The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/10/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton rivalry with Pat McAfee, and more on the road to WrestleMania 42.

On last week’s WWE SmackDown, Pat McAfee returned as Randy Orton’s ally, claiming they were there to save WWE. I thought it was a weaker SmackDown than usual. It ended up being a show that many fans hated, in part because of McAfee’s involvement in the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton story. Even Damian Priest came out in an interview, saying many people in WWE hated McAfee’s promo. Do they need Pat McAfee in this story? I don’t think so, which is why I understand the hate some fans have toward the angle. Was it the worst episode of SmackDown ever because of one promo? No. Of course not. Some of the outrage from today’s fans is over-the-top and ridiculous. I think the WrestleMania card is very good and there will be plenty of entertaining matches, so let’s look forward to that. Anyway, the WrestleMania 42 Saturday & Sunday cards are out, so we have that to look forward to in 8 days, on April 18 & April 19.

From the SAP Center, this is SmackDown for episode #1390. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a video package about last week’s angle with Randy Orton, joined by Pat McAfee, as they beat up Cody Rhodes. That was followed by a Cody promo.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was outside the arena talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who said Pat McAfee wasn’t here yet, but he’s on the way. Aldis said he had strict orders from up above that Rhodes can’t touch McAfee. I should point out also there was a production truck with Triple H’s face on it while they filmed that, so I don’t think that was an accident. Jelly Roll walked up asking about Pat McAfee, and Aldis told Jelly to stay out of this. Jelly said Cody is fighting for a lot more than just his story this time around. Jelly left.

Analysis: They are pushing the story that Pat McAfee is being protected by the TKO bosses without actually saying that. It’s a way to get more heat on Pat for being a corporate favorite. Also, it was reported earlier on Friday that Cody & Jelly will team up against Randy & Pat at Backlash on May 9th. That plan could change, but you can tell they are already teasing it.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was outside the arena talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who said Pat McAfee wasn’t here yet, but he’s on the way. Aldis said he had strict orders from up above that Rhodes can’t touch McAfee. Jelly Roll walked up asking about Pat McAfee, and Aldis told Jelly to stay out of this. Jelly said Cody is fighting for a lot more than just his story this time around. Jelly left.

Analysis: They are pushing the story that Pat McAfee is being protected by the TKO bosses without actually saying that. It’s a way to get more heat on Pat for being a corporate favorite.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley was angry on her way to the ring. Ripley said that WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made this personal on Raw by attacking her best friend, Iyo Sky, with repeated kendo sticks. Ripley called out Jade.

Iyo Sky made her entrance, and Ripley wondered what she was doing out there. Sky said she knows Rhea is angry, and Sky is angry too because Jade attacked her. Sky said she knows Rhea will get Jade at WrestleMania, but Sky wants to face her tonight. Ripley said Sky is not 100% after what happened on Monday. Ripley said she can handle it. Sky said she’s sure and she’ll talk to Nick Aldis if she has to. Sky said she wants Jade tonight.

Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, walked out by the entrance and the fans booed him. Aldis said that Sky gets what she wants – a match with Jade Cargill in the main event. Sky was happy about it, while Ripley was concerned.

Analysis: It was a quicker opening promo segment without Jade Cargill showing up, which is a bit of a surprise. The Raw segment with Jade beating up Sky got a lot of heat on Jade, so having that set up this match is certainly fine with me.

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

Earlier today, footage was shown of Bayley with Lyra Valkyria and Alexa Bliss with Charlotte Flair, since Bayley is up next against Bliss.

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

(Commercial)

A graphic let us know that Jade Cargill will face Iyo Sky later on SmackDown.

Bayley (w/Lyra Valkyria) vs. Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair)

It’s a battle of babyfaces with Bayley getting a huge pop in her hometown. They showed a replay from Monday’s Raw when Bayley beat Lash Legend thanks to an assist from Lyra.

Bayley and Bliss each went for moves and did some counters as Barrett mentioned how they’ve been competing against eachother for over a decade. Bayley went for a knee, Bliss avoided it, and Bliss sent Bayley into the ropes. Bliss was even booed a bit because they like Bayley so much. After Bliss stood on Bayley’s back, Bayley got back with a shoulder tackle and a kick that knocked Bliss down on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued, and I’ll take a break.

