Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/20/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Mar 20, 2026 23:33 EDT
WWE Smackdown March 20
WWE Smackdown March 20 - Imiages via WWE.com

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Randy Orton talking about his vicious attack on Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre facing Jacob Fatu, the Women’s Tag Team Titles on the line, and more.

The big news from WWE SmackDown last week was that Randy Orton turned heel by viciously attacking WWE Champion Cody Rhodes during their WrestleMania 42 contract signing. It will be interesting to see how fans react because I think some will still cheer Orton due to his legendary status, while others are tired of Cody being in the main event. At least Orton’s actions have made SmackDown more interesting.

From the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, this is SmackDown for episode #1387. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package showed highlights of the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton contract signing from last week on SmackDown. They signed the contract, Orton snapped and attacked Cody in a way that left Cody a bloody mess. Orton did a chair shot to Cody’s head against the steel chair to end it. After it was over, Orton went into the ring and held the WWE Title in his hands to end the show.

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

They showed some pre-show superstar walking of Nia Jax & Lash Legend, The Bella Twins, Solo Sikoa with MFTs, R-Truth and Damian Priest, Kit Wilson, and the Grammy Award winner Jelly Roll was shown arriving in a car. As Jelly was getting out of his car, there were WWE officials running by him into the parking lot.

They showed the parking lot area where Drew McIntyre crashed his car into Jacob Fatu’s car. Drew pulled the windshield off and attacked Fatu with punches. There were WWE Officials and security there to break it up. Fatu was bleeding from the forehead.

Analysis: Chaos on SmackDown again, with Drew McIntyre attacking in a parking lot. They showed it when Drew’s car was next to Fatu’s car, so Drew didn’t actually hit him while the cars were moving.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre walked out to the ring, saying what did you think was going to happen? Drew said he should be fighting in the main event of WrestleMania. Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, walked out, saying Drew was self-destructive. Aldis suggested he could fire Drew, and Drew said he tried to quit. Drew said that Nick’s son, Donovan, should be ashamed to have a corporate stooge of a father.

Jacob Fatu ran out to the ring for a fight, so Drew was ready for him with punches. A bloody Fatu was back up to send Drew face first into the ring post. Fatu sent Drew into the steel steps at ringside and the fans were going wild. Fatu tossed Drew over the commentary table. Fatu worked over Drew with headbutts and punches until WWE officials and security showed up to break it up. Fatu was in the crowd, then he ran back to ringside and jumped off the barricade to splash Drew through the barricade. The fans were loving the table break and chanting “Fatu” for him. Drew was down by the commentary table while Fatu walked to the back. Drew was shown down at the table as the show went to break.

Analysis: That was a wild and chaotic start to SmackDown, and I really enjoyed it. It was quite different from the usual promo to kick things off. There was some talking, but it was brief before they jumped into the action. Great job by Jacob and Drew showing a lot of intensity during that brawl. They are clearly headed for a collision at WrestleMania, so it’s just a matter of making it official.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of some of the chaos from before the break.

WWE Tag Team Championships: MFTs – Tama Tonga & JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Damian Priest & R-Truth

It was Solo and Tama when they won the titles, but now it’s Tama and JC. Priest and Truth earned their title shot a few weeks ago.

It was Priest and Truth on offense early with some strikes, including Priest hitting a clothesline. The heel MFTs used a referee distraction to knock Priest out of the ring. Talla knocked down Priest on the floor. They went on a break as the heels were in control of Priest for a few minutes.

The MFTs remained on offense with JC hitting a lefty clothesline and a standing moonsault on Priest. JC hit a splash, but a second splash attempt didn’t work because Priest hit a spinning kick. Truth got the hot tag against Tama with two running shoulder tackles and a belly-to-back suplex. Truth did his John Cena-style “You Can’t See Me” followed by a fist drop. Tama broke free, JC tagged in, Tama hit a knee on Truth and JC hit a spinning slam for two because Priest made the save. Tama tossed Priest out of the ring. Truth kicked Tama in the gut and hit a Stone Cold Stunner. Priest jumped off the steps with a body attack on Tama on the floor. Truth tripped up JC, leading to an STF submission. Solo went on the apron, so Talla pulled Truth out of the ring. Talla gave Truth a Chokeslam on the ring apron and the referee never saw it. JC covered Truth for just two as Truth got his right shoulder up. The Wyatt Sicks group appeared to fight with the MFTs in the aisle. Uncle Howdy went to ringside and gave the Mandible Claw to Solo. JC saved Solo with a superkick on Howdy and JC sent Howdy into the barricade. Truth hit a jumping kick on JC and Priest hit a clothesline on Tama. Truth hit an Attitude Adjustment on Tama for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.

