WWE SmackDown’s three-hour run will end on June 26, with the Friday night broadcast returning to a two-hour format after that date, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.
Meltzer confirmed the shift is part of a six-months-on, six-months-off contractual structure. The three-hour SmackDown currently runs from 8 PM to 11 PM ET, with “Everything On The Menu With Braun Strowman” airing immediately after at 11 PM ET on USA Network. The move to two hours would shift SmackDown to the 8-10 PM window, with the Strowman show moving to 10 PM ET.
WWE moved SmackDown to the USA Network in 2024 as part of its broader media rights expansion. The Strowman show received its first episode preview last week, with its official launch set for this Friday.
This coming Friday will be the fallout edition of Clash in Italy for the blue brand. Nothing has been announced for the show.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, May 29, 2026) from the Olimpic Arena in Badalona, Barcelona, Spain, live on Netflix internationally starting at 2:00 PM ET, with a USA Network tape-delay airing at 8:00 PM ET.
WWE opens its European Summer Tour with the go-home edition of SmackDown before Clash in Italy on Sunday. Axiom faces The Miz in the only confirmed match, while Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Rhea Ripley, and Jade Cargill close out their final builds before Turin. Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
WWE SmackDown Match Card for May 29, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Axiom vs. The Miz (Singles Match)
The lone confirmed bout, and it lands in front of a hometown crowd. Axiom is from Barcelona, so the Olimpic Arena should be firmly behind him. The match came together on the May 22 SmackDown when Fraxiom interrupted The Miz and Kit Wilson backstage and Axiom needled Miz about whether Danhausen’s curse was real. Miz responded with the challenge.
The Danhausen angle gives the finish a wild card, and the Fraxiom-versus-Miz-and-Wilson thread keeps running underneath it.
What Else to Watch For
With Clash in Italy 48 hours out, the rest of the show is final-build territory. WWE has advertised a deep roster for Barcelona, and the go-home angles will carry most of the show.
Cody Rhodes and Gunther Final Face-Off
The Undisputed WWE Championship match in Turin is the headline of the weekend. On May 22, Gunther jumped Rhodes after the main event and locked in the Gojira Clutch while Sami Zayn walked away rather than help. Tonight is the last chance for the two to stand across from each other before Sunday, and a European crowd a short flight from Italy will bring the volume.
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill Build
Cargill pinned Ripley clean at Saturday Night’s Main Event, exactly the momentum she wanted heading into their Women’s Championship match Sunday. Expect a promo or a physical confrontation rather than a full match, with Cargill pressing her advantage one more time before Turin.
Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams
The two have been circling since Backlash. Hayes beat Ricky Saints on May 15, then Williams retained over Hayes on May 22 after Saints interfered. A US Championship match for Clash in Italy could be made official tonight, or the feud could stretch deeper into the European tour.
Drew McIntyre’s European Run
The tour is home turf for the Scottish star, and he’s advertised for Barcelona. Tonight could set up a new direction that runs through the next month of overseas dates.
Road to WWE Clash in Italy 2026
Clash in Italy 2026 takes place Sunday, May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, WWE’s first Premium Live Event in the country.
Tonight closes the build on both blue-brand title pictures plus the company’s two world championship matches. Whatever happens in Barcelona sets the tone for Turin.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, May 29, 2026
Venue
Olimpic Arena, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
Channel/Stream
Netflix (live, international) / USA Network (US, tape delay)
US Start Time
2:00 PM ET live on Netflix / 8:00 PM ET tape delay on USA Network
UK Start Time
7:00 PM BST
India Start Time
11:30 PM IST
Duration
3 hours
US viewers should note the unusual setup: the show airs live on Netflix at 2:00 PM ET to fit Spanish primetime, then re-airs on USA Network at 8:00 PM ET on a six-hour tape delay. If you want it live in the States, Netflix is the only option tonight.
Follow SEScoops for any news and developments from tonight’s SmackDown.
McIntyre’s last WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 42, where he competed in an unsanctioned match against Jacob Fatu.
WWE’s use of McIntyre in advertising for upcoming international SmackDown events has naturally sparked speculation that he could return in time for the Italy premium live event weekend. Jacob Fatu is currently set to face Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Italy later this month.
For now, WWE has not officially confirmed McIntyre’s return. As always with WWE promotional material, appearances remain subject to change.
Charlotte Flair recently suffered a wardrobe malfunction during a tag team match on the May 15, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown.
‘The Queen’ had teamed with Alexa Bliss against B-Fab and Michin. During the match, B-Fab’s roll-up pin attempt accidentally pulled down Flair’s tights.
Charlotte Flair Reacts
Flair responded with humor on Instagram Story. She dropped a screenshot of the moment with a peach emoji that was covering the exposed area. She added a playful caption aimed at B-Fab.
Following the match, Jade Cargill attacked Bliss as Flair beat up Michin and B-Fab. ‘The Queen’ wanted to fight Cargill right there, but Cargill backed off.