Bliss got some offense going with a dropkick, slaps, a knee and another dropkick. Bliss hit a Natural Selection neckbreaker for a two count. Bliss with knees to the ribs. Bayley avoided a move and hit a sunset flip into the turnbuckle for two. Bayley went to the turnbuckle, Flair did a slight distraction and Bliss set up Bayley upside down, leading to a dropkick. They battled by the turnbuckle and Bliss hit a DDT that looked a bit awkward. Bayley came back with a Bayley to Belly side slam with no cover attempt. Bliss and Bayley trade pin attempts for two. Bayley was in the ropes during another pin attempt. Bayley sent Bliss back-first into the turnbuckle. Bayley went up top and hit an elbow drop for two. The fans thought that was it. Bliss left the ring, so Bayley attacked Bliss in front of Flair and did some chops. Bliss went back into the ring, Flair threw her jacket at Bayley and Bliss did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with her body on top of Bayley for leverage for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good match by two veterans who know eachother well. It’s WrestleMania season, so a lot of matches these days have interference finishes. I like how it was an even matchup the whole way, with both women getting nearfalls throughout the match. The crowd certainly wanted a Bayley win in her hometown, but I don’t mind Bliss getting the win since Bayley won on Raw. I was surprised we didn’t see Nia Jax & Leash Legend or The Bellas get involved in some way.

A replay aired of Sami Zayn beating Carmelo Hayes to retain the US Title on SmackDown last week. Hayes was favoring a knee injury, and Zayn still hit a Helluva Kick to win. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty beat up Zayn after the match.

Carmelo Hayes was in the trainer’s room while Matt Cardona said that Melo has to wait on it, and his WrestleMania moment will come. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty (in a gingerbread man shirt) walked in. Melo said he had to rehab his knee. Melo said that he hopes Trick wins at WrestleMania, and Melo said he’s coming for his title on the other side. Melo didn’t want to hear more from Trick. Matt said he didn’t like what Lil Yachty was saying, and Trick argued with Matt, so Yachty suggested a match. Cardona said he’ll talk to Aldis to set up a match. Trick seemed okay with that.

Still to come: Randy Orton with Pat McAfee.

A commercial aired for the WWE 2K25 video game.

(Commercial)

A graphic let us know that the Drew McIntyre-Jacob Fatu Unsanctioned Match will be the second Unsanctioned Match in WrestleMania history.

Drew McIntrye Video Package

Drew McIntyre was featured in a video package saying Jacob Fatu was a failure as a man and a father. Drew said that Jacob’s family is probably more familiar with seeing him right here – a jail cell. Drew said that this cell represents who Jacob is and always will be – a convict. Drew said that Jacob chose a life of crime instead of being a father. Drew told Fatu he didn’t belong in WWE because he belongs in a cage since he’s an animal. Drew said that he’ll beat Fatu within an inch of his life and Jacob will end up back in jail. Drew said that the system failed him since they let Jacob go. Drew said that Jacob stole Drew’s WWE Title from him. Drew said that at WrestleMania, he’ll be Jacob’s judge, jury and his damn executioner.

Analysis: I liked that a lot. I think Drew is a top five performer in WWE who has been among the top five for at least six years now. By having Drew talk about Jacob being an ex-convict, it makes him look like a jerk by harping on it so much, but it also makes us want to root for Jacob, considering what he’s gone through in his life.

Jacob Fatu was shown watching on a TV backstage as Cathy Kelley asked for his thoughts. Fatu said we are live and direct in San Jose, the Bay Area. Solo Sikoa arrived with the MFTs, and Cathy left. Solo said Fatu isn’t the only one with family in the Bay Area. Solo said that Fatu is an embarrassment to their family. Fatu challenged Solo to a match. Solo said isn’t this where somebody attacked Fatu and knocked his teeth out, but nobody knows who did it. Solo suggested Tama Tonga for a match with Fatu, it didn’t look like Tama was thrilled at first and then he stepped up. Solo said he’ll talk to Aldis to make the match.

Royce Keys Video Package

There was a video package about Royce Keys talking about growing up in Palo Alto, California. They showed Keys outside of his childhood home, where he was raised well by his grandparents. Keys said his grandma allowed them to dream big. Keys said that wrestling brought him a lot of happiness, and he knew he wanted to do this. Keys said it’s all he ever wanted to do. Keys said it motivates him and brings him peace. Keys said this is it. Keys said he refuses to be defined by where he’s from and instead, by where he’s going.

