The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/17/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton, the Wyatt Sicks facing MFTs, Andre the Giant Battle Royal, Tiffany Stratton battling Jordynne Grace, and more.

Wrestlemania 42 weekend is finally here. Please check out my in-depth WrestleMania 42 preview right here in case you haven’t read it yet. I posted it earlier on Friday. I am looking forward to reviewing WrestleMania 42 live on Saturday and Sunday. The last few episodes of SmackDown have been poorly received, so hopefully it’s a better show this week.

From the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is SmackDown for episode #1391. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The WrestleMania Moments video, featuring WWE stars, celebrities, and fans talking about their favorite WrestleMania moments, was shown.

There was pre-show superstar walking shown of Jade Cargill with Michin & B-Fab, Rhea Ripley, Sami Zayn, Trick Williams, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and a Ram Truck was shown arriving. It was Pat McAfee and Randy Orton.

The SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, talked to Randy Orton and Pat McAfee in the parking lot. Nick had a contract with him. Pat called Nick the “Foreign Adam Pearce,” and Pat called himself a self-made billionaire who reads his own contracts. Randy Orton left to do a promo while Pat signed the contract.

It was Joe Tessitore on commentary with Corey Graves, who was filling in for Wade Barrett since Wade is likely doing both nights of WrestleMania. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance wearing an RKO Everybody shirt as the fans sang his “Voices” song on his way to the ring.

Orton said he’ll be the first one to admit he doesn’t need Pat McAfee. Orton said that the truth is he wants McAfee. Orton said that McAfee is the only straight shooter in this company. Orton said McAfee doesn’t tell Orton what he wants to hear, but what he needs to hear. Orton claimed that what he needed to hear was that he just needed to be himself. Orton said they were all set, he was listening to Pat, and he won the Elimination Chamber, so he would face Drew McIntyre as the WWE Champion. Orton said that he could have been himself and taken the title from Drew. Orton said Cody Rhodes won the title back (the fans booed Rhodes’ name) in the rematch. Orton said he couldn’t hurt his friend, but then Rhodes gave Orton permission to be himself. Orton said he wrote the book on being himself, he listens to the voices when he wants, and that cocky son of a bitch tried to give him permission to be him. Orton said that with Cody as a friend, all Orton ever did was give and all Cody did was take.

Orton talked about how two years ago at WrestleMania 40, Cody needed somebody to watch his back, and he called Seth Rollins, but not Orton. Orton said that he fought with Cody against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline and Orton got put through a table for his help. Orton said that Cody gave a WWE Title match to his friend at the time, Kevin Owens. Orton said that Owens turned on Cody, so Orton was by Cody’s side. Orton said he got dropped on his head by Owens with a piledriver, and he could have been put out forever. Orton said that all Cody has done is take. Orton said that McAfee has done more for him than Cody has ever done. Orton said that helping Cody these last few years has hurt Orton more than anything else. Orton said he’s going to right the wrongs and take #15 home where it belongs. Orton said he’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment…RKO.

The announcers mentioned Cody Rhodes will arrive later on and will respond to Randy Orton, so that’s why Cody wasn’t there to respond.

Analysis: That was a strong promo from Randy Orton about how his friendship with Cody Rhodes has favored Cody a lot in the last few years, and that’s a valid point from Orton because Orton did get beaten up by guys that Cody was feuding with a lot. It was very noticeable that the crowd booed Cody’s name when Orton said it early in the promo. They also booed McAfee’s name during the promo, so it shows McAfee is hated, but the fans don’t really hate Orton that much, even though he’s back to his heel ways. Anyway, if you checked out my WrestleMania preview, then you know I picked Orton to beat Rhodes at WM42. It should be a great match.

Pat McAfee was shown in his Ram Truck with Nick Aldis by the truck. Randy Orton went into the truck with Pat. McAfee told Aldis he’ll put in a good word for him with the higher-ups. McAfee said goodbye to the marks, and he’ll see us tomorrow.

Analysis: Bye Pat.

