Lineup for WWE SmackDown Tonight (April 17, 2026) ft. Cody Rhodes to appear, Giulia vs Tiffany Stratton, WrestleMania 42 build & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
The final SmackDown before WrestleMania carries massive anticipation.
Before the stage lights up at the Allegiant Stadium for WrestleMania 42, WWE will deliver the go-home edition of SmackDown. The show will follow up on feuds featured in last week’s show, which led up to the ‘Grandest Stage.’
Last week’s show saw Royce Keys make his in-ring debut on the main roster, while Drew McIntyre launched a brutal assault on Jacob Fatu. The show also featured Danhausen’s first official match against Kit Wilson.
In the main event of the show, Jade Cargill defeated Iyo Sky to retain the WWE title. Additionally, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton delivered another beatdown on Cody Rhodes, dragging Jelly Roll in the mix as well.
What’s in store for tonight’s SmackDown?
Following another attack last week, Cody Rhodes is set to respond to Randy Orton ahead of their main event clash on Night 1 of WrestleMania.
On the other hand, Jacob Fatu will also appear after a brutal attack by Drew McIntyre last week, and fans are waiting to see how Fatu responds ahead of the Unsanctioned match at Mania. Additionally, Women’s United States Champion Giulia will defend the title against Tiffany Stratton.
A long-running WrestleMania Week tradition will continue on this week’s episode on the final show of the Blue brand. WWE has officially announced that the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal is set to take place tonight.
On the other hand, after regaining the lantern, the Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erik Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) with Nikki Cross will take on four members of the MFTs (Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) in an eight-man street fight.
- Cody Rhodes has a message for Randy Orton
- Jacob Fatu’s response to Drew McIntyre
- Giulia (c) vs Tiffany Stratton – WWE Women’s United States title match
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
- The Wyatt Sicks(Uncle Howdy, Erik Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) vs The MFTs – 8-Man Street Fight
- Raw & SmackDown Superstars Live
Returns expected on tonight’s show
With WrestleMania around the corner, WWE might pack surprises on tonight’s show. That said, stars from Monday Night Raw are confirmed to appear live.
Stars appearing at WWE World in Las Vegas before SmackDown or even at the WWE Hall of Fame might decide to pay a visit to fans during the Blue brand’s show.
Start time for tonight’s SmackDown
- United States, Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico: 08 PM ET, 07 PM CT & 05 PM PT (Friday)
- Canada: 08 PM ET (Friday)
- United Kingdom & Ireland: 1 AM BST (Saturday)
- India: 5:30 AM IST (Saturday)
- Bangladesh: 06 AM BST (Saturday)
- Saudi Arabia: 03 AM AST (Saturday)
- Australia: 10 AM AEST / 11 AM AEDT (Saturday)
- France: 01 AM CEST (Saturday)
- Brazil: 09 PM BRT (Friday)
- Mexico: 06 PM CST (Friday)
- Singapore: 08 AM SGT (Saturday)
- China: 08 AM CST (Saturday)
- Nigeria: 01 AM WAT (Saturday)
- South Africa: 02 AM SAST (Saturday)
- Germany: 01 AM CET (Saturday)
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The April 17 edition of SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 will emanate live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The two-night spectacle will take place on April 18 & 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
When and where will WWE Hall of Fame 2026 take place?
The ceremony takes place on April 17, 2026, at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stephanie McMahon is scheduled to be the headline inductee for this year, which also features AJ Styles, Demolition, Dennis Rodman, Sycho Sid, and Bad News Brown.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.