Royce Keys was shown walking backstage for his first SmackDown match up next.

Analysis: Royce Keys wrestled at the Royal Rumble for his WWE debut and then sat on the sidelines for the last two months while having dark matches. I think WWE should have kept him out of the Rumble if that was the plan. With that said, I’m happy that he’s finally making his WWE TV debut.

A video aired with wrestlers like Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans talking about what Shawn Michaels means to them. Michaels said he’ll always be an outlet to them because he cares. A new Shawn Michaels documentary debuts on Peacock on Monday.

(Commercial)

Two matches were made official for SmackDown: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams and Jacob Fatu vs. Tama Tonga.

Royce Keys made his entrance looking as big as ever. The fans gave him a good babyface reaction since he’s from California. I like his theme song.

Royce Keys vs. Berto (w/Angel)

After Berto did some light head slapping, Keys hit him with a clothesline. Keys pulled Berto up and hit a powerslam. Keys charged, so Berto left the ring. Angel distracted Keys, so Berto shoved Keys into the ring post. Back in the ring, Berto hit a missile dropkick off the top. Berto tried a cross body block, Keys caught him and Keys hit a fallaway slam. Keys hit a running powerslam. Keys hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Angel went on the apron, so Keys hit him with a clothesline. Keys hit a massive Spinebuster for the pinfall win after about 3 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Royce Keys

Analysis: *1/2 A dominant win for Royce Keys as you would expect in his debut match. Berto hit a couple of moves, but he was just an enhancement talent here. A Spinebuster isn’t a huge finishing move or anything like that, but Keys delivered it so well, so I think it works for him.

Pat McAfee was shown arriving in a RAM truck. Aldis walked up to him, and McAfee asked Aldis if he had told them. Aldis said he informed everyone in WWE that no one is allowed to put their hands on McAfee under any circumstances. McAfee walked into the building when Jelly Roll asked if McAfee told Orton to RKO him. McAfee told Orton to kill everybody, but Jelly shouldn’t have been out there. Jelly said that Pat shouldn’t be involved. McAfee said that Jelly is an outsider and he should never be a part of their business. Jelly got in Pat’s face and Pat called him “Belly Roll.” Aldis showed up and told Jelly to remember what he said. Pat told “Foreign Adam Pearce” aka Aldis to get this ex-convict outsider out of here because Pat has to go save the business with Randy Orton.

Analysis: I’ll give Pat credit for embracing the heel persona because he came off like a jerk here.

(Commercial)

Royce Keys was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Cathy asked how it felt for Keys to debut near his hometown. Keys said he loved that he got to do this in front of his people in the Bay Area. Keys said now they will take it around the world. Solo Sikoa said long time no see. Solo said that he runs things around here on SmackDown, so if there’s anything that Keys needs, then Solo’s door is always open.

Analysis: There’s a tease of a potential storyline for Royce Keys as an opponent for Solo Sikoa down the road.

Let’s Hear from Pat McAfee…and Cody Rhodes

Pat McAfee made his entrance wearing a Randy Orton RKO shirt and did a middle finger salute to the crowd. The screen went black since Netflix (which I’m watching on) doesn’t want to show middle fingers. The fans booed Pat on his way to the ring.

Pat called San Jose a “S**thole” so he got to swear again like last week. Pat said it’s crazy that he boos him since he’s the hero in this entire thing. Pat said you cheer for these spineless bums like CM Punk, so that led to “CM Punk” chants. Pat asked the fans if they liked it when Punk called him “Pat MAGA-fee.” Pat said that it was hard to take Punk seriously when he was wearing officially licensed WWE merchandise items. Pat claimed Punk had 283 items for sale on WWE Shop. Pat talked about Punk getting that merchandise money from TKO. Pat said that Punk is a fraud like a politician, gets on his stomach and rolls over like the bitch that he is. Pat did a middle finger salute again. Pat said that when Punk complains about ticket prices high, especially when fat Punk is a main eventer, he couldn’t help but agree with him. Pat put over Randy Orton being in the main event of WrestleMania. Pat claimed he decided to be the fans’ hero while calling them scumbags. Pat threatened a fatso in the crowd. Pat talked about how RAM Trucks are the official sponsor of WrestleMania and Pat claimed that he asked RAM to give 25% off WrestleMania tickets from now until Monday’s Raw. Pat said you can thank him, and the fans booed again. Pat can’t recommend anybody watch WrestleMania Sunday, but on WrestleMania Saturday, Randy Orton will save this business while winning his 15th World Title. Pat asked San Jose if they’ve ever won a Stanley Cup? The fans booed. Pat said “s**t” again and once again said Randy Orton will beat the puppet who is the current champion…and here comes Cody Rhodes.

