WWE SmackDown: New Matches – Giulia vs IYO SKY & Tonga vs Dragunov Confirmed

A planned match between IYO SKY and Giulia for this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown has been replaced, with Rhea Ripley now set to face Giulia in a singles bout. The change was announced by WWE just hours before the show was scheduled to air on February 20, 2026.

The original contest between Giulia, the reigning Women’s United States Champion, and SKY was intended as a non-title match. Giulia’s recent challenge alongside Kiana James against SKY and Ripley for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships fueled anticipation for the showdown.

According to Cory Hays of BodySlam.net, the decision to postpone the IYO SKY versus Giulia match was strategic. WWE intends to save the bout for a later date, believing it has the potential to be a significant event and wanting to build more storyline weight before its occurrence. This decision was not related to any injury or travel issues affecting either competitor.

Also confirmed for Friday’s SmackDown is a match between Ilja Dragunov and Tama Tonga. Tonga enters the contest following a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura, while Dragunov recently defeated The Miz.

The updated lineup for the February 20th episode of SmackDown also includes Elimination Chamber qualifying matches featuring Carmelo Hayes versus Trick Williams versus Damian Priest, and Nia Jax versus Charlotte Flair versus Kiana James. Oba Femi is scheduled to compete against Kit Wilson.

WWE SmackDown will be broadcast live from the Amerant Bank Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.