Friday Night SmackDown featured two former AEW stars making their singles debuts, Royce Keys and Danhausen, both securing victories. The show also saw exciting matches including Jade Cargill defeating IYO Sky in the main event,

The final SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 delivered a night of explosive revelations and shock appearances. Randy Orton issued a chilling final warning to Cody Rhodes, while World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk made a surprise appearance to address the "American Nightmare.

R-Truth did the New Day clap as fans chanted “New Day sucks!” Truth tagged himself in and did John Cena’s five moves of doom. Vegas was begging for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, and both Priest and Truth gave it to them. Truth and Priest hit a Shatter Machine/Hart Attack for the win.

“WWE Friday Night SmackDown” is airing the 16th episode of its 28th season on Friday at 8 p.m. You can watch live as it premieres on the USA Network on Sling TV or DirecTV (free trial). This week, the episode will continue the lead up to the ultimate event of the WWE calendar, WrestleMania, which begins on April 18.

Next week, Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown. With his best friend Matt Cardona attacked by Orton, Rhodes will be all business. Orton still hasn’t revealed who was on the phone, so expect the heat to stay firmly in his corner.

Royce Keys surprised the WWE Universe on SmackDown when he claimed the 2026 Andre Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The victory came just days before WrestleMania 42

After Pat McAfee kicked Cody Rhodes in the dick on the April 3 episode of WWE SmackDown, he grabbed the microphone and wished for the Attitude Era to make its return, burying the current state of the business.