Analysis: There’s an interesting way of informing fans that tickets are on sale for WrestleMania. I didn’t mind some of the promo, and I think the tone that McAfee has is fitting for a heel, but some of it is a bit too over the top. I understand that as a heel, he has to be over the top and play this heel character. I’m sure a lot of people will hate it, but that’s also the intention of being this character.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion and he was in a suit. Cody held up the title in front of Pat as the pyro went off in the building.

Cody said that Pat doesn’t belong here. Cody said that he knows he can’t touch. Cody said they can give Pat a replica title and let him do a superstar entrance. Cody said Pat can go back to whoever sent him here and say, “Thank you, Daddy.” Cody said that Pat was looking like a Play Wrestler. Cody said that Pat mentioned the Attitude Era, which was nearly 30 years ago, and Randy Orton debuted in 2002, so he was in high school during the Attitude Era. Cody said that Paul Boesch used to say that marks are not marks, they are customers. Cody said that when you are in the spot that Cody is in, they are not customers – they are family. Cody said that Pat has a gift, and it’s not that kick. Cody said that at WrestleMania, the fans want to see Randy Orton, and they do not want to see Pat McAfee. Cody: “Go home, Pat.” The fans cheered.

Pat: “I am home, you dips**ts.” Pat said he was born to be in this business and Cody was born in this business. Pat said Cody is a golden boy. Pat said that Cody is the fakest dude on Earth with a spray tan, dyed hair, fake teeth, and a $10,000 suit because Ric Flair used to do it. Pat called Cody a cosplay champion, whom he’s going to get rid of with Randy Orton. Pat said that if Orton doesn’t walk out of WrestleMania as a 15-time World Champion, you never ever see Pat in this business ever again. The fans chanted, “Go home, Pat.” That led to Pat doing a middle finger salute again.

Cody told Pat to take his shades off, or is Pat too high to remember that he was Yeeting on the table for three years? Cody said that if Pat is tired, then maybe they can get Gunther out here to put Pat to sleep once and for all. Cody left the ring.

Pat said that Cody has always been an elite (AEW reference) runaway artist, eh Stardust? Pat wondered if Cody is going to suck Triple H’s ass and get nice and deep in Paul Levesque’s cheeks. Pat wanted Cody to dance a bit for the stupid kid in here.

Randy Orton appeared on the video screen. Orton was standing over Jelly Roll, who was favoring a left shoulder injury. Orton said that Cody should come get his boy, but then Orton said he’ll bring Cody’s boy to him. Orton pulled Jelly down the aisle, and Cody left the ring, so Orton went to the back. Pat tried to sneak up behind Orton, but Cody was ready for it. Orton was back out there with a forearm to the back of Cody.

Orton worked over Cody with uppercuts. Orton worked over Cody in the ring while Pat joined them in the ring. Pat punched Cody too and Orton stomped on Cody by the turnbuckle. Jelly Roll was back up, he grabbed Pat across the throat and Orton punched Jelly off the apron. Pat tried for a kick, Cody avoided it and Cody went after Orton with punches. McAfee knocked down Cody with a forearm to the back. Orton hit a draping DDT on Cody. Pat gave Orton the WWE Title and Orton hit Cody in the head with the title. Pat raised Orton’s hand. Pat left with the WWE Title on his shoulder, and Orton walked away with him.

Analysis: That was a long segment that went about 25 minutes without a commercial. I didn’t mind most of the promo exchange because I think Cody Rhodes had some great lines saying things to Pat McAfee that a lot of fans would want to say. Some of McAfee’s lines were cheap heel work, and they got heat, so that’s what he’s out there to do. I’m sure a lot of fans are going to bitch about this angle and hate it because we don’t need to see Pat involved in the Cody-Randy feud. I get it. I agree with it. I don’t think Pat is a bad performer. I’m just not sure he’s cut out for this kind of heel role for the biggest show of the year because the heat is on him a lot, rather than on Orton. I get that Orton attacking an innocent guy like Jelly Roll was also done to get more heat on Orton too. Anyway, I’m picking Orton to win at WrestleMania. It makes sense to me.

