Monday, April 20, 2026

Raw Deal - Raw recap for April 20, 2026

Oba Femi makes his way to the ring to start tonight's show. After a massive ovation, Oba says "The ruler has arrived." Oba's theme plays, and the fans chant his name again.



We hear from The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). Asuka says Iyo Sky has chosen her "fake family" over them when she is the cause for her WWE success. She asks how her friendship to Rhea Ripley is working out, as Rhea as champion while she is not. She says that it did not have to be this way and that all she had to do was have her by her side. She also says that Iyo Sky has made her choice, and has corrupted Kairi Sane, too. Kairi says that they have beaten Iyo and Rhea once and that they will beat her again. Asuka says that Iyo and Rhea will suffer the consequences.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky beats The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) after an Irish Whip from Kairi Sane to Iyo Sky leads to Iyo hitting a tope suicida on Asuka.



Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce congratulates Penta on retaining his title when Je'Von Evans shows up and congratulates Penta. Je'Von says he came close, but he is not angry. Penta says they stole the show last night, then says his title is not going anywhere. Penta leaves, then "All Ego" Ethan Page shows up as the newest Superstar on the Raw roster. Ethan Page mocks Je'Von Evans for needing another shot at the Intercontinental title, saying he always gets what he wants and only needs one shot at it. Pearce makes a shot between Ethan and Je'Von as soon as the argument happens.



We see the Spanish announce team of Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto. Royce Keys is seen in the crowd.

CM Punk heads to the ring. Punk says he has dealing with a lot of loss during the last six months, some of them part of his WWE family and some of them among friends, and last night, he lost the World Heavyweight Championship. He says that being World Heavyweight Champion gave him an anchor to slow down, and thanks the fans for helping him process all the grief and all the loss, knowing they will help him get through losing his title. He admits he was not supposed to be World Heavyweight Champion, as Seth "Freakin'" Rollins cashed in him, but all of a sudden, opportunity arose, he won number one contendership, and if it he had not become champion, Jey Uso would be here right now. Punk admits he lost last night, but he is still the best in the world, and he proved it even though it was not his night. He then says he will stay ready, as he never knows when another opportunity will fall out of the sky. Suddenly, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up with a black eye. Cody says he did not expect this and that the fans gave Punk the flowers he deserves, but says he feels like a loser right now. Punk says Cody beat a first-ballot hall of famer who was also a friend and mentor, and while beating up someone one hates is easy, beating up a friend is hard. Punk says he is free and shouldered the burden, but last night was not his night. He tells Cody to keep being champion, while he just has to stay ready, as he never knows when another opportunity is just going to fall out of the sky. He tells Cody to keep being champion, while he just has to stay ready, as he never knows when another opportunity is just going to fall out of the sky. As Punk leaves, Cody says "Hey, Punk! Just say when."



We hear from Finn Balor, who says that "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio brought out The Demon, and The Demon put him down. He says he is not done, as Dominik drew blood and was the first to fall. He is not done with The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio), and that the betrayal he received from Dominik was unexpected from JD McDonagh. Finn Balor talks about how he mentored McDonagh into one of the greatest performers on Earth and how McDonagh always had his back, only for McDonagh to make his choice and choose Dominik. Tonight, he takes McDonagh out.

"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Je'Von Evans in his Raw debut following the distraction by Rusev. After the match, Rusev attacks Je'Von while Ethan Page leaves the ring and watches, then Rusev puts Je'Von in the Accolade. Penta shows up and fights Rusev, and gets the upper hand. All of a sudden, Ethan Page trips Penta off the top rope, and after Rusev hits Penta with the Machka Kick, Ethan Page tries to endear himself to Rusev only to back off. Rusev then puts Penta in the Accolade before posing with the Intercontinental Championship.



Two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, comedian Funny Marco, Paige and The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) are seen in the crowd.

The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) makes their way to the ring. Liv Morgan declares herself the greatest Women's World Championship before thanking the rest of The Judgment Day for their support as well as Stephanie Vaquer for reminding her of a feeling she has not felt in a long time. She says that feeling reminded her of who she is: the greatest woman in WWE. As Liv tells the fans that they have not seen anything yet, Sol Ruca suddenly shows up. Sol Ruca tells Liv that she has been watching her and calls her an inspiration over the past decade as well as the top woman in the division. Liv appreciates the kind words despite the interruption, then says Sol Ruca "is no Liv Morgan." Liv gives Sol Ruca a chance to save herself and leave, and Sol Ruca tells Liv that while she did not come to start a fight, she will not back down from one, either. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and calls for referee Jessika Carr, then makes a match between Sol Ruca and Liv Morgan that happens right now.



