The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/03/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre-Jacob Fatu, Rhea Ripley in action, and more.

On WWE SmackDown last week, Sami Zayn beat Carmelo Hayes for the US Title thanks to an accidental assist from Trick Williams, who faces Zayn at WrestleMania 42. I’m hoping Melo gets added to the match to make it a triple threat match since Melo deserves it.

The WWE NXT Stand & Deliver PLE is on Saturday, so check out my detailed preview here with my thoughts on NXT’s biggest show of the year.

From the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, this is SmackDown for episode #1389. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was pre-show walking shown of Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill with friends B-Fab & Michin, Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss, and Bayley with Lyra Valkyria.

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. There are just 15 days away from WrestleMania 42. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

A video aired from Monday Night Raw when Stephanie McMahon confronted Cody Rhodes in the ring at Raw in MSG. Stephanie warned Cody about this version of Randy Orton and said that Cody had to match Orton. They showed some of the crazy Orton violent acts in the past.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

The legendary Randy Orton made his entrance in his hometown of St. Louis and he got a huge ovation from the crowd. They sang along with the classic “Voices” theme song. Orton had a special “RKO Everybody St. Louis” shirt for this crowd. They loved their hometown hero, of course.

Orton asked St. Louis: “What do you want to talk about?” That is somebody else’s line, I think. Orton said it’s no secret that this is his hometown. Orton said he was raised here as a very young man and he still calls St. Louis home. Orton said that the next time you see him in this arena, he’ll have #15 (World Titles) around his waist. Orton said he’s not doing this for each and every one of you. Orton said he’s doing it for himself, his family and his real home, which isn’t St. Louis, Missouri, it’s the six people in this front row that he is doing it for. There were his wife and kids in the front row. Orton said that he’s going to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. Orton said Cody Rhodes is going home from WrestleMania 42 “empty-freakin-handed.” Orton said that Cody gave him the green light. Orton said it’s not personal. Orton said that Cody said that Orton could listen to the voices. Orton said that Stephanie McMahon was not lying to Cody. Orton said that the voices are saying you cannot beat Orton because Cody is not a killer. Orton said what you’ve awoken inside of him, there’s no putting back to bed.

Analysis: I liked that promo from Randy Orton. You can tell he was fired up in his hometown with his family in the front row.

Cody Rhodes walked out wearing a suit. The fans popped for his song, but definitely some boos for him. Cody worked over Orton with punches and the fans were booing while Cody was in dress clothes.

Pat McAfee went into the ring in an RKO Everybody shirt, and Pat kicked Cody in the groin. The announcers were yelling about what McAfee was doing. Pat stomped on Cody a few times.

WHAT THE?!@PatMcAfeeShow just attacked @CodyRhodes 😱@RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/NFHQYFd0iP

— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2026

Orton brought a steel chair into the ring and hit Cody in the ribs. Pat said that the Rams left town, the Blues aren’t going to make the playoffs, the Cardinals are ass, and Randy Orton said this isn’t his home anyway. Pat told “Foreign Adam Pearce” aka GM Nick Aldis to shut up. Pat said you might be wondering why he is here and why he kicked Cody in the balls. Pat said he was doing a Q&A and he was asked when he would return to WWE. Pat said he thought that the business had passed him by. Pat said he thought this business was absolute “s**t” and the swear word wasn’t muted. Pat talked about Orton telling him that the business had passed some fans by who loved the Attitude Era and chanted “What” and said, “If you smell.” While Pat spoke, Orton kept on beating up Cody with a chair. Pat complained about 5’5” guys having 50-minute matches when Randy Orton is around. That happens? Pat complained about other people soiling themselves when Randy Orton is around. Pat mentioned SmackDown having the lowest audience of all time, and they have a champion that people hate. Pat mentioned WrestleMania tickets being available even though Randy Orton is involved. Orton kicked Rhodes in the ribs. Pat said that he was the one on the phone telling Orton he needed to kill everything. Pat said that the business Cody is leading is terrible and Orton is going to “save the f**king business.” The fans cheered that and chanted “Randy” for Orton. Pat stomped on Cody. Orton put the title on Cody’s waist and said something to him that we couldn’t hear. The fans chanted “Randy” for Orton and McAfee as WWE Officials checked on Cody in the ring.

Cody Rhodes rolled out of the ring while the fans booed him, and the show went to a break.

