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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
APRIL 17, 2026
LAS VEGAS, NEV. AT T-MOBILE ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 8,760 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They began with a nice video package starting with footage from the original WrestleMania and then highlights of many since followed by wrestlers talking about what WrestleMania means to them and what their top moments are. Je’Von Evans was shown last just giggling as he said “WrestleMania.”
-They showed clips of wrestlers arriving or hanging out including Michin, B-Fab, Michin, and Michin’s dog; Rhea Ripley, Sami Zayn (boos rang out from the crowd), Trick Williams (roar of cheers from the crowd); Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
-Pat McAfee arrived in a pick-up truck with his sidekick, Randy Orton. G.M. Nick Aldis presented them with an agreement. He said they were going to have a chat. McAfee said he reads his contracts and noted he’s a self-made billionare that “none of you bums” would understand. Orton interrupted and excused himself. He said he was heading to the ring and leave McAfee and Aldis to finish their talk. McMahon acted obnoxious and said Orton was about to “ruin the show by telling some truths.”
-Orton made his way to the ring to his music. Corey Graves said Orton looked ready to begin title reign no. 15. Tessitore said that would move him into sold possession of third place among all wrestlers. Graves said McAfee is the least popular person in the WWE Universe but he unleashed something in Orton that could spell bad things for Cody Rhodes.
Orton began: “I’ll be the first one to admit I don’t need Pat McAfee. Truth is, I want him.” He said McAfee doesn’t tell him what he wants to hear, but he tells him what he needs to hear. He said McAfee made him realize all he ever needed to do was “just be me.” He smiled and said, “Who woulda thought?” He said he won the Elimination Chamber and faced Drew McIntyre for the title. He said he knew he could be who he needed to be and take Drew’s title. “Easy cake, back to St. Louis with the title. Done.” He said then Cody won the title back. Fans booed. Orton repeated Cody’s name and fans booed again.
He said he and Cody are friends, and he couldn’t hurt his friend, and then he let Cody give him permission to be him. “Who the f… Who the hell is Cody Rhodes to give me permission? To be myself? I wrote the book on being me. I listen to the voice. That cocky son of a bitch tried to give me permission to be me.” He said he gave to Cody whereas Cody only took during their friendship.
He talked about WrestleMania 40. He said Cody needed someone to watch his back and he called Seth Rollins. He said Cody didn’t even call. He said Solo’s Bloodline attacked Cody and he was there for him, but all he got was driven through a table. He said Cody just takes. He said he gifted a title match to “my friend at the time, Kevin Owens.” He said to make matters worse, Owens turned on Cody. He said he told Cody he’d have his back and talk some sense into Owens. He said, as a result, he got dropped on his head via piledriver. He said it was career-threatening. He said again said all Cody does is take. He said McAfee has done more for his career and legacy than Cody ever did. He said Cody thinks McAfee hurts his legacy, but in truth, it was helping Cody all those years that hurt his legacy.
Orton said at WrestleMania, he’s going to fix it and right the wrongs and do it “with the three more important letters in sports entertainment – R-K-O.”
(Keller’s Analysis: I don’t think this promo served a helpful purpose unless viewers at home are dissecting and parsing Orton’s claims. There wasn’t any heel heat there, and fans were booing mentions of Cody’s name. Obviously, the McAfee angle is meant to get Orton heel heat, but Orton hasn’t found a narrative that gets him actually booed.)
-They went to Tessitore and Graves at ringside. Tessitore said Cody would be arriving later.
-Backstage, McAfee was driving his pick-up out of the arena with Orton in the passenger seat. He said, “Good work, Randy!” Aldis walked up to the driver’s window. McAfee said everything for the better tomorrow. “See you tomorrow, marks!” he said before driving away.
-Solo and the MFTs made their ring entrance. [c]
-Footage aired of the WWE World event where wrestlers took photos with fans. Graves, Cody. and C.M. Punk were among those shown interacting with fans.