Liv Morgan beats Sol Ruca - the latter now on the main roster - after Sol Ruca is attacked on the outside by Zaria, allowing Liv to hit Ob-Liv-Ion for the win after Sol Ruca barely beats the ten count to get back in the ring. After the match, Stephanie Vaquer shows up and confronts Liv Morgan.



Rappers and podcast hosts Fabolous, Maino, Jim Jones and Dave East are seen in the crowd.

We see a video package of Brock Lesnar's WWE career.



The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) heads to the ring. Heyman says he had a whole speech prepared, but the beginning of the show threw him off. He says that his favorite part of WrestleMania was expecting the unexpected, and that what happened last night will be in his heart for the rest of his life. He talks about CM Punk kissing everyone's ass and mentions that Brock Lesnar is now in the "now" portion of the WWE into the "forever" portion, as he is done for now and forever will be "the baddest motherfucker on the planet." Heyman then focuses on the now, stating that there is a resurgence in the tag team division thanks to Logan Paul and Austin Theory, then gives Logan Paul the floor. Logan Paul is booed mercilessly as he states that the only reason that The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and LA Knight stole the victory from them at WrestleMania is because of iShowSpeed, who he calls "backstabbing" and "ungrateful." He says that he is sick of streamers coming into WWE and doing what the Superstars do, and says that he hates the outsiders and that nothing that happened at WrestleMania matters. He also says that iShowSpeed left with a piece of his fist in his face, while he and Austin stayed tag team champions. Heyman says that a magnificent favor was done for him by Gunther, and thanks Gunther before telling him that he owes him one and is ready to repay when he is ready. Heyman then introduces Bron Breakker as the man who broke Seth "Freakin'" Rollins in half. Bron Breakker heads to the ring and talks about how he became the leader of The Vision in tonight's arena one year ago today because Rollins was "too weak," and boasts that he enjoyed ruining everything for Rollins at WrestleMania. He hopes that Rollins is watching somewhere, because from here on out, he will be coming after him and attacking him. Suddenly, Rollins shows up from behind and attacks The Vision with a metal folding chair. Theory hits Rollins with a right hand, and the numbers game quickly takes over. All of a sudden, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up for the first time in months and take out Logan Paul and Austin Theory. The Street Profits take their brawl into the crowd, then a busted open Bron Breakker gets back in the ring to go for a spear on Rollins only for Rollins to superkick him and fight back. Rollins goes for The Stomp, but Breakker avoids it and hits the Spear. He tells Rollins that he will ruin everything Rollins has ever done and that the fans will remember him as a shell of what he used to be before hitting Rollins with another Spear.





We hear from JD McDonagh, who says that he and Finn Balor are supposed to be family, but now Finn Balor has changed so much he barely recognizes him. He says that he stood behind Finn Balor and took bullets for him, but Finn Balor cost them gold, and throwing away their friendship was so easy he would do it again. McDonagh then tells Finn Balor that he will step out of his shadow and prove that the Finn Balor he knew and loved is dead.

We see Trick Williams in the crowd.

Finn Balor beats JD McDonagh. After the match, Finn Balor is attacked from behind by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, but Finn Balor fends him off. Dominik retreats as Finn Balor goes for a Coup de Grace.



Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Gunther, who says that he feels fantastic after beating Seth "Freakin'" Rollins at WrestleMania, then says there is no "[him] and Paul Heyman" - even though Heyman still owes him a favor - and that he will get the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist very soon. LA Knight shows up and congratulates Gunther on winning, then tells Gunther that he is not the only one with the eyes on the prize.



Backstage, Rhea Ripley tells Iyo Sky to handle her business on Raw while she becomes the champion SmackDown needs. Iyo Sky tearfully wishes Rhea Ripley luck before they both part ways, then Rhea runs into Liv Morgan, who says that she will see her around. Rhea says she is looking forward to it.



Roman Reigns arrives at the arena and heads to the ring. Along the way, he meets up with The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso), and lets them join in. Roman says he was going to keep it simple and talk about the future, but after seeing his cousins, he decided to handle some family business first. He tells The Usos that he missed having The Usos' full trust, respect and admiration and missed doing business with them, and right now, they are separated and scattered, and they are weak because of it. Roman says that when they come together, nobody can stop them, and it was while they were together that they ran the business for four years straight. He asks The Usos not to serve him, but to stand by him as family. Jimmy Uso says that Roman Reigns will always be his and Jey Uso's Tribal Chiefs and everyone else is "the twos" while they are "the ones." The three of them are about to raise a finger in the air when Jacob Fatu shows up. Roman tells Jacob it has been a long while since he last saw him and that there are only a couple of reasons he would be here. Jacob shows up and makes it clear he needs the World Heavyweight Championship. He also says he does not want to be Tribal Chief, but he wants everything the Tribal Chief has, and he will do anything for his family, even if that means going through Roman. Jacob then states that he is upgrading and levelling up his household at Backlash. Roman says he agrees and wants all of those things for Jacob, too, and has faith that Jacob can beat him. He then asks Jacob if he can handle the burden on being World Heavyweight Champion. He then asks if Jacob can handle the burden of acknowledging him if he loses. Roman tells Jacob that the air at the top is thin and gives Jacob a week to decide, then says he does not think Jacob is ready before he and The Usos leave.