Analysis: I didn’t expect Pat McAfee as a heel aligning with Randy Orton like that, but there we go. I thought it would be Randy’s dad, Bob Orton Jr., or something like that, so at least it’s a totally out-of-left-field idea to have McAfee in a role like that. The fans cheered it because they aren’t going to boo Orton much in St. Louis. Pat swearing a few times was likely done to make it seem edgy and unplanned or something like that, so I get why that was done. I’m not sure whether this will lead to Orton and McAfee forming a heel stable or what the plan is, but it certainly could happen. I’m intrigued by it to some extent, though I’m not sure I would call it a great segment. It was okay, though. I’ll reserve judgment for how it proceeds in the future.

UPDATE: It has been reported that TKO’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, may have made the call to get Pat McAfee in this angle. I’m not a huge fan of that, but the boss will do what he wants, and WWE will just have to go with it, I guess. I don’t mind McAfee as a performer. I’m just not sure whether this is the angle to take and whether it’ll be good in the long run.

.@PatMcAfeeShow is going OFF! 😳 pic.twitter.com/nPcbkdiwpF

— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2026

(Commercial)

There was a replay of what Pat McAfee and Randy Orton did to Cody Rhodes before the break.

Pat McAfee and Randy Orton were shown outside the building. Orton thanked Pat for calling him. Pat said something about how sometimes a guy like Orton needs to be reminded he’s in the GOAT conversation. They drove off in a truck with Pat driving.

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

It was Ripley on offense early with punches and a kick that knocked Michin down. Ripley sent Michin into the turnbuckle, followed by a shoulder tackle to the ribs. Ripley hit a fallaway slam. Jade Cargill walked down to the ring with the WWE Women’s Title around her waist, and Ripley was distracted, so Michin hit a German Suplex to take control. They went on a break for some fans as Michin was on offense for a few minutes.

The match continued with Michin working over Ripley with kicks. Michin went for a guillotine choke, but Ripley got out of that with a suplex. Ripley kicked Michin and slammed her face first into the mat. Ripley hit a running dropkick. Michin hit a headbutt, so Ripley fired back with her own headbutt. Ripley hit a Razor’s Edge that almost looked like a painful bump, and then Ripley hit a running kick to the jaw for two. Michin countered a move and did a hair pull. Michin kicked Ripley into the turnbuckle. Michin charged, Ripley avoided it, and Michin hit the turnbuckle. Ripley kicked Michin. Ripley put Michin on her shoulders and Michin hit a Reverse Rana for a two count. That was a great counter. Michin hit Eat Defeat for a two count. Ripley countered a Michin move with a back body drop. Ripley applied the Prism Trap submission and Michin tapped out to give Ripley the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by submission: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: *** A decisive win for Rhea Ripley as you would expect. It was a pretty good match because Michin was given plenty of offense and looked competitive. That Reverse Rana was a great spot, and Michin hit her finish after for a two count. Obviously, we know Ripley would win, but I still liked how it was done.

After the match, B-Fab attacked Ripley from behind, but Ripley hit a headbutt to knock B-Fab down. Ripley stared at Jade, who was on the apron. Michin chop-blocked Ripley to knock her down. Jade hit a backhand to knock Ripley down. Jade went for Jaded, but Iyo Sky arrived and saved Ripley, so it was the first time Ripley was saved after two weeks in a row of getting beaten up. Jade bailed, while Ripley and Iyo cleared the ring of B-Fab and Michin.

Analysis: It made sense to have somebody save Rhea Ripley since she got beaten up by Jade and friends two weeks in a row, so having Iyo Sky works since she’s a close friend of Ripley. Sky is a SmackDown talent, but the WWE brand rules aren’t very strict, as we know.

Aleister Black and Zelina approached Matt Cardona in the trainer’s room. Black said that Randy Orton didn’t change. Black said he went back to being Orton. Matt Cardona said he’s not going to talk about this, and Cardona said that he’ll talk to Nick Aldis so they can fight tonight. Black said that Cardona makes bad decisions.

Solo Sikoa spoke to the MFTs, saying he needed somebody to take care of this Uncle Howdy problem. Tama Tonga asked why are they fighting for that lantern? Tama said that the lantern has been a problem for all of them, especially Solo. Solo told Tama to handle this, and he’ll go out there alone. Solo told Tama not to mess this up.