It was later announced on SmackDown that the team of Rhea Ripley, Flair, and Bliss will face Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 23.
WWE SmackDown Tonight (5/15/26): Start Time, Card & How to Watch
WWE Friday Night SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, May 15, 2026) from the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
WWE returns to weekly programming in the first Friday Night SmackDown after Backlash 2026 in Tampa. Tonight’s two-hour broadcast is built around the Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther march toward Clash in Italy on May 31, the fallout from Jacob Fatu’s post-match attack on Roman Reigns, and Trick Williams returning to his hometown crowd as United States Champion. Here is everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and what to expect.
How to Watch SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, May 15, 2026
Venue
Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
Channel/Stream
USA Network (US) / Peacock on-demand
US Start Time
8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
UK Start Time
1:00 AM BST (Saturday, May 16)
India Start Time
5:30 AM IST (Saturday, May 16)
Duration
3 hours
SmackDown Match Card for May 15, 2026
WWE has not officially announced specific matches as of Friday morning, which is typical for the first show after a Premium Live Event. Here are the storylines and appearances confirmed for tonight’s broadcast.
Cody Rhodes and Gunther Continue the Road to Italy
Both men are advertised for Columbia. Paul Heyman delivered the Clash in Italy contract last Friday in Jacksonville, and Gunther tried to choke out Rhodes on the way out the door. With 16 days separating tonight from Turin, expect a verbal escalation rather than physical contact, plus a possible singles match for the champion against an opponent of Gunther’s choosing.
Jacob Fatu’s Future After the Backlash Assault
Roman Reigns retained the World Heavyweight Championship over Fatu in an 18-minute Backlash main event. Fatu attacked Reigns and WWE officials after the bell, and his brother Zilla Fatu was shown in the front row during the match. Tonight should establish whether Fatu faces on-screen consequences or doubles down on the family civil war that’s been simmering since WrestleMania 42.
Trick Williams Returns Home as US Champion
Williams retained the United States Championship over Sami Zayn at Backlash for the second consecutive Premium Live Event and walks back into Columbia as the hometown act. He played college football at South Carolina, the post-Backlash crowd in Tampa chanted for Carmelo Hayes, and Hayes is advertised for tonight on the Colonial Life Arena listing. The pieces are in place for a confrontation that sets up the next US title challenge.
Rhea Ripley’s Three-Front War
The WWE Women’s Champion is dealing with returning challengers and an active rivalry on the same brand. Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab cost Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss their six-woman tag last Friday, with Cargill positioning herself for a title rematch after WrestleMania 42. Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence have not gone away either. Ripley needs to pick a fight tonight, or one will pick her.
Danhausen and Royce Keys in the Midcard Mix
Danhausen and his Minihausen partner beat The Miz and Kit Wilson at Backlash. Ricky Saints and Royce Keys have built momentum across the last three weeks of SmackDown television without yet getting a marquee program. Tonight is the natural pivot point to give all three acts new dance partners.
Tiffany Stratton Advertised
The Women’s United States Champion is on the local advertising for Columbia after retaining over Kiana James in the Backlash go-home show. No challenger has been named, but Stratton has been a fixture of the SmackDown opening hour in recent weeks.
Road to WWE Clash in Italy 2026
WWE Clash in Italy 2026 takes place Sunday, May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. It’s WWE’s first-ever Premium Live Event on Italian soil.
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship is the locked-in main event.
Last week’s episode of the Blue Branded show featured the debut of Ricky Saints, who ended up in a match with his friend and the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare picked up the victory in this bout, but he was then attacked by Gunther.
The Ring General made another appearance on the Friday Night show this week. This time, he was seen walking into Nick Aldis’ office with Paul Heyman already there.
Aldis handed a contract to Heyman, who in turn handed it to the former World Champion. Without revealing what was on the contract, Aldis told the newest member of the SmackDown roster that what he did last week was unacceptable and hoped that it was the last time they were having a conversation like this.
Before Gunther could put the ink to paper, however, Cody Rhodes’ theme song started playing on the monitor in the background, and the screen showed the arena getting ready for the WWE Champion’s entrance.
This upset the former Imperium leader who believed that the moment belonged to him, and he walked out without signing the deal. The segment ended with Heyman telling Nick that he will handle the situation.
WWE SmackDown heads to Jacksonville, Florida, tonight for the go-home show before Backlash on Saturday, with a title match, a high-profile six-woman tag, and an in-ring promo from GUNTHER among the confirmed segments for the May 8 broadcast.
Tiffany Stratton will defend the Women’s US Championship against Kiana James in the featured title match of the evening. Stratton enters the show looking to carry momentum into Backlash weekend, while James will be looking to pull off the upset and become the new champion on the final SmackDown before the premium live event.
A six-woman tag team match will pit Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss against Fatal Influence in what should be one of the more physically compelling segments of the night. The combination of three of the company’s most established women’s division names against the rising faction gives the match genuine stakes beyond a simple midcard showcase.