Winners by pinfall AND NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Damian Priest & R-Truth

Analysis: *** That was a fun title change that wasn’t very obvious, which made it so cool. Priest and Truth only won one match as a team to earn this title shot, and now they are the champions. That’s fine with me. I definitely don’t mind MFTs losing the titles since they’ve been boring champions. It’s been clear for a while now that WWE plans to have MFTs face Wyatt Sicks in some kind of tag team match (an 8-man tag) at WrestleMania to end that long rivalry, so taking the titles off MFTs makes sense.

Damian Priest was stunned and literally was asking: “What?” Truth and Priest hugged. Priest and Truth celebrated with the WWE Tag Team Titles. Priest and Truth continued the celebration in the aisle and a pyro display went off.

Analysis: I certainly don’t mind Priest and Truth as champions. Two talented veterans, and this will likely get them on the WrestleMania card, so that’s cool.

The Bella Twins were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Brie Bella said anybody thinking they can’t do it is making a mistake. Nikki Bella said that they paved the way for the other tag teams in WWE. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss walked in (they were eating ice cream) so Flair said that The Balla Twins were selfish since they ruined Flair & Bliss’ match last week against Jax & Legend for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Flair said they want next against whoever wins or loses. Nikki told Charlotte to watch the match to see how real legends get things done. The Bellas left.

Johnny Gargano was out on an equipment case again as Candice LeRae was looking at her husband. Danhausen was there to see what was happening. Candice asked if he could help because maybe Gargano was cursed. Danhausen asked for $20, she gave it to him and he left. The Motor City Machine Guns walked by, Alex Shelley checked on Johnny and Chris Sabin told Shelley they had to go for their match.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about the Randy Orton attack on Cody Rhodes last week, while showing fans reacting to it, I don’t think I’d ever watch a fan reaction video. I feel like the overreacting is very forced. Just saying.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Zayn t talked about how he’s trying to focus on his match with Aleister Black. Zayn said that you have to give Cody Rhodes credit for trying to be good. Zayn said that Cody goes the extra mile for these fans. Zayn said that Cody ended up in a pool of his own blood and was leaving on a stretcher. Zayn said that Randy left with the WWE Championship in his hand. Zayn talked about how doing things the right way makes him realize people are pulling away. Zayn said that the world he believed in didn’t exist anymore. Trick Williams walked in to brag about beating Jacob Fatu last week. Trick did some of his phrases. Trick said he’ll check his schedule, and if he has time, he’ll watch Sami’s match. Trick told Zayn that maybe he’ll give him some pointers. Zayn laughed about that and told Trick to get a good look.

Analysis: It seems likely that Sami Zayn will face Trick Williams at WrestleMania, and it’s only a matter of time until it gets made official.

Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

Frazer ran the ropes quickly and hit a running dropkick. Axiom tagged in, and the Guns hit some double team moves. Axiom hit a knee to Shelley, then a German Suplex, and Frazer tagged in for double superkicks on the Guns. The show went on a break for some fans there. It was the Guns in control for most of the break. Sabin hit two boots to the face to knock Axiom down and Shelley did two boots to the face of his own as well.