(Commercial)

There were replays of what happened before the break.

Pat McAfee and Randy Orton were shown leaving the building. Pat said it felt like it’s really been WrestleMania season. Orton said it feels that way to him. Pat said that it’s because Orton is the focal point and he’s on his way to becoming the 15-time World Champion. Pat had the WWE Title with him and went into his Ram Truck, so Pat went home like Cody told him to do. Pat told IWC wrestling fans, “You’re welcome.” They left.

Analysis: I don’t think this feud needed a stolen WWE Title angle, but I guess it’s another way to add more heat to the story.

There were clips shown of CM Punk’s great promo from Raw, talking trash about Roman Reigns.

Jacob Fatu made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Nick Aldis was shown talking to a referee about getting an update on Jelly Roll. Kit Wilson and The Miz complained to Aldis about what happened last week with referee Dan Engler being cursed during their match last week. Wilson said there should be consequences for Dan Engler. Aldis said he can put Wilson in the ring against Dan…hausen. Aldis said maybe they are worried about a curse and Miz yelled there is no curse, so Aldis wished Kit good luck.

Analysis: A nice way of setting up Danhausen for his first WWE match.

Jacob Fatu vs. Tama Tonga

Fatu was in control early on with strikes, along with a headbutt. Fatu did a handspring moonsault onto Tama. Fatu hit a suicide dive onto Tama on the floor to send Tama over the commentary table. That led to a break for some fans as the match continued. Tama sent Fatu into the steel steps. Tama jumped off the steel steps with a clothesline on the floor. Tama stomped on Fatu’s right knee and grabbed a chinlock.

The match continued with Tama hitting some forearms, but Fatu came back with a clothesline and a senton splash. Fatu hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Fatu worked over Tama with ten headbutts (on his own hands) and a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Tama was back up with a running knee attack. Tama hit a double underhook DDT style move for a two count. Fatu went for a popup Samoan Drop, but Tama countered it with a twisting neckbreaker for a two count. Tama charged right into a superkick. Fatu hit a popup Samon Drop. Fatu hit the Mighty Moonsault off the top rope for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jacob Fatu

Analysis: **3/4 A physical match to put over Jacob Fatu on the road to WrestleMania. The result was never in doubt. The Mighty Moonsault by Fatu is always impressive.

Jacob Fatu was about to do a promo after the match, but Drew McIntyre attacked him from behind. Drew stomped on Fatu by the turnbuckle. Drew argued with the referee, so Fatu hit a superkick. Drew hit a Claymore Kick to put Fatu down. Drew sent Fatu out of the ring and sent Fatu headfirst into the steel steps. Drew got a steel chair at ringside. Drew hit Fatu in the back with the steel chair. Drew hit a Future Shock DDT on the floor. Drew pulled out handcuffs with an extender on them because Fatu used to be in jail, as Drew likes to mention. Drew put a handcuff on Fatu’s left hand and pulled him into the ring post. Drew tackled Fatu into the ring post. Referee Charles Robinson was the only one out there trying to stop this. Drew punched Fatu with the handcuffs on his fists. Drew put the handcuffs on Fatu’s wrists and Drew kicked Fatu in the face. Fatu was bleeding from the head. Fatu fell down while his arms were supposed to be tied to the ring post. Drew said Fatu is nothing but an animal. Fatu headbutted to knock Drew down, and Drew came back with punches. Drew rolled Fatu into the ring with the handcuffs on Fatu. Drew hit another Claymore Kick to put Fatu down. Drew shoved WWE Officials like Jamie Noble and Shawn Daivari away. Drew used his leather belt and whipped Fatu with it. The attack ended there.

Analysis: It was another heel beatdown on this show in the same hour as another heel beatdown. It’s WrestleMania season, after all. Drew did a good job with a cheap attack, while Fatu will gain some sympathy from the fans since he was handcuffed and still tried to fight back. I think their WrestleMania match could go either way. I’m looking forward to it.