Solo Sikoa led the MFTs out for an 8-man tag team Street Fight up next.

(Commercial)

The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance for this big tag team match.

8-Man Tag Team Street Fight: Wyatt Sicks – Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis (w/Nikki Cross) vs. MFTs – Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, JC Mateo & Talla Tonga (w/Tonga Loa)

A Street Fight means anything goes, and the pinfall or submission must happen in the ring.

The Wyatt Sicks were in control early as they cleared the ring of their four opponents. Lumis and Gacy hit dives onto the heels on the floor. Loa tripped Rowan, and Rowan sent Loa into the barricade. Talla knocked Rowan down with a clothesline on the floor. Talla hit Lumis and Gacy with the steel steps. Talla threw the steel steps at Rowan’s head to knock Rowan down. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. JC held Lumis while Talla chopped Lumis hard in the chest. Rowan sent Talla into the ring post. Rowan hit splashes on Tama and JC. Rowan hit a spin kick on JC. Rowan hit a running cross body block on Tama. Solo hit Rowan with a kendo stick to the head. Talla nailed Lumis with an uppercut punch. Loa was holding Howdy even though Loa isn’t in the match, and Solo hit Howdy in the back with kendo stick shots.

The match continued with Gacy hitting an impressive clothesline and a back suplex/neckbreaker combo. Lumis gave Tama a monkey flip into a Powerbomb, but it wasn’t done perfectly. JC hit a German Suplex on Gacy and a spinning slam on Lumis. JC gave Lumis an overhead belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Tama hit Howdy with a Samoan Drop. Talla hit a Samoan Drop on Lumis and Gacy too. Rowan blocked a lift from Talla and Rowan kicked Talla out of the ring. Rowan gave Talla a suicide dive on the floor. Rowan did a “Yeah Yeah Yeah” shout for the great Luke Harper. Rowan brought chairs and trash cans into the ring. Howdy and Rowan hit Solo in the back with trash cans. Rowan hit a splash on a trash can on Solo. The Wyatt Sicks were standing tall as the show went on another break. I’ll stick with the action here. Tama sent Gacy into the steel steps. Tama worked over Howdy with kendo stick shots to the ribs. JC hit Rowan with kendo stick shots. Solo sent Lumis into the barricade. Solo sent Howdy into a chair in the ring. Solo hit Howdy with a chair to the side of the neck. Solo hit a running hip attack on Howdy against the turnbuckle.

Solo was in control of Howdy with punches against the turnbuckle. Solo charged at Howdy, but Howdy moved and Howdy hit Solo in the back with a steel chair. Howdy delivered more chair shots to the back. Howdy gave Solo a uranage onto a chair. Nikki hit a cross body block on Loa on the floor. Talla saved Solo from a move by hitting Howdy with a boot to the face. Solo hit a top rope splash on Howdy and Lumis made the save with a kendo stick shot on Solo. Talla hit a double Chokeslam on Lumis and Gacy. Rowan hit Talla in the back with a steel chair and Talla hit a clothesline that knocked Rowan out of the ring. Rowan was grabbing his right knee when he hit the floor. Talla hit a neckbreaker on Howdy to save Solo. That led to Solo hitting a Samoan Spike on Howdy for the pinfall win. Tama was setting up for his finishing move as Solo did that, so Tama stared at Solo while he made the cover. It went about 16 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: MFTs – Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, JC Mateo & Talla Tonga

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a good Street Fight that was given a lot of time, and they used everybody well. Talla Tonga really shone as the monster on the heel side, while Erick Rowan had a lot of fun moments for his team as well. I love the Luke Harper tribute that he did. Solo stealing the pin from Tama continues their story of tension with Tama looking like he wants to break free from the group, while Solo continues to steal the glory from Tama. I assume this is the end of this long rivalry. I think Solo’s group winning was the right call.