A commercial aired for WrestleMania 42 promoting the Roman Reigns-CM Punk match.

(Commercial)

Rhea Ripley was talking to Iyo Sky backstage and thanking Sky for her help. Cathy Kelley showed up for an interview. Ripley said that Jade Cargill didn’t think she had a backup plan. Ripley said Jade has followers, and Ripley has friends. Sky said best friends. Sky said that she’ll always have Ripley’s back, and Ripley said she’ll have Sky’s back. Ripley said she’ll walk out of WrestleMania as the WWE Women’s Champion.

Uncle Howdy vs. Tama Tonga

Uncle Howdy’s (Bo Dallas) entrance wasn’t shown. Howdy was already in the ring, and then we got Tama Tonga’s generic music entrance. It’s just weird that Howdy’s entrance wasn’t shown since it’s more of an elaborate entrance.

It was Howdy getting some offense early, but then Tama did a catapult to send Howdy’s head/neck into the top rope. They went on a break for some fans as Tama targeted the right hand by ramming it into the steel steps. Tama jumped off the steel steps with a clothesline on the floor. Back in the ring, Tama hit a running forearm to knock Howdy down.

There was finally some offense from Howdy with strikes, but then Howdy sold his right hand and Tama knocked Howdy down again. The fans were quiet for this match as Tama stomped on Howdy. Tama charged, but Howdy caught him with a Mandible Claw. Solo walked out with the lantern, so Howdy let Tama go like a dumbass and stared at the lantern. Tama punched Howdy in the back. Solo tried to attack with the lantern, but the referee saw it and stopped it. Tama yelled at Solo, saying he wanted to do this on his own. Tama turned around, and Howdy hit the Sister Abigail neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Uncle Howdy

Analysis: **1/2 It was a match where Solo Sikoa was on offense for about 80% of the match, and then Uncle Howdy hit his finish to win. The crowd was bored by this. It wasn’t that interesting to me either.

After the match, Solo Sikoa was in the ring talking to Tama Tonga, saying he was trying to help him. Tama said you don’t need this, and it’s been nothing but problems for them. Tama put the lantern on the apron. Howdy grabbed the lantern, and Tama stopped Solo from going after it.

Analysis: I hope it’s the end of this story. The Wyatt Sicks feud with MFTs has been boring and has gone on for way too long. I’m not sure if they are turning Tama Tonga, but I think it would be a mistake if they did because he’s better off in a group. I doubt Tama would stand out that much as a singles guy.

The Miz and Kit Wilson were backstage talking, and Wilson spoke about how they were cursed. Miz said there’s no curse. R-Truth had the WWE Tag Team Titles on his shoulders and said something about a new Judgment Day, saying they are full of applications. Miz said that Truth doesn’t take things seriously, but things go his way. Miz challenged Truth to take things seriously, so Truth said Miz was challenging them for the WWE Tag Team Titles and said he’s never met Kit Wilson. Truth said he accepted the Open Challenge, and there will be a title match tonight. Truth left. Wilson and Miz were happy they got a title match without doing anything.

Analysis: That was silly, and as usual with R-Truth, he made me laugh.

The new US Champion Sami Zayn was up next.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was featured in a video package. Fatu talked about his Unsanctioned Match with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania. Fatu said he went from the streets to jail and then from the independents to WWE. Fatu said it comes down to survival. Fatu said every day he was locked up brought him right here to this very moment. Fatu said in this match, there are no rules, no one to stop him, no one to break it up, and nobody there to tell him what he can’t do to Drew’s punk ass. Fatu said at WrestleMania, Drew is in his world, so let’s see if he makes it out.

The US Champion Sami Zayn spoke to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about going out to talk to the crowd. Aldis credited Zayn for making a spot for himself at WrestleMania. Aldis told Zayn to go out there and talk to those people. The music of Trick Williams hit and the fans popped.

Let’s Hear from Trick Williams…and Sami Zayn

Trick Williams made his entrance in his white fur coat, joined by the rapper Lil Yachty. The fans were chanting “Whoop That Trick” for Williams on his way to the ring. Trick said that the truth is he came out here tonight to celebrate his first match at WrestleMania. Trick said that since they’re bringing out the stars like Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee, then it’s only right for him to bring out his boy Lil Yachty. Yachty said that Trick was a legend in the making. Trick said that they go way back. Trick wanted Yachty to come with him to WrestleMania. Trick said there’s nothing that will stop him from being the US Champion. Trick called Sami Zayn “gingerbread man” and kept on saying ginger with other items. Trick went on the apron and told them to hit Sami Zayn’s pyro because Trick runs SmackDown. That led to Zayn’s entrance.