GUNTHER will also address his recent attack on Cody Rhodes in an in-ring promo segment that could set the table for future programming beyond Backlash weekend. Whatever GUNTHER says tonight will likely provide the clearest indication yet of where that program is headed.
The Gingerbread Man funeral segment also takes place tonight as part of the ongoing build toward Sami Zayn’s championship ambitions. The angle, unconventional as it is, is designed to advance Zayn’s pursuit of a United States Championship opportunity through the kind of character work that has defined his run in recent years.
SmackDown airs tonight on USA Network. WWE Backlash takes place Saturday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, streaming live on the ESPN app.
WWE has officially announced 16 new live event dates for Raw and SmackDown this summer, spanning cities across the United States from late June through Labor Day weekend.
Tickets for all events go on sale Friday, May 15 at 10am local time in each market. Fans can get early access through an exclusive presale starting Thursday, May 14 at 10am local. Full event information and tickets are available at WWE.com/Events.
Full Schedule of Dates
Monday, June 29 – Atlantic City, NJ | RAW/SmackDown | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Monday, July 6 – Chicago, IL | RAW | Allstate Arena
Friday, July 10 – Oklahoma City, OK | SmackDown | Paycom Center
Monday, July 13 – Dallas, TX | RAW | American Airlines Center
Friday, July 17 – Albany, NY | SmackDown | MVP Arena
Monday, July 20 – Detroit, MI | RAW | Little Caesars Arena
Friday, July 24 – Oakland, CA | SmackDown | Oakland Arena
Monday, July 27 – Inglewood, CA | RAW | Intuit Dome
Friday, July 31 – Green Bay, WI | SmackDown | Resch Center
Monday, August 3 – Des Moines, IA | RAW | Casey’s Center
Monday, August 10 – Norfolk, VA | RAW | Scope Arena
Monday, August 17 – Buffalo, NY | RAW | KeyBank Center
Monday, August 31 – Charlotte, NC | RAW | Spectrum Center
Friday, September 4 – Cincinnati, OH | SmackDown | Heritage Bank Center
Monday, September 7 – Birmingham, AL | RAW | Legacy Center at BJCC
The run kicks off with a rare combined Raw/SmackDown event in Atlantic City on June 29 before splitting into separate brand tours through the summer. Notable stops include Inglewood’s Intuit Dome (July 27), the Allstate Arena in Chicago (July 6), and a Labor Day weekend doubleheader in Charlotte and Cincinnati.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news and updates.
WWE has added two more UK stops to its 2026 European Summer Tour, announcing a SmackDown taping at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday, June 23, and a live event at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Wednesday, June 24.
The London SmackDown gives the O2 Arena back-to-back nights of WWE television, with Monday Night Raw already booked for the same venue on June 22. It also becomes the second SmackDown taping of the European run, joining the previously announced Barcelona date on May 29 and Bologna date on June 5.
?JUST ANNOUNCED?WWE SMACKDOWN returns to The O2 on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
WWE is still listing the show as Friday Night SmackDown despite the Tuesday taping, leaving open whether it will air live on Netflix internationally or be tape-delayed for the regular Friday window. Past international SmackDowns, including last year’s Bash in Berlin and Clash in Paris weeks, have aired live on Netflix outside the U.S.
The taping carries added weight as the final television stop before Night of Champions, which takes place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 27. WWE has previously stated it does not run Raw or SmackDown out of Saudi Arabia, effectively making the O2 Arena episode the go-home show for the Premium Live Event in Riyadh.
The Sheffield date closes out the UK leg of the tour as a non-televised live event. It marks WWE’s third Utilita Arena stop of the run, following Cardiff on June 20 and Birmingham on June 21.
Ticket Information
An exclusive presale for both the London SmackDown and the Sheffield event begins Tuesday, May 12, at 10am BST. General sale tickets become available on Thursday, May 14, at 10am BST through WWE.com/events.
Champions Advertised For European Tour
WWE has confirmed a stacked roster for the European Summer Tour, including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes (c), Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan (c), WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley (c), United States Champion Trick Williams (c), and Intercontinental Champion Penta (c). The Usos, GUNTHER, Drew McIntyre, and Jacob Fatu are also advertised across the run.
Cody Rhodes’ wife Brandi Rhodes recently came up with a humorous reaction to what went down on WWE SmackDown.
Gunther recently attacked Cody Rhodes on the latest edition of SmackDown following Rhodes’ victory over Ricky Saints. ‘The Ring General’ applied a sleeper hold and held the WWE Championship high, signaling his intentions as Rhodes’ next challenger.
Officials attempted to break up the assault, but the former World Champion continued the attack before eventually releasing the hold. He then grabbed Rhodes’ WWE Championship and held it above his head in a clear statement of intent.