The WWE Tag Team Champions, R-Truth & Damian Priest, were talking to eachother backstage. Truth was confused about things as usual, as he spoke about The New Day and getting confused about Xavier Woods and Grayson Waller. Truth also got confused about Danhausen and Asuka again. Truth informed Priest that they have a championship match tonight in Las Vegas. Priest: “What?”

Analysis: It’s hard to recap these Truth segments sometimes because they are so ridiculous. I think it meant they’re against Kofi and Waller later.

The Miz was shown getting his wedding vows renewed with Maryse, and Kit Wilson was there to officiate. The Miz talked about how the best thing that ever happened to him in WWE was Maryse and he was about to say more when Danhausen showed up. Danhausen claimed he had a lot of different roles at the wedding, Miz yelled at him, and Danhausen cursed them. Miz grabbed Danhausen by the throat and he bumped into Maryse, who went into the cake. The Miz’s kids were there with his one daughter, saying she wanted cake. Maryse wasn’t happy. Joe said the full video of that will be on social media.

Analysis: Great work by Danhausen, as usual. It’s always good to see Maryse. The Miz was there too.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Royce Keys talking about his life. A graphic was shown saying Royce’s mom died in 2021. Royce’s sister said that their mom was so proud of their kids. Royce said he knows his grandparents and his mom are with him. Mark Henry, Royce’s mentor, said he is a good kid. Royce said nobody from his area in East Palo Alto is supposed to be here, so he knows his mom is proud of him.

Analysis: It’s good to show a video like that to give more insight into what motivates a superstar like Royce Keys.

They showed highlights of Drew McIntyre destroying Jacob Fatu on SmackDown last week.

A police car was shown driving up to the arena, and the police car drove into the building. The car was parked by the entrance.

Let’s Hear from Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu was in the back of the police car, then climbed onto it for a promo. Fatu is not ashamed of his past. Fatu said he doesn’t live that life no more. Fatu said he really thought putting Fatu in cuffs would embarrass him. Fatu claimed it didn’t bother him at all. Fatu said that even the police know he isn’t the same guy anymore. Fatu said that tomorrow night it’s an Unsanctioned Match, which means no Nick Aldis, no police, no security, no management, and even the SWAT team can’t stop him while Fatu is beating Drew’s ass. Fatu said the best thing about it is that no one can save Drew. Fatu said Drew tried to put him back in that jail cell where Fatu changed his life. Fatu said he already put that in his rearview. Fatu said that when he’s done beating Drew, he’ll put Drew in his rear view. Fatu said that at WrestleMania, he’ll shake his dreads, and he’s about to dog walk Drew’s bitch ass.

Analysis: I liked that. Jacob Fatu spoke from the heart to say he’s overcome a lot and he’s not the same guy that was arrested when he was younger, but now Jacob is locked in and more focused than ever. My pick to win at WM is Drew, but I think Jacob winning would be cool too.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss spoke in the locker room about how great the last year has been for them as best friends. They spoke about how close they are as best friends, with Flair learning about the importance of having a best friend, and Bliss was so happy about it. Flair spoke about how great it would be for them to be 2-time Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bliss was frustrated because she was talking about the friendship while Flair was focused on the gold, so Bliss left. They have a match later.

The WWE Tag Team Champions, R-Truth & Damian Priest, made their entrance for a tag team title match.

The Miz was featured in a Snickers commercial.

(Commercial)

They showed the NBA’s Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers at ringside. He missed the entire season due to a Torn Achilles.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller

I’m not sure if there was a great explanation for why this is a title match, other than Truth granted it. Priest hit a boot to knock Waller down. Priest worked over Waller with punches. Truth tagged in with a corkscrew elbow on Waller. Waller tripped up Truth and sent him into the turnbuckle. Kofi got the tag, Waller pulled the top rope down, and Truth bumped over the top to the floor. Kofi saved Waller by kicking Priest into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued, and I’ll take a break.

