Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/27/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Mar 27, 2026 22:50 EDT
WWE SmackDown March 27
WWE SmackDown March 27 - Images via WWE.com

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Randy Orton, plus Charlotte & Alexa Bliss facing the Bella Twins, Tiffany Stratton against Giulia, and more.

The road to WrestleMania 42 continues with this year’s event taking place in just three weeks on April 18 & 19. WWE SmackDown last week saw Randy Orton brutally attack Matt Cardona, while Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu fought all over the building, and even outside the building as well.

From the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this is SmackDown for episode #1388. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a pre-show walking shown of The Bella Twins, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, Giulia talking to Kiana James, Tiffany Stratton, Kit Wilson, and Jelly Roll with his son.

A video package aired about Randy Orton’s heel transformation over the last two weeks. Orton beat up Cody Rhodes two weeks ago and beat up Matt Cardona last week.

The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett as usual. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

The show begins with a Randy Orton promo again, just like last week. Orton had an RKO Everybody shirt on while the fans sang his iconic “Voices” theme song. Orton took his time getting into the ring, and he did his posing as usual.

Randy Orton reminded us that Cody Rhodes said that he needed Orton to be the best version of himself. Orton said that the fans wanted that too. Orton said that Cody told him he wanted Orton to listen to the voices in his head. Orton claimed he shut those voices out a long time ago. Orton said that for the last few years, he has been thinking about his 15th World Championship. Orton remarked that listening to the voices again means he can’t be held responsible for what happens next. Orton said that the voices outside of his head are the problem. Orton claimed there is one person who got in his ear and whose voice he is listening to…here’s Matt Cardona.

Matt Cardona walked out to the ring in his wrestling gear, and he had a protective cast on his left arm/wrist area after Orton attacked him last week. Matt went into the ring with the microphone and hit Orton in the head with it. Orton bumped to the floor.

Analysis: That will probably lead to a Randy Orton-Matt Cardona match to give Orton a win going into WrestleMania. I thought Cody Rhodes might return here to go after Orton, but they could be saving that for later in the show. Orton was about to say who had been giving him career advice, but Cardona showed up before he could do it. I’m not sure if Randy will say it’s his dad or if they come up with somebody else.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis talked to a referee, and the referee left. Trick Williams walked up to Aldis, and Aldis said he had been impressed by him. Trick said he has to call his momma, Lash and Lil Yachty. Sami Zayn walked in to congratulate Trick on the WrestleMania spot. Aldis told Zayn that unless something changes, Aldis doesn’t have a spot for Zayn at WrestleMania. The fans booed. Trick wished Zayn better luck next year and wondered how many comp tickets he’ll get. Zayn walked up to Trick and hit him with a forearm to knock him down. Zayn told Aldis he’ll have a spot at WrestleMania and told Nick to watch.

Analysis: The Trick/Sami match at WrestleMania seems likely, so it’s just a matter of how they build to it.

The WWE Hall of Famers, the Bella Twins, made their entrance for tag team action.

A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired promoting CM Punk against Roman Reigns. Ticket sales are slower than last year, so WWE is giving discounts on tickets. I don’t plan on going to it. I think it was a bad idea to go to the same city two years in a row, even if it is Las Vegas.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton went up to GM Nick Aldis, and Orton said he wanted Matt Cardona in a match. Aldis mentioned Cardona had an arm injury, and Orton said he knew since he gave him the injury. Orton threatened to do something violent if he didn’t get the match. Aldis gave Orton the match and told Orton to cool down. Orton was okay with that.

Analysis: There’s the Orton-Cardona match being made as expected. It makes sense based on the attack last week.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance for their tag team match.

Before the match could begin, the Irresistible Forces team of Nia Jax and Lash Legend – the Women’s Tag Team Champions – arrived with a promo. Jax said on Raw in New York City that they will face Bayley and Lyra Valkyria for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Lash trashed the Bellas and Charlotte’s phony friendship with Alexa. Lash told them to fight for what the champions have.