It was Axiom out of the ring and he managed to break free. Frazer tagged in and hit a somersault dive over the top onto both Guns on the floor. Back in the ring, Frazer hit a top rope splash for two because Shelley broke up the pin. Frazer kicked Shelley out of the ring. Frazer and Axiom hit a suplex/superkick combo for two. Sabin was able to get some offense going with a cross body block against both opponents. Sabin sent Axiom out of the ring, and then the Guns hit a double team neckbreaker on Frazer for two. Candice LeRae was in the aisle watching the match. Frazer and Axiom kicked both Guns out of the ring. Axiom and Frazer each hit two suicide dives in a row. Shelley pulled Axiom out of the ring. Frazer tried to pin Sabin, then Sabin kicked out, LeRae punched Frazer (the referee never saw it), and then Sabin did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Frazer for the pinfall win after 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

Analysis: *** They are two of my favorite teams, but this was more about advancing the story. This was about advancing the story of Alex Shelley wanting to help Johnny Gargano while Chris Sabin hasn’t wanted to help Gargano, so Candice LeRae got involved to help the Guns win a match. Thanks to LeRae’s help, it will make her think that the Guns will be willing to help her with Gargano. I’m not sure where the story is going, but at least it’s a story.

A replay of the Drew McIntyre-Jacob Fatu fight was shown.

Randy Orton was shown in the parking lot looking at the destroyed car from earlier in the show. Orton is next.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of the Roman Reigns-CM Punk promo exchange from Monday Night Raw. Reigns pissed off Punk when he called Punk old, so that led to Punk punching Reigns.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance wearing his black “RKO Everybody” shirt, which had bloodstains on it. Orton did a slow walk to the ring as a lot of fans sang Orton’s legendary “Voices” theme song. Orton took a long time to get into the ring and stared at the WrestleMania Vegas sign before he got into the ring. Orton brought a steel chair into the ring and looked at the dent that was on the chair.

Orton sat on the chair in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand. Orton said for years now, the fans have been singing along with his entrance music. Orton said the love means a lot to him. Orton said he gives a high five, signs merchandise, and talks to fans in the crowd, like telling a fan happy birthday. Orton said that the love that he gives back puts a smile on his face. Orton claimed that smile is the emptiest feeling of his life. Orton talked about how he doesn’t want his legacy to be the smiles on people’s faces because he wants his legacy to be the number of World Titles he has won. Orton said he won Elimination Chamber, he was ready to face Drew for the WWE Title and he knew he could get to that place against Drew. Orton said that then Cody won the WWE Title, and Orton said he loved Cody and he still does. Orton said that Cody told him to be the best version of Randy Orton that you can be. Orton said that Cody told Orton to be The Viper and listen to the voices. Orton admitted he’s not always in control and chaos happens. Orton said he knows he needs that killer instinct to add #15 (World Titles) to his legacy. Orton said he’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment – RKO. The fans chanted “RKO” for him.

Orotn talked about how he hears voices in his head, they counsel him, they understand and they talk to him. Orton said that they told him he’s going to beat Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Orton repeated that the voices told him that he was going to beat Cody Rhodes for the WWE Champion and he’s going to do it…in the main event of WrestleMania.

Analysis: It was a solid explanation with Randy Orton saying he wants his legacy to be about winning World Titles and not about greeting the fans at ringside. It makes Orton sound like a selfish jerk, but that’s okay. The fans were cheering for some of it because they still like Orton a lot. Orton didn’t blame the fans like some heels do, so at least that was a different kind of heel promo.

A video package aired about WWE Hall of Famers, The Bella Twins.

Aleister Black and Zelina made their entrance for Black’s match up next.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton was shown walking backstage as Los Garza and Rey Fenix looked at him without saying anything. Matt Cardona stood up to Orton. Matt asked what Orton did last week and Cardona said he’s known them for decades. Orton told Matt to go play with some action figures and Orton called Matt a “mark ass nerd” among other things. Orton hit Matt with a forearm and told him to stay out of Orton’s business.

Analysis: They could use Matt Cardona in the story since he is one of Cody’s best friends, so Orton could beat Matt in a match and beat him up after it, which leads to Cody making a save. I think that might happen before WrestleMania.

Sami Zayn vs. Aleister Black (w/Zelina)

The match was about to begin when Trick Williams made his entrance, and the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for him. Black attacked Zayn and worked him over with kicks. Zayn came back with chops of his own. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Zayn worked over Black with elbows while the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” so Trick posed for the fans while standing on the commentary table. Zayn clotheslined Black, and Zayn didn’t like Trick on the commentary table, drawing attention. Zayn knocked Black down as they battled by the turnbuckle. Zayn jumped off the top with a leap, but Black hit a knee to the face for a two count. Black worked over Zayn with elbow strikes.