Kofi and Waller were in control of Truth, whose left shoe came off during the match. Waller tagged himself in, Kofi didn’t like that, and Truth countered that by sending Kofi into Waller. Priest got the hot tag with punches, kicks and elbow smashes. Priest hit a lifting flatliner on Kofi. Priest did a rope walk cross body block on Waller. Priest bounced off the ropes with a lariat for two because Kofi made the save. Truth was standing on the apron in Kofi’s corner and wanted a tag. Truth thought he got a tag, and Truth hit two shoulder tackles and a spinning slam on Kofi. Priest slammed Waller by Kofi. Priest and Truth hit their Five Knuckle Shuffle and that led to the Cena-style fist drops. Truth and Priest hit a double team flapjack into the mat on Waller for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid TV match to give the champions a win and make the crowd laugh for a few minutes. I think Kofi and Waller were used just so Priest and Truth could beat a heel team. I enjoy Priest and Truth as a team. It may seem strange, but it’s working well.

A video package aired about the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton feud leading up to their WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. Pat McAfee was also part of the video as Orton’s ally.

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and friends were shown walking backstage for a promo.

(Commercial)

There was a WrestleMania moment video about WrestleMania 39, showing Rhea Ripley beating Charlotte Flair in an incredible match to become SmackDown Women’s Champion. I loved that match.

Let’s Hear from Jade Cargill…and Rhea Ripley

Jade Cargill made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion, joined by B-Fab and Michin. Before Jade could say a word, Rhea Ripley made her entrance alone. The fans loved Ripley as usual.

Ripley said there is nothing more she wants than to lay Jade out right now, but she wants Jade to make it to WrestleMania. Ripley said she’s normally not a patient woman. Ripley said she thinks Jade is scared, and when it comes to WrestleMania, she can’t wait to embarrass Jade. B-Fab responded, saying Rhea should be embarrassed because she keeps coming for Jade and failing. Ripley said that she hasn’t been able to come for Jade because Jade has nothing but hide. Ripley said that Jade hides behind her friends and hides behind social media to avoid going face-to-face with Ripley. Ripley said it is Jade’s last chance to say something to Ripley alone.

Jade trashed Ripley as a cosplay goth kid as Jade’s friends left. Jade said that she’s a real bitch, which Ripley wishes she could be. Jade said that Ripley had her way around here, but that was because of that weak ass locker room. Jade said on Sunday, she’ll put belt to ass and she’ll make it quick.

Ripley said that Jade thinks Ripley wants to be like Jade. Ripley said she’s been fighting people like Jade her entire life. Ripley said her insecurities make her the person she is today, and it’s why she’s a multi-time Women’s Champion in WWE. Ripley said if you want to make it quick at WrestleMania, then we can do that, but it won’t be in Jade’s favor. Ripley called her a narcissistic, selfish, fake ass bitch, and they had a staredown. Jade said she’ll see her Sunday, bitch.

Analysis: It was an intense staredown at the end, after some strong words were exchanged between the two women. The line about making it quick makes me think the Rhea Ripley-Jade Cargill match at WrestleMania might be shorter. That may be best because Jade hasn’t had a lot of longer matches in her career. If they go at a fast pace and hit some big moves, then that’s fine because I think going 15+ minutes is unlikely for that match. I also think Ripley will win.

Solo Sikoa spoke to the MFTs backstage. Solo talked about how they won as a team. Tama Tonga agreed to it, but he was also hesitant about it. Solo hyped up Talla Tonga to go win the Andre the Giant battle royal. Solo said he’ll talk to Aldis to try to get MFTs the Tag Team Titles back. Solo stared at Tama, who left.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for singles action.

A clip aired about Shawn Michaels to promote his new documentary on Peacock. It’s available now.

(Commercial)

They showed Dion Dawkins of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills at ringside.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Jordynne Grace

This is a #1 contender’s match for a shot at the Women’s US Title. The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, was at ringside with Kiana James.

It’s a matchup between babyface women as they each got rollups for two counts. Stratton hit a jawbreaker for a two count. Grace got some offense going with two clotheslines. Grace sent Stratton throat first into the top rope. Grace hit a clothesline for two. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Grace hit a lefty clothesline. Stratton came back with an elbow. Stratton hit a sloppy-looking suplex for two. I don’t know what happened there. Stratton hit a running back elbow for two. Grace hit a splash off the turnbuckle for two.