The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie Bella vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Flair knocked down Nikki and did a Bella booty shake after. Nikki came back with a face smash into the knee. Nikki did her own booty shake. Brie tagged in, so Flair greeted her with a chop. Bliss kicked Brie to knock her down. Brie hit a legsweep into a pin for two. Bliss dropkicked Brie while Nikki made the tag. Brie trapped Bliss against the ring apron, and Nikki hit Bliss with a forearm. The teams argued on the floor as the show went to break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.

The Bellas isolated Bliss for over three minutes of action during the break. Bliss fought back with a forearm to knock Brie down. Nikki tagged in, Bliss broke free, and Nikki tackled Bliss to stop a tag. Brie jumped off the top with a knee drop on Bliss. When the Bellas tried a double suplex, Bliss hit a DDT on both twins at the same time. Flair tagged in with a cross body block off the top. Flair unloaded with chops and her cartwheel clothesline. Flair hit an overhead suplex on Brie, and the same for Nikki. Flair even did a crotch chop to the champs on the floor. Bliss was back in for a neckbreaker for two on Nikki because Brie made the save. Nikki held Bliss and Brie hit a Hart Attack clothesline for two because Flair made the save. Brie shouted “Brie Mode,” and Bliss punched Brie to stop that move attempt. Bliss and Brie exchanged pin attempts, Brie sent Bliss into the ropes and Lash punched Bliss in the face. Brie did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Bliss for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie Balla

Analysis: *** The match was pretty good with a cheap ending because Lash Legend’s punch stunned Bliss, and Brie capitalized for the win. They made it seem like Brie didn’t realize Lash punched Bliss like that, but it’s still a big win for the Bellas. Something like that. Anyway, I thought this would be a DQ where both teams would remain strong and in title contention, so it was a bit surprising to see Bliss lose.

After the match, the Irresistible Forces beat up The Bella Twins and Flair/Bliss. Lash sent Flair into the ring post. Lash held Bliss and wanted Jax to do a move, but Bayley and Lyra Valkyria ran out to the ring. Bayley and Lyra went after Jax and Lash in the ring. Bayley and Lyra hit a double dropkick on Jax and flipped Lash over the top to the floor. The Bellas music played to end this. Flair shoed Brie to knock her on her ass after what happened in the match.

Analysis: There have been reports that WrestleMania 42 will be Lash/Jax against Bellas, Bayley/Lyra, and Flair/Bliss. I think that’s fine because the division is deep right now, and getting four teams on the WrestleMania card makes sense.

A video aired recapping Damian Priest & R-Truth beating MFTs for the WWE Tag Team Titles last week. The presence of the Wyatt Sicks helped.

Damian Priest walked up to R-Truth, who was talking to some dude. Priest wondered what he was doing. Truth claimed he was building the Judgment Day clubhouse. Priest said that’s not happening. Jelly Roll talked to Truth and Truth was confused by him. Rhea Ripley walked up to talk to them, so Truth thought Jelly was Dominik Mysterio. Jelly hyped up Ripley about her match at WrestleMania. Jelly left for his match and Truth went after him. Ripley congratulated Priest on his title win. Priest told her to win at WrestleMania and to handle this Jade business, so Ripley left to go do that.

Analysis: It’s hard to summarize these R-Truth comedy segments sometimes because it’s so silly, but it always makes me laugh. The dude is so good at it.

(Commercial)

There was an NXT Origins video about Tiffany Stratton’s journey from NXT to the main roster on SmackDown. It’s been fun to see her grow as a performer. This video was also shown on Raw and NXT this week.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were backstage when The Bella Twins approached them. Flair said that the Bellas didn’t stand a chance without Nia and Lash. Brie said they didn’t ask Nia and Lash to watch their match, so you can’t blame them. Nikki said they will do whatever it takes to be Tag Team Champions. Flair said we’ll see. Bliss said this isn’t over.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley made her entrance for promo time. They replayed last week when Jade Cargill gained allies in Michin and B-Fab as a new stable. It looked like Ripley was in her wrestling gear. The fans loved Ripley, of course.