Sami Zayn made his entrance as the US Champion and it sounded like some boos for Zayn, who is a babyface. The fans love Trick.

Zayn said that Trick is getting ahead of himself. Zayn said that Trick has the music, the pageantry and the rap artist. Zayn said that the pageantry has never been his thing. Zayn said his thing is what he does in this ring. The fans booed. Zayn said there will be about 50,000 seats pointed at the ring and Trick will learn that the fur coats and rap music won’t matter because Trick will be in the ring with one of the best to ever do it. Zayn said at WrestleMania that he’s going to humble Trick’s ass.

Trick said he thinks Ginger Snap is pretty upset. Trick said that the only reason Zayn got that US Title is because of Trick. Trick said that the only reason you’re going to WrestleMania is because of Trick.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the former US Champion wearing a “HIM” shirt. Melo got in the ring. Melo said he’s got a history a mile long with Trick, and he’ll get his receipt. Melo said that the way Zayn did that last week doesn’t sit right with him or anybody else. Melo said he carried SmackDown on his back and the US Title on his back. Melo said that you think Zayn is going to defend that title at WrestleMania. Melo said that the fans don’t want Sami Zayn because “We Want Melo.” That led to cheers from the fans, and some of them chanted “We Want Melo” also. Melo told Zayn to give him his rematch. Trick was laughing about it.

Zayn told Melo he thinks the world of Melo, and he agreed that Melo carried SmackDown for 9 or 10 weeks of the open challenge. Zayn said that Melo did deserve this. Zayn said that Melo had an open challenge, but Zayn beat him and now he’s going to WrestleMania. Zayn said he can give Melo a rematch on the other side of WrestleMania. Trick wanted “Ginger Ale” Zayn to give Melo a chance. Zayn said that Trick has a point. Zayn said if Trick didn’t get involved, then would Zayn have beaten Melo? We would never know because Trick got involved. Zayn said it happened to him too. Zayn said it happened with him involving Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Zayn said he’s happy that he’s going to WrestleMania. Melo told Zayn to quit yapping and do the right thing.

Zayn looked at the WrestleMania Vegas sign and thought about it. Zayn said if Carmelo wants his rematch, then Zayn will give it to him. Zayn said he can have his match tonight and whoever wins walks into WrestleMania against Trick Williams as the US Champion. Trick trashed “Ginger Snap” Zayn for taking too long, so Zayn clotheslined Trick out of the ring. Zayn’s music played.

Analysis: That took a while. I think if you weren’t a regular viewer, then you would think that Zayn was the heel and Trick was the face in this story. The fans certainly love Trick and want to cheer the guy, so I think after WrestleMania, we’ll see Trick in a babyface role. I thought Melo going out there would lead to Zayn saying let’s do a triple threat match at WrestleMania, but it didn’t happen like that. Instead, they have a Zayn-Melo rematch this week. That’s cool.

Solo Sikoa was backstage with MFTs. Solo wasn’t happy about Tama Tonga taking the lantern. Tama said let’s get back to business, taking over SmackDown and taking the titles. Solo said they need to finish the Wyatts and then go after the titles. Solo asked if they are good, and Tama said they are good.

Aleister Black made his entrance with Zelina for singles action.

(Commercial)

Matt Cardona vs. Aleister Black (w/Zelina)

There’s a black cast on Matt’s left hand/wrist to sell the attacks that Randy Orton did against him the last few weeks. Black went for Matt’s left wrist right away and slammed it into the mat. Black hit a knee drop on the left wrist. Matt got some offense going with strikes, and he sent Black into the turnbuckle. Zelina was on the apron to distract, so Black did a sweep kick that knocked Matt down, and Matt was selling the left arm injury. They went on a break for some fans as Black was in control for a few minutes.