Grace hit a superplex off the top and wanted more, but Stratton countered with a DDT. Grace and Stratton exchanged forearms. Stratton hit a knee to the face. Grace countered Stratton with a sunset flip into a pin for two. Stratton hit a dropkick on a seated Grace for a two count. Grace hit some headbutts along with a rolling senton. Grace hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Stratton came back with handspring Stunner and a rolling senton. Stratton jumped to the top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Stratton pinned Grace and stared at Giulia at ringside. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: **3/4 This was an average TV match to put over Stratton, which was the obvious result. There were some moments where the crowd was quiet because neither wrestler had been featured a lot as of late, but the last few minutes were well done. There were some sloppy moments. Grace showed a lot of fire near the end. Stratton’s finish looked great.

Tiffany Stratton stared at Giulia after the match since Stratton earned a shot at the Women’s US Title held by Giulia.

Trick Williams was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Trick Williams

Trick Williams made his entrance wearing his white coat and the lemon pepper steppers, aka those white shoes. The fans were chanting “Whoop That Trick” for Trick during his entrance, even though technically he’s a heel. Trick is certainly on the path to being a babyface.

Trick said tonight he had something to get off his chest. Trick mentioned Sami Zayn, and some fans booed. They showed last week on SmackDown when Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Lil Yachty, and Trick hit a Trick Shot on Matt Cardona to win his match. Trick said that Zayn hit Lil Yachty with a Helluva Kick. Trick said Zayn hurt his friend. Trick said he doesn’t know when Lil Yachty is coming back. Trick said he’s not going to wait until Sunday because he wants to take care of business tonight. Trick called out the “Gingerbread Man” Zayn right now.

Sami Zayn’s music hit, and somebody walked out dressed as the Gingerbread Man. Trick introduced us to the Gingerbread Man, so there was even a “gingerbread” chant. Trick said Gingerbread Man is sad because there aren’t die hard Sami Zayn fans. The fans booed. Trick said when life gives you lemons, you put on your lemon pepper steppers and mind your business when grown folk talking. Trick said he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Trick told Vegas to tell them what they are going to do. The fans chanted, “Whoop That Trick.”

Sami Zayn walked out with the US Title on his shoulder, and the fans booed. Zayn said he wished he wasn’t having as much fun as Trick. Zayn admitted he’s not having fun. Zayn said he’s walking into WrestleMania as the US Champion and he’s not having a good time. Zayn said it sounded like the fans weren’t having fun lately. They were chanting, “We Want Melo.”

Zayn said he’s still not sure what he did wrong, but he doesn’t care. Zayn said he’s doing this for the ride or die Sami Zayn fans – the ones who have been with him since day one. Zayn said he knows there are plenty of them at home and in Vegas. Some fans were chanting “Shut the F**k Up” at Zayn. Zayn told Gingerbread Man to go away. Zayn said he agreed with people thinking Trick is the future of the industry. Zayn claimed that Trick hasn’t shown him anything in this ring that matters. Zayn said he doesn’t see the future of the business now because all he sees is a punk rookie. Zayn said that instead of taking things seriously, Trick is walking into this match without a plan.

Trick said he is the plan. Trick admitted that Zayn is one of the most respected wrestlers in the locker room. Trick said the truth is he’s going to be the one who gets the job done. Zayn responded, laughing about how Trick thinks he is in Zayn’s head. Zayn mentioned Gingerbread Man, and Trick said he’s in the ring with two Gingerbread Men.

Zayn attacked Trick with punches, Trick fought back and Zayn hit a clothesline that knocked Trick out of the ring. The fans were chanting for the Gingerbread, so Zayn laughed about it, and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick to Gingerbread Man’s head. The head of the Gingerbread Man spun around. Trick was back in the ring with a Trick Shot knee on Zayn. Trick held up the US Title to end it.