Here are the highlights from tonight's show!



Sunday, April 19, 2026

WrestleMania 42, Night Two - The LIVE Results



It is announced that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is not medically cleared after last night, with Cody needing three sutures to the face and four staples to the back of the head, and that the impact to Cody's left orbital socket is so severe that his left eye is swollen shut. The timetable for Cody's return is up in the air.

We see more of Michael Cole's interview with Roman Reigns.

We see Booker T's interview with Trick Williams, Lash Legend and Je'Von Evans from last Thursday.



Backstage, Peter Rosenberg interviews Tricky Williams and Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty looks forward to Trick Williams beating Sami Zayn, and Trick plans on walking out United States Champion tonight.

We see Byron Saxton's interview with Jade Cargill from earlier this week.



Backstage, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio complains to Raw General Manager Adam Pearce that he should not be facing Finn Balor as "The Demon" tonight. Pearce agrees, then tells him that he is now having a street fight tonight.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Dominik says that he signed the contract to wrestle Finn Balor, but he is the king of the luchadors and the greatest Mysterio of all time, and not only does Finn Balor not know his demons, he will beat Finn Balor's demon tonight.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rey Mysterio. Rey says that tonight is a big moment, especially since he missed last year's WrestleMania, but he is ready to go. He says that tonight is a special moment after what happened a year ago and that luck is on his side.

We see Corey Graves' interview with CM Punk from earlier this week.

We see even more of Michael Cole's interview with Roman Reigns.

Joe Jonas sings The Star Spangled Banner.



John Cena heads to the ring to welcome everyone to tonight's show. He says that the stage is set for a historic second night, and with WrestleMania debuting on ESPN, they have to start with something big. This leads almost immediately into Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar after the LED boards change to the theme for night two.

Oba Femi beats Brock Lesnar after getting up from an F5, hitting the choke slam and then hitting Fall From Grace for the win in four minutes and forty-three seconds (4:43). After the match, Brock Lesnar sits in the center of the ring and removes both his gloves and his boots, and leaves them in the center of the ring. This leads to a "Thank You Brock" chant as Lesnar stands up, waves to the fans and hugs Paul Heyman before going out with a standing ovation.







Before the next match, Penta wears a Shao Khan-inspired helmet as part of a cross-promotion for the upcoming Mortal Kombat II movie.

Penta retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Rey Mysterio, Je'Von Evans, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Dragon Lee in a ladder match.



Mexican singer JOP, producer Rick Rubin, three-time NLF Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs, former UFC fighter Daniel Cormier, and singer-songwriter Joe Jonas are seen in the crowd.

Lil Yachty introduces Trick Williams before the next match.



Trick Williams beats Sami Zayn to become the WWE United States Champion! After Lil Yachty sends Sami Zayn neck-first into the top rope, Sami is able to fight back after kicking out of a Trick Kick, but Trick counters a Helluva Kick with the Trick Shot for the win and the title.



Indiana Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton, San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, and former NFL football player Rob Gronkowski are seen in the crowd.

Before the next match, multiple people wearing luchador masks line the ramp as "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio (also wearing a mask) arrives on a motorized throne. The match also marks the return of Finn Balor as The Demon for the first time in three years.



Finn Balor beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio in a street fight with a Coup de Grace through a table.



We see the Minute Maid Juice Zone.

American entrepreneur Adam Weitsman guests at the commentary table for the next match.

Rhea Ripley beats Jade Cargill to become the WWE Women's Champion for the second time (the first time was when the title was the Raw Women's Championship) after Iyo Sky shows up and fights off "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Cargill slips out of Riptide and almost hits Jaded, but Rhea slips out of Jaded and hits Riptide to win the match and the title.





John Cena announces that attendance for Night Two is 55,255 people. The overall weekend attendance is 106,072. John Cena thanks the fans, then The Miz and Kit Wilson show up. The Miz says Cena has left a hole that he has had to fill as locker room leader, and says that he will not leave the ring until he gets his WrestleMania moment this year after missing out last year. John Cena simply leaves and lets The Miz get his moment, which is immediately interrupted by Danhausen, who is introduced by tiny Danhausens as he drives what looks like a vehicle from Wacky Races. From a more distant angle, the vehicle is noted to look like a coffin. Danhausen gets in the ring with the tiny Danhausens and shakes John Cena's hand, and The Miz says that if he wanted to see The Wizard of Oz, he would have went down the street. Kit Wilson calls one of the tiny Danhausens "toxic" before shoving him, and the tiny Danhausen responds by punching Kit Wilson in the groin at Danhausen's behest before all of the tiny Danhausens go after him. Danhausen punches The Miz in the groin, then hits him with the Five Knuckle Shufflehausen before the tiny Danhausens carry Miz off to the back. A firework goes off afterwads, then Danhausen goes under the ring, having misses his cue due to the lights not turning off. Cena laughs.



