The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/13/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring a Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton contract signing, Nia Jax & Lash Legend facing Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and more. 

Last week on SmackDown, Cody Rhodes became a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Drew McIntyre in a match that involved some chaos, including referee bumps and Jacob Fatu preventing McIntyre from using a steel chair. This means Cody will face his mentor, Randy Orton, for the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42.

The title change upset some fans, and I understand why, because Drew is great and deserves to go into WrestleMania as WWE Champion, but I wasn’t surprised by the result. I like everyone involved. It’s not an easy job to decide who gets to be in the WWE Title match at WrestleMania when the roster is so deep. I’m curious to see if tonight’s crowd will boo Cody Rhodes because of it.

From the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, this is SmackDown for episode #1386. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package showed highlights of last week’s SmackDown when Cody Rhodes beat Drew McIntyre to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody is now a 3-time WWE Champion.

They showed superstars earlier in the day, including Cody Rhodes talking to Jelly Roll, Randy Orton walking backstage, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis looking over a contract…and here comes Drew McIntyre.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre walked down to the ring and stood on the commentary table. Drew complained about what happened last week and called for SmackDown GM Nick Aldis to come out and set things straight. Aldis came out to the ring and said that last week was fair. Aldis explained that Drew had headbutted the referee during the match. Aldis told Drew that he’s just looking for someone to blame and that he should be focusing on the consequences of his own actions. Drew shot back, saying that Nick had to ensure Cody got his title back and called him a corporate stooge. Aldis told him not to call him that because he knows where Aldis came from. Aldis pointed out that Drew cost Cody the Rumble and Chamber matches. Aldis added that he understands why Drew tried to screw Cody, because the first time Cody got a fair shot, he beat Drew. The fans let out a big “ooohhh” reaction to that, so Drew was angry.

Drew McIntyre went into the ring and got in the face of Nick Aldis. Drew said that this is bullshit. It was not muted. Drew said that you are going to make this right or else.

Jacob Fatu joined the promo party by walking into the ring with McIntyre and Aldis. There were some “Fatu” chants. Fatu wondered what needed fixing. Fatu told Drew he wouldn’t even be champion if it wasn’t for Fatu, which is true. Fatu said he resolved the situation last week so Drew McIntyre is no longer the champion. Fatu said this isn’t about Aldis or Cody Rhodes. Fatu said if you are blaming people like the ref, Aldis, or anyone else, let’s keep it 100 because Fatu was the one who screwed Drew. Fatu wondered what Drew was going to do about it. Drew responded by saying Fatu, Nick, and Cody – these people, Drew is done with it all. Drew: “I quit!” Drew left the ring and walked out through the crowd toward the backstage area.

Analysis: The expectation here was that Drew would get into a fight with Jacob Fatu, but instead, Drew decided to quit. We have seen quitting angles before, like when Jey Uso quit, and it led to a brand switch for him. I’m not sure if that’s where things are headed for Drew in the future. A matchup between Drew and Fatu at WrestleMania makes the most sense. There’s also a possibility that Nick Aldis will get to wrestle a WWE match soon against Drew McIntyre, which is a match I would like to see, but I’m not sure if that’s the plan. I think most people watching know Drew didn’t really quit, and WWE didn’t drag it out too long.

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Solo Sikoa was with the MFTs discussing how they are the WWE Tag Team Champions and still have the Wyatt Family lantern, even though the Wyatts are not the number one contenders for the titles. Solo spoke to Talla Tonga about their match tonight. He told Tama Tonga to guard the lantern and said that without it, the Wyatts are nothing. Solo and his friends left. Shinsuke Nakamura approached Tama Tonga, wondering when he will decide to be his own man. Solo returned and warned Nakamura to stay away from his family before Nakamura gets hurt. Solo and Tama then left.

The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance for tag team action.