Brandi Rhodes Reacts
In an X post, Cody Rhodes’ wife Brandi Rhodes made a humorous comment that their oldest daughter, Libby, wanted to use one of her infant sister’s diapers to stink up Gunther’s bus.
“Libby wants to put one of her sisters dirty diapers on Gunther’s bus. I think that’s a good start and we can just build from there.”
Libby wants to put one of her sisters dirty diapers on Gunther's bus. I think that's a good start and we can just build from there.
Gunther last appeared at WrestleMania 42, where he defeated Seth Rollins. Bron Breakker played a decisive role in that match, returning to spear Rollins before the finish.
Rollins and Breakker have continued their feud since WrestleMania, with a match scheduled for next weekend at Backlash. Gunther now appears positioned to challenge Rhodes for the WWE Championship in the coming weeks.
WWE SmackDown is returning to two hours sooner than previously reported, with Dave Meltzer clarifying the timeline after earlier indications pointed to the change happening in July.
Meltzer stated in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the shift to a two-hour format will happen in June, with the May 29 episode serving as the final three-hour show in the current run. The longer format is therefore ending at the end of May, not in early July as originally suggested.
Beginning June 5, the third hour on USA Network will be filled by the second season of Everything on the Menu, a show in which Braun Strowman visits restaurants across 12 cities. Mark Henry and Alexa Bliss are each set to appear in two episodes of the series.
The show will not occupy the slot for the entire remainder of the year, with another program expected to take over that hour for approximately three additional months.
The current TV deal structures SmackDown to run three hours for six months each year and two hours for the other six months, making the format shift a recurring pattern rather than a permanent change in either direction.
Friday Night SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, May 1, 2026) from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
WWE continues the road to Backlash 2026 with the second SmackDown since WrestleMania 42.
Tonight’s show features Ricky Saints’ main roster debut, Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne in a Fatal Influence revenge match, and appearances from Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, and new Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton.
Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
How to Watch SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
Venue
BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Channel/Stream
USA Network / Peacock (on-demand)
US Start Time
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
UK Start Time
1 AM BST (Saturday, May 2)
India Start Time
5:30 AM IST (Saturday, May 2)
Duration
3 hours
SmackDown Match Card for May 1, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne (Singles Match)
Flair gets her hands on the leader of Fatal Influence one week after the new faction blindsided her, Alexa Bliss, Brie Bella, and Paige to spoil a Women’s Tag Team Title shot. Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid have made an immediate statement on the blue brand, and Flair stepped up to handle Jayne herself rather than wait for help from Rhea Ripley. Outside interference from the rest of Fatal Influence is on the table.
Ricky Saints Makes His SmackDown Debut
The former NXT Champion arrives on the main roster after a vignette aired last week confirming the call-up. Saints had his NXT farewell match against Shiloh Hill earlier this week, and WWE has heavily promoted his SmackDown arrival. How Triple H and Nick Aldis introduce him remains the question, with potential backstage interactions or an in-ring segment all in play.
Cody Rhodes Addresses the WWE Universe
The Undisputed WWE Champion is advertised for tonight’s show after issuing an open challenge in a promo last week. Rhodes is still sporting the orbital injury from Randy Orton’s post-WrestleMania Punt Kick, and Backlash is eight days away in Tampa. Whatever is announced tonight should clarify who Rhodes defends against on May 9.
Tiffany Stratton’s First Night as Women’s United States Champion
Stratton captured the title from Giulia last week and is expected to address the win on tonight’s show. Whether WWE extends the Stratton vs. Giulia program or pivots her to a fresh challenger should come into focus in Tulsa.
Road to WWE Backlash 2026
Backlash 2026 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
WWE has confirmed three Backlash matches off the Raw side: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker, and Asuka vs. IYO SKY. The SmackDown half of the card is wide open heading into tonight, with Cody Rhodes’ next challenger and the Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams United States Title rivalry both expected to take shape before next week’s go-home show.
Follow SEScoops for any news developments from tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown is expected to return to a two-hour format this summer on USA Network, with the change tied to the second season of Braun Strowman’s cooking show taking over the current third-hour slot.
Both Bodyslam and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE’s blue brand will revert to a two-hour run beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with Strowman’s Everything on the Menu set to air in the 10 p.m. slot currently occupied by SmackDown’s third hour.
According to Bodyslam, the change is expected within a few weeks, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Online schedules show SmackDown still running three hours through at least May 8.
The first season of Everything on the Menu aired in the 10 p.m. ET slot following SmackDown during 2025, and USA Network renewed the show earlier this year. A premiere date for season two has not been announced.
SmackDown has alternated between two and three-hour formats since returning to USA Network in late 2024, with the current three-hour run beginning in January 2026. WWE has not officially confirmed the schedule change.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas to capture the Women’s United States Championship, ending Giulia’s second reign and claiming her first singles title since vacating the WWE Women’s Championship last year.