(1) SOLO SIKOA & TONGA LOA & TAMA TONGA & J.C. MATEO (w/Talla Tonga) vs. THE WYATT SICKS (Uncle Howdy & Deter Lumis & Joe Gacy & Erik Rowan (w/Nikki) – 8-man Street Fight
The bell rang 26 minutes into the hour. Graves pointed out that Talla wasn’t a designated participant in the match, but since there’s no DQs, he can do as he pleases. Talla bashed Lumis and Gacy and Rowan with the ringside steps. With those three down, they cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Back from the break, they were all brawling in the ring. Dexter catapulted Loa into the arms of Gacy would powerbombed him into a near fall. Mateo then beat up Lumis. Rowan dove through the ropes and tackled Talla at ringside. The announcers made a huge deal out of it. “That was like an aircraft carrier flying through the air,” said Tessitore. Rowan threw apparatus into the ring. Rowan and Howdy bashed Solo with the trash can. Rowan splashed a trash can onto Solo’s chest. They cut to another double-box break at 8:00. [c/db]
Solo took control during the break until Howdy entered with a chair and delibered a uranage onto a chair. Nikki leaped off the top rope onto Loa. Howdy then set up a Sister Abigail on Howdy, but Talla gave Howdy a running big boot. Solo then leaped off the top rope onto Howdy, but Gacy hit solo with a kendo stick which magically caused Solo to roll off of Howdy.
Talla fended off Lumis and Gacy and double chokeslammed then. Rowan bashed Talla across his back. Talla then clotheslined Rowan over the top rope. Rowan clutched his right knee in pain afterward. As Howdy set up a Sister Abigail on Matao, Tama intervened and gave Howdy a neckbreaker. He signaled for Cut Throat, but Solo gave Howdy a Solo Spike first and got the pin. Tama gave him an evil stare “for stealing the pin.”
WINNERS: Solo & MFTs in 14:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: It was fine for that style of match, leaning into the chaos and the apparatus as weapons..)
-R-Truth told Damien Priest that The New Day are one of the more iconic tag teams in WWE. Priest said they’re on Raw. Truth said it could be an easy layup because “Asuka cursed them.” He then got Xavier Woods mixed up with Greyson Waller. Priest tried to correct Truth. Truth asked if he was okay. Priest seemed to start doubting his own sanity. Truth said they have to defend their titles tonight. “What?” said Priest after Truth scurried away.
-They went to ringside and showed the Andre statue as the announcers talked about it.
-They showed Miz and Maryse “renewing their vows.” They cut to Miz asking, “Who the hell do you think you?” It seemed he was saying it to Maryse, but instead Danhausen showed up. Maryse was startled. Danhausen said he’s the ring boy, the best man, and maid of honor. Kit Wilson, overseeing the vows, said, “You may now curse the bride.” He reacted like he slipped up by accident. Danhausen cursed the bride. Maryse then then got knocked into the big cake. They cut to a girl watching saying, “I wanted cake.”
-Tessitore said the full video will be on WWE socials later. [c]
-They showed scenes of Las Vegas as Tessitore plugged the Hall of Fame ceremony.
-A video aired on Royce Keys (formerly Powerhouse Hobbs) back in his neighborhood and talking about hoping his mom is proud of him as he got emotional. A graphic noted she died of an overdose in 2021 at at 61. Mark Henry said he believes when you tap into your emotions, you can be strong. His sister Evelyn sat next to Keys and said how she was proud.
-A clip aired of last week’s Drew-Jacob Fatu fight.
-A siren blared and eventually a police car drove onto the stage. Graves asked Tessitore, “Have you been clipping mattress tags off again?” Fatu stepped out of the police car and stood on the roof. Fatu said he’s not ashamed or afraid of his past. “I certainly don’t live that life anymore,” he said. He asked Drew if he really thought cuffing him in front of his family would embarrass him. “That didn’t bother me at all,” he said. He said he’s going to put Drew in his rear view after WrestleMania. He said there will be no one to save him. Tessitore emphasized that WWE doesn’t guarantee the safety of either competitor. Fatu yelled that he is dialed in.