A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired promoting CM Punk against Roman Reigns.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was backstage talking to GM Nick Aldis. Fatu said Drew quit while Fatu was going to whoop his ass and Aldis was dumbfounded by Drew quitting. Trick Williams interrupted. Trick was rude to Fatu and Fatu yelled at him. Fatu said he doesn’t like being disrespected like that. Trick said that was disrespect and what Randy Orton did last week was disrespect. Aldis said that Orton is busy tonight, so Trick can face Fatu tonight. Trick complained, wondering who hired this guy, and Trick wasn’t happy about it.

Analysis: That’s a fresh matchup for later with Jacob Fatu facing Trick Williams. I like it.

Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga (w/Tama Tonga, JC Mateo & Tonga Loa) vs. Wyatt Sicks – Uncle Howdy & Erick Rowan (w/Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy & Nikki Cross)

MFTs are the Tag Team Champions, but this is not a title match. The titles are on Mateo and Loa. Bo Dallas is Uncle Howdy.

Rowan and Talla exchanged shoulder tackles. Talla hit an uppercut punch, followed by a shoulder tackle. Rowan broke free with a shoulder tackle. Howdy faced off against Solo until Talla got the tag and tripped up Howdy. Talla sent Howdy into the commentary table and into the barricade. They went on a break, and I’ll take a break too as the heels worked over Howdy for three minutes.

It was Talla in control of Howdy with a chop to the chest. Talla splashed Howdy against the turnbuckle, followed by a Samoan Drop for two. Howdy countered a Solo move with a belly-to-back suplex. Rowan tagged in with a DDT on Talla, a dropkick and a splash against the turnbuckle. The fans woke up for some of Rowan’s offense. Rowan hit a running cross body block on Talla. Rowan hit a back elbow off the middle turnbuckle for two. Solo tagged Talla’s foot and was legal with a jumping kick. Solo went up top and went for a splash, but Rowan got his knees up to block. Howdy was back in with a Sister Abigail attempt, but Solo got out of it and hit a Samoan Spike for two because Rowan made the save. Talla clotheslined Rowan out of the ring. Talla and Rowan hit a double clothesline to knock eachother down. JC, Loa and Tama got into a fight with Gacy and Lumis on the floor. Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Gacy and a Samoan Spike for Lumis. Back in the ring, Nikki got a hold of the Wyatt Family lantern, so Solo was mad about it. Howdy was back up and hit Sister Abigail on Solo for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Wyatt Sicks – Uncle Howdy & Erick Rowan

Analysis: **3/4 It felt like an average match that was slow-paced at times. These weren’t the best mix of guys in terms of having an exciting match. It was about the story with Rowan and Talla canceling each other out, so to speak, which left Howdy and Solo. Since Nikki took the lantern, Solo was distracted, and Howdy capitalized for the win.

After the match, Cross handed Howdy the Wyatt Family Lantern. Tama Tonga hit a running Cutthroat elbow on Howdy and took the Wyatt Family Lantern. Solo and his guys celebrated.

Analysis: This feud just keeps dragging on. The fans don’t really seem to care, and I totally get it. I’m not sure what the final outcome will be, but it probably involves a 4-on-4 tag match at WrestleMania, and maybe that will wrap it up. That’s my guess anyway. Honestly, I don’t care that much about either group right now. There are other people I’d rather see on the show.

Damian Priest and R-Truth were watching TV backstage. Truth thought the Wyatt Family were The Judgment Day and made some silly joke. Angel & Berto complained about Priest and Truth becoming number one contenders even though Angel & Berto did all the work last week. Priest bragged about how they easily beat Angel & Berto last week, while Truth claimed he had never seen them before. Words were exchanged, and Priest said they could handle this tonight.

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Giulia and Kiana James were backstage before a promo. They trash-talked Tiffany Stratton, with Giulia laughing at the idea of Tiffany Stratton taking the Women’s US Title from her. James said she’ll prove that Tiffy Time is over.

Jade Cargill vs. Michin

This is not related to Jade’s WWE Women’s Title. Michin has been out for nearly three months, and Wade attempted to claim that Jade deliberately injured Michin, which is just a storyline to push Jade as a heel.

