Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown is the final show before WrestleMania 42, taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with both Raw and SmackDown superstars under the same roof for what should be a loaded go-home episode.
The headline focus will be on the WrestleMania Saturday main event between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Orton, who won the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match, is chasing his 15th world title and has aligned with Pat McAfee in a mission to “save the business” by dethroning Rhodes. The presence of McAfee and Jelly Roll has dominated much of the storyline conversation in recent weeks, and tonight should offer both men a chance to refocus attention on their two decades of shared history heading into one of the biggest matches of the year.
Jacob Fatu will also respond to Drew McIntyre after last week’s SmackDown saw McIntyre gain the upper hand by handcuffing Fatu to the ring post and delivering a Claymore. Their unsanctioned match at WrestleMania is one of the more physically imposing matchups on the Saturday card.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal also returns for the 12th consecutive year, making its SmackDown debut ahead of WrestleMania 42. Carmelo Hayes, the 2025 winner, is among the possible entrants alongside Royce Keys, Damian Priest, Danhausen, and others. No participants have been officially announced.
The MFTs and The Wyatt Sicks will collide in an 8-Man Tag Team Street Fight, with the Solo Sikoa and Uncle Howdy feud reaching a boiling point after months of personal conflict centered around the stolen lantern. Tension between Sikoa and Tama Tonga within the MFTs adds another layer to the matchup.
Also on the card, Tiffany Stratton gets a rematch against Women’s United States Champion Giulia. Their last meeting on the March 27 episode of SmackDown saw Kiana James distract Stratton, allowing Giulia to pick up the victory. With neither woman currently on the WrestleMania card, both have something to prove.
WWE SmackDown — Friday, April 17
- Cody Rhodes speaks to Randy Orton
- Jacob Fatu responds to Drew McIntyre
- Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Tiffany Stratton
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (participants TBD)
- 8-Man Tag Team Street Fight: The MFTs vs. The Wyatt Sicks
How to Watch
- Network: USA Network, Peacock, Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu+ Live TV, Sling TV
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
