WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (March 27, 2026): Cody Rhodes returns seeking vengeance; Randy Orton RKOs Jelly Roll & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Sami Zayn wins the US title; multiple matches announced for WrestleMania & more!
The March 27 edition of WWE SmackDown emanated from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the grandest stage of them all just three weeks away at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, every single segment this Friday carried massive stakes.
The show featured the in-ring return of Jelly Roll, who battled Kit Wilson. Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia was also in action against Tiffany Stratton in a non-title match. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss took on The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie Bella).
Additionally, General Manager Nick Aldis provided an update on Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu after their intense brawl on the previous week’s episode. Cody Rhodes was also advertised for the show, while Randy Orton was confirmed to appear as well.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 3/27 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
The Viper kicks off the show
Randy Orton picked up the mic and stated that two weeks earlier, Cody Rhodes had told him he needed to be the best version of himself, just as the fans wanted. Rhodes had urged him to embrace The Viper and listen to the voices in his head. Orton said he had shut those voices out a long time ago, but recently he had been thinking about number 15 and his legacy.
With Cody giving him his blessing, Orton admitted that now that he was listening to the voices again, he couldn’t be held responsible for what might happen next. The Viper added that the voices outside his head were the real problem, but there was one person who had his attention, someone whose voice he was actually listening to.
Matt Cardona then appeared, and Orton questioned whether Cardona wanted him to break his other arm, but as Cardona stepped into the ring, he struck Orton with the microphone. Orton fell out of the ring while Cardona called him back in, as officials rushed over to check on the situation.
Grade: C+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- WWE could’ve just announced a match between the two; this segment didn’t achieve anything other than filling up the timeslot.
- Backstage, GM Nick Aldis informed Trick Williams that he would be receiving the ultimate gift: a spot at WrestleMania. Williams was ecstatic as Sami Zayn walked in, congratulated him, and then asked Aldis about his own status for the show. Aldis admitted that things weren’t going Sami’s way and apologized, saying that unless something changed, he didn’t have a spot for him at WrestleMania. Williams then mocked Sami and began discussing the perks he’d receive, prompting Sami to turn back and drop him. Sami then made it clear that he would have a match at WrestleMania.
- Backstage, Orton was furious at Matt Cardona and confronted GM Nick Aldis, demanding that a match between them be made official for later that night. Aldis responded that Cardona was injured, but Orton fired back, saying he was the one responsible and demanded the match again, warning that something bad would happen if he didn’t get it. Aldis then told Orton that will have his match and instructed him to go cool off somewhere on his own.
Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella) – Tag Team match
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend) appeared before the match began and took a seat ringside. During the match, Legend sneaked in an elbow on Bliss, and Brie capitalized with a roll-up, pinning Alexa to bag the win. The Bella Twins and Charlex got into an argument after the match, when Nia and Lash attacked.
Just when Nia and Legend were lining up Alexa for a leg drop, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria darted into the ring to make the save, sending the Tag Champs packing, ahead of their scheduled title clash on Raw next Monday.
Winner: The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella)
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Second outing for the Bella Twins since 2018, following their in-ring return last week on SmackDown.
- Backstage, R-Truth told Damian Priest that he was building a new clubhouse because Judgment Day was “back.” Jelly Roll showed up, and Truth mistook him for Dominik Mysterio. Rhea Ripley then joined them, which only convinced Truth further that the group had reunited, as he enthusiastically started talking about adding a hot tub to the clubhouse. Jelly Roll shared a few words of encouragement before he headed off to prepare for his match. Ripley then congratulated Priest on winning gold. Priest responded by assuring her that she’d capture the title at WrestleMania.
- Backstage, The Bella Twins confronted Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss as they argued over the match’s finish. Brie pointed out that they hadn’t asked Nia and Lash to come out, saying they couldn’t be blamed for what happened. The argument continued, with The Bella Twins making it clear that they would do whatever it took to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Rhea Ripley vs B-Fab
Ripley said she never expected integrity, but what surprised her most was B-Fab and Michin stooping to Jade’s level out of desperation. She added that if that was the game they wanted to play, she had no problem with it, especially during WrestleMania season, where she didn’t care who she had to go through.
Rhea then called them out, prompting Jade Cargill to appear alongside B-Fab and Michin. Jade mocked the crowd, while B-Fab attempted to speak but was drowned out by boos. She eventually called Rhea a selfish coward.