Michin attacked from behind without an apparent entrance, then kicked Jade out of the ring. The referee called for the bell. Michin jumped off the turnbuckle with a hurricanrana that sent Jade out of the ring. She then hit a suicide dive onto Jade on the floor. Back in the ring, Jade responded with a pump kick. Jade executed a body slam and then worked over Michin with kicks. Michin held onto the ropes to send Jade to the floor. She kicked Jade in the shoulder. Jade caught Michin and hit a fallaway slam on the floor. They paused for a break, as Jade was in control for the next three minutes.

Jade hit a spinebuster for a two count. Michin broke free and executed a Stunner variation. Michin jumped off the turnbuckle with a Tornado DDT for two. Michin delivered a jumping kick and a Sliced Bread neckbreaker off the turnbuckle. Michin struck with Eat Defeat to the side of Jade’s head, knocking her out of the ring. Michin jumped off the apron with a cannonball, but Jade moved, and Michin hit the floor. Jade delivered a Powerbomb on the top of the barricade to Michin. Back in the ring, Jade licked Michin’s face and hit a Chokeslam. Jade finished with Jaded for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: **1/2 I thought this match would last five minutes or less, so I was surprised it went longer. I liked that Michin got some offense, but then Jade hit a few big moves, and that was it. I enjoyed the Powerbomb on the barricade as a powerful move for Jade.

Jade Cargill was about to be interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the ring, but Jade took the microphone from her, so Cathy left. Jade said that when she walks the hallways, everybody goes quiet. Jade said that, for some reason, people tell her she should be scared of Ripley. Jade said she’s not afraid. Jade said she doesn’t see a challenger or a threat. Jade said she hasn’t been afraid of anything in her life, and she isn’t going to start today. Jade said she’ll beat Rhea Ripley’s ass at WrestleMania and show why she is always on top.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a big ovation, wearing boots with heels that made her appear tall. Ripley entered the ring, causing Jade to leave. Ripley said that Jade was running her mouth, but now Jade wants to run away from a fight with her. Ripley claimed that Jade is not the embodiment of female empowerment. She also said that after WrestleMania, Jade is going to be Rhea’s bitch. The fans erupted in applause at the end of the promo.

Analysis: There were strong words from both women. I think Jade is a lot more interesting as a heel, especially when it comes to promos, so I don’t mind her in that role. Ripley is so easy to like, of course. I think Ripley winning the Women’s Title is very likely at WrestleMania.

Nick Aldis was seen talking on the phone backstage, mentioning he wants to get a hold of somebody. Cody Rhodes, the WWE Champion, approached Nick with the contract and said it looks like everything is in order. Aldis left.

Sami Zayn spoke to Cody Rhodes backstage. Zayn said he’s rooting for Cody at WrestleMania. Cody said that he knows Zayn said the same thing to Randy Orton last week. Cody wondered if this was about Sami wanting a title shot. Sami said he can’t believe that Cody would think about him like that. Sami said that he said that to Randy Orton because he is Randy Orton and he looks up to a guy like Orton, who is a 14-time World Champion. Zayn said he looks up to Orton, but he doesn’t look up to Cody because they are friends, and they are supposed to be equals. Zayn said that in his eyes, they are equals, so Cody doesn’t get to talk down to him. Cody said he looks up to Zayn and he is inspired by him. Cody said that you don’t need to look up to him, and Zayn should just look right here at the WWE Title. Zayn was angry and he slapped water bottles away. Cody left. Aleister Black walked up with Zelina, who was laughing. Black said all this chasing the world title, and Black said maybe it’s not meant for Zayn. Zayn told Black he needs to stay far away from Zayn and Zayn left.

Analysis: There’s the weekly Sami Zayn awkward backstage segment with Cody Rhodes. They both made valid points, and it was still a weird talk between friends. It feels like Zayn is going to turn heel after WrestleMania, but I don’t know if that’s the plan. As for WrestleMania itself, I think Zayn will be against Trick Williams, or maybe Black could be the opponent.

The Women’s Tag Team Title match was next.