(Commercial)

There were replays shown of Drew McIntyre’s vicious attack on Jacob Fatu. The McIntyre-Fatu Unsanctioned Match will be at WrestleMania 42 on Saturday, April 18th.

R-Truth was backstage with his WWE Tag Team Title while telling somebody about how to watch WrestleMania on ESPN. The camera revealed that Truth was talking to Danhausen. Danhausen talked about beating Kit Wilson and how he’s going to take over the world. Damian Priest walked up to see Truth talking to Danhausen, and Priest said that last week, Truth thought Asuka was Danhausen. They got into one of their comedy arguments and Danhausen left. In the background, Rhea Ripley was shown throwing B-Fab into some equipment cases backstage. Ripley talked to Priest and Truth, saying it was one down and one to go. Truth said something about Judgment Day, so Priest was frustrated by Truth’s silliness.

Analysis: The comedy stylings of Danhausen and R-Truth will be hard to beat. They are both very entertaining to me.

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn…and Trick Williams

The United States Champion Sami Zayn made his entrance. The fans booed when his music hit. When the music stopped, the fans booed some more. Zayn said it was an interesting reaction. Zayn spoke about the winds of change around here. Zayn said that Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton both told him to change and be more cutthroat to get ahead. Zayn said it sounds like the fans want to see some change as well. Zayn said he has always strived to give you something more, which is himself. Zayn said he’s given you something real. Zayn knows there are some people booing, but there are still people who care about him. Zayn said that when he meets fans who tell him they love him and they have had his back, that’s who he cares about. Zayn said he’ll never betray himself because it would be betraying the fans, and he would never do that. Zayn said he would never change for them. Zayn said that for the rest, he has to be honest because he doesn’t even know what he did. Zayn said it’s okay because he actually doesn’t care. Zayn said that the moment he realized that his ride or die fans will have his back no matter, all the pressure is off and all moping of these past couple of months are done. Zayn said that in nine days, he’s walking into WrestleMania as the US Champion and walking out the champion. It was interruption time from Trick Williams.

Trick Williams made his entrance along with Lil Yachty in a gingerbread shirt. The fans were chanting, “Whoop That Trick” for Trick’s song.

When Trick got in the ring, he said that people are tired of hearing Sami Zayn talk. Trick trashed Zayn for not being able to get the job done. Trick didn’t like that he had to have his WrestleMania match with Zayn. Trick claimed that Zayn can’t stand Trick and he didn’t think Trick deserved this opportunity. Trick said it didn’t take him 20 years to get here, but he’s the Anointed One. Trick got right to the point, saying he’s going to beat Zayn’s ass at WrestleMania because everyone loves Trick Williams. There were cheers.

Zayn said that he thinks they like him, but love takes a long time to build. Zayn said that Trick dresses like a 1970s New York pimp. Zayn said that Trick can make the jokes about gingerbread, but at WrestleMania, he’ll be in the ring with a WrestleMania main eventer. Zayn said that he’ll take Trick into the deep waters, so we’ll see if Trick can walk the walk. Yachty spoke up for Trick, saying that there will be a new US Champion and his name will be Trick Williams.

Analysis: Sami Zayn was right about how he didn’t really understand what he did to make the fans want to boo him. There was last week when Zayn hit the Helluva Kick on Carmelo Hayes when Hayes was being checked on by a referee, but other than that, Zayn hasn’t been too heelish in his words or his actions much at all. It’s just a case of the fans liking Trick Williams due to his cool factor, and the same goes for Carmelo Hayes. I think post-WrestleMania, Zayn is fully going to embrace the heel ways, while Trick will probably be a face sooner than later.

Matt Cardona made his entrance with his generic “Always Ready” theme song. The entrance of Cardona continued into a break for some fans as the match began.

Trick Williams (w/Lil Yacthy) vs. Matt Cardona

The veteran Matt hit a couple of shoulder tackles to start the match, so Trick bailed to the floor for a breather. They returned from the break with Trick in control, with some chops to Matt’s chest. Trick distracted the referee, and Yachty choked Matt across the bottom rope. Matt got some offense going with a leaping clothesline. Trick sent Matt into the middle turnbuckle. Matt hit knees up and a missile dropkick connected. Matt used the ropes to kick Trick down to the floor. Matt hit Trick with a knee while they were on the apron. Matt was on the turnbuckle, and Trick tripped him up, so Matt landed hard on the back of his head. They went on a break again as the match continued with Trick in control for a few minutes.

