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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
APRIL 24, 2026
FT. WORTH, TEX. AT DICKIES 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 showtime 9,800 tickets were distributed with a setup for 10,196. The previous visit to this venue on Apr. 25, 2025 drew 10,696.
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[HOUR ONE]
-The “Then, Now, Forever, Together” brand stamp now has shifted Brock Lesnar to “Forever,” as Paul Heyman called for on Monday.
-A WrestleMania 42 recap video package aired.
-Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed a scene of the arena and the Ft. Worth skyline in the background. Then they showed the arrivals of wrestlers. Cody stepped out of a silver pick-up truck. Rhea Ripley was walking backstage. Lil Yachty and Trick Williams stepped out of a bus. The Gingerbread Man mascot then followed. Danhausen drove up in his vehicle and said Gingerbread Man better be nice to him or he’ll pay a price like Stephen A. Smith, whose New York Knicks lost since Danhausen cursed Smith.
-Jacob Fatu walked out to his music. He entered the ring and said that on Monday, he told Roman Reigns he wanted him and that he needs his title. He said he looked him in the eye and told him he isn’t ready. Fans booed. He said Roman is right. He paused, some fans booed. He said he’s been hearing that his whole life from his friends and family telling him he’s not good enough or the time wasn’t right. More boos. He said keeping it 100, if Roman says he isn’t ready, then “step into this ring and prove it. The Usos music played and they made their entrance.
Jimmy said they heard him Monday about how he wants to level up his house, put his kids through a better school, and get that big money. Jimmy said he agrees with him. He said he can have all that and more with the OTC. He said Cody Rhodes went through hell at WrestleMania. He said QB1 went through hell and he’s limping and ready to fumble and then it’ll be Jacob’s ball. He said he’ll eat, leanr, and level up. “That’s the play we running,” he said. He told him not to listen to the fans and join the family. Fans chanted, “Fatu! Fatu!” Jimmy said, “None of these fools are going to give you the lifestyle you’re asking for.” (So suddenly Jimmy thinks the fans are fools?)
Jey said its too late because he stepped up and opened his mouth and he’s in the deep end now. “We’re going to see if you can swim in the deep end.” He told him to step up to Roman and look him in the eye and get ready for war. “Yeet!” Solo Sikoa’s music then played and he walked out with his MFTs.
Solo said they are lying to him. He reminded him that he brought him to WWE. He asked what the Usos were going to teach him. “Are you going to teach him how to yeet?” he asked. He told them not to listen to him. He said if he wants to beat Roman and he champion, he should join him. He said he won’t join Roman alone, he’ll need an army. He said he has an army. Tama Tonga yanked the mic out of Solo’s hands. Solo glared at him.
Fatu asked Solo, “Why are we here wasting our time dealing with this?” he said. “He’s a lost cause.” He asked if he thinks he can beat Roman “since he can’t even beat you.” Fatu kicked Tonga in the chin. Solo held back Tonga Loa and J.C. Mateo. Fatu said the only one he should be talking to now is Reigns. He then asked Solo if he really thinks he can’t beat him. He challenged him to a one-on-one match. He said he’s all gas, no brakes. Solo smiled and waved his finger at him and seemed to agree to it.
-They went to Tessitore and Wade Barrett at ringside. Barrett congratulated Barrett on a great call of WrestleMania all weekend.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Kiana James and Giulia backstage about Giulia’s match later against Tiffany Stratton for her U.S. Title. Giulia said it’s the Smackdown After WrestleMania, not WrestleMania. James said Giulia is saying that they are both upset about the lack of respect not including them at WrestleMania. She said she used her best negotiating skills as if Giulia didn’t believe it and blamed her. James told Kelley that they don’t bicker except when Kelley is around. Kelley said she thought she just caught a stray.
-Tiffany Stratton made her ring entrance. [c]
-They showed a street in Ft. Worth. Then they showed some PBR riders in the front row.
-Tessitore said Fatu vs. Sikoa has become officials.
(1) GIULIA (w/Kiana James) vs. TIFFANY STRATTON – U.S. Title match
The bell rang 28 minutes into the hour. Tiffany did some handsprings early as Tessitore noted she is a world class gymnast. They exchanged some back and forth rolling near falls. Giulia got the better of Tiffany at ringside with a neckbreaker off the ring apron to the floor. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Tiffany landed a springboard stunner for a two count right out of the break. Giulia came back with a butterfly suplex off the top rope for a two count. Giulia also sold the impact and thus was a little slow to make the cover. When Giulia tried to trip up Tiffany running the ropes, Tiffany stopped and grabbed her hair. When Giulia charged at Tiffany, Tiffany moved and knocked Kiana to the floor. Tiffany scored a quick two count. She followed with a rolling senton. When she went for a Prettiest Moonsault Ever, Giulia shifted her into a submission hold. Tiffany escaped and then countered Giulia’s Northern Lights Bomb into an Alabama Slam followed by the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
WINNER: Stratton in 8:00 to win the U.S. Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Decent match. The story seemed just as much about issues with Kiana and Giulia as it was about a boost to Tiffany.)