(Commercial)

Rhea Ripley was backstage talking to Michin and B-Fab. Michin had ice on her shoulder. Ripley thought that Michin had a great match and appreciated her vicious side. Michin said that if Jade hadn’t taken her out before, they would have had a different conversation. B-Fab said that Michin just needed a moment, and they left.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance for tag team action. The Bella Twins duo of Nikki and Brie Bella made their entrance. They are from the Phoenix area, although I don’t think they live there now.

Brie Bella shouted out Phoenix and the Bella Army, celebrating their return to SmackDown in their hometown. Nikki Bella said that their goal isn’t just to wish them good luck. Brie explained that they are back for gold and believe they are next in line for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Nikki added that they will be sitting ringside to get a good look at the competition.

Analysis: The Bellas are Women’s Tag Team Title contenders just because they say they are? That’s very heelish of them, even though they are babyfaces. I know the Bellas are Hall of Famers, but hopefully they win a match or two to earn a title shot.

(Commercial)

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Flair and Bliss beat Giulia and Kiana James last week to earn a title match, and that match is taking place now.

The champs, Jax and Lash, attacked their challengers as soon as the bell rang. Flair and Bliss were able to break free and knock both champs to the floor. Jax caught a leaping Bliss on the floor. Jax sent Bliss face first into the ring apron. Flair hit a slingshot cross body block over the top onto Jax on the floor. Lash hit a pump kick on Flair on the floor. The Bellas were watching from ringside. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. It was Jax working over Bliss as the face in peril. Jax headbutted Bliss and a clothesline. Lash tagged in to hit a running elbow drop on Bliss for two. Lash hit a clothesline for two. Jax used her booty to choke Bliss across the middle rope. Lash worked over Bliss with cheap shots after Flair was trying to get into the ring. Jax hit a sidewalk slam and Lash hit a splash for two.

Lash prevented Bliss from tagging out initially, but Bliss broke free and tagged in Flair. Flair hit a cross body block off the top on Lash. The fans were chanting “Woo” as Flair chopped Lash repeatedly. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline on Lash. Flair kicked Lash, Jax tagged in and Jax hit a Samoan Drop for a two count. Jax went for a splash, but Flair moved and Jax hit the mat. Flair went up top and hit a moonsault on Jax for a two count because Lash broke up the pin. Bliss jumped off the top with a DDT on Lash. Jax tackled Flair into the ring apron. Jax pulled up Nikki and Flair kicked Nikki after Jax moved out of the way. Jax shoved Brie down. Back in the ring, Flair avoided a leg drop from Jax and Flair hit a couple of kicks. Flair hit a Natural Selection on Jax. Bliss went up top as Brie went into the ring and punched Jax repeatedly, so there’s a disqualification finish. It went about 9 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: The Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend

Analysis: *** I thought they were on their way to a good match until The Bellas ruined it since Nia Jax did a cheap shot on the floor. Flair did an awesome job after the hot tag.

After the match, Lash and Jax were able to beat up Bliss, Flair, and Brie easily. Lash held Nikki and Jax off the middle turnbuckle with a leg drop to put Nikki down. The Irresistible Forces stood tall.

Analysis: I assume this will lead to a triple threat Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania unless we see The Bells against Flair & Bliss to earn a title shot. They might be able to get other teams in the match too.

R-Truth was talking to Jelly Roll as Truth warned Jelly to keep his eye on The Miz out there. Damian Priest approached them and left with Truth. Truth thought it was Juicy Roll, not Jelly Roll. Jelly approached Randy Orton backstage since they were tag team partners at SummerSlam. Jelly was happy for Orton getting a WWE Title match at WrestleMania. Jelly asked Orton for advice in dealing with The Miz, so Orton said if Miz talks too much, then Jelly should whip his ass. They hugged, and Orton left.

Damian Priest and R-Truth entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were backstage, looking frustrated. The Bella Twins talked to them. They argued about what happened out there, with Flair complaining about how the Bellas cost them the titles. Brie said that they are there to fight for the Tag Team Titles and thanks to Nick Aldis, they are up next for a title shot. I assume that’s what she meant.

Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. Los Garza – Angel & Humberto

Priest was dominant early on as he slammed Angel hard into the mat. Truth tagged in with a scissors kick. Angel managed to slow down Truth, then Berto held Truth, and Angel hit a running knee on Truth. Berto sent Truth into the ropes, leading to Truth hitting a headscissors. Truth hit a running splash on Berto. Angel made a blind tag, Truth didn’t see it, and Truth was sent out of the ring when Angel opened the ropes. Angel and Berto each hit moonsaults off the middle turnbuckles onto both opponents on the floor. The show went on a break there, and they didn’t show the action for us on Netflix, so I’m on a break too.

(Commercial)

Los Garza was in control as Berto hit a splash on Truth and Angel hit a superkick for two. Angel hit a suplex for two. Angel taunted John Cena, so Truth countered Angel and hit a Stunner-style move. Berto tagged in, so Truth sent him over the top to the floor. Truth avoided a charging Angle to send him out of the ring. Priest tagged in with punches, spinning kicks and shoulder tackles. Priest jumped off the top with a cross body block on Berto. Priest hit a running clothesline for two because Angel made the save. Priest lifted up Berto, Angel saved his cousin and Angel got the tag, leading to a kick. Berto and Angel each hit splashes on Priest. Berto went for a moonsault off the top, but Priest got his boots up to block. Priest grabbed Angel and gave Angel a Razor’s Edge in the middle of the ring. Truth got the tag, leading to Truth and Priest hitting an Attitude Adjustment/South of Heaven combo, and Truth covered Berto for the win while Priest covered Angel. It went about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth

Analysis: *** Good tag team wrestling match. Truth was the face in peril, Priest cleaned house, and Truth was back in to get the win. Los Garza are a very talented team, and I’d love to see them get a push someday, but for this match, it was about building Priest and Truth as a team.

Johnny Gargano was lying on an equipment case again as Alex Shelley tried to encourage Gargano to get back to being himself. Shelley suggested that Gargano go back to basics. While that was happening, Jade Cargill was talking to B-Fab in the background. Chris Sabin complained about Shelley trying to help Gargano. Shelley said that he was trying to help an old friend. Sabin said they had a match against Fraxiom next week and wondered if Shelley was committed to the team. Shelley said he was and Sabin told Shelley to prove it.

Analysis: I don’t know where the Johnny Gargano angle is going. Please use the Motor City Machine Guns more.

The Miz was shown walking backstage when he was approached by Danhausen, who wanted to give Miz a shirt. Danhausen said he got a shirt on his first day. Danhausen suggested he host a talk show, he’ll get his own desk and it can replace Miz TV. The Miz said no to that. Danhausen cursed Miz after that.

Analysis: Poor Miz getting cursed. Very nicehausen by Danhausen.

This Monday on Raw: Brock Lesnar returns, AJ Lee vs. Bayley for the Women’s IC Title and Roman Reigns returns.

(Commercial)

Miz TV with Jelly Roll

The Miz was in the ring, welcoming us to Miz TV. The microphone didn’t work, so maybe it was cursed. The Miz introduced 3-time Grammy Winner Jelly Roll, who has lost a lot of weight. Jelly is like a walking Ozempic ad. I don’t know if he used that, but I’m just saying the dude has lost a lot of weight. Jelly joined Miz in the ring as they sat on chairs.

The Miz asked Jelly Roll what brings him to SmackDown. Jelly said it’s the road to WrestleMania, so there was no way he was going to miss his boys Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton signing their WrestleMania contract tonight. Jelly said he loves Phoenix, too. Miz said that all Jelly needs is a mentor, so all he needs to say is yes. Jelly said no to that. Jelly said he loves Miz, but we all know that Miz has a history of stabbing them in the back. Miz said that Jelly is a redemption story. Miz claimed that Jelly couldn’t get back up at SummerSlam two years ago, so Miz saved Jelly by picking him up and saved him. Miz said that Jelly realized he had to lose weight. Jelly said that Miz wants to take credit for losing 250 pounds. Jelly said he ran the miles, he put in the work and Miz should be disgusted for taking credit. Miz said that he liked Jelly better when he was fat. Jelly said he will whip his ass. Miz claimed he was a locker room leader, so Jelly said that Miz is a locker room loser.