-Backstage, Alexa Bliss told Charlotte Flair she has more Charlotte merch than she ever thought she’d need in 2025 and also became tag champs with her best friend. Charlotte said they need to make 2026 special by winning at WrestleMania. Alexa said no matter what, they’ll still be best friends. Charlotte said she knows and understands how important their friendship is.
-Damien Priest and R-Truth made their entrance. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
-They showed the reveal of the WrestleMania set, released earlier on the WWE YouTube page.
-They showed Tyrese Haliburton at ringside, a star player with the Indiana Pacers.
(2) DAMIAN PRIEST & R-TRUTH vs. GRAYSON WALLER & KOFI KINGSTON – WWE Tag Team Title match
Graves said Waller hasn’t been fully accepted as a member of New Day, but a win here could perhaps seal the deal. Graves said Truth is out of his mind by offering a tag title match to someone he wasn’t sure who they were. The bell rang 7 minutes into the hour. They cut to an early double-box break. [c/db]
Waller blind-tagged himself in with a pat on Kofi’s back. Kofi didn’t like it. Truth then shoved Kofi into Waller on the topr ope. Truth then hot-tagged in Priest. Priest and Truth set up Koifi and Waller for dual Five Knuckle Shuffles. Priest then lanched Waller into the air for Truth to drive him into the mat for the three count.
WINNERS: Priest & Truth in 10:00 to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles.
-They went to Tessitore and Graves at ringside. Tessitore said they were told Cody was on his way to the arena.
-A video recap aired of McAfee’s promo on Smackdown last week. [c]
-Jade Cargill came out to the ring with B-Fab and Michin. Rhea interrupted her as she began talking. She stood on the ring apron and said she’s not normally the most patient person, so Jade’s lucky she’s not going in the ring and whipping her ass. She said she doesn’t want to give her an excuse at WrestleMania. She said she thinks Jade is scared and she can’t wait to embarrass her at WrestleMania.
B-Fab said Ripley is the only one who should be embarrassed. She told booing fans to shut up. She said she keeps coming for Jade, but failing. Ripley said she hasn’t had the chance to come for her. She told Jade she hides behind social media and her two cohorts. She said if there is anything she wants to say to her face, this is her last chance. Jade laughed and “held back” Michin. Jade said, “I’m scared. I’m scared of some cosplay goth kid with insecurities.” She said she is everything she wishes she could be – a real bitch. She told Ripley she has been trying to spare her. She said she is putting belt to ass on Sunday, and if she keeps talking, she’ll make it quick.
Ripley asked if she really thinks she wants to be like her. Ripley laughed and said she’s been fighting people like her all her life. She said people like Jade have made her the person she is today. She said if she wants to try to make it quick at WrestleMania, they can do that, but it won’t be in her favor. She got in Jade’s face and called her a fake-ass, narcissistic bitch. Jade smiled, held up her belt, and left the ring. Graves said on Sunday, the time for talking is over.
(Keller’s Analysis: The crowd was cheering the right person and booing the right person here. Jade has a star presence and I like her having sidekick cohorts to play off of. Ripley camea cross strong and forceful and secure in herself here.)
-Solo told the MFTs backstage that the Wyatt Sicks are finished because they did it as a team. Tama Tonga said, “Yeah, right, as a team,” but with a sarcastic tone. Solo told Talla to go out there and win the battle royal and bring the battle royal to the family. He said he’s going to talk to Aldis and bring back the tag titles.
-Tiffany Stratton made her ring entrance. [c]
(3) JORDYNNE GRACE vs. TIFFANY STRATON
The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour. Tessitore said Grace hasn’t carved a path of success so far in WWE. Graves said she possesses one of the distinct styles in the division. Graves said there must be some frustration that Tiffany went from defending the Women’s Title at WrestleMania last year to fighting on Smackdown the night before WrestleMania without gold trying to become no. 1 contender to the U.S. Title. Grace scored a near fall after a running clothesline at 1:30 and they cut to an early break. [c/db]
Tiffany made a comeback with a knee strike, but Grace fought back. Tiffany thwarted that with a back elbow and then a basement dropkick for a near fall. Grace delivered a leaping sitout powerbomb a minute later for a near fall. Tiffany then came back with a rolling senton and a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the clean win.