Before the next match, Roman Reigns' theme contains live drums, piano and opera vocals. We also see photos of previous wrestlers in the Anoa'i family line - "High Chief" Peter Maivia, The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), and Yokozuna - on the video screens. Roman Reigns also receives his previous theme from when he became the Tribal Chief. CM Punk's entrance shows Punk on the roof of the Allegiant Stadium followed by photos of his career while Miseria Cantare plays. Punk then stands in front of black video screens, and Cult of Personality plays as soon as he says "It's clobberin' time!"





Roman Reigns beats CM Punk to become the World Heavyweight Champion! With this victory, Roman Reigns becomes a seven-time world champion in WWE, and only the third holder of the title after Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Drew McIntyre to also have held both the WWE Championship and the WWE Universal Championship.



Here are all the entrances from tonight's show!



Here are the highlights from tonight's show!



The Dark Knight Rises - Gotham Wrestling recap for April 19, 2026

QT Marshall beats "Thicc Daddy" Andy Brown after countering Finish Him! with a Diamond Cutter.



JP Grayson beats Nicky Primo.



Rob McKnight beats Halex in an exclusive match from Thunder Studios.



Backstage, Zeda Zhang interviews The Evantourage ("Main Event" Evan Daniels, Damian Desire, Bryce Saturn). Evan Daniels announces that he will defend the Television Championship on all of the UWN shows, and in two weeks, he will defend the title in Gotham Wrestling against "The Greek God" Papadon. As Evan Daniels says that he will come out on top against Papadon, Bryce Saturn and Damian Desire tells Evan Daniels that they will not be with him at Gotham Wrestling.



Fidel Bravo and Zokre beat The Krusty Krew (Dom Kubrick and Lucas Riley) in an exclusive match from Thunder Studios.



"One in a Million" Maximilien retains the UWN Heritage Championship against Buck Skynyr by submission with the Max Factor in an exclusive match from Thunder Studios.





Championship Gold - Championship Wrestling recap for April 19, 2026

We hear from The Wolf Zaddies (Che Cabrera and Bad Dude Tito). Bad Dude Tito says Fly Def ("Fly Brother" Warren Jay and "The Big Homie" Zackzilla)calling them out is not too bright, and Che Cabrera says that they are the most dominant team in Championship Wrestling. Tito says they will break necks, cash checks, have some beer and sell some merch. Cabrera tells Fly Def to get ready to get "Zatisfied."

Fly Def ("Fly Brother" Warren Jay and "The Big Homie" Zackzilla) beats The Wolf Zaddies (Che Cabrera and Bad Dude Tito) after The Wolf Zaddies hit Total Zatisfaction on Warren J only for Zackzilla - who tagged himself in before the double-team - to sneak in and steal the win.

Backstage, we hear from Jordan Castle and "One in a Million" Maximilien. Castle says that Mathias got his ass kicked again and Maxmilien retained the Heritage Championship. He says that this will keep going for the next couple of months, then says jealousy is an ugly green monster while Maximilien is a beautiful champion. Castle says they will keep winning until they see fit, as Maximilien is the greatest thing ever seen.

"The Anomaly" Alex Ace beats J Mighty. After the match, Christian Rosenberg warns that destruction is in everyone's destiny, courtesy of "The Anomaly" Alex Ace.

In footage from last week, he hear from The Krusty Krew (Dom Kubrick and Lucas Riley). Dom Kubrick calls 5150's (Danny Limelight and Slice Boogie) "tough guy act" a cry for attention and says that 5150 is scared. Lucas Riley agrees, saying 5150 knows that they could not lace their boots on their best day. He then challenges 5150 to put the tag team titles on the line in a two-out-of-three falls match against The Krusty Krew.

Jake Redondo and Joey Lancaster beat Rayshawn Price and G4.

Fred Rosser vs. Jordan Cruz for the UWN World Championship from April's Sunday Night Slam is replayed.



Saturday, April 18, 2026

WrestleMania 42, Night One - The LIVE Results



We see Wade Barrett's interview with Randy Orton from earlier today.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews AJ Lee. AJ Lee says that everything she has fought for a decade ago has now come to fruition, and that Becky Lynch is her Mount Everest tonight. She says that 11 years ago, she walked in and out of WrestleMania victorious for what was almost the last time, and tonight, she will do it again.