Black had an armbar on, Matt broke free and hit a spinebuster. Matt sent Black face first into the mat. Matt jumped off the middle turnbuckle, Black avoided it, and Black hit a knee to the face. Black went for a suplex, but Matt countered with a neckbreaker. Matt hit a running Broski Boot to the face for a two count. Black sent a charging Matt into the turnbuckle. Matt countered a suplex with a front suplex and a missile dropkick. Matt hit a double underhook Powerbomb for a two count. Matt charged with a running knee, but Black avoided it and hit a knee. Black hit a brainbuster for two. Black and Matt exchanged strikes, Black kicked the leg and Matt came back with punches. Black hit a forearm to the face that staggered Black, but Black connected with a Black Mass kick to the head for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black

Analysis: *** The effort was there, and there was a story with Matt selling the left arm injury, but the audience didn’t seem to care that much. When Matt hit some of his moves, the fans reacted a bit. It just wasn’t a loud reaction. Black winning with the Blass Mass out of nowhere shows it’s a dangerous kick that he can use at any time to win, which is a good thing to establish with the audience.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were interviewed by Cathy Kelly backstage. Bayley said tonight, Charlotte and Alexa will get a taste of what they can do at WrestleMania. Lyra said that this WrestleMania is about more than friendship and even gold. Lyra said it’s about making up for what happened to Bayley last year and making everything they’ve been through in the past year worth it.

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

A commercial aired for the new Shawn Michaels documentary coming to Peacock on April 13th.

Analysis: I love Shawn, but there have been documentaries about him on A&E, WWE has produced its own documentaries, and so on. I don’t see how they can have anything new on there except his current role running NXT. I’ll still watch it, of course, because Shawn is my favorite WWE superstar ever, but it just feels like it’s been done.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar segment on Raw. They didn’t even touch eachother on Raw, but it was still a money segment.

R-Truth was backstage with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Candice said Gargano is going to win the NXT North American Title. Gargano said Johnny Wrestling is back. Gargano said that the best is yet to come. Damian Priest approached Truth about why he gave a WWE Tag Team Title match to The Miz and Kit Wilson. Truth said they are cursed, so it should be easy. Truth was confused about Danhausen as Priest tried to figure out what he was talking about. Truth left to get ready.

The women’s tag team match with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss facing Baley & Lyra Valkyria was next.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre appeared in a video package saying that Jacob Fatu is still a criminal. Drew said that Fatu is still a dirty convict. Drew talked about Fatu’s family making his life hell. Drew said he’ll prove that Fatu is guilty as charged and he’ll show the whole world who Jacob Fatu really is.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance. They showed Nikki Bella suffering an ankle injury during the match last week, with her foot trapped under Flair during a move. Wade said that Nikki is undergoing rehab to try to get it right by WrestleMania. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria from Raw made their entrance as well. Bayley and Lyra got a Women’s Tag Team Title match on Raw, which led to a chaotic ending with the four teams brawling.

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

Both teams without a name are in the Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania. Flair worked over Lyra with chops and strikes. Lyra came back with a cross body block. Lyra ran the ropes and hit a spin kick for two. Lyra hit an enziguri kick. Bliss tagged in with a Tornado DDT on Lyra. That looked like it could have turned out badly, but Bliss managed to hit it correctly. The show went on a break as Flair and Bliss worked over Lyra for a few minutes.

Flair remained in control of Lyra with chops. Bliss was back in with some weak-looking kicks. Flair flipped Lyra over with her legs a few times. Bliss was back in with a double knee drop to Lyra’s ribs. Bliss tripped up Lyra and missed a splash. Flair was back in to prevent a tag. Lyra jumped off the middle rope with a cross body block on Flair. Bayley tagged in with a backdrop suplex, Flair went for a kick, Bayley blocked it and Bayley hit a forearm. Bayley hit a knee drop to the ribs. Bayley hit a sunset flip Powerbomb into the turnbuckle for two because Flair got her hand on the bottom rope. Bayley went to the turnbuckle, Flair went after her and Lyra held Bayley’s legs to save her partner. Lyra tripped up Bliss on the apron. Bayley jumped off the top with an elbow drop for two. Lyra was back in for a Samoan Drop/neckbreaker combo for two. Lyra went for a move off the middle turnbuckle, Flair caught her and Flair applied the Figure Eight, but Bayley saved her partner. Bliss was back in to dropkick Bayley into the turnbuckle. Bliss got the tag, she jumped onto Lyra and Lyra caught her. Bliss went for Sister Abigail, Lyra countered it into a pin and Bliss hit a punch on Lyra. Flair and Bliss each hit the Natural Selection on both opponents. Bliss pinned Lyra to win the match. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Analysis: *** A solid tag team match between two talented teams. Since they are both babyface teams, I didn’t expect any cheating, and so it was just a regular match. No surprise that Flair and Bliss would get the win since they have more credentials than their opponents.