Ripley said that she didn’t expect integrity from Jade Cargill. Ripley said she didn’t expect B-Fab and Michin to be so desperate to stoop to Jade’s level. Ripley said it is WrestleMania, so she doesn’t care who she has to face. Ripley invited Jade and friends for a fight.

Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Champion, arrived with Michin and B-Fab. The fans were booing loudly at the three women. Michin said she’s been grinding for decades while they are forgotten, and Ripley gets all the attention. B-Fab said that Jade had a plan, and they jumped at the opportunity. Jade said if Ripley wants to get your ass beat tonight, then be our guest. Jade said that Rhea is not even on SmackDown since she’s a guest. Jade said that B-Fab wants to step up tonight, so Ripley is going to learn. Ripley said she’ll teach B-Fab that actions have consequences. Ripley called for a referee.

Analysis: The promo by Jade and her friends was a bit disjointed, with all three women trying to speak while Ripley was also talking, and the fans booing loudly. They managed to get through it to set up the match.

(Commercial)

Rhea Ripley vs. B-Fab (w/Jade Cargill & Michin)

Ripley was focused on B-Fab in the ring, but Michin was on the apron, so Ripley knocked her down. Ripley headbutted B-Fab on the floor. Jade attacked Ripley and that was a DQ less than 1 minute into this match.

Winner by disqualification: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: The match was just used as an angle to set up another attack on Ripley. No rating for it.

Ripley tried to attack Jade, but Michin and B-Fab attacked. Michin hit a jumping kick to the head of Ripley. Jade picked up Ripley and hit a Jaded slam to put Ripley down.

Analysis: It was another week where Rhea Ripley was attacked by three women, and nobody tried to help Ripley. I still think Ripley winning the Women’s Title at WrestleMania makes a lot of sense.

Kit Wilson was talking to The Miz backstage. Miz had gum on his shoe because he had been cursed recently. Miz mentioned Kit did a great job following Miz’s advice last week. Miz claimed his phone fell in a toilet. Miz told Kit to Master, Inspire, and Zone In (MIZ). Miz left. Danhausen showed up to wonder why Miz would mentor him and not Danhausen. Kit said he looks the part because he looks the part. Kit was going to say Danhausen was toxic, but Danhausen stopped and said, “You are cursed.” The fans cheered.

Analysis: Poor Kit getting cursed. Nobody ever recovers from that.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about the Drew McIntyre-Jacob Fatu fight all over the building on SmackDown last week. It ended with Drew and Jacob falling off some 15-foot structure outside the building.

Drew McIntyre had his limbs taped up while Cathey Kelley asked how Drew was walking after last week. Drew said he could feel glass, his head was pounding and when Fatu pulled him off the building, Drew took Fatu with him. Drew said if Fatu wants to start something, Drew will finish it. Drew said when a man has nothing to lose, that’s when he is most dangerous.

Jelly Roll made his entrance, and he was wrestling in a buttoned-up shirt. They recapped last week when Jelly did a Poetry Slam with Kit Wilson, who beat up Jelly. Kit Wilson made his entrance with his catchy theme song.

Kit Wilson said that Jelly Roll crossed the line last week, so Kit has to defend the honor of his mother. Kit claimed Jelly lied about his belly, and Willie and Kit tried to say Jelly was toxic, so Jelly said let’s have the match.