-A clip aired of Danhausen and the “little Gobblins” attacking Miz and and carrying him to the back.
-Danhausen knocked on Miz’s front roow. Miz answered the door and no one was out there. When he turned around, there was a camera inside filming Danhausen suddenly inside. Miz yelled for him to get out. Miz then ignored the camera and walked around his house ignoring other apparently invisible cameras. Danhausen was suddenly in his pool. He went outside where another camera everyone ignored filmed him yelling at Danhansen. Danhausen said he found him by looking a guide of houses of the stars. Miz leaped at Danhausen, and Danhausen moved and then Miz splashed in his pool full clothed.
(Keller’s Analysis: That skit, not particularly clever anyway, could have felt at least slightly more real if they established Danhausen brought a camera guy with him and filmed it all in one shot.) [c]
-They showed a social media post from John Cena about his WrestleMania experience.
-Kelley interviewed Tiffany who said she has been the runner-up in big matches, but no longer. She said she feels great being the U.S. Champion again and she now is going to show everyone why “the WWE Universe runs on Tiffy Time.” Brie Bella and Paige walked out with their newly won tag team titles. Brie said when her sister wasn’t cleared, she called on an old friend, Paige. She said, “Welcome back!” Paige said it was an honor to wrestle so many great competitors, but it’s now time to remind them that Smackdown is her house. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupted.
Charlotte and Alexa welcomed Paige back. Charlotte proposed a match between them. Brie said she was ready to do it. [c]
(2) BRIE BELLA & PAIGE vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR & ALEXA BLISS – WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles
Back from the break, the match had already started. Bliss had Brie grounded. Brie tried to tag out to Paige. When Brie finally kicked Charlotte and had a tag in reach, Jacy Jayne showed up and yanked Paige off the ring apron. The ref called for the bell.
WINNERS: No contest in around 3:00.
-The rest of Fatal Influence – Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid – joined in a beatdown of the four babyfaces. Fans chanted, “You suck!” at them.
[HOUR TWO]
-A highlight package aired on Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania. [c]
-A video package aired on Royce Keys with friends and his brother talking about how they are proud of him. Keys said he has people depending on him and he can’t let them down.
-Cody Rhodes made his ring entrance. He asked what they want to talk about. He said he wanted to talk about how he left WrestleMania battered and half-conscious and bloodied, yet he decided to walk up the long ramp at the stadium. He said he felt it was the job as WWE Champion. He said he always gets back up, and that’s his super power among all the newcomers. He said the moment you see him take the side ramp “or the losers lane, as we lovingly call it,” means the run is over. He said he wanted to send a message at WrestleMania that he would get stitches and staples and send a message to Randy Orton. He said Orton was not there. He said everything Orton taught him is what it took to beat him.He said Orton gave him his best shot, a punt to the head, and he’s still standing there.
He said he had a message for a sarcastic and condescending Sami Zayn who said everything goes well for him and called him “the golden boy.” He said he showed up to WrestleMania in all gold to show that he, his family, and his fans are all gold. Fans chanted, “Cody! Cody!” He said the most important message he wanted to send was to the “outside forces” who get involved in his WrestleMania plans. He said they are 0-3, so “send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He said it with intensity.
He said it’s the first Smackdown after WrestleMania. He said he is holding the richest prize in the sport. He said it’s easy to find him, whether you are from NXT, Raw, or Smackdown. He said he’s there and easy to find. “Easy to find, hard to beat,” he said. He tossed the mic down. Tessitore said, “Statement sent by Cody Rhodes.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Nice babyface leader promo from Cody, and the crowd was receptive and enthusiastic for it. No real news coming out of it, but it gave no hints of him being turned heel anytime soon.)
-Barrett and Tessitore commented on clips of Fatal Influence showing up earlier.
-Solo Siko told Mateo, Tama, and Loa not to mess it up and bring those tag team titles back to the family. Tama asked, “What about Jacob?” Solo said he plans to show him that without them, he can’t beat Roman.
-Damien Priest and R-Truth made their ring entrance together, but each of their themes played, Priest’s first. Truth sang his “What’s Up” song to the ring.
(3) DAMIEN PRIEST & R-TRUTH vs. J.C. MATEO & TAMA TONOGA (W/Tonga Loa) – WWE Tag Team Title match
Truth and Tama opened against each other. When Tama missed an elbowdrop, Priest tagged in and punched Tama. When Mateo pulled Priest’s hair, Tama threw him to the flooor. Loa then clotheslined him as the ref was distracted as they cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Truth side-stepped a charging Tama who then flew into the ringpost. Priest tagged in and then he and Truth landed their Flatliner Flapjack double-team finisher for the win.
WINNERS: Priest & Truth in 8:00 to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles.
-They followed up on Miz and Danhausen. Danhausen hit Miz with a golf club in Miz’s lower level golf simulator. He then walked off with one of his Slammys. He complimented Miuz’s “wonderful home” as he left. Maryse showed up and had stern words for Danhuanse. Miz then threw a bowl full of dirt at Danhausen, but he ducked and it hit Mayrse. Danhausen saw Miz’s CyberTruck (of course) and called it “a spaceship.”