The win caps a redemption arc for Stratton, who was conspicuously left off the WrestleMania 42 card last weekend in Las Vegas. According to a report from Self-Made Pro, Stratton had been penciled into an earlier version of the WrestleMania 42 card in a three-way match with Giulia and Jordynne Grace, but those plans were scrapped before the event.
Stratton earned tonight’s title shot by defeating Grace in a No. 1 contender’s match on the April 17 go-home episode of SmackDown, finishing her with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever as Giulia and Kiana James watched from ringside.
Stratton’s path to this moment started with a knee injury suffered in October 2025 that ended her 301-day reign as WWE Women’s Champion. She dropped the title to Jade Cargill at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November before disappearing from television for the remainder of the year.
She returned at the 2026 Royal Rumble, lasting until the final stages before Liv Morgan eliminated her, then competed in the Elimination Chamber match that Rhea Ripley ultimately won. Watching WrestleMania 42 from the sidelines while Cargill defended the Women’s Championship she once held only sharpened the storyline payoff.
End of Giulia’s Reign
Giulia had held the Women’s United States Championship since the first SmackDown of 2026, when she defeated Chelsea Green for the vacant title. Her second reign with the belt featured a successful defense against Alexa Bliss and a non-title win over Stratton on the March 27 episode of SmackDown, which set up tonight’s eventual rematch with the gold on the line.
Stratton now becomes a two-time singles champion in WWE. With Rhea Ripley capturing the Women’s Championship from Cargill at WrestleMania 42 Night 2, Stratton’s first reign with the United States Title sets up new collision courses across a SmackDown women’s division entering its post-Mania reset.
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.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, April 17, 2026) from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
This is the go-home show for WrestleMania 42, and the card is stacked. Tonight’s show features the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, a Women’s United States Championship match between Giulia and Tiffany Stratton, and an eight-man street fight between The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs.
Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes will address Pat McAfee and Randy Orton, and Jacob Fatu responds to Drew McIntyre’s attack from last week.
Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
How to Watch SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, April 17, 2026
Venue
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
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 18)
India Start Time
5:30 AM IST (Saturday, April 18)
Duration
3 hours
SmackDown Match Card for April 17, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Giulia (c) vs. Tiffany Stratton (WWE Women’s United States Championship)
Giulia puts the Women’s US Title on the line in a rematch against Tiffany Stratton. The two met in a non-title bout a few weeks back, which Giulia won, and Stratton gets her shot at the gold the night before WrestleMania. Giulia is in her second reign at 105 days and has one prior successful defense against Alexa Bliss.
The Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs (Eight-Man Tag Team Street Fight)
Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erik Rowan, with Nikki Cross in their corner, finally get their hands on Solo Sikoa’s MFTs. Bo Dallas retrieved Bray Wyatt’s lantern from the MFTs last week, setting up tonight’s no-disqualification brawl. Expect all five MFTs to find their way into the match before it’s over.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
The 12th edition of the annual battle royal returns to the go-home SmackDown. Past winners include Carmelo Hayes, Bronson Reed, Jey Uso, and Bobby Lashley. WWE hasn’t officially announced participants, but Raw and SmackDown Superstars will both be in the mix, and the winner takes the trophy 24 hours before Night 1 of Mania.
Cody Rhodes Addresses Pat McAfee and Randy Orton
The Undisputed WWE Champion has taken back-to-back beatings from Orton and McAfee — first the McAfee heel turn in St. Louis, then last week’s double attack in San Jose that also laid out Jelly Roll. Rhodes responds tonight before defending the title against Orton on Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium.
Jacob Fatu Responds to Drew McIntyre
McIntyre put Fatu through hell last week, and the Samoan Werewolf gets a microphone tonight before their Unsanctioned Match on Night 1. Fatu still believes McIntyre was behind the backstage attack that sidelined him last fall, and WWE has already said the promotion won’t be responsible for whatever happens between these two at Mania.
Road to WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tonight is the final chance for Superstars to make a statement before the biggest weekend of the year. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton headlines Night 1, with McIntyre-Fatu and Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley also on the two-night card.
Follow SEScoops for live results, recaps, and all news out of WrestleMania 42 weekend.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will make an appearance on Friday’s SmackDown from Las Vegas, the final show before WrestleMania 42 this weekend. Rhodes will deliver a message to Randy Orton and Pat McAfee ahead of his title defense Saturday night.
The show also features a Women’s United States Championship match, as Giulia puts the title on the line against former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. This marks just the second defense of Giulia’s second reign and her first in three months.
The bout serves as a rematch from their March 27 non-title encounter, which Giulia won. Stratton will look to capture her first singles championship since losing the WWE Women’s title earlier this year.
Jacob Fatu will also appear on the show ahead of his unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. The appearance gives Fatu one final opportunity to send a message before their highly anticipated clash.
The new additions join the previously announced Andre the Giant memorial battle royal and an eight-man street fight pitting the MFTs against the Wyatt Sicks.