Vic Joseph interviews Sol Ruca regarding tonight's Women World Championship match.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Stephanie Vaquer. Vaquer says she has worked her entire life to get to WrestleMania and hold the Women's World Championship, and tonight is the most important match of her career. She says that it is about fame and attention for Liv Morgan, but it is about years of sacrifice for her, and tonight, she will beat Liv Morgan.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says that he is not playing mind games and that he is telling the truth, and that one cannot play mind games with someone who is mindless. He insults Jacob Fatu's intelligence and says that Jacob has re-offended since he left prison. McIntyre says he will take every weapon and beat Jacob within an inch of his life, and that Jacob will re-offend, hurt everyone around him and head back to prison. McIntyre then says that he is not the hero the people want, but the hero the people need.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews iShowSpeed. He feels like he is at the point where he has to do it, and while he is nervous about his first WrestleMania match, he is here. He says the training has been hectic and very different, and he hopes everything goes well.

We hear from The Miz, but he is suddenly interrupted by footage of Danhausen on the Good Year blimp.

We see Michael Cole's interview with Roman Reigns from earlier this week.

We see Joe Tessitore's interview with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes from earlier this week.

We see Joe Tessitore's interview with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque from earlier this week.

The Las Vegas Mass Choir sings sings God Bless America.

Lin-Manuel Miranda welcomes us to the show in the cold open.

John Cena heads to the ring as host of tonight's show. He admits that the road to this year's WrestleMania has been chaos, unpredictable and "very, very vocal," and that one could say that it is polarizing. He says that the time to talk is up and that the time to deliver is now, and that everyone is here to see who will stand up and deliver. Cena then welcomes everyone to tonight's show.



LA Knight shows up in a custom LA Knight pick-up truck on the way to the ring for the next match. The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and iShowSpeed show up with multiple camera anglesafter a large banner with The Vision's logo drops down.



The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and LA Knight beat The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and iShowSpeed after Theory holds Knight down for iShowSpeed to attack Knight only for Knight to send Theory into Speed and then hit Speed with the BFT for the win. After the match, Logan Paul confronts iShowSpeed and smacks him for costing him a WrestleMania win. He then sends Speed to the commentary table and goes up to the top rope, but The Usos and LA Knight get back into the ring for a 1D on Logan. After the match, Knight gets Logan Paul on the commentary table, and Speed goes up to the top of the ring post and splashes Logan through the table, breaking it apart. The Usos, LA Knight and iShowSpeed all celebrate in the ring.







San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, three-time Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs, two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Halliburton and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith are seen in the crowd.

Jacob Fatu beats Drew McIntyre in an unsanctioned match after hitting McIntyre with a toolbox and putting him through a table with a moonsault from the top rope.



We see Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto at the Spanish commentary table.

Demolition (Ax and Smash) are in the crowd before the next match as The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up in white Demolition-esque gear.

Before the next match, The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) show up, with Nikki holding a crutch. Nikki says she could not get cleared in time and called up an old friend: Paige, formerly known as Saraya.



Brie Bella and Paige beat Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria and The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) in a Fatal 4-Way tag team match to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions after Nikki Bella pulls Charlotte out of the ring and hits her with her crutch, allowing Paige to get the knees up to counter Twisted Bliss and hit Ram-Paige for the win and the title in what is Paige's first match in WWE in around eight years.



Comedians Tony Hinchcliffe and Jeff Ross are seen in the crowd. We also see the Drumstick Squad in The Cone Zone.

Rock band The Wonder Years perform Becky Lynch's entrance theme before the next match. For AJ Lee's entrance, kids dressed like AJ Lee, complete with replica WWE Women's Intercontinental Championships, skip and dance their way to the ring with AJ Lee.

Becky Lynch beats AJ Lee to win the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship for the third time after removing a turnbuckle cover that she previously removed earlier in the match, using referee Jessika Carr as a shield, sending AJ into the exposed turnbuckle as the referee is disoriented, and hitting the Manhandle Slam to win the match and the title.



Actor and boxer Chuck Zito (and George Kittle, still drinking beers), recently retired boxer Terence Crawford, comedian Funny Marco, Zuffa boxer Conor Benn, and The General - who has given the Dorfman Family the Big Break Seat Upgrade - are seen in the crowd.

Gunther beats Seth "Freakin'" Rollins by submission with a sleeper hold after Rollins puts Gunther through the commentary table with a Pedrigree only for Bron Breakker to return and nearly Spear Rollins through the barricade, allowing Gunther to get Rollins back into the ring for a sleeper hold and the win when Rollins passes out. After the match, Breakker runs down the ramp and hits Rollins with another Spear. Paul Heyman welcomes Bron Breakker back into The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) at the top of the ramp.





The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is seen on the stage.

Before the next match, Liv Morgan performs the dance routine for her new theme song "Trouble," which contains her vocals. The dancers from the music video are also on stage with Liv as they rip her clothes off to reveal her wrestling gear underneath.