WINNER: Stratton in 9:00.
-They showed Trick Williams backstage. [c]
-Tessitore ran through the WrestleMania weekend schedule.
-Trick made his ring entrance. Tessitore said it’s Trick’s first WrestleMania. Graves said, “The first of many.”
[HOUR THREE]
-Trick said normally he comes out there and “it’s all smiles, games, and jokes.” He said not tonight because he has something to get off his chest. He told Sami Zayn that last week he crossed the line. A clip aired of Sami delivering a Helluva Kick to Lil Yachty. Trick said he hurt his friend with a Helluva Kick. He said he’s not sure if Lil Yachty will be back this weekend. He said he hurt his friend, but he also hurt his entrance to WrestleMania. He said therefore, they aren’t going to wait until Sunday, but they’ll take care of things tonight in Vegas. He asked “the gingerbread man” to come out.
Sami’s music played, but a mascot in a gingerbread man outfit came out. Trick laughed. Tessitore laughed. The Gingerbread Man entered the ring and Trick talked to him as if he was Sami. Trick said as he looks in his face, he seems upset. He asked if his feelings were hurt that there weren’t any die-hard Sami fans last week. He said maybe there are some there this week. Boos. No cheers. “Maybe not,” said Trick. Trick said this Sunday is all about Trick and his chance to get the U.S. Title and he’ll do whatever it takes. He said he’ll be whipping something. Fans chanted, “Whoop that trick!”
Sami stepped out and said, “That’s good. That’s great. That’s funny. Yeah it is.” He said he was glad Trick was having fun and taking his first WrestleMania seriously. He said he wished he was having as much fun as he was, but he hasn’t had the kind of fun in a long time. He said the fans haven’t been having a whole lot of fun lately, either. Sami said he’s still not sure exactly what it is he did wrong. “I really don’t know,” he said. “But the truth is, I don’t care.” He said he’s doing what he does for the ride or die Sami fans who have been with him since day one. He said there are plenty of them watching at home and plenty in the arena in Las Vegas. He said they’ll be in his corner at WrestleMania and beyond. Fans chanted, “Shut the f— up!”
Sami stepped up to Trick and asked Gingerbread Man to step away. Gingerbread Man was sad and hung his head as he backed into the corner. Sami said Trick hasn’t shown him much since he arrived four months ago. He said he has a nice entrance and catch phrase, but not what matters most, which is inside the ring. He said he doesn’t see the future of the business when he looks at him, but instead he sees a little punk rookie who’s about to walk into his first WrestleMania with one of the best to ever do it. He said he’ll realize he bit off more than he can chew because he walked into the biggest match of his life without a plan.
Trick said, “I am the plan.” He said Sami has lost track of himself. He said he threw away the respect so many had for him “because this rookie got in the game.” He told Sami to look at him when he’s talking to him. Fans “oooh’d.” Trick said he’s the one who is going to get the job done.
Sami asked if this is really his big plan – standing in the ring with the Gingerbread Man. Trick said he was standing in the ring with two gingerbread men. Sami punched Trick. Trick punched back. Sami knocked Trick to the floor and showed fire, yelling down at Trick. The Gingerbread Man watched behind him. Sami turned and eyed him. Sami gave him a Helluva Kick and literally almost knocked his head off. Trick then returned to the ring and gave Sami a Trick Shot. Trick held up the U.S. Title belt as his music played.
-A video package aired on the women’s four-way match with comments from each of the teams.
(4) CHARLOTTE FLAIR & ALEXA BLISS v. BAYLEY & LYRA VALKYRIA
The bell rang 22 minutes into the hour. Nia Jax and Lash Legend entered seconds into the match. The ref called for the bell. They beat up both teams.