Kit Wilson vs. Jelly Roll

Kit hit an uppercut against the turnbuckle. Roll held onto the ropes to avoid a move and Roll hit a leg drop. Roll hit an atomic drop two times. Roll with some punches, Kit with a kick and Roll clotheslined Kit out of the ring. The fans were chanting “Jelly Roll” after that. Kit went into the ring with the poetry book, the referee took it, and Kit hit Roll with a forearm to the back. Kit hit an uppercut against the turnbuckle. Kit worked over Roll with punches. Kit sent Roll into the turnbuckle. Kit missed a corner attack when Roll hit a belly-to-belly suplex, Wade said Jelly to Belly, and Joe suggested that Jelly trademark that. Roll unloaded on Kit with punches, including a punch to the head. Jelly went for a Chokeslam, but Kit got out of it. Kit went to the middle turnbuckle, he jumped off and Roll hit a powerslam for two. Kit chopped Jelly in the throat. Roll got the poetry book, Kit avoided it and Kit hit a neckbreaker into the knee for a two count. Good kickout by Roll. Roll sent Kit into the turnbuckle, then Kit flipped over and Jelly hit a Chokeslam for the pinfall win after about 6 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jelly Roll

Analysis: **1/2 It was an entertaining match between a non-wrestling music star like Jelly Roll, who put on a good performance, and Kit Wilson, who did a great job as the experienced wrestler in the match. I think Wilson deserves a lot of credit because it’s not easy working with a non-wrestler, but Kit sold everything so well, and that helped the match a lot. I enjoyed it, and the crowd liked it too. I’m not sure what is next in this story, but Jelly is 1-0 in WWE singles matches.

Jelly Roll grabbed his young son, who is about 8 to 10 years old, from the crowd, and they walked to the back together.

Matt Cardona was shown getting ready while looking at his injured left arm.

A look back at Roman Reigns and CM Punk was up next.

(Commercial)

A video package aired from Raw this past Monday when Roman Reigns had enough of CM Punk’s talking and Reigns beat up Punk to end the show after The Usos got involved as well. Reigns gave Punk a Powerbomb through the commentary table. Punk was laughing about it and said he didn’t need help. Punk said he’s not the one who needs help.

Analysis: The WrestleMania match really needed a segment like that to put over the idea that Reigns is physically dominant over Punk.

Solo Sikoa was backstage with the MFTs. Solo said that he is so hard on everybody because he knows how great they can be. Solo looked at Tama Tonga saying he can’t lead this family when everybody isn’t on the same page. Solo apologized for last week, then looked at Tama and said Roman would never apologize. Carmelo Hayes walked up with the US Title and wondered if Tama would challenge for the US Title. Hayes left. Shinsuke Nakamura walked up to Tama, wondering if he’d go after the US Title or follow Solo. Tama said nothing. Tall Tonga walked up to Tama, asking if they were good, and Tama said they were good. Tama left with Talla while Nakamura stood there on his own.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the US Champion after an awesome match with Ilja Dragunov last week.

(Commercial)

Sami Zayn answered the US Title open challenge as a former US Champion. Zayn brought back the US Title open challenge last September, so now he’s going for the title again. Trick Williams made his entrance in a white fur coat, and the fans were chanting “Whoop That Trick” for his entrance.

United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Sami Zayn

It was Zayn in control early with a clothesline, and he sent Melo into the turnbuckle. Melo came back with a springboard clothesline. Melo blocked a kick by Zayn, then Melo sent Zayn into the ropes and Melo hit a springboard leg drop. They went on a break as the action continued and Zayn connected with punches by the turnbuckle. Melo was back up to trip up Zayn by the ropes. Melo hit a suplex for two. Melo jumped off the ropes with a springboard DDT for two. Melo delivered a kick and a chop.

The match continued with Melo in control, but Zayn was able to hit a clothesline over the top to the floor. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top onto Melo on the floor. Zayn stared at his rival, Trick, at ringside. Back in the ring, Zayn jumped off the top and Melo hit a dropkick for two. Melo spun around Zayn and hit the Dirty Dianna facebuster into the mat. Melo went for the First 48, Zayn blocked it and hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Zayn charged, Melo moved and Melo hit a kick. Melo went up top, Zayn punched him, and they battled by the turnbuckle. Zayn went up top and hit a top rope superplex. They went on another break during this competitive match, and I’ll take a break too.

