WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, April 24, 2026) from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
This is the first SmackDown after WrestleMania 42, and the fallout is everywhere. Rhea Ripley is the new WWE Women’s Champion after dethroning Jade Cargill, Jacob Fatu left Las Vegas with a win over Drew McIntyre in their Unsanctioned Match, and Trick Williams walked out as Men’s United States Champion.
Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton are all advertised for tonight’s show. Here’s everything you need to know, including start times, how to watch, and what to expect.
How to Watch SmackDown Tonight
| Date | Friday, April 24, 2026 |
| Venue | Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas |
| Channel/Stream | USA Network (US) / Netflix (select international markets) |
| US Start Time | 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT |
| UK Start Time | 1 AM GMT (Saturday, April 25) |
| India Start Time | 5:30 AM IST (Saturday, April 25) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
SmackDown Match Card for April 24, 2026
WWE has not announced specific matches for tonight’s show as of Friday morning. The card is expected to be built around WrestleMania 42 fallout. Here are the storylines and segments most likely to headline the first SmackDown of the new era.
Rhea Ripley’s First Night as WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown
Ripley captured the WWE Women’s Championship from Jade Cargill on Night 2 of WrestleMania 42, ending Cargill’s 169-day reign. Cargill has already called for a rematch, and she’s advertised for tonight. Expect the two to cross paths again in Fort Worth, with Tiffany Stratton also in the building coming off her Women’s US Title No. 1 Contender’s win.
Drew McIntyre After the Unsanctioned Match
Jacob Fatu beat McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 in their Unsanctioned Match, and The Scottish Warrior is listed among the advertised talent for tonight. Whether he addresses the loss, targets Fatu again, or pivots to a new rival, McIntyre usually doesn’t stay quiet for long.
Randy Orton’s Next Move
Orton came up short against Cody Rhodes in the Undisputed WWE Championship match, but he left Rhodes with a nasty eye injury via a post-match assault. With Rhodes shelved until he’s medically cleared, Orton is still hunting his 15th world title and is advertised for Fort Worth. A statement promo or a callout feels inevitable.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner’s Push
Royce Keys won the 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the go-home SmackDown before Mania, and he’s now a SmackDown Superstar with momentum and a trophy. The traditional post-battle-royal push usually starts within a week or two. Watch for Keys to either issue a challenge or be positioned against an established name.
Tiffany Stratton and the Women’s US Title Picture
Stratton beat Jordynne Grace at the go-home SmackDown to earn the next shot at the Women’s United States Championship. With Giulia still holding the belt, tonight likely advances that storyline, whether through a confrontation or a contract signing.
Road to WWE Backlash 2026
WWE Backlash 2026 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
With WrestleMania 42 in the rearview mirror, tonight begins the build toward the first premium live event of the post-Mania season. New champions need challengers, and old rivalries don’t always die cleanly. Expect SmackDown to start setting the Backlash card in motion from Fort Worth.
Follow SEScoops for live updates, recaps, and any news out of tonight’s SmackDown.