Liv Morgan beats Stephanie Vaquer to win the Women's World Championship for the third time after Vaquer takes out both Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez on the outside only for Liv to send Vaquer into the ring steps and hit a top rope Backstabber and a second Ob-Liv-Ion to win the match and the title.



John Cena announces that tonight's official attendance is 50,816.

Bianca Belair heads to the ring in her first appearance in WWE in months. Bianca thanks the fans for their support, then announces that she is pregnant. Cena adds one more to the attendance count, then announces that the main event is next.



Staff Sergeant Yari Arista is tonight's Wheatley American Vodka's Military Spotlight.

Before the next match, Randy Orton's theme starts with the sound of a hissing viper, while "The American Nightmare" Cody Rohdes' entrance shows Cody Rhodes' history in WWE up until tonight.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. As per pre-match stipulation, Pat McAfee must leave the business permanently. Before the match starts, Pat McAfee hits Cody Rhodes with a cheap shot, but Cody hits him with a Cross Rhodes. Cody then gets McAfee on the commentary table, and Jelly Roll jumps from one commentary table to the other to put McAfee through the table with an elbow drop before McAfee is taken out on a stretcher. McAfee flips the bird on the way out. Later in the match, Cody pokes Orton in the eyes, and Orton inadvertently hits the RKO on referee Charles Robinson, taking him out. Orton goes for a low blow, but Cody goes low first. Cody then goes for a Super Cody Cutter, but Orton counters with an RKO. Pat McAfee shows up in a neck brace dressed like a referee afterwards. Shortly afterwards, Orton hits McAfee with an RKO, then Cody hits a Cross Rhodes on Orton to win and retain after original referee Charles Robinson comes to. After the match, Orton grabs the Undisputed WWE Championship and blasts Cody with it, then hits his trademark punt to end the show.







Here are the highlights from tonight's show!



Here are all the entrances from tonight's show!



Memphis Thing - Memphis Wrestling recap for April 18, 2026

Dustin Starr interviews "The Gift" Ray Sanders and Derrick King. Sanders says he beat Tim Bosby once and he can beat him again, and calls him out so he can face him for the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championship. Bosby shows up and says Ray Sanders is nothing more than a charity case, but if he wants another shot, he will got it on the condition that if Sanders loses again, he cannot challenge for the title again for as long as he is champion. Sanders accepts the challenge, and the match happens right now. Bosby takes this an an opportunity to ram Sanders into the ring post before the match can begin. Derrick King guests on commentary.

Tim Bosby retains the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championship against "The Gift" Ray Sanders by submission with the ankle lock. As per pre-match stipulation, Sanders cannot challenge for the Memphis Wrestling Heritage Championship again for as long as Bosby is champion.



Jake Brewer announces that next week, The Modern Day Monsters (Bruce and Morrow) and The Slaughterhouse (Jagged James and Nasty Nick) will face off in a steel cage match.

Xya vs. Raven Black ends in a no-contest. During the match, Raven Black grabs a bottle, and when Paige Collett tries to stop her, Raven hits her in the back of the head with the bottle when she turns her back.



CJ Money beats Main Event Bradley in a Tough Love Match after CJ Blaine and Mama Money confront Bradley for illegally choking CJ Money, allowing CJ Money to get the schoolkid pin and the win. After the match, Bradley tries to shake CJ Money's hand only for CJ Money to bring him down with a drop toe hold so that Mama Money can whip Bradley in the back with a leather belt.



We hear from Matchmaker King Cobra, who calls out Vince Russo, saying that if Russo gets out of line even once, he will send him back where he came from. Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Vince Russo tells Caleb Konley that Memphis Wrestling paid a lot of money to get him here, and that they are not going back. Konley says he has some friends in Juggalo Championship Wrestling and that they will flush the toilet that is Memphis Wrestling.

The Circus (Barnabas the Leader, Jackson Crowley, Abel Booker) returns as "The Outbreak," with Barnabas now known as "Barnabas the Bizarre" as they team with Kaleb Conley.

The Super Friends (Wonder Boy and The Shocker) and Big John Dalton beat Caleb Konley and The Outbreak (Jacksyn Crowley and Abel Booker) in a six-man tag match after The Outbreak inadvertently spit black poison mist into Konley's eyes, allowing Big John Dalton to hit a top rope splash on Konley back in the ring for the win.