They were back on a turnbuckle again as Zayn punched Melo in the back repeatedly. Zayn hit a sunset flip Powerbomb for a two count. That’s a spot that Zayn loves to do. Melo tried to come back with a charging attack, but Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged right into a First 48 knee attack by Melo for a two count. Great nearfall there since Melo has won with that move many times. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Melo went up top and Zan stopped him with a forearm. Melo knocked Zayn down. Melo jumped off the top, but Zayn caught him and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two as usual for that move. Trick grabbed the US Title from ringside and tossed the title into the ring by Zayn. The referee took the title away. Trick punched Melo by accident because Zayn moved, and Zayn knocked Trick off the apron. Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Melo for the pinfall win. It went about 16 minutes. New US Champion!

Winner by pinfall AND NEW United States Champion: Sami Zayn

Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match to put the US Title back on Sami Zayn, who found out earlier he wasn’t on the WrestleMania card, but now he has a title, so that likely means he’ll be in a match. Melo has an excuse since Trick Williams got involved. I would have gone higher for it, but the Trick Williams spot hurts the match quality, although I get why it was done to build the story to set up the Zayn match with Williams for the US Title, and perhaps it’ll be a 3-way with Carmelo Hayes in the match.

Sami Zayn celebrated the win as the new US Champion. Trick Williams walked to the back.

Jacob Fatu was walking backstage when Cathy Kelley asked what he was up to. Fatu said with respect to Cathy, he’d rather speak to the fans in the arena.

(Commercial)

They showed players from the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers at ringside.

Sami Zayn was backstage with the US Champion, so he talked to SD GM Nick Aldis. Zayn wondered if he earned a match at WrestleMania. Aldis told Zayn he’s got his spot at WrestleMania when he defends that US Title against Trick Williams.

Analysis: There’s that Zayn-Trick match that many of us expected. Fine with me. I think Trick could win the US Title, too.

Let’s Hear From Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu made his entrance, and he was limping on his way to the ring to sell the fight from last week. Fatu said he was limping, busted open, and had cracked ribs, and it’s all got to do with one person – Drew McIntyre. Fatu wondered what was wrong with Drew since he tried to end Fatu’s career and keep food off Fatu’s table. Fatu recapped some of the recent incidents between them and said that none of it is going to hold Fatu down. Fatu said that Drew did all that, but Fatu is still standing and still here. Fatu said that as long as he’s walking, he’s going to dogwalk Drew’s ass.

Drew McIntyre did a promo by the entrance while having his arms taped up to sell the violence over the last week. Drew said that Fatu is playing the victim, but Drew is the victim. Drew said he didn’t commit the backstage attack on Fatu. Drew trashed Fatu for being a criminal. Drew said that Fatu stole Drew’s title, stole WrestleMania from him, and stole everything. Drew said that the food from Jacob’s table is Drew’s food. Drew said he means this from the bottom of his heart: “Screw your damn kids.”

Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, appeared by the entrance behind Drew. Fatu was about to leave the ring, but Aldis told him to stop. Aldis put Drew McIntyre in a match against Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania. Aldis said that WWE won’t be responsible for what they do in the match. Aldis said there will be no disqualifications and no countouts. Aldis said the Drew/Fatu match will be an Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania. Drew was happy about it.

Analysis: That’s fine with me. It makes sense for Drew and Jacob to have a stipulation match, and an Unsanctioned Match is fitting for them because it will allow them to brawl all around the stadium. It should be great.

Jelly Roll approached Matt Cardona about how he felt bad last week for talking to Matt about Randy Orton. Jelly mentioned Cody was on his way. Matt said he didn’t want to sit and talk because he wanted to kick Randy’s ass tonight. Jelly left and said he’s praying for him.

Matt Cardona was approached by Aleister Black and Zelina, who said strange things. Black talked about how he influenced Randy Orton to listen to the voices in his head, and then kept on rambling. Matt had no idea what they were talking about.

Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage when approached by Chelsea Green in a wheelchair for her “broken” ankle. Alba Fyre was there too. Stratton refused Green’s attempt to help. Green said she was rude.

Analysis: They are still putting Chelsea Green in a boot with a “broken ankle” even though on social media, she is sharing videos of her kicking field goals on the same foot that is injured. I understand heels fake injuries, but if you are going to fake it on television, then do so on social media too.

The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, made her entrance with Kiana James.

There was a commercial for Monday’s Raw in MSG.

(Commercial)

Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Tiffany Stratton

This was originally advertised as a Women’s US Title match for Giulia’s title, but now it’s a non-title match. Unfortunately, I’m dealing with an illness, and I also had a technical difficulty during this match. By the time I got things sorted, I had missed a few minutes of the match. Stratton hit a Stunner-like move to knock Giulia out of the ring. They went on a break as Giulia took control.

Giulia was in control during the break, and Stratton started her comeback when the match came back from the break. Stratton hit a spinebuster. Stratton hit a clothesline and a cartwheel back elbow. Stratton hit an Alabama Slam for a two count. Giulia got out of a move and hit a running forearm. Stratton came back with a forearm of her own and a splash against the middle rope. Giulia countered Stratton into a pin for two. Giulia hit a belly-to-back suplex and a running knee for a two count. Stratton countered Giulia by the turnbuckle, and Stratton hit a reverse suplex to the mat. Stratton jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb, and she crushed Stratton with that. Ouch. That was a hard landing. Giulia got back up to kick Stratton in the ribs when Stratton tried to bounce off the ropes. Stratton hit a rolling senton. James went on the steel steps to distract, so when Stratton tried the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, Giulia got the knees up to block. Giulia cradled Stratton for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Giulia

Analysis: *** A crafty heel win for Giulia thanks to a distraction from Kiana James. I’m not really sure why they booked a finish like that with Stratton getting pinned if the goal is to do this again at WrestleMania with Stratton getting a Women’s US Title match. I’m a bit surprised by that finish, but I assume there’s a logical plan. I like both women and they worked hard, but the crowd wasn’t into the whole match. It’s a long show, so audience fatigue certainly happens in hour three.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were walking backstage. Lyra said that they are the biggest threats to the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bayley said they will get it done on Monday on Raw as the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Randy Orton was talking to someone on his cell phone, saying he appreciated them. Orton said he’ll see them soon.

Up next is a look at the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar rivalry on Raw.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar feud that has developed on Raw, setting up their WrestleMania 42 match. Oba clotheslined Lesnar out of the ring on Raw this past Monday, and the crowd loved it.

The announcers went over some of the WrestleMania matches announced so far for WrestleMania 42 on April 18 & 19 in Las Vegas.

  • Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
  • WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
  • WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance for the second time of the night, and this time he’s in a match.

(Commercial)

Matt Cardona was up next for this main event match. There wasn’t much of a reaction to him.

Randy Orton vs. Matt Cardona

When Matt slid into the ring, Orton stomped on him a few times. Matt used his black cast to hit Orton in the head and it stunned Orton a bit. Orton left the ring, Matt went after him and Orton slammed Matt’s left wrist into the commentary table. Orton hit a belly-to-back slam onto the hood of the commentary table. Orton slammed Matt’s injured wrist into the table again. Orton slammed Matt onto the barricade. Orton hit Matt with a knee to the face. Orton stomped on Matt’s left hand after it was pinned under the commentary table hood. Back in the ring, Matt hit an elbow to the face and a big boot. Matt hit a Rough Ryder for two. The fans didn’t react to it much at all, even though the announcers tried to put it over as a big move since Matt has used it as a finisher. Orton left the ring, Matt went after him and Orton hit a poke to the eye. Orton sent Matt’s left arm into the ring post. Orton slammed Matt’s left hand onto the top of the steel steps. Orton sent Matt shoulder-first into the ring post. Orton ripped off Matt’s cast and bent on the left hand/wrist area. Orton sent Matt’s left hand into the ring post repeatedly. Orton suplexed Matt and stomped on his left hand. Orton stomped on Matt’s left hand a few times. Orton sent Matt left shoulder first into the ring post. Orton pulled back on the left arm/hand again. Orton hit an RKO, but he didn’t cover right away. Orton slithered into the pin for the win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: ** An extended squash win by Randy Orton, as you would expect in a match like this. Matt Cardona tried to put up a fight, but he had no shot here. It was the right booking to have Orton look dominant going into his WrestleMania match.