Kit Wilson interrupted, saying that Miz was wasting his time. Kit got into the ring. Kit said that the problem isn’t Miz mentoring Jelly because the problem is Jelly. Jelly said he likes Kit. Jelly even mocked some of the poses that Kit does. Kit trashed Jelly for having face tattoos and a criminal background, and now Jelly is mocking him while Kit is trying to have a serious conversation. Kit said that you lose 300 pounds and you expect people to cheer Jelly like he’s a hero. Kit said that Jelly is fat-phobic. Kit said that Jelly doesn’t inspire anybody. Kit told Jelly that he was toxic. Kit shoved Jelly. Mit held Kit back. Jelly threw a punch, Wilson moved, and Jelly punched The Miz, who sold it like it was the most painful punch in wrestling history. Jelly danced in the ring. Wilson pulled Miz out of the ring.

Analysis: It was okay. Not great. It looks like we can pencil in Jelly Roll against The Miz at WrestleMania. Perhaps Kit Wilson will be paired with The Miz because they can say Kit wants The Miz to be his mentor. They mentioned Jelly Roll’s weight loss a lot, which isn’t a surprise because it is impressive.

Ilja Dragunov and Apollo Crews were watching on TV backstage. Carmelo Hayes walked in with the US Title and talked to Ilja while Crews left. Ilja said that he is fighting every single minute because it’s either complete confidence or sadness. Ilja said he doesn’t know peace. Melo said that if Ilja didn’t give him a title shot, then Melo may not be champion right now. Melo said there must be something more to Ilja not wanting to fight him. Ilja says he can’t fight Melo because Ilja is fighting himself. That was it.

Tiffany Stratton did a backstage walking promo about coming for Giulia’s Women’s US Title. While she did that, Chelsea Green was in a wheelchair behind her, so Stratton pushed the wheelchair down the hallway, and Alba Fyre chased after it.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

They showed singer and actress Vanessa Hudgens at ringside, and UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr at ringside as well.

The Miz and Kit Wilson spoke backstage, with Wilson saying if it’s a fight that Jelly Roll wants, then he’ll fight him. Wilson said he’d go talk to Nick Aldis. Danhausen approached The Miz, who was angry, so Danhausen said there’s one thing you can do to reverse the curse and Danhausen left before saying what it was. The Miz was frustrated.

Analysis: Perhaps they will go with Jelly Roll and Danhausen against The Miz and Kit Wilson. I’m not sure what the plan is, but it would get more people on the card.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (w/Giulia)

I can remember watching these two in their early NXT days about three or four years ago. It’s nice to see how far they’ve come. They are both very athletic women.

Stratton jumped over James and got a sunset flip for two. James sent Stratton into the turnbuckle. Stratton did the same to James. Stratton did a backflip to avoid James. Giulia tried to trip Stratton, which allowed James to hit a double knee attack on Stratton. James sent Stratton into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans, with James in control for the next three minutes.

They did a spot where both women slammed the other woman’s head into the mat at the same time. Chelsea Green went down to ringside with Alba Fyre while Green was on a wheelchair to sell her right foot injury. Stratton hit a jumping Cutter for a two count. James countered a move and hit a Falcon Arrow-style slam for a two count. Stratton blocked a power move and Stratton hit a rolling senton. Giulia pulled James out of the ring. Stratton followed up with a suicide dive on James. Green tried attacking Stratton with a pink wrench of some kind and Giulia stopped that. James kicked Giula off the apron when Stratton moved out of the way. Giulia landed on Giulia and James on the floor. Statton hit a rolling senton. Stratton hit a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: **3/4 Easy win for Stratton overcoming the odds against the heels. I think Stratton against Giulia for the Women’s Title at WrestleMania is a lock, and I think Stratton should win.

