Uncle Howdy will compete in a rare singles match against Solo Sikoa, the former WWE United States Champion and leader of the MFT faction, next week on SmackDown. This matchup continues the ongoing rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks, led by Howdy, and the MFT group, escalating tensions after recent clashes.
Background of the Wyatt Sicks and MFT Feud
For several months, The Wyatt Sicks and the MFT have been embroiled in a heated feud. On the January 23, 2026 episode of SmackDown, Solo Sikoa teamed with Tama Tonga to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships from Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis, who are members of The Wyatt Sicks. During this confrontation, Sikoa’s faction seized the Tag Team titles and also took possession of Howdy’s lantern, a symbol linked to his group.
Following these events, SmackDown announced that Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa will meet in a one-on-one match. Sikoa has asserted that he has no intention of returning the lantern to Howdy by any means necessary.
Industry Veteran Expresses Doubts About WWE’s Support for The Wyatt Sicks
WWE legend Rikishi voiced concerns about the creative direction of The Wyatt Sicks, suggesting that the company may have lost faith in Uncle Howdy and his team. While acknowledging Howdy’s strong in-ring abilities, Rikishi highlighted challenges in how talent is supported beyond wrestling skills.
“Bo is a good, good wrestler. But for us as talent, we can only do so much in there, like we need all the pieces of the puzzle to be able to fit, like the writing team, the effects team. You know, the way the videographer has shot certain promo scenes and so forth. So at the end of the day, I feel that maybe the team has dropped the ball on him. I don’t know, maybe it was personal, or they just gave up on Bo’s team,”
— Rikishi, WWE Veteran
Rikishi’s remarks came during an episode of the Off The Top podcast, emphasizing the need for cohesive storytelling and production support in building a wrestler’s profile. Notably, The Wyatt Sicks were not included in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, further casting uncertainty over their future in WWE’s top storylines.
What This Means for Uncle Howdy and The Wyatt Sicks Moving Forward
The upcoming singles match on SmackDown between Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa will be a critical moment for both competitors, especially given the ongoing faction rivalry and the symbolic contest over Howdy’s lantern. With WrestleMania 42 approaching, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see whether WWE has meaningful plans for The Wyatt Sicks or if they will continue to struggle for creative momentum.
The resolution of this personal and factional conflict could shape the narrative direction of both groups and influence their positioning on WWE’s biggest stages later this year.
"The next time I come down to that ring, I will be alone. The only question is, will you show up?"
– Uncle Howdy to Solo Sikoa#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/R3ygXfwKpl
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) February 21, 2026