Trick was in full control with repeated punches. Matt hit a jawbreaker. Trick went for a jumping side kick, but Matt caught him and hit a slam. Trick came back with a forearm. Matt got a hold of Trick and sent him face first into the mat. Matt hit a running kick to the head and an Unprettier got a two count. That barely got a reaction. It’s a finishing move that Christian used, and Matt’s wife, Chelsea Green, uses. Trick sent Matt into the turnbuckle. Trick slapped the back and hit a jumping neckbreaker for a two count. Matt charged, so Trick gave him a back body drop over the top to the floor. Trick smashed Matt with a clothesline on the floor and trash talked Zayn at ringside. Trick shoved Zayn and went back into the ring. Zayn went on the apron, Yachty pulled him down and Zayn bumped into the apron. When Zayn got back up, he hit a Helluva Kick on Yachty on the floor. Trick was shocked. Matt got a rollup on Trick for two. Trick ran the ropes and hit a Trick Shot knee on Matt for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams

Analysis: *** A solid TV match. It’s another match on this show with a guy in a WrestleMania match against somebody who is not on the WrestleMania card, so the result is obvious. The spot with Zayn hitting the Helluva Kick on Yachty got a big reaction and shows that Zayn might be turning into a heel. Trick winning was the right call here. Matt Cardona tries hard, but they need to give him some sort of gimmick or something that makes him more interesting because right now, he’s just a veteran wrestler without much else.

A video package aired about the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar brawl from Raw this past Sunday. Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42 is on WrestleMania Sunday on April 19th.

Danhausen made his entrance for his first WWE match with a jar of teeth in his hands.

(Commercial)

A video aired about a satisfying WrestleMania moment showing WrestleMania 24 when Randy Orton retained the WWE Title in a match against Triple H and John Cena. The same year that Cena made his shocking Royal Rumble 2008 win and then he got a title shot at No Way Out, which led to another title shot at WrestleMania, and Cena didn’t win either time. Poor Cena.

Kit Wilson (w/The Miz) vs. Danhausen

Danhausen hit a dropkick and a bridging Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. The fans loved that, while Wade said he got lucky. Kit kicked Danhausen. They did a spot that led to Danhausen going out of the ring and posing with Miz for a comedy spot. Kit left the ring and knocked Danhausen down with an elbow smash. Kit hit a three running elbows on Danhausen in a row for a two count. Kit said that the curse is not real, and Danhausen hit a jawbreaker, but Kit bounced back with a lariat. Kit went up top, Danhausen sat up, and told Kit he was cursed. A spark appeared on the ring post and Kit was crotched on the turnbuckle. Danhausen poked Miz in the eyes. Danhausen hit a big boot to the head for the pinfall win. It went about 3 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Danhausen

Analysis: * A comedy match to give Danhausen a win in his debut. The spots work, and the fans love the guy. I like him too. Comedy in pro wrestling can work well if the performers are good at it, and Danhausen is very good at it.

After the match, The Miz tried to attack Danhausen from behind. The lights went out, so Danhausen ran away, and the lights came back on. Danhausen celebrated in the aisle.

Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Champion, was shown backstage asking if anybody had seen Michin. Jade found her and asked Michin what happened. Michin said: “Rhea.” Jade said, “I got you.” Jade’s match is up next.

(Commercial)

Next Friday on SmackDown:

* Andre the Giant Battle Royal

* 8-Man Street Fight: Wyatt Sicks vs. MFT

* Raw & SmackDown superstars live

The announcers went through the WrestleMania 42 Saturday, April 18th card with fancy graphics.

• 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
• Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
• WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
• LA Knight and The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Logan Paul & Austin Theory and IShowSpeed (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)
• Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
• Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)
• WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

They also went over the WrestleMania 42 Sunday lineup on April 19th.

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
• “Demon” Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
• Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rey Mysterio (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)
• WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
• United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
• Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)
• John Cena hosts WrestleMania 42

Analysis: It’s 13 matches right now. The Asuka/Iyo Sky match may be added, but it also may not make it on the show. I think WWE dropped the ball by not building the Giulia/Tiffany Stratton match for the Women’s US Title. Both women should absolutely be on the card.