Black hit a spinning black elbow and a jumping knee smash for a two count. Black applied a kneebar submission on Zayn’s left knee and Zayn turned it into a pin for two. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, Black avoided it and Black hit a double knee attack for two. Zayn sent Black out of the ring and some fans were booing. Zayn sent Black into the barricade two times in a row. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle, and there was a mix of cheers and boos. Zayn charged, so Black bailed to the floor. Zayn touched Trick’s shoes, so Trick threw a drink on Zayn’s back. The referee was counting Zayn out, so Zayn attacked Trick with punches. Zayn went back into the ring and Black hit a Black Mass kick for the pinfall win. That looked like a brutal kick, but I know he does it safely. Just saying, it looked brutal. It went about 10 minutes. They replayed the Blass Mass kick because Black hit it perfectly.

Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black

Analysis: ***1/4 This was one of those matches where I wanted both guys to win because I think they both needed it. It was also a match where some outside forces played a factor in the match because Zayn was so focused on Trick on the floor that he went after him, and that allowed Black to recover and hit the brutal-looking Black Mass kick for the win. I think the Zayn/Trick feud makes sense as a double turn story with Zayn becoming a heel and Trick becoming a face, but I’m not sure if that’s the plan. It feels like the crowds are letting the bosses know.

Matt Cardona spoke to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage saying let me face Randy Orton in a match. Aldis said that you can’t have the match tonight because we all saw what Randy did to Cody last week. Cardona was frustrated.

Carmelo Hayes approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about how he heard that the open challenge was closed for tonight. Aldis said it was closed because a man made a case for a title shot. Ilja Dragunov talked to Melo about how he’s taken Melo’s advice from the past, so they’re going to have a match tonight. Ilja said that the pain will entertain as he likes to say.

Jade Cargill was shown walking backstage for some promo time up next.

(Commercial)

Nia Jax and Lash Legend aka The Irresistible Forces spoke about how they are the best team since they are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Legend trashed other teams on SmackDown and Raw. Jax said that the Bellas will be lucky to survive tonight. Jax said you can do nothing and like it. Lash said that’s not just a threat, that’s pressure.

Let’s Hear from Jade Cargill…and Rhea Ripley

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made her entrance. I don’t know how to describe her look, but she’s wearing a fur jacket of sorts. Jade said that she’s not here to play with people’s time. Jade called Rhea Ripley out.

Rhea Ripley walked out to the ring looking confident as usual and the fans loved her. Rhea wondered if they are going to talk or are they going to do something. Jade said that it’s not about her, it’s about what Rhea needs. Jade said that Rhea needs this title, while Jade doesn’t need this title, this ring, or the fans. Jade said that with or without wrestling, she’s been that bitch, and she is still that bitch. Jade said she’s not here to make friends, she’s there to make money. Ripley said that Jade is successful at not making friends. Ripley said she’s been busting her ass since she was 16 years old. Jade said she didn’t care about Ripley’s sacrifice or the girls in the locker room. Jade said that without wrestling, Rhea has nothing.

Ripley said it’s obvious that Jade knows nothing about this business if you think Ripley needs that title. Ripley said that the title needs her. Ripley said that she wants that title so she’s going to take that title. Ripley said that’s why she’s given Jade a big WrestleMania match, so welcome to the big leagues, bitch. Ripley dared Jade to hit her and even let Jade fire the first shot. Jade said no. Jade said on her time.

Analysis: They are playing into the characters well with Jade Cargill acting like the cocky heel who thinks she doesn’t need this, while Rhea Ripley is the likable babyface that makes it clear she wants this. Once again, it makes Ripley easy to like.

As Jade Cargill left the ring, Michin and B-Fab walked down to the ring to make Jade get into the ring. Jade smiled at Michin and B-Fab, so it looked like they were allies. Ripley was all alone and she superkicked B-Fab. Michin had a kendo stick and hit Ripley in the ribs. B-Fab and Michin beat up Ripley with punches. B-Fab and Michin held Ripley, so Jade hit a superkick. Jade hit Jaded on Ripley. Jade and her new friends, Michin and B-Fab, stood tall.