Analysis: It was what you expected right before WrestleMania. They exchanged words, they each made valid points, and it was pretty clear to me that Trick is the babyface now while Zayn is back in his heel role. Zayn hitting Gingerbread Man with a Helluva Kick was a great way to get more heat on Zayn too. Anyway, I’m picking Trick to win at WM.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown exiting his bus. They went to a commercial and said the rest of the show was commercial-free for the final 45 minutes.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax & Lash Legend, talking trash about the other tag teams. I also featured the other teams facing Nia & Lash at WrestleMania.

Charlotte Flair & Alea Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

Flair worked Lyra with chops, but Lyra hit a spin kick. Nia Jax and Lash Legend went down to ringside to attack the women, so it was a short match with no winner.

Match Result: No Contest

Analysis: Too short to rate.

Nai Jax and Lash Legend attacked the four women in the ring. Lash decked Lyra with a forearm to the jaw. Lash held Lyra, and Jax jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a leg drop. Jax and Lash celebrated with the titles.

Analysis: Cheap heat on Jax and Legend.

A video package aired about the Brock Lesnar-Oba Femi match at WrestleMania 42. Excellent video. That was done to set up the battle royal up next.

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

They showed Royce Keys making his entrance while the ring was full of wrestlers. Johnny Gargano was lying on the mat. Joe Hendry made his entrance as the former NXT Champion. The fans were happy to see him.

Kit Wilson backpedaled over Gargano on the mat, and then Kit bumped over the top to the floor. Nathan Frazer and Chris Sabin battled by the apron. Gargano knocked Frazer off the apron to send Frazer into the commentary table. Axiom kicked Sable to knock him out. Talla Tonga dumped Original El Grande Americano and El Grande Americano over the top to the floor. Ilja Dragunov kicked NXT’s Shiloh Hill off the apron to the floor. Angel and Berto worked together to dump La Parka out. Rey Fenix kicked Berto out. Psycho Clown hit a backbreaker and a forearm on Angel. Keys clotheslined Clown out of the match. Gargano jumped over the top and DDT’d Fenix on the apron to eliminate him. Fenix walked the ropes and kicked Alex Shelley to eliminate him. Fenix superkicked Gargano, but it wasn’t for an elimination. Nakamura hit a spin kick to eliminate Apollo Crews. Joe gave Gargano a fallaway slam. Aleister Black tossed Hendry out. Talla pulled Joaquin Wilde over the top to the floor, and Talla shoved Cruz Del Toro out of the match. Talla fought back against several guys trying to toss him. Fenix jumped onto Talla, who caught Fenix with a Chokeslam onto the apron to eliminate Fenix. A few wrestlers hit moves on Talla to knock him down. Black threw Shinsuke Nakamura. Ilja was getting some offense going, but Black threw him out. Black hit a Black Mass on Akira Tozaw to eliminate him. Otis tossed somebody out. Otis hit a back splash on Gargano’s back and Otis tossed Gargano over the top to eliminate him. Otis hit a body slam and tossed Cardona.

The final four are Royce Keys, Aleister Black, Talla Tonga and Royce Keys. Black hit a Black Mass kick on Otis to eliminate him. Black hit a knee on Keys, but Keys came back with a clothesline to eliminate Black. Otis hit body splashes and a body slam on Keys. Talla stopped that with a massive boot for Otis, and Talla tossed Otis out.

It was down to Royce Keys and Talla Tonga. Keys avoided a move and hit a huge Spinebuster. Keys clotheslined Talla over the top to win the battle royal. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner: Royce Keys

Analysis: *** A fine battle royal with the right winner because Royce Keys winning this match was the best finish they could have come up with. There were some talented guys in here, but there were also plenty of people who barely get TV time, yet they were in this match. Keys hopefully will use this momentum to get some gold soon.

After the match, Royce Keys walked over to the Andre the Giant trophy and folded his arms like Andre on the statue. Pyro went off by the entrance.