SmackDown airs Friday night from Las Vegas, with WrestleMania 42 taking place Saturday and Sunday from the same city.
Pat McAfee recently caused a production blackout during this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown after repeatedly making inappropriate gestures toward the crowd. The former NFL punter’s actions forced the production team to momentarily cut the live feed to maintain broadcast standards.
McAfee appeared on the show with what was described as good news for fans still looking to attend WrestleMania 42 on Saturday. However, as he made his entrance, he began aggressively gesturing toward those in attendance, repeatedly flipping off the crowd.
The gestures crossed WWE’s broadcast standards, forcing production to black out the live feed. Camera operators quickly adjusted their shots to avoid capturing the inappropriate gestures and keep the segment within the company’s PG guidelines.
Pat McAfee has entered the ring on SmackDown. He flips off the fans and mentions everything from "MAGAfee", CM Punk, TKO, Saudi Arabia, ticket prices, etc. WWE is leaning into the "mystery TKO figure" protecting him. I still don't think I like this. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/ePZjIKjyg0
— Grant, of r/REALSquaredCircle (@Graannt) April 11, 2026
Last night’s edition of SmackDown featured Pat McAfee, who cut another controversial promo with Cody Rhodes. They exchanged insults before Randy Orton attacked Jelly Roll backstage. ‘The American Nightmare’ tried to help Jelly Roll but ended up getting attacked by both Randy Orton and McAfee.
Tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown emanates from SAP Center in San Jose. It has been announced that hometown star Bayley will face Alexa Bliss in a singles match.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced the match and it serves as a preview of the Women’s Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
The bout gives Bayley a hometown spotlight. Aldis confirmed the addition to tonight’s card via social media.
“Tonight from The Shark Tank, it’ll be hometown girl Bayley going 1-on-1 with Alexa Bliss,” Aldis wrote. “See you tonight on SmackDown.”
At WrestleMania 42, Bayley will team with Lyra Valkyria to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend will defend against three teams in a multi-team match.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss form one of the challenging teams, while The Bella Twins round out the field. Tonight’s match positions Bayley and Bliss as opponents before they compete in separate teams at the Premium Live Event.
Drew McIntyre has vowed to expose the “real” Jacob Fatu, while Rhea Ripley will respond to Jade Cargill’s recent attack on IYO SKY. Sami Zayn is looking for payback against Trick Williams and Lil Yachty, and Royce Keys will make his official SmackDown debut.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, April 10, 2026) from the SAP Center in San Jose, California, live on the USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
This is the second-to-last SmackDown before WrestleMania 42, and the SAP Center is the last stop before the show heads to Las Vegas for the go-home edition on April 17. Cody Rhodes is in the building with a response locked and loaded after Randy Orton and Pat McAfee left him laid out last week in St. Louis. With eight days until Allegiant Stadium, tonight’s episode carries weight. Here’s everything you need to know including start time, how to watch, and the full card.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Venue
SAP Center, San Jose, California
Channel/Stream
USA Network
US Start Time
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
UK Start Time
1 AM GMT (Saturday)
India Start Time
6:30 AM IST (Saturday)
Duration
2 hours
WWE SmackDown Match Card for April 10, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Cody Rhodes Responds to Randy Orton and Pat McAfee’s Assault
A week ago in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown, McAfee returned to WWE not as a commentator but as an active participant, helping Orton lay out the WWE Champion. Rhodes didn’t wait long to fire back verbally, cutting a live promo on McAfee almost immediately after it happened, but tonight he gets to address it face-to-face with both men in the building.
McAfee has spent the week on his show and social media insisting Orton has been sent by the gods of wrestling to save the business, and he’s teasing a major surprise for tonight. With WrestleMania 42 eight days out, this is the last San Jose shot before Las Vegas. Don’t expect this one to stay verbal for long.
Drew McIntyre Promises to Expose the Real Jacob Fatu
McIntyre has vowed to pull back the curtain on Fatu ahead of their Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania 42. These two have been unable to occupy the same arena without erupting into violence all build, so whatever McIntyre has planned is likely to end with both men brawling through the crowd again. The Unsanctioned stipulation removes the guardrails entirely, and tonight is the last real chance to sell that match to the SAP Center crowd before the lights go on in Las Vegas.
Sami Zayn Looks for Payback on Trick Williams
Zayn successfully defended the Men’s United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes last week, only to get blindsided by Trick Williams — with rapper Lil Yachty serving as the distraction. Zayn and Williams are headed for a WrestleMania 42 title match, and Zayn’s going to want to even the score before they get there. Expect this one to have some heat.
Royce Keys Makes His SmackDown Debut
Keys, formerly Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, entered the Royal Rumble back in January but hasn’t appeared on WWE television since. Tonight he gets his official SmackDown introduction, and the timing is notable: the show is in San Jose, roughly a half hour from his hometown of East Palo Alto, California. WWE released an introductory video Thursday with Keys saying he refuses to be defined by where he’s from. His role on tonight’s show hasn’t been specified beyond the debut itself.