Next week on SmackDown:

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Irresistible Forces vs. The Bella Twins

* Kit Wilson calls out Jelly Roll

Trick Williams was asked by Cathy Kelly about his upcoming match. Trick trashed Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn interrupted to talk to Trick, so Cathy left. Zayn said that Trick mocked Zayn for thinking he can’t get the job done, but what has happened to Trick? Zayn said that Trick can’t back up what he says. Zayn said Trick is embarrassed and he should be. Trick said that Zayn is lucky he has a match right now or else he’d drop his ass. Zayn said he’s here every week and easy to find, so he guesses he’ll see Trick around.

Analysis: That Sami Zayn-Trick Williams rivalry is building and could lead to a WrestleMania match.

Jacob Fatu made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

The fans loved Trick Williams even though he’s a heel. Chanting “Whoop That Trick” is fun, after all.

Trick Williams vs. Jacob Fatu

It started out with each guy exchanging strikes. Trick tried sending Fatu’s head into the turnbuckle, but Fatu revealed that he could take the pain. Fatu worked over Trick with headbutts. Trick hit a neckbreaker, and Fatu no-sold that. Fatu hit a clothesline, followed by a senton splash. Fatu bounced off the ropes with a standing moonsault. Fatu clotheslined Trick out of the ring to the floor. They went on a break for some fans there as Trick took control.

The match continued with Fatu jumping off the top rope with a twisting body attack to knock Trick down. Trick came back with a spinning pump kick and a neckbreaker for two. Trick went for a side kick, Fatu hit a punch and Trick hit a flapjack. The fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” as Trick hit a Book End for two. Trick set up the knee attack, but Fatu hit a superkick and a Samoan Drop. Fatu hit a hip attack against the turnbuckle. Fatu went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for two. Fatu went for another move, so Trick rolled out of the ring. Fatu hit a forearm smash on Trick at ringside. Drew McIntyre was back at ringside with a headbutt on Fatu. Drew sent Fatu into the ring post. The referee was dealing with Trick. Trick hit a Trick Shot knee on Fatu. Trick hit another Trick Shot knee on Fatu for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams

Analysis: *** A rare loss in a singles match for Jacob Fatu thanks to the interference of Drew McIntyre. I though the chemistry was there for these guys and Trick was getting cheered during the match, so I think it’s only a matter of time until Trick is a babyface on the main roster.

After the match, Drew McIntyre stood over Jacob Fatu. As Fatu stumbled against the turnbuckle, Drew hit a Claymore Kick to put Fatu down. Drew looked at the WrestleMania and did a thumbs down hand signal since fans didn’t like Cody Rhodes becoming WWE Champion.

Analysis: There’s the obvious tease for the Drew-Jacob match at WrestleMania 42. I think we could all see that coming, even though Drew “quit” earlier in the show.

The Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton contract signing was next.

(Commercial)

Jelly Roll was shown at ringside to support Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton in the main event segment.

WrestleMania Vegas WWE Championship Contract Signing: Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton

There was a table in the ring with a black cover and two chairs. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis welcomed Drew McIntyre back to SmackDown and said Drew can face Jacob Fatu at SmackDown next week. I assume that’s a non-finish leading to a WrestleMania match.

Randy Orton was introduced for the contract signing, and he was wearing an “RKO Everybody” shirt. There were some fans singing Randy’s legendary “Voices” song. Orton did his slow walk down to the ring and his poses while looking at the WrestleMania Vegas sign. There were “Randy” chants.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance and I could hear some booing from some fans early on. The “Kingdom” song for Rhodes is also a popular song, so it’s hard to hear while that is going.

Cody addressed Phoenix saying it sounded like he knows what they wanna talk about. Nick Aldis went to the back. Cody talked about how in 2007, his first match was against Randy Orton. Cody spoke about how Orton won a Royal Rumble and headlined a WrestleMania. Cody talked about how he left the company and Orton said Cody could become a World Champion. Cody said then he came back, his brother didn’t come with him, his wife was home being a mom, but Orton was there for Cody. Cody said he has always been proud to be Orton’s boy. They touched fists. Cody signed the contract.