Friday, April 17, 2026

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for April 17, 2026

The show begins with Pat McAfee and Randy Orton arriving to the arena in a red Dodge Ram. General Manager Nick Aldis hands McAfee a contract and says they will have a chat, and Orton lets McAfee and Aldis handle things. McAfee asks Aldis to park the truck as he signs the contract. Orton makes his way to the ring, and says he will be the first to admit that he does not need Pat McAfee. He does want him, however, as he is the only straight shooter in WWE and does not tell him what he wants to hear, and tells him what he needs to hear. McAfee told him that he had to do was be himself, as he got into a title match with Drew McIntyre, who he was easy to be himself with. When "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes took the WWE Championship back, he did not want to hurt Cody at first. When Cody gave him permission to be himself, he took exception to that. He says that in his and Cody's give-and-take relationship, he kept giving while Cody kept taking. Orton mentions that he did not benefit from having Cody's back in the last two years, saying Cody did nothing but take and even gifted his then-friend Kevin Owens a title match only for Kevin to turn on Cody. Orton says he tried to reason with Owens only to be piledriven, which nearly cost him his career. He says that McAfee has done more and given to him in more than half a lifetime while Cody has done nothing but take. He says helping Cody has hurt his legacy more than anything else, and at WrestleMania, he will fix his legacy and take his fifteenth world title home where it belongs.



Backstage, Randy Orton rejoins Pat McAfee and General Manager Nick Aldis and gets in the red Dodge Ram. McAfee says everything will change for the better at WrestleMania and that he has put in a good word for Aldis before he and Orton speed off.

The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) beat The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) in a eight-man tag team street fight after Solo Sikoa hits Uncle Howdy with a Samoan Spike as Tama Tonga is about to hit Howdy with Cutthroat.



Backstage, R-Truth and Damian Priest are talking about potential opponents. R-Truth wants to face The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Grayson Waller), but Priest says they are on Raw. R-Truth has to be reminded that Danhausen is cursing people, not Asuka. Also, when R-Truth says that Xavier Woods is so bad that he turned Sammy Sosa "lavender white white," Priest reminds him that he is really talking about Grayson Waller.

We see footage of The Miz renewing his vows with Maryse with Kit Wilson running the proceedings. All of a sudden, Danhausen suddenly shows up and ruins everything, and it leads to Danhausen cursing Maryse, who gets inadvertently shoved into a wedding cake by Miz when Miz gets his hands on Danhausen.



We learn more about Royce Keys, such as how his mother suffered a fatal overdose at the age of 61, which still pains Royce Keys and his family to this day. Royce feels that tapping into your emotions make you stronger, and knows that his mother is proud of him.



A police car is seen entering the arena. The driver gets out, and Jacob Fatu is helped out of the back. Jacob Fatu stands on the top of the car as he addresses Drew McIntyre, saying he still wants to double back about his life. He says he is not shamed or afraid of his past life and that he does not live that life anymore, and that McIntyre made a mistake in thinking that handcuffing him would embarrass him, as even the police know he is not the same guy. Jacob Fatu then says that this is where things get twisted, as they have an unsanctioned match and that no authority can keep him from beating up McIntyre or save McIntyre from him beating his ass. He says McIntyre tried to put him back in the jail cell where he changed his life when he already put the cell in his rear view mirror, and when he gets down beating McIntyre's ass, he will put him in the rear view mirror.



Backstage, Alexa Bliss looks back on 2025, and Charlotte Flair looks forward to winning tag team gold at WrestleMania. Alexa says that they need to win tonight.

Two-time NBA All Star Tyrese Haliburton is seen in the crowd.

R-Truth and Damian Priest retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller).



We look back on Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 39, courtesy of Snickers.

Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab head to the ring. Rhea Ripley also shows up and heads to the ring before Jade can start speaking. Rhea says she would love nothing more than to lay Cargill out for all she has done, but she does not want Cargill to have an excuse not to walk into WrestleMania. Rhea also admits that she is usually not the most patient of people, and says Cargill is lucky she is not in the ring whupping her ass right now. She also says Cargill does not let her meet her face-to-face in the ring because she is scared. Rhea says she will embarrass Cargill at WrestleMania, but B-Fab says Rhea should be the one who is embarrassed because she keeps coming after Cargill and failing. Rhea says she has yet to come for Cargill because Cargill hides behind Michin and B-Fab, social media and anything she can to avoid coming face-to-face with her, and gives Cargill one last chance to say anything to her face alone. Cargill says she is not scared of "some cosplay kid with insecurities" and is everything Rhea wishes she could be as well as "a real bitch," and that Rhea only gets her way because of "a weak-ass locker room." She says she has been trying to scare Rhea, but since Rhea has not learned her lesson, she will put belt to ass at WrestleMania and make her quit. Rhea laughs at the idea of being like Cargill and says she has fought people like Cargill her entire life, and says her insecurities do not hold her back and make her who she is today. She says that if she wants to make it quick, it will not be in her favor, then goes on to call Jade "narcissistic" and a "fake-ass bitch."



Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) that they won tonight, and tells Tama Tonga that they did it as a team. Tonga agrees, then Solo tells Talla Tonga to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal trophy and bring it home. He tells the rest of The MFT's to get Talla ready while he speaks with General Manager Nick Aldis about getting back the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins is seen in the crowd.