Analysis: It’s a new women’s table, which is fine with me because it gives the heel champion Jade some back. Michin and B-Fab really don’t do much most weeks, so now they can be allies with Jade. It also makes Ripley sympathetic because she’ll have to overcome Jade’s allies, too. I think Ripley will win at WrestleMania.

The Miz was backstage with Kit Wilson, so Miz complained about being in a middle seat and having a sunburn on his trip to Hawaii. Danhausen went up to Miz and Wilson, so they yelled at Danhausen. Miz said he wasn’t going to mentor Danhausen, so Danhausen said that’s fine, be cursed. Danhausen left. Miz motivated Wilson and told him to Be Miz. After Wilson left, a ladder hit Miz in the face, and he bumped to sell it.

Analysis: Stay cursed, Mizhausen. Good work, Danhausen.

Solo Sikoa was backstage with the MFTs. Solo yelled at them about losing the WWE Tag Team Titles. Tama Tonga suggested that Solo give the Wyatt Family their lantern back. Tama said you haven’t sounded like yourself. Tama said you are starting to sound like Roman. Solo asked, “What did you say?” Drew McInityre and Jacob Fatu suddenly came into the screen and they were fighting in the backstage area. Drew put his fingers in Fatu’s eyes. Security showed up to break it up.

Ilja Dragunov made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

There was a plug for the WWE Hall of Fame with basketball legend Dennis Rodman adding to it as a celebrity. Good for Rodman. I thought he was a good fit in WCW in the NWO days.

United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov

They were exchanging strikes early on. Ilja hit a running lariat and Melo did a flip bump to sell it. They went to a break quickly as the action continued with Ilja hitting a senton splash. Ilja worked over Melo with a chop and charged, but Melo stopped that with a superkick. Melo chopped Ilja and Ilja came back with a suplex. Ilja hit a body slam, along with a knee drop to the chest. I could hear referee Engler tell them 40 seconds for when the match returns from the break. Ilja applied an abdominal stretch.

It was Ilja in control with a headbutt and an overhead suplex for two. Melo got some offense going with a twisting attack on the arm to send Ilja into the mat. Melo kipped up, hit a clothesline and another clothesline to knock Ilja out of the ring. Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Ilja on the floor and Melo went ribs-first into the commentary table. Back in the ring, Melo went up top and hit a Frog Splash for two. Ilja gutwrenched Melo into a German suplex. Ilja went up top and hit a Senton Bomb for a two count. Ilja jumped off the top, Melo hit First 48 and Ilja hit an H-Bomb forearm for two because Melo got his foot on the rope. They went on another break as the match continued. Ilja got a hold of Melo and hit a German Suplex. Ilja kneed Melo in the ribs and was yelling, “Try harder.” Ilja hit another German Suplex. The fans chanted, “Let’s Go Melo.” Ilja blocked a kick and hit a bridging German Suplex. Melo came back with a chop and a springboard clothesline.

The match continued with the two men battling on the apron. Ilja hit a Death Valley Driver on the ring apron. Ilja went for a superplex, but Melo countered it with a Cutter. Great move for a two count. Ilja was bleeding from the mouth. Melo and Ilja exchanged strikes. Ilja hit a boot to the head, along with a chops and a chop to the legs. Melo hit a jumping kick, but Ilja came back with a boot. Ilja hit a Powerbomb for two. Ilja hit a backbreaker across the knee for a two count. Ilja charged, but Melo hit a First 48 (double knee attack) out of the midair for a two count. Melo went up top, jumped off with nothing because Ilja moved and Ilja hit a Torpedo Moscow forearm. Ilja tried a Powerbomb, but Melo countered it with a sunset flip for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: **** Excellent match that felt like a PLE match, so it’s 4* out of 5 to me. It was another great match between these two guys, who are so talented in the ring and have a lot of chemistry together. There were a lot of nearfalls, it was very physical the whole way, and I actually thought there might be a title change, so that made it more interesting too. I still want Melo to actually have a feud for the title, but this was one of the better US Title matches that we have seen in the last year. The one they had when Melo won the title from Dragunov in late December was awesome, like this one was.