After the match, Lash Legend and Nia Jax attacked both teams. Lash held Bayley around her waist, and Jax jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a leg drop. Lash and Jax posed with their titles.

Analysis: It feels repetitive. There’s not much substance to this 4-team feud for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Last week, the babyfaces sent Jax & Legend out of the ring. This week, Jax & Legend dominated again.

The Miz and Kit Wilson were talking about their match. The Miz said they aren’t cursed because they got a WWE Title match. Danhausen appeared for some comedy and the fans cheered. Danhausen had some human teeth in a jar. Kit said that Danhausen is toxic. Danhausen said he can uncurse them, and they can with the WWE Tag Team Titles. Miz told Danhausen to stay away.

Damian Priest and R-Truth made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions.

(Commercial)

They showed rapper Sexyy Red at ringside. She’s hosting NXT Stand & Deliver, also.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson

I was out of the room for a few minutes and then when I came back, Kit and Miz were in control during the break. The heel side did some cheating behind the referee’s back. Kit kicked Truth to knock him down. Miz grabbed a chinlock.

The match continued with Truth breaking free and Priest getting the hot tag. Priest slammed Kit and hit a flatliner on Miz. Priest splashed both opponents against the turnbuckle. Priest walked the ropes and hit a cross body block. Priest hit a running lariat to knock Miz down for a two count, with Kit making the save. Priest hit a spinning kick to knock Kit down. Truth was back in, he went for AA, Miz avoided it, and Truth/Miz hit a double clothesline. Miz and Truth were down, so Danhausen made his way down to the ring. Danhausen put his jar of teeth on the apron. Danhausen wanted a tag from Miz, but the referee, Dan Engler, told Danhausen he couldn’t tag in. Miz told Danhausen to get out. Truth saw Danhausen and tagged in Danhausen into the match. The fans cheered.  Miz told Danhuasen he didn’t belong in there. Danhausen told the referee, Dan Engler, that he is cursed because Miz put the referee in front of him. Miz tried a move on Danhausen, but the lights went off and when they came back on, Danhausen was gone. Truth hit an Attitude Adjustment on Kit. Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale on Truth for two because referee Dan Engler’s right arm was injured due to being cursed. Miz was freaking out about that. Priest tagged in and hit South of Heaven. Referee Engler counted with his left hand for the three count.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth

Analysis: **1/2 The comedy finish is hard to really rate, but I was entertained by it. It’s also going to piss off some fans who take wrestling too seriously. Cursing a referee to set up a finish as they did is silly, and I get that some people will hate it. But I also think it’s okay to laugh, and I like Danhausen. Anyway, no surprise that Priest and Truth got the win.

After the match, Cody Rhodes went down to the ring, grabbed Kit Wilson, and hit Cross Rhodes.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes said he got dressed up to find out who Randy Orton was talking to on the phone. Cody said he was surprised that it was Pat McAfee. Cody trashed Pat, saying instead of Hulk Hogan joining the NWO, that’s like getting the Disco Inferno. Cody called Pat a grifter and a Logan Paul without muscles. Cody said that Pat and everyone who represents him – and he knows who he’s talking to – can kiss his ass. Cody said what are you gonna do? Fire him? It sure worked out the last time. Cody said that’s what Randy Orton wants for his legacy. Cody said that when John Cena was the angel on his shoulder, Randy Orton was the devil. Cody said that he doesn’t know if he can be a bad guy anymore because he’s got two kids and his dream job in front of this audience here tonight. Cody said that Pat is tagging all these sites that only exist because WWE is hot right now. Cody said that the last four WrestleManias were records, and he was wrestling Roman Reigns, John Cena, and The Rock, but make no mistake about it, those shows broke records because they were wrestling him.

Cody said that there are 20 years of history between two of the very best to do it. Cody said he is finally hearing the voices in his head, but you don’t have to hear what they have to say.

Analysis: I liked that. The Disco Inferno line was excellent. Good intensity shown by Cody Rhodes, who should be conflicted about everything going on. Cody with an edge is the best version of Cody.