Giulia and Kiana James watch the next match from ringside.

Tiffany Stratton beats Jordynne Grace to become #1 contender for the WWE Women's United States Championship. (The match was originally Tiffany Stratton vs. Giulia for the Women's United States title, but was changed hours before the show.)



Trick Williams heads to the ring. Trick says he is usually all smiles, games and jokes, but not tonight, as he has something to get off his chest. He addresses Sami Zayn's actions from last week, saying that he crossed a line. He addresses Sami Zayn hitting Lil Yachty with a Helluva Kick and that he does not know if Lil Yachty will come back, then says that they will not wait until WrestleMania and will take care of business right now before calling Sami Zayn out. Sami Zayn's music hits, then someone in a gingerbread man suit shows up and walks to the ring. Trick introduces everyone to "Sami Zayn, the gingerbread man" before stating that all of Sami Zayn's diehard fans are in Drury Lane. Trick then says that Sunday is all about him and his first WrestleMania where he gets his first United States Championship, and that he is going to whoop that trick. The real Sami Zayn shows up and says he is glad Trick Williams is taking his first WrestleMania so seriously, and that he wishes he was having as much fun as Trick, but he has not had a good time in a very long time. He says that he is not having a very good time even as champion, as are the fans, then says he does not care what he did wrong, as he does this everyday for the ride-or-die fans who have been with him since day one. Sami says there are plenty of ride-or-die fans at home and in Las Vegas, and they will be in his corner at WrestleMania and beyond, then gets annoyed with the person in the gingerbread man suit and tells them to stand in the corner. Sami then talks about his first impressions of Trick Williams before telling him that Trick has not showed him much since four months ago and has not showed him anything where it counts and when it matters. He says that when he looks at Trick, he does not see the future of the business; he sees "a little punk rookie" who is about to walk into his first WrestleMania with one of the best to ever do it and realize that he bit off more than he can chew because he walked in with no plan. Trick says he is the plan and that Sami has been losing himself and crashing out backstage, and while Sami is one of the most respected guys in the locker room, he threw it all away when he got in the game. Trick then says that he is the one who is going to get the job done, but Sami says that Trick is not in his head and that he is not impressed with the gingerbread man. Trick then says he is standing in the ring with two gingerbread men, and Sami Zayn goes for a cheap shot only for Trick to fight back. Sami clotheslines Trick out of the ring, then Sami sees the person in the gingerbread suit and hits him with a Helluva Kick that almost kicks the head off of the suit. Trick then gets back in the ring, hits Sami with the Trick Shot, and raises up the United States title.





We see a video package for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship picture at WrestleMania, courtesy of Progressive.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria ends almost as soon as it begins due to The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) showing up to lay out both teams.



We see a video package for Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi at WrestleMania.

Royce Keys last eliminates Talla Tonga to win the 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.





We see a video package chronicling the events between Roman Reigns and CM Punk leading to their match for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody says he will not be talking about the last three years' worth of WrestleMania, then says tomorrow is all about two men wrestling for the biggest prize of them all in him and Randy Orton. He addresses Orton's claims that he does nothing but take, then says Orton has never taken responsibility in his life. He remembers the things that Randy Orton did in 2009 and how he wrestled for the WWE Championship and lost. As Cody continues to talk about Orton, CM Punk suddenly shows up. Cody asks Punk if he is going to kick him in the balls and turn on him after they hug, but Punk says some people deserve it and that Cody does not deserve it. CM Punk says he is here to stop Cody from mentioning a certain person's name, then mentions each others' suits as well as Teddy Long's wedding, then Punk mentions that he was chasing Cody for a time to become champion, but now they are both champions at WrestleMania. Punk says he is beyond the point of giving Cody advice after Cody has said and done things he has yet to accomplish, and that while Cody has learned from the best, Orton is not much of a teacher. Punk says that tomorrow is uncertain, but he knows that they will both be here on Monday. Punk says that tomorrow is uncertain, but he knows that they will both be here on Monday. He says that Cody has done so much, and that he hopes that everyone joins them for the next adventure. Punk says he is proud of Cody, and Cody tells Punk to get it done. Cody stops Punk before he can leave and mentions Punk's match with Roman Reigns, as well as what Punk himself has accomplished throughout his career. He also mentions that Punk came back better than ever, then thanks Punk for everything he has taught and for sharing this moment in the ring with him and the fans. He also says that if it means anything, Dusty Rhodes would be proud of him, too. Cody tells Punk he loves him, then hugs him. Punk says he is not crying after a Friday in Las Vegas, and that he will cry after he wins at WrestleMania, then says the world titles are theirs as much as they are the fans' before celebrating with the crowd.



Here are the highlights from tonight's show!



Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!