There was a rundown of the WrestleMania 42 card with John Cena as the host.

Saturday, April 18 Matches

• Undisputed WWE 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)

A video package aired about the CM Punk-Roman Reigns rivalry going into WrestleMania.

Let’s Hear From Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing dress clothes without a jacket. It’s dress clothes because the Hall of Fame ceremony is right after SmackDown. Cody took his time getting to the ring.

Cody was fired up, asking what do you wanna talk about? Cody talked about how in the past few years, there was the Final Boss two years ago, Travis Scott last year (the fans booed loudly), and somebody who should go home this year – referring to Pat McAfee. Cody said tomorrow night is simple because he’s against his mentor in this business, Randy Orton. Cody said that Orton was talking about how Cody takes earlier. Cody said that Orton has never taken responsibility in his life. Cody talked about Orton being the best he’s ever been, and in 2009, Orton burned everything in his path, and he lost at WrestleMania. Cody said, as good as Randy has become, he’s now associated with a word that most wrestlers despise…and here comes World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.

The World Champion CM Punk got into the ring with his buddy Cody Rhodes. Punk was in a suit because the Hall of Fame ceremony is coming up. There were “CM Punk” chants.

Cody asked Punk champ to champ and friend to friend, if they hug right now, is Punk going to kick him in the balls and turn on him too? Some fans chanted “Yes” for that.

Punk said that Cody doesn’t deserve to be kicked in the balls. Punk said he didn’t want Cody to mention a tourist in this business. Punk noticed Cody was wearing a bowtie. Cody mentioned Punk wearing a suit, and Punk said it’s his first time in a suit on WWE TV since Teddy Long got married. Punk said that early in his career, Cody was chasing Punk, and then Punk chased Cody after Punk came back to WWE. Punk said look at them now as two men who are champions and headlining WrestleMania. Punk said he didn’t have anything to teach Cody. Punk said he wanted Cody to focus on Randy. Punk said he learned from some of the best, like John Cena and his father. Punk said if Randy were a teacher, he wouldn’t be much of a teacher now. Punk said that on Monday, win, lose or draw, they will be there. Punk said Cody helped build this. Punk told Cody, friend to friend and brother to brother, he’s proud of him. Punk told Cody to go get it done and have some fun.

Cody said that Punk is always teaching him something. Cody said that he knows who Punk is up against on Sunday. Cody called him the most dominating WrestleMania main eventer in the history of our game. Cody said that WWE wanted Punk even though they weren’t looking for guys like him. Cody mentioned that Punk went away for 10 years, then came back as fans chanted his name loudly. Cody said Punk came back better than ever. Cody said Shawn Michaels came back after five years and he got back into it. Cody mentioned that Punk is going to make the argument that Punk is going to be the new Mr. WrestleMania. Cody thanked Punk for everything he had taught him and for sharing the ring with him. Cody said that his dad would be extremely proud of Punk and Cody said he loved Punk. Cody hugged Punk. Punk said they are there to celebrate with the people, so they celebrated with the fans.

A video aired to set up WrestleMania featuring actor Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Analysis: It was a fine babyface promo from Cody Rhodes that included CM Punk doing his own promo as the good friends hyped eachother up for their respective title matches. I don’t think either of them is winning at WrestleMania, but they certainly looked like a pair of guys going into their matches with confidence.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Royce Keys
2. MFTs – Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, JC Mateo & Talla Tonga
3. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk

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The Scoreboard

5.5 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

2026 Average: 7.05

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It felt like a usual SmackDown episode over the last month, which is not very good. This one had a lot of weak points. They didn’t have many confrontations with WrestleMania opponents, but the ones they did have were okay. Match quality was below average for today’s era of WWE TV shows. The ending was a babyface way to end it and promote WrestleMania with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes supporting eachother as friends.

The build for WrestleMania hasn’t been great, but the match quality should be strong. I’m ready for WrestleMania at this point.

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

Saturday, April 18 Matches

• Undisputed WWE 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