Iyo Sky was shown getting ready backstage when Rhea Ripley showed up to talk to her. Rhea said she took out Jade’s friends. Sky told Ripley to stay back here because Sky didn’t want any distractions. Ripley said fine, but leave something for her at WrestleMania. Iyo Sky made her entrance as the show went to a break.

(Commercial)

Jade Cargill made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion, and she was booed as usual.

Jade Cargill vs. Iyo Sky

The WWE Women’s Title was not on the line. The match started with less than ten minutes left in the show. Sky hit a dropkick early on, but Jade came back with a shoulder tackle. Jade hit a body slam. Jade tried a lifting move and Sky countered with a dropkick to send Jade out of the ring. Sky went for a suicide dive, but Jade caught her with a forearm. Jade sent Sky into the ring apron. They went on a final break with just 7 minutes left in the show as Jade remained in control with a hard whip into the barricade. Sky hit some forearms, but Jade hit an elbow smash to knock Sky down for a two count. Jade put her boot against Sky’s throat. Jade hit a suplex. The crowd was silent. Sky was able to hit a DDT-like counter as the show returned from a break.

Sky was able to regain control and hit a missile dropkick off the top as the fans came alive for Sky’s comeback. Sky hit a running Bullet Train attack against the turnbuckle. Sky went up top, but Jade hit her with a forearm. Jade went for a press slam, so Sky countered it into a sleeper while on Jade’s back. Jade backed Sky into the turnbuckle to break free. Jade went for a pump kick, Sky moved and Sky got a rollup. Jade hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Sky was able to counter Jade and hit a double foot stomp to the ribs. Jade left the ring, so Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto Jade on the floor. They were past the 3-hour mark at this point. Jade got a hold of Sky on the floor and sent Sky face first into the top of the steel steps. Jade hit a pump kick to knock Sky down. The referee told Jade to end it, so Jade hit Jaded for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: **1/2 Just an average TV match. Jade isn’t known for having the best matches. It wasn’t a classic Iyo Sky match like we’ve seen many times in the past, but it was fine for what it needed to be, with Jade Cargill picking up a win over a credible opponent. It is a shame that Iyo SKy isn’t being pushed more going into WrestleMania, considering how good she is.

After the match, Jade Cargill grabbed a steel chair from ringside, so Rhea Ripley’s music hit, and Ripley ran down to the ring. Jade left the ring and walked to the back while Ripley checked on Sky. Jade said she’ll see Ripley at WrestleMania. End show at 11:03 p.m. ET.

===

Three Stars of the Show

1. If I don’t put Danhausen here for his first WWE win, then I’ll be cursed, so Danhausen goes here. (I don’t take the 3 stars gimmick that seriously. You shouldn’t either.)
2. Drew McIntyre/Jacob Fatu
3. Trick Williams

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The Scoreboard

6 out of 10

Last week: 6.5

2026 Average: 7.17

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

A show with a lot of talking, which is not a surprise during WrestleMania season. I’m actually rating this a bit worse than last week’s show, which was frustrating. This week the matches were worse than what was presented last week. The match quality just didn’t really deliver that much. I don’t think SmackDown has been that great on the road to WrestleMania. I think the match quality at WrestleMania will be very good for the most part, though. I just don’t feel like SmackDown is that interesting right now. I don’t think Raw has even been that interesting either. There’s so much repetitiveness across both shows with all the brawling and interference in matches. It’s just the same thing over and over again.

As for the Cody Rhodes-Pat McAfee segment that led to Randy Orton beating up Cody again, it was better than last week. With that said, I think it was Cody who made it better, while Pat’s over-the-top heel character is a bit silly. Once again, I get that is what the character intends to be. I just don’t think it’s the right move to have Pat involved in this story as a heel. However, it’s not going away any time soon.

Congrats to Royce Keys and Danhausen picking up their first WWE TV wins. Big for them.

WWE WrestleMania 42 takes place on April 18 & April 19 in Las Vegas. Here’s the lineup so far.

Saturday, April 18 Matches

• WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
• WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
• Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
• Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
• 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
• Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)
• LA Knight and The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Logan Paul & Austin Theory and IShowSpeed (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)

Sunday, April 19 Matches

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
• WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
• United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
• “Demon” Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
• Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rey Mysterio (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)
• Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)

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