Jelly Roll was backstage congratulating Damian Priest and R-Truth on becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. Priest and Truth said they will catch up later. Jelly walked up to Randy Orton, who asked Jelly to forgive him. Jelly said he knows what it’s like to be the bad guy. Jelly said that he’s not there to judge him. Jelly mentioned Randy means a lot in this place, and Randy was a monster in the past. Jelly said that he doesn’t know this version of Orton. Jelly said he knows a great human who changed this business. Jelly talked to Orton about being a great husband, a great father and that’s the man he knows. Jelly said that titles and money come and go, and it’s about treating people the right way. Orton talked about how he didn’t know what to do sometimes and mentioned the Cardona thing earlier. Jelly told Orton to go talk to him. Orton thanked Jelly, and they hugged.

Analysis: That was a very good pep talk by Jelly Roll. Dude sounded like he knows what he is talking about. Will it help Randy? Of course not. That’s why Randy is a great heel.

Kit Wilson made his entrance to call out Jelly Roll up next.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about last Monday’s Raw. Paul Heyman brought out Brock Lesnar to beat up Seth Rollins, but Oba Femi made his presence felt. Femi dropped Lesnar with a Fall from Grace and now Femi-Lesnar is set for WrestleMania. I’m looking forward to it.

Kit Wilson Calls Out Jelly Roll

Kit Wilson said that Jelly Roll crossed a line last week, and where he comes from, they settle it like men. Kit told Jelly to get his ass out there.

Jelly Roll walked down to the ring quickly, and as soon as Jelly got in the ring, Wilson left the ring. Jelly said if this is what you want, this is what you got. Jelly said that they are fixing to fight. Jelly called for a referee to ring the damn bell.

Kit said that maybe the bravado and ego is ahead of the brain. Kit said they can settle this like civilized gentlemen. Kit said that he fights with his words, not his fists. Jelly wondered whether you brought him to Raleigh to have a rap battle? Kit didn’t like being compared to a rapper since he’s so much better than them and you. Kit said no rap battle. Kit said that tonight they have Slam Poetry.

Kit read a rap mocking Jelly for having face tattoos and a criminal past. Kit kept on insulting Jelly and said that at least we have proof that Ozempic does work. Kit mocked Jelly, saying congrats for losing 300 pounds, because maybe now you can see your little Willie. Jelly said he didn’t bring a little book, but he may have something for you. Jelly claimed he didn’t need to see his Willie because Kit’s mother sees it for him. Jelly made more claims about things he did with Kit’s mother. Kit was furious, so he attacked Jelly from behind and sent Jelly into the turnbuckle. Kit hit a running elbow against the turnbuckle. Kit jumped off the top and hit a corkscrew elbow on Jelly. Kit’s music played.

Analysis: The segment had its awkward moments and cheesy mom joke insults by Jelly, but I thought Kit was great, and I am happy for him at least having a storyline. Kit getting the advantage is fine to get more heat on him. I guess this is a WrestleMania match. (That guess was wrong at least for now because it’s on SmackDown next week.)

Kiana James was talking to Women’s US Champion Giulia, who wasn’t happy about Tiffany Stratton coming for her. Chelsea Green arrived in a wheelchair with Alba Fyre. Green said they can work together against Tiffany, but Giulia said she didn’t need any help from Green. Nia Jax showed up to roll Green’s wheelchair away.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend were walking backstage for their title match up next.

This Monday on Raw will have CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and more.

(Commercial)

Jelly Roll was backstage with GM Nick Aldis, complaining about what happened. Jelly wanted a match with Kit Wilson, and Aldis booked it for next week on SmackDown.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie

I missed the first couple of minutes and then they went into the break early in the match. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss went to ringside to watch the match. Jax was working over Nikki as the face in peril. Jax threw Nikki onto the commentary table and onto Flair and Bliss at ringside. Lash tagged in with some basic offense, like kicking, choking, and a shoulder tackle. Nikki hit an elbow to the face, followed by a jumping kick.