WINNERS: No contest in 1:00.
-A video package aired on the Brock Lesnar-Oba Femi match.
(5) ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL
They aired the entrances of Royce Keys and Joe Hendry. Everyone else was already in the ring. The bell rang 29 minutes into the hour.
It came down to Aleister Black, Otis, Keys, and Talla Tonga at 8:00. Keys clotheslined Black over the top rope. Talla towered over Keys. Otis charged into Keys and then splashed both Keys and Talla in opposite corners. Otis powerslammed Keys. Talla attacked Otis and eliminated him. Keys then set up a chokeslam on Keys, but Keys countered with a spinebuster. He lowered his straps and knocked Talla over the top rope. Keys celebrated and looked emotional. The ref directed him to go to the trophy at ringside.
WINNER: Keys in 10:00.
-Tessitore and Graves ran through the line-up for WrestleMania.
-A video package aired on C.M. Punk vs. Roman Reigns.
-Cody Rhodes made his entrance 47 minutes into the hour. Graves said he’s concerned Cody is more concerned with McAfee than Orton. Cody asked what they want to talk about. He said he isn’t going to talk about the conspiracy theory that someone has messed with him the last three WrestleManias. “Perhaps somebody is needling me, messing with me,” he said. He brought up The Final Boss two years ago, Travis Scott last year, and someone he won’t name who he thinks should just go home this year. Fans chanted, “Go home, Pat.” Not that loud or sustained, though.
Cody then turned the focus to Orton, whom he called “his mentor in this business.” He said Orton was talking about him “taking” earlier. Cody said that was an interesting choice of words, because Orton has never taken responsibility in his life. He said 2009 Orton burned everythign his path and then went to WrestleMania and wrestled for that title and lost. He was interrupted by C.M. Punk’s music.
Punk walked out in a suit. Cody asked Punk if they shake hands and hug, if he’s going to spin him around and kick him in the balls. Punk said there are a lot of people who deserve to be kicked in the balls, but not his. Punk said he’s there togive him advice and definitely stop him from mentioning a tourist who doesn’t deserve to be mentioned by then. Punk then noticed Cody was wearing a bow tie and asked about it. Cody said he had the Hall of Fame later. He told Punk he looks dapper, too. Punk said it’s the first time he has worn a suit on WWE TV since Teddy Long’s wedding.
Punk said they go way back. He said he wanted to take a moment to relish the moment together in the ring that they are both champions headlining WrestleMania 42. “I think we’re past C.M. Punk giving Cody advice because you had done and said things he has yet to accomplish. He said if he was ever a teacher to him, he isn’t now. He told him to focus on just Orton. He said he’s learned from his father and John Cena. He said if Orton was ever a teacher to him, he isn’t now. He said he can’t make promises he won’t keep, but on Monday, win, lose or draw, they’ll all be there. He asked teh fans to please come with us on the next adventure and be there with them on Monday, too. He told Cody is proud of him and go get it done tomorrow night “and have some fun.”
Cody said it might subvert expectations, but he wanted to share something with him. He said Punk is facing the most dominating WrestleMania main eventer in the history of their game. He said when WWE hired Punk, they weren’t hiring people who looked like him, but they wanted him so badly, they let him stay C.M. Punk. He talked about him leaving and coming back. He talked about past Mr. WrestleManias, but said after Sunday, the new Mr. WrestleMania will be C.M. Punk. He thanked him for everything he has taught him and for sharing this moment in the ring with him. His voice cracked as he said his dad would be extremely proud of him and he loves him. They hugged and Cody’s music played.
Punk asked them to cut the music. He said he’s not trying to cry tonight, but he’ll do that after he beats Reigns on Sunday. He said they’re there to celebrate with the people. He and Cody left the ring and went into the crowd as the show ended.
(Keller’s Analysis: And that concludes “Feel Good Week” in WWE after Raw and Smackdown both closed with shows of respect with the top male stars in the ring.)
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Joshua White to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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