WWE SmackDown (April 17, 2026): Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal; WrestleMania 42 build & more set for next week
(Courtesy : WWE)
This week’s SmackDown featured two in-ring debuts.
The April 10 edition of WWE SmackDown arrived at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The show addressed the fallout from last week’s show, with Pat McAfee also responding to CM Punk and announcing 25% discount on Night 1 WrestleMania tickets, before being confronted by Cody Rhodes.
The segment ultimately led to another beatdown with Randy Orton attacking Jelly Roll and then Rhodes. Orton and McAfee left with the Undisputed title to end the segment. Meanwhile, after another attack on Monday, Iyo Sky challenged Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s title.
Cargill retained over Sky in the main event and tried to attack afterwards when Rhea Ripley arrived to save Iyo. Rhea herself targeted Michin and B-Fab during the show. On the other hand, Danhausen and Royce Keys both made their in-ring debut, picking up respective wins over Kit Wilson and Berto.
Elsewhere on the card, Alexa Bliss pinned Bayley, while Trick Williams defeated Matt Cardona. Additionally, Drew McIntyre launched a brutal assault on Jacob Fatu after the latter’s win over Tama Tonga.
The WrestleMania go-home show will feature stars from both brands
The April 17 edition of SmackDown will serve as the go-home show for WrestleMania 42. Stars set to clash at the ‘Grandest Stage’ will face off for the final time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Randy Orton are listed as featured superstars.
As per tradition, the go-home show will feature the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. WWE has not announced the list of participants for the battle royal.
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. Ahead of the showdown, the Wyatt Sicks delivered a message to the MFTs.
Additionally, the show will feature WWE superstars from both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, and fans can expect an explosive final show before Mania with top names colliding before the ‘Grandest Stage.’
Announced for WWE SmackDown next week (April 17, 2026)
- 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
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place next 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.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.
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.