Women’s Division: Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and More Advertised
WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Michin, and B-Fab are all advertised for San Jose. No match has been officially announced, but with WrestleMania looming, don’t be surprised if something gets made official tonight.
Road to WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 takes place Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tonight is the final SmackDown before the WrestleMania go-home show, which means every segment carries finality. The WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, now with McAfee officially in the picture, is the storyline to watch. Whatever happens in San Jose sets the tone for next week’s last push.
Follow SEScoops for any news and developments from tonight’s SmackDown.
Pat McAfee is set to address the WWE Universe on the April 10 edition of SmackDown, teasing he has “some things to say” after his shocking attack on Cody Rhodes. The former NFL punter announced The Pat McAfee Show will not air on Thursday and Friday as he heads to San Jose for SmackDown.
“Friday night, live from San Jose. I think I got some things to say. I think we will have a good time there on SmackDown.”
Pat McAfee Aligns with Randy Orton
McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller on SmackDown last week and was involved in an attack on Cody Rhodes. He also claimed that ‘The Viper’ will “save the business” by capturing his 15th title at WrestleMania 42.
This week’s episode of SmackDown will take place at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. No matches or segments have been announced for the show yet.
As per reports, Pat McAfee was not in favour of the storyline when WWE came calling ahead of WrestleMania 42. McAfee was WWE’s first preference for a celebrity involvement role at the event. However, but he initially turned the offer down, leaving the company scrambling for an alternative.
TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel, who also serves as McAfee’s personal agent, felt the ESPN personality would help elevate the match and drive mainstream attention ahead of the event. McAfee was eventually brought in the mix.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, April 3, 2026) from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
SmackDown rolls into Randy Orton’s hometown with WrestleMania 42 just two weeks away. Tonight’s show is headlined by the long-teased reveal of Orton’s mystery caller, a face-to-face between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, and the fallout from Stephanie McMahon’s confrontation with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on Raw.
Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, April 3, 2026
Venue
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Channel/Stream
USA Network / Netflix (International)
US Start Time
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
UK Start Time
1 AM GMT (Saturday)
India Start Time
5:30 AM IST (Saturday)
Duration
2 hours
SmackDown Match Card for April 3, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Randy Orton’s Mystery Caller Revealed
This is the segment the entire WrestleMania build has been pointing toward. Orton turned heel on Cody Rhodes on the March 14 episode of SmackDown, and since then he’s been taking calls from an unidentified figure who has been guiding his attacks. Earlier this week, Orton posted a video confirming his mystery ally would be in St. Louis tonight. Fan speculation ranges from Bob Orton Jr. to Kevin Owens, with some throwing out bigger names. Whatever the reveal, it happens in Orton’s hometown, which makes it a calculated power play heading into the WrestleMania 42 main event.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Crashes Orton’s Homecoming
Rhodes is heading into hostile territory tonight. After getting attacked by Orton on multiple occasions and taking a slap from Stephanie McMahon on Monday’s Raw at Madison Square Garden, the champion has been warned that he needs to think more ruthlessly if he wants to survive WrestleMania.
WWE has confirmed Rhodes will be on hand to confront Orton in front of his hometown crowd. The question is whether the American Nightmare shows up with the edge McMahon demanded, or walks into a trap set by Orton and his new ally.
Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu Face-to-Face
Last week, General Manager Nick Aldis made their WrestleMania 42 match official as an Unsanctioned Match. That stipulation removes any safety net and plays directly into the war these two have been waging since September.
Their rivalry escalated after Fatu was found attacked backstage in October, with McIntyre denying involvement, and reached a boiling point when McIntyre cost Fatu an Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Tonight’s face-to-face is unlikely to stay civil.
Rhea Ripley Responds to Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin
For the second straight week, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and her allies B-Fab and Michin took out Ripley with a 3-on-1 assault. Ripley is confirmed for tonight’s show, and she’ll need to address the numbers disadvantage heading into her WrestleMania title match against Cargill.
Whether the Eradicator finds backup or goes it alone, she can’t afford another beatdown this close to Las Vegas.
Sami Zayn (c) and the United States Championship Open Challenge
Zayn won the United States Championship from Carmelo Hayes last week in Pittsburgh after Trick Williams’ interference backfired. He’s scheduled to defend the title against Williams at WrestleMania 42, but the open challenge tradition has followed the title from champion to champion over the past year.
Reports suggest Zayn will continue the tradition tonight. With names like Ilja Dragunov, Carmelo Hayes, and others in the mix, any challenger could step up in St. Louis.
Road to WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 takes place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Tonight’s SmackDown is the second-to-last regular episode before the WrestleMania go-home show on April 10. Every storyline is accelerating. The Orton mystery caller reveal could reshape the main event picture entirely, the McIntyre/Fatu Unsanctioned Match just got more personal, and Ripley’s path to WrestleMania gets more complicated by the week. Tiffany Stratton and Solo Sikoa are also advertised for tonight.