Cody Rhodes’ bus was shown arriving at the building. Cody got off the bus and was in a tracksuit, making his way into the building. They went to a break as security guys tried to stop Cody, but Cody walked right by them. Cody walked down the hallway in the backstage area while Orton’s music played in the arena. Jelly Roll saw Cody, shook hands with him, and Cody kept walking. Orton beat up some security guys around the ring.

Cody Rhodes Confronts Randy Orton

The show returned with about 7 minutes left as the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in the tracksuit. GM Nick Aldis approached Cody and told him to think about WrestleMania. Cody claimed he was just there to talk to him.

When Cody got into the ring, he exchanged punches and kicks with Orton. Cody went after Orton with punches as security tried to separate them. Cody sent Orton over the barricade. Cody punched Orton to block a steel chair attack. Cody kept on punching Orton as security was there to try to slow them down. Cody punched Orton a few more times as Orton tried to get out of there. The ring was surrounded by security, referees and WWE Officials. Cody got a hold of Orton and sent him into the ring post. The ring was full of about 20 dudes who were there to try to separate Cody and Orton. GM Aldis was out there with him. Cody broke free and went after Orton with punches again. Orton fought back with punches for Cody. Orton rolled out of the ring and threw a referee down. Orton beat up two security guys as well. Cody went after Orton again with punches on the commentary table. Cody put his fingers in Orton’s eyes as well. Cody and Orton broke free again, so they were in the ring fighting again. There were security guys in the ring with them again, but not enough of them because Cody fought back with more punches.

Jelly Roll went into the ring to try to talk some sense into Orton and Cody. Jelly talked to Orton about how Cody is like his brother. Orton broke free with punches and Orton hit an RKO on Jelly Roll. Joe: “A Viper strike on Jelly Roll.” The fans were actually chanting “Randy” after that. Cody, Aldis, and others were checking on Jelly in the ring while Orton was in the aisle with an evil smirk on his face as he looked at Cody in the ring. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It was okay for a brawling segment to end the show. It just kept on going for about eight minutes as they were separated, and then had to go at it again. Poor Jelly Roll got in the way and Orton was there to drop him with that RKO to get some heat, but the fans still cheered Orton for it. I did like the segment overall. I think they might be adding a stipulation to the WrestleMania match, whether it’s Hell in a Cell or something with a stipulation to make it feel like a bigger match.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sami Zayn
  2. Randy Orton
  3. Carmelo Hayes and Jelly Roll

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.29

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I’ve been dealing with a cold all day, and by the third hour of this show, I wanted to lie down and sleep because it felt like it was dragging on. Maybe it was just me feeling sick. I don’t know. I feel like this show doesn’t need to be three hours long, and the fact that it sometimes is hurts its quality significantly. I’m glad that a lot of talent gets TV time, and having that extra hour helps in that regard. I’m just saying it felt a bit lethargic this week, but maybe that’s just how I’m feeling.

Anyway, I enjoyed the Sami Zayn/Carmelo Hayes match for the US Title that will lead to Zayn against Trick Williams at WrestleMania. I feel bad for Melo if he’s not on the WrestleMania card because he deserves a spot, too. Randy Orton had a good showing throughout the show. Some of the other stuff was okay, but didn’t stand out that much.

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

* Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams

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