### BREAKING: Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs) Brand Assignment Revealed

While fans await his official Friday night debut, sources indicate that Royce Keys has officially been assigned to the WWE SmackDown roster moving forward.

According to a report from BodySlam.net (via Sports Illustrated), the former AEW standout was spotted backstage at Raw this past Monday, and the word in the locker room is that SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has secured the powerhouse for the blue brand. With tonight’s show taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, keep a close eye on the ring—Aldis may be looking to introduce his newest acquisition as a direct counter to the MFT’s recent dominance.

History doesn't just repeat itself in WWE—it comes back with a grudge.

Friday night's SmackDown delivers a collision almost 14 years in the making when Shinsuke Nakamura faces Tama Tonga in singles competition. These two first locked up in New Japan Pro Wrestling back in 2012, and while the wrestling world has changed dramatically since then, the tension between them feels fresh and personal.

WWE's given this feud legs through weeks of backstage confrontations that turned increasingly hostile. Tonga essentially told Nakamura his best days are behind him and suggested the King of Strong Style should have his own retirement tour.

Want to watch a veteran defend his legacy against a younger rival who knows exactly which buttons to push? Here's everything you need to know about catching this Royal Rumble fallout episode.

The Backstory: From NJPW to WWE

These two share a history that goes back to NJPW. They had their first showdown in 2012.

For well over a month, Tama Tonga and Nakamura have had some very tense backstage interactions. Tonga has repeatedly suggested Nakamura should have his own retirement tour.

Last week on the Royal Rumble go-home show, Nakamura shook his head. He remarked that Tonga had grown confident but was "still a young punk." He told Tonga he'd see him this Friday.

That set the stage for their first singles clash in WWE.

Who Else Is Advertised?

Cody Rhodes headlines the Royal Rumble fallout show alongside Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill.

The biggest question mark? Women's Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan is scheduled to appear. She's exploring her options for a WrestleMania 42 championship match and could make her decision Friday night.

Morgan already appeared on Raw earlier this week but didn't commit to challenging either champion. Will the SmackDown appearance change that?

Tiffany Stratton returned at the Royal Rumble after an absence.

Reports also suggest Royce Keys—formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs—could debut on the blue brand after appearing at the Royal Rumble premium live event.

Tama Tonga comes into this match as one-half of the new WWE Tag Team Champions. He and Solo Sikoa captured the titles as part of the MFT faction.

When and Where To Watch

Date: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. Central
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Network: USA Network (United States), Netflix (International)

SmackDown runs three hours from Charlotte.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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