Randy Orton looked at the contract and didn’t sign it yet. Orton stood up. Orton said he needs this and he needs that WWE Title. Orton said that this was supposed to be easy because Drew was supposed to be out there. Cody stood up saying we get to watch the best Randy Orton that there’s ever been. Cody said that he knows we will get the best version of Randy Orton and the man who has the most dangerous letters in WWE history…the fans chanted “RKO.” Cody said that after we get the main event of WrestleMania, eh wants Orton to know that Cody will always love him. Orton signed the contract.

Orton slammed Cody into the table in the ring and Orton kicked Cody in the groin! Orton tossed Cody out of the ring. Orton sent Cody crashing into the commentary table. Orton grabbed the steel steps and hit Cody with the steps! Cody was bleeding from the forehead all over his white shirt. Nick Aldis went up to Orton, so Orton shoved Aldis down. Orton sent Cody into the steel steps. Orton beat up Cody with punches on the commentary table. There were fans chanting “Randy” even though Orton was being very heelish with this attack. Orton put Cody’s head against the steel steps at ringside. Jelly Roll tried to calm Orton down, but Orton shoved Jelly down. Orton looked at Cody’s blood that was on him and Orton went to the back. There were WWE Officials, referees and GM Aldis checking on Cody as they called for medical to get out there. Orton showed up at ringside with a steel chair and Orton hit Cody with a steel chair onto the steel steps. Orton hit the steps to make the noise and the idea was that it was a chair shot to the head. Orton went back into the ring, grabbed the WWE Title and put it in his hands as he sat down on a chair in the ring. The fans cheered as Orton held the WWE Title in his hands. There were still some fans chanting “Randy” for Orton as Cody was getting checked on at ringside. Randy sat on a chair in the ring with the WWE Title to end the show.

Analysis: It’s heel Randy Orton! The Viper is unleashed. Love to see it. There wasn’t even an RKO in that attack, but that’s okay because Orton was vicious and it was believable. If Orton did an RKO, it would likely have led to cheers, so that’s probably why they didn’t do it. That’s the Randy Orton that people want to see because he is one of the best heels in WWE history and all of this babyface stuff he’s been doing has been fun, but this match needed that kind of aggressiveness by Orton. They can spend the next five weeks building up the rivalry and having Orton get back to his heelish ways while Cody tries to find a way to beat his wrestling mentor. I thought the segment was terrific. I’m glad it happened like that.

.@RandyOrton, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!! pic.twitter.com/JIiwojFHy5

— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2026

====

Three Stars of the Show

1. Randy Orton
2. Cody Rhodes
3. Drew McIntyre

===

The Scoreboard

6.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.30

===

Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

This felt like an average edition of SmackDown until the main event segment, which was outstanding. The first half of the show was pretty average, and the second half was a bit more interesting, but definitely not great. The match quality seemed weaker than usual for a WWE show at this time. Maybe I’m just tired of the never-ending Wyatt Sicks/MFT storyline. Jelly Roll and The Miz are just… okay… I guess. I don’t care that much. I wish SmackDown had more interesting stories.

I don’t usually love main event promo segments, but this one was an absolute home run, with Randy Orton turning heel on Cody Rhodes and leaving Cody bloodied. The thing is, some fans were still cheering for Orton because watching him turn heel on his friend Cody is pretty cool in a lot of ways, so there will probably still be cheers for Orton in the future. Anyway, thanks to WWE, Orton and Rhodes for making their match more interesting. I think a segment like that was definitely necessary.

The next WWE PLE is WrestleMania 42 on April 18 & April 19 in Las Vegas. Here’s the lineup so far:

* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

* WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

* WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

* WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

There will be more matches added in the weeks ahead.

WrestleMania 42 will STREAM LIVE Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.

===

Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: [email protected]

Twitter/X: @johnreport