-Backstage, Trick got his chest sprayed before heading to the ring with Lil Yachty and the Gingerbread Man. He slapped a stageworker for no reason. [c]
-Trick, Yachty, and Gingerbread Man danced to his theme. Trick said he thinks the people are excited to celebrate with the new U.S. Champion. They compared themselves to celebrities who had a talent and a leader behind the talent: Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, Mike Tyson and Don King, and Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson Yachty said they are done with open challenges, so no more free handouts to jobronis. Trick said if you want a handout, find a clinic. Yachty threw cash in the air as pyro blasted. The announcers gushed about the celebration.
Gingerbread man attacked Yachty and then revealed it was Sami. Fans booed. He punched away at Trick to a chorus of boos from the fans. He delivered what Tessitore called “a gingerbread Helluva.” He danced a bit and then walked to the back, slapping fans’ hands.
-They showed Royce Keys admiring his Andre the Giant trophy backstage. Kelley interviewed Keys. Keys said it’s been an emotional debut the last few weeks. He said he’s just getting started and he’s taking everything he wants. In walked Solo who mock applauded. He said Talla Tonga isn’t happy with him, but he gave him the night off. He told him there’s always a place for one more member of his family.
-They did a tale of the tape where Danhausen was listed at 6-8, 300 pounds with a 26 shoe size. The graphic noted it was “self-reported.”
-Danhausen drove to ringside in his signature vehicle. He held up Miz’s Slammy trophy proudly.
(4) MIZ (w/Kit Wilson) vs. DANHAUSEN
Miz’s entrance aired. Danhausen got an early move on Miz after being distracted by Wilson showing that Slammy trophy at ringside. Miz stomped away at Danhausen. Miz took over and gloated with Wilson. Danhausen set up and cursed them. Pyro blasted in the faces of Miz and Wilson. “Be a believer!” said Tessitore. Danhausen rolled up Miz. “Very nice, very evil, very effective,” said Tessitore. Danhausen throw a smoke bomb, but didn’t disappear. He then leaped out of the ring and hid under the ring. Miz chased Danhausen on the other side of the ring, but mistakenly kicked Wilson. Danhausen sped off in his vehicle.
WINNER: Danhausen in under 2:00.
-A highlight package aired of Rhea Ripley’s win over Jade Cargill.
[HOUR THREE]
[c] -A Blake Monroe intro vignette aired saying “Blake Monroe Coming Soon.”
-Ripley made her entrance. She said if anyone wants to challenge her, “now’s your shot.” Fatal Influence walked out. Jayne told booing fans to shut up and listen. She said she could wait all night for them. She called them idiots and said she loved it and keep it coming. A
Rhea!” chant broke out. She said all the fans want to know who they should give credit to. She finally talked over the booing as she talked about taking out so many legends earlier, and that Rhea should be next. Rhea told her to “stop while you’re ahead.” Henley said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” She said what they did to them is nothing compared to what they’re about to do to her.
Ripley said she knew Jade Cargill was cocky, but they’re something else. She said it doesn’t matter when she’s on the wrong side of the numbers game. She told them if they’re down for a fight, “Take your shot!” Jayne said they’re always ready to throw hands. G.M. Nick Aldis walked out and said that match sounds good. He said he was considering punishment for their actions earlier, and Ripley can be the one to dish it out.
(5) RHEA RIPLEY vs. JACY JAYNE (w/Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid)
The bell rang 19 minutes into the hour. They cut to an early break. [c/db]
Jayne landed a running boot for a near fall at 7:00. Barrett asked, “How impressive has Jacy Jayne been?” He said she might be on the verge of a big win. Ripley avoided a discus elbow and kicked her. She then climbed to the top rope, but Jayne knocked her off balance. She followed with a superplex attempt. Jayne blocked her and landed a victory roll for a two count. Ripley then delivered a Razor’s Edge and a running knee for a two count. Ripley set up her Prism Lock. Reid and Henley attacked Ripley for the DQ.
WINNER: Ripley via DQ in 11:00.
-Fatal Influence attacked Ripley after the bell, hitting the Rolling Encore (her signature discus elbow).
(Keller’s Analysis: Fatal Influence suddenly have the most heel heat of any act in WWE.)
-A video package aired on the Roman Reigns-Fatu segment on Monday.
-As Fatu warmed up backstage, the Usos said they’d have his back. Fatu said he didn’t need it. [c]
-Charlotte was talking backstage to Bliss about these newcomers. Ripley walked in. Charlotte said she’s getting her hands on Jayne next week “unlike some people.” Charlotte left. Bliss told Ripley, “It’s not you; she’s just like that.”
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett who threw to a video package on Brock Lesnar.
-Solo made his ring entrance. [c]
-A Ricky Starks introductory vignette aired. Tessitore said he’s coming to Smackdown next Friday. Barrett said he has made big waves at NXT “and now he’s ours.”
(6) SOLO SIKOA vs. JACOB FATU
Barrett said there’s a massive history between Fatu and Solo. He said Solo brought him into WWE when everyone else thought he was untouchable “because of his unsavory past.” The bell rang 47 minutes into the hour.
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