(Commercial)

A video package aired recapping the Roman Reigns/CM Punk brawl from Raw. Punk got the upper hand this week after Reigns had the upper hand one week earlier.

They went over the WrestleMania card.

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

* Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

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

* Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie Bella vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

* Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

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

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

* Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

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

* John Cena will be the host

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

Sami Zayn made his entrance as the US Champion.

(Commercial)

A Snickers WrestleMania moment was shown with Steve Austin beating Kevin Owens in a match at WrestleMania 38. It was Austin’s first match in 19 years, and he won with a Stone Cold Stunner. That was fun.

United States Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Carmelo Hayes

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty were seated at ringside.

Melo connected with a dropkick early on. Melo got some chops, but then when Zayn went for punches, the fans booed him. Melo worked over a bunch of punches to the head. Zayn hit a clothesline for a two count. Melo came back with a springboard clothesline. Melo trapped Zayn against the turnbuckle and hit an enziguri kick. Melo hit a springboard leg drop for two. Melo ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive over the top on Zayn on the floor. Melo was selling a left leg injury as the show went to break for some fans.

Zayn was in control with chops and kicks against the turnbuckle as the fans were booing Zayn on offense. Melo was favoring his left knee. Melo hit some punches and hit the Dirty Dianni spinning slam into the mat for two. Melo went for First 48, Zayn blocked it, and then Melo countered Zayn into a pin attempt or two. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle and the fans booed. Zayn charged, but Melo was back up with a superkick. Melo went up top and hit a Frog Splash for two, and then Zayn countered Melo into a crucifix pin for two. Melo was able to hit the First 48 double knee attack. Melo jumped off the top, he went for the leg drop, but Zayn avoided it and Melo was favoring a left knee injury. The referee checked on Hayes against the turnbuckle and Zayn hit the Helluva Kick while the referee was checking on him. Zayn pinned Hayes for the pinfall win. It went 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn

Analysis: ***1/2 That kind of finish was a way to show that Zayn is embracing the boos and being heelish because he hit the Helluva Kick on Melo while Melo was getting checked on by the referee. It was not a babyface way of doing things. I was hoping they’d go with a more controversial finish and have Melo added to the US Title match at WrestleMania, but it doesn’t look like that is happening. It’s possible that WWE adds Melo to the match next week. I just think they could have done it here.

After the match, Trick Williams and Lil Yachty walked into the ring with Sami Zayn. Yachty congratulated Zayn, saying it’s Trick Williams against the Gingerbread Man. Trick punched Zayn to knock him down. Yachty held Zayn and Trick hit a running Trick Shot knee to knock Zayn down. Trick celebrated with the US Title, and the fans cheered.

Analysis: I think Trick is winning the US Title at WrestleMania, so it was just a preview of that. The fans want Trick to win, and I think he should. Zayn doesn’t need a long title reign. I still hope Melo gets added to the US Title match at WrestleMania, but I’m not sure if it will happen.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Randy Orton
2. Sami Zayn
3. Rhea Ripley

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The Scoreboard

6.5 out of 10

Last week: 7

2026 Average: 7.23

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

This felt like a below-average episode of WWE SmackDown. The middle part had a lot of filler and stuff that didn’t really involve WrestleMania matches, but they were just ways to get people on the show. Once again, there are some weeks when this show doesn’t need to be three hours, and this is one of them.

The spot with Danhausen cursing the referee and then the referee being unable to count to three for The Miz was funny, but some people who watch pro wrestling that take it way too seriously are going to hate that sort of thing. I was amused by it, but I also don’t want it to be a regular occurrence.

It’s disappointing that they are apparently going with the Sami Zayn-Trick Williams singles match for the US Title, even though Carmelo Hayes should be on the WrestleMania card. Instead of making it a triple-threat match, they had Zayn beat Melo again, and the fans hated the result. I feel bad for Melo not being on the WM card. There are still two more SmackDown episodes before WrestleMania, so maybe Melo could be added, but he just lost to Zayn again, so I’m not sure if it will happen.

I don’t mind the Randy Orton-Pat McAfee alliance against Cody Rhodes. It felt a bit random and weird, but I liked Pat’s promo, and I liked Cody’s response later in the show. I think Randy and Cody are going to have an awesome match at WrestleMania, so that’s what really matters.

WWE WrestleMania 42 takes place 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

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

* Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

* Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

* Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie Bella vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

* John Cena will be the host

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