Nikki hit an enziguri kick on Jax to break free. Brie hit a missile dropkick off the top on Jax. Brie hit a running knee attack on Jax. Brie tried a sunset flip, and Jax tried to sit on her, but Brie moved. Brie did the Yes Kicks that husband Daniel Bryan used to do. Lash went into the ring with a pump kick and Brie dropkicked her out of the ring. Jax hit a popup headbutt. Brie sent Jax out of the ring. Nikki jumped off the top and hit a cross body block on both opponents on the floor. Nikki went up top, Jax stopped her after a distraction from Lash and Jax hit a second rope Samoan Drop. Lash jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a Frog Splash for two because Brie broke up the pin. Brie hit a Bella Buster sitout slam. Nikki applied the Fearless Lock on Lash. Jax went after Brie with a title shot, btu Flair got involved and punched Jax, so the referee called for the DQ. It went around 11 minutes.

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

Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay with the obvious DQ finish since that’s what the finish was last week because of the Bella Twins. I didn’t expect a title change here. Brie and Nikki worked well together as a babyface team while Jax and Lash dominated a lot of the match.

After the match, the Bellas got into a fight with Flair and Bliss. Lash and Jax hit double splashes on their opponents against the turnbuckles. Lash hit Flair with a forearm or a headbutt. Lash held onto Flair and Jax jumped off the middle turnbuckle and Jax hit a leg drop. Jax and Lash stood tall to end it.

Analysis: I think we can all tell that there will be a multi-team tag team match at WrestleMania with Jax & Legend defending against The Bella Twins, Flair & Bliss, and other teams. This was just done to further that story.

Randy Orton was backstage talking on the phone to somebody, and he said he’s going to go to the ring to fix it.

(Commercial)

Next week on SmackDown:

* Kit Wilson vs. Jelly Roll

* Women’s United States Championship: Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton

* Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. The Bella Twins

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton…again

Randy Orton made his entrance for another promo segment. Orton greeted some fans on his way to the ring while holding a steel chair in his hands. There was a replay of Orton punching Matt Cardona earlier in the show. Orton did a promo saying he was there to issue an apology to the fans and also called out Matt Cardona, so Orton could apologize to him.

Matt Cardona went into the ring with his ridiculous tan. Orton said he’s been out of his head for the last few weeks. Orton said that he thinks action figures are cool, he plays video games, and he has known Matt for 20 years. Orton said he was sorry and asked Matt if he would forgive him. Orton hugged Cardona, and Cardona hugged him back. They shook hands, so Orton kicked Cardona in the groin. Orton hit an RKO!

Orton threw Matt out of the ring, and Orton cleared off the commentary table. Orton worked over Matt with punches. Orton had the steel steps with him and was going to do more damage, but WWE Officials, referees, and security were there to try to calm Orton down. The fans were chanting “Randy” for Orton. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis tried to calm Orton down by telling him to think about his future and to think about WrestleMania. Orton put Matt into the ring and stomped on. Orton put Matt’s left arm inside a steel chair, but security stopped Orton from doing more. Nobody took the chair away, of course, so Orton paused, and Orton stomped on the steel chair that was on Matt’s left arm.

Analysis: It’s classic Randy Orton snapping and showing the wild side. I knew they’d use Cardona in the hapless victim role. I enjoy heel Orton a lot.

The video screens in the building were showing Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu fighting outside. SmackDown GM Aldis and the security guys went over to the area where Drew and Fatu were fighting. They were on some platform that was about 15 feet high, and they took back bumps off the platform, and we never saw where they landed, but the idea was they took huge bumps there. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: A lot of Drew and Jacob fighting on this show, so you might as well end the show with the two of them simulating a big bump outside the building.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Carmelo Hayes
  2. Damian Priest & R-Truth
  3. Randy Orton, Ilja Dragunov

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

2026 Average: 7.31

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I enjoyed most of SmackDown this week. It felt like there was a lot of talking since it’s WrestleMania season, but the match quality was strong. I loved that Carmelo Hayes-Ilja Dragunov match, so when you get a match that good on the show, it helps everything else on the show.

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

* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

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.

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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