Michin told Rhea to be quiet, saying she had been grinding for years just like her, yet Rhea received all the spotlight while they were overlooked. B-Fab then revealed that the plan came from Jade, and they simply took the opportunity.
Cargill responded by saying that if Rhea wanted a fight, they were more than ready, adding that she was just a guest on SmackDown. She then mentioned that B-Fab wanted to step up and that they had already spoken to Nick Aldis about it.
Rhea fired back, warning that actions have consequences and that Jade wouldn’t always be able to protect them. She then called for a referee, and the match got underway immediately. Jade stepped on the apron to distract Rhea when Michin tried to interfere.
Ripley stepped out of the ring to take out Michin with a big boot. Rhea confronted Jade when B-Fab attempted to jump in, but was met with a brutal headbutt. Jade then slammed Rhea onto the apron, leading to the match ending in a disqualification.
The fight continued back inside the ring, where Rhea fired back with another headbutt and set Jade up for the Riptide. However, the numbers game took over as Michin and B-Fab intervened to break it up, allowing Jade to take control and finish things off with a Jaded.
Winner: Rhea Ripley via DQ
Grade: D+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- The segment came off clunky and uncomfortable overall, with Jade and Rhea lacking real chemistry on the mic, and the involvement of B-Fab and Michin doing little to smooth things out.
- In contrast to the men’s World Title matches at WrestleMania, the Women’s World Title feuds have had a very underwhelming build.
- Backstage, The Miz was clearly frustrated after stepping in gum. The A-Lister told Kit Wilson that he had already proven last week he could handle things on his own, so he planned to lock himself away somewhere “safe.” Wilson dismissed the idea of any curse being involved, which led Miz to rant about the string of misfortunes he’d been dealing with, including dropping his phone in the toilet. Miz walked away as Danhausen appeared and questioned what Kit had that earned him Miz’s mentorship. Kit said he looked the part, while he is to…, Danhausen cut him off mid-sentence and cursed him.
Jelly Roll vs Kit Wilson
For the first time since SummerSlam 2025, Jelly Roll stepped into the ring, this time in a singles match against Kit Wilson. Despite offense from Wilson and even some cheap shots, Jelly Roll manages to survive and deliver the chokeslam to pin Wilson and secure his first win in WWE.
Winner: Jelly Roll
Grade: C-
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- This was Jelly Roll’s first-ever singles win in WWE, and his second match in WWE as well as in his overall career.
- Backstage before the match, Cathy Kelley caught up with Drew McIntyre and asked how he was even able to walk. McIntyre said he hadn’t come to fight; in fact, he couldn’t, but if Jacob wanted a fight, he was more than ready. Drew added that Fatu had taken his title and his WrestleMania opportunity, and when a man has nothing left to lose, that’s when he is at his most dangerous.
- Backstage, Solo Sikoa was with the MFTs, explaining that he was tough on them because he had to be, and that he couldn’t lead the group if everyone wasn’t aligned. He admitted that last week went a bit too far and offered an apology, noting that Roman Reigns wouldn’t do the same. Everyone left except Tama Tonga when Carmelo Hayes arrived, asking whether he was going to challenge for the title now or wait for Solo’s approval. Hayes left as Shinsuke Nakamura appeared and asked his old friend Tama the same question, but Talla Tonga stepped in behind him to prevent the conversation from going any further.
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs Sami Zayn – U.S Title Open challenge
Sami Zayn answered the open challenge with Trick Williams by the ringside to keep a close eye on the match. Once again, Hayes and Zayn didn’t disappoint, putting on an incredible showdown. However, Sami ended up pinning Hayes after Trick tried to intervene and accidentally took out Carmelo as Sami ducked. Zayn followed it up with a Helluva Kick to capture the US title once again and punch his ticket to WrestleMania.
Winner & New: Sami Zayn
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Carmelo’s title reign came to an end at 98 days, and after eight successful title defenses.
- Backstage, Cathy Kelley caught up with Jacob Fatu and asked how he was holding up after last week. Fatu said he hadn’t come there just to hang out backstage and added that, rather than speaking to her, he would address the fans live at the PPG Arena.
- Backstage, Sami Zayn asked Nick Aldis if he had earned a match at WrestleMania. Aldis congratulated him and then announced that he would be defending the title against Trick Williams.
Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu is official for WrestleMania
Jacob Fatu said he was limping, busted open, and nursing cracked ribs, blaming it all on one person: Drew McIntyre. He questioned what was wrong with McIntyre for trying to ruin his career, but insisted that all the attacks wouldn’t keep him down. Fatu declared that despite everything Drew had done, he was still standing, still in the fight, and as long as he had air in his lungs, he was going to dogwalk McIntyre.
Drew McIntyre’s music then hit, and the Scottish Warrior appeared, limping with a mic in hand. McIntyre mocked Fatu for playing the victim, pointing out that Fatu was now the one claiming to be wronged. He called Fatu a criminal, accusing him of stealing his title and WrestleMania spot. Drew then demanded that Fatu look him in the eyes and shouted, “Screw your damn kids!”
Nick Aldis then appeared, asking Fatu to remain in the ring. He explained that the two weren’t allowed to beat the crap out of each other yet, but expressed hope they would be able to on April 18. Aldis then announced that Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu would face off in a no-disqualification, no-count-out, unsanctioned match.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Jelly Roll apologized to Matt Cardona over Randy Orton’s actions last week and then revealed that Cody Rhodes is on his way. Cardona asked Jelly to tell Cody to stay out of his match. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega then appeared. Vega commented that being labeled a “marky stooge” must have really affected Cardona, leaving him all rattled, while Black added remarks about missed opportunities.
- Backstage, Chelsea Green caught up with Tiffany Stratton and tried to mend fences. Stratton attempted to kick her, but Chelsea quickly backed off, explaining that as a former US Champion, she thought she could offer some advice before Stratton’s match against Giulia. Stratton dismissed her, pointing out that being champion twice also meant losing twice, and walked away, leaving Green to vent to Alba Fyre about how rude Stratton had been.
Giulia vs Tiffany Stratton
After defeating her manager, Kiana James, Tiffany Stratton battled Women’s US Champion Giulia in a non-title match. However, she was unable to secure the win as a momentary distraction from James helped Giulia, who intercepted the prettiest moonsault attempt from Stratton with her knees and rolled her up to secure the pin.
Winner: Giulia
Grade: C+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- The match was announced with the US title on the line last week, but WWE then, for some reason, started advertising it as a non-title contest before the show.
- Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Bayley said they had come to prove to the tag champions that they didn’t control the division as much as they believed, and that they would put the entire division on notice with a win on Monday.
Randy Orton vs Matt Cardona
In the show’s final match, Randy Orton faced an injured Matt Cardona, a result of Orton’s attack the previous week. Cardona managed to hit the Rough Ryder, but was unable to get the three pin as Orton fought back, continually targeting the injured arm, slamming and stomping it repeatedly on steel steps, ring post, and even the announce desk.
Orton then showed some mercy and delivered an RKO to pin Cardona and secure the win. After the win, the camera cut backstage as a bus pulled up and Cody Rhodes stepped out. Security tried to block his path to the ring, but Rhodes shoved them aside. Jelly Roll greeted him and said a few words, but Rhodes kept marching forward as security entered the ring to control Orton, who attacked them.
Rhodes entered the ring and immediately attacked Orton, sparking a brawl while security and officials tried to intervene. Both Cody and Orton continued to fight, even taking swings at the security personnel, as attempts to restore order persisted.
Jelly Roll then stepped into the ring, trying to calm both men and mediate, but Orton took out a security guard, creating enough space to hit Jelly Roll with an RKO. The show ended with Aldis, officials, and Rhodes checking on Jelly Roll.
Winner: Randy Orton
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage before the match, Randy Orton was on the phone again, expressing his appreciation to the person he was speaking with and saying he would see them soon.
- Orton is leaning deep into his unhinged heel persona, but the biggest question is: Who has Orton been talking to on the phone?
WWE SmackDown 3/27 Results
- The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella) defeated Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair – Tag Team match
- Rhea Ripley vs B-Fab ended in a DQ as Jade Cargill attacked
- Jelly Roll pinned Kit Wilson
- Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes (c) – United States title match
- Tiffany Stratton pinned Giulia
- Randy Orton defeated Matt Cardona
- Cody Rhodes returned to confront Orton
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown tonight?
Randy Orton defeated Matt Cardona to secure the win in the main event of tonight’s show.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Did WWE announce any matches for WrestleMania 42 on tonight’s show?
Yes, WWE announced two new matches: Jacob Fatu vs Drew McIntyre in an unsanctioned match and Sami Zayn (c) vs Trick Williams for the US title at WrestleMania on tonight’s show.
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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.