Follow SEScoops for any news and developments from tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, March 27, 2026) from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, live on USA Network starting at 8 PM ET.
With WrestleMania 42 just weeks away, tonight’s episode carries real weight. Cody Rhodes makes his first SmackDown appearance since Randy Orton’s brutal attack, there’s injury news on the McIntyre-Fatu situation, and several WrestleMania storylines need closing arguments.
Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, March 27, 2026
Venue
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Channel/Stream
USA Network
US Start Time
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
UK Start Time
1 AM GMT (Saturday)
India Start Time
6:30 AM IST (Saturday)
Duration
2 hours
WWE SmackDown Match Card for March 27, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:
Cody Rhodes Returns
Rhodes makes his first SmackDown appearance since Randy Orton’s attack two weeks ago. WWE officially announced his return during last week’s broadcast, though it’s been left off the official preview page — presumably to hold back some element of surprise. Whatever Rhodes says tonight, it almost certainly sets the direction for their WrestleMania 42 collision.
Jelly Roll vs. Kit Wilson
After trading words last week, the country music star and The Miz’s faction member finally go one-on-one. A clean singles match feels unlikely this close to WrestleMania — Royce Keys is rumored to be involved as Jelly Roll’s tag partner against Wilson and The Miz at the show — so expect this to escalate rather than resolve.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair vs. The Bella Twins
Bliss and Flair got involved in last week’s Women’s Tag Title match between The Irresistible Forces and The Bella Twins, setting up this matchup. With The Irresistible Forces still holding the titles, tonight looks like a step toward building out a multi-team championship picture for WrestleMania.
Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton
A non-title singles match that reads as a preview for WrestleMania weekend. Stratton holds the Women’s United States Championship, and a win for Giulia here would give her the clearest possible case for a title shot.
Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab Appear
Cargill has been calling her crew “The Takeover,” and the group is advertised for tonight with Rhea Ripley looming as a threat. Ripley wants revenge, and Pittsburgh may be where things get physical between the two sides.
Nick Aldis Provides Fatu-McIntyre Update
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis is expected to address the condition of Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre following last week’s brawl that sent both men crashing through a guardrail outside the arena. Their WrestleMania 42 status may hinge on tonight’s announcement.
Road to WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada across the weekend of April 18-19, 2026.
Tonight is effectively the final major SmackDown before the go-home show. Orton-Rhodes needs a payoff, the Women’s Tag picture needs to be set, and the Fatu-McIntyre situation has to be resolved one way or another before Las Vegas. Pittsburgh will play a big role in locking all of that in.
Cody Rhodes celebrated his victory with the Portland crowd after SmackDown.
Tonight\’s episode of the Friday night show saw The American Nightmare challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE title. Nick Aldis had made the bout after McIntyre cost Cody the Elimination Chamber match this past Saturday.
The ending of the fight was a chaotic one as Drew took out not one but two referees in trying to save his title. With an appearance from Jacob Fatu, however, Cody Rhodes was able to defeat the Scottish Psychopath and win back the title to close out the show.
Drew left the arena after his loss, but the new champion remained in the ring for a short promo. He first talked about Portland\’s wrestling history before coming to his victory. The former AEW star thanked the fans for their support and then dedicated his victory to his two daughters:
\”Thank you. I have two daughters. One\’s four, one\’s 6 months. Liberty and Leilani. People always talk about Dusty and they don\’t realize, you know, not to sound morbid, I\’m not doing this for the dead. I\’m doing this for the living. Liberty has gotten; she\’s gotten four WrestleMania main events. Now Leilani gets one herself.\”
Cody Rhodes ended his promo saying that his current run as the QB1 is far from being over, and he asked the crowd to point to the WrestleMania sign with him
Nick Aldis had awarded the American Nightmare an opportunity to win back the WWE title after Drew McIntyre cost him the Elimination Chamber match.
The ending of the bout that main evented this week\’s SmackDown saw the referee going down after McIntyre pulled him into a disaster kick by Rhodes. Cody was then able to deliver the Cross-Rhodes to the WWE Champion but he couldn\’t get the pin with the official down.
Rhodes called for another ref, and Dan Engler came out. Cody ended up eating a Claymore from Drew as he turned around, but McIntyre too was unable to secure the pin. Being frustrated with Engler, the Scottish Psychopath took him out with a headbutt.
Drew McIntyre tried to use the opportunity to take out his opponent with a chair, but Jacob Fatu appeared out of nowhere to stop him. Cody Rhodes was then able to deliver a Cutter and a Cross Rhodes to the champion, and he got the pin as the first referee recovered.
Tonight\’s development means that the Elimination Chamber winner Randy Orton will now face his former protege at WrestleMania 42. McIntyre on the other hand is likely to go after Jacob Fatu for his loss.
