Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for July 16, 2026

Ricky Saints beats Matt Cardona.

Ivy Nile beats Thea Hail.

The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) beat DarkState (Cutler James and Osiris Griffin).

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 26, 2026

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring to start tonight's show. Trick says that he had to miss SmackDown last week because he went to Jamaica and got married, stating that Lil Yachty, Lash Legend and his whole family were there. He then shows off his wedding ring. (This is in fact, real, as he and Lash Legend got married last week.) He then mentions that Ricky Saints is the next person he will defend the United States Championship, then says that he will beat Saints' ass and head to SummerSlam as champion. Saints shows up and says that Trick is not good at making life decisions, then warns Saints that he has smacked him once and he will smack him again now that he has interrupted him.Saints states that Trick's hype train will be coming to an end, but Trick says that Saints should be concerned about what he will do when he kicks his teeth down the back of his throat. Saints also asks if Lil Yachty comes with the United States Championship when he wins it before punching Lil Yachty and running out of the ring. When Trick helps Lil Yachty up, Saints runs back in and attacks Trick.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Alexa Bliss. Alexa says that Charlotte Flair is feeling the emotional and physical pain after what Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab did to her, and says that she will get revenge even if she has to team up with Tiffany Stratton, who says that she only cares about beating Cargill. Alexa knows Tiffany and Charlotte have history, but she wants to return the favor. Tiffany says they will get through tonight, then says Charlotte and Alexa can do whatever they want as long as they leave her out of it.

B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim beat Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton when Tiffany Stratton goes for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever only for Jade Cargill to show up and trip her off the top rope. After the match, Chelsea Green shows up as Cargill, Michin and B-Fab are about to attack Tiffany, who actually appreciates the favor. Tiffany, Chelsea and Alexa stand tall in the ring.

Backstage, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga meet with Solo Sikoa. Tama says they are tired of getting dragged into Solo's war with The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu), then also bring up Solo costing them tag team gold and Solo helping LA Knight. Talla says they have received word from "the elders," and that they are out. Solo says they cannot leave, but Tama says "We just did" before he and Talla leave. Solo says that nobody leaves him before the show cuts to a commercial break.

Backstage, Jade Cargill demands a match with Chelsea Green tonight from General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis says he will make it happen.

Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Nathan Frazer.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damian Priest and R-Truth. R-Truth is focused on getting the old Judgment Day back together, and Priest says that they want to face more tag teams. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up, surprised that Truth and Priest are still champions, and challenge them to a title vs. title match. R-Truth does a Razor Ramon/Scott Hall impression before Priest accepts their challenge.

Backstage, LA Knight shows up and Jackie Redmond interviews him. Knight says he is heading down to the ring to get some answers.

We see a video package for "Main Event" Jey Uso vs. Gunther in the King of the Ring Tournament finals.

LA Knight heads to the ring. Knight talks about what happened on Raw and how Jimmy Uso saw himself looking at the lights, then says that Jimmy got what he deserved even though he respected him before addressing the unexpected assist from Solo Sikoa. When Knight calls out Solo, Solo shows up and heads to the ring. Knight says that every time Solo heads to the ring, they always fight because he attacks or distracts him, but Solo says he is not here for a fight. Solo says that everybody in his family has left him, and Knight says that while he gets it, he does not feel sorry for him, and says that this will lead to Solo returning to The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu). Knight then wants to know why Solo did what he did, and Solo says he hates The Bloodline and hates being part of the group, and finishing them is the only way he will feel better. He then says that the only thing they have in common is that they do not like The Bloodline. Knight says Solo should hate Roman Reigns, much less The Bloodline, for what he did to him, and says the rest of The Bloodline should hate him, yet they went right back into the fold.At the same time, Knight says the has no reason to trust Solo and that nothing will be different, but Solo says it is different because he has no family and he has nothing to lose. He says it is just him now, and the enemy of his enemy can be friends. He says they can work together and watch each others' backs to take out The Bloodline, but Knight is not buying it, especially when he has heard "It's just me" before. Knight admits that he hates The Bloodline and has been outnumbered by them, and that he probably needs help, but he does not need Solo Sikoa, saying he lives and dies doing things his way. Knight then says "Thanks, but no thanks" and walks off.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Sami Zayn, who says he called last week's WWE Championship match down the middle until he was pushed around. He says nobody gets it except a planking Johnny Gargano near an embarrassed Candice LeRae. He then says good things happen to good people and that he will soon wrestle for the WWE Championship. Sami admits the last few months have not been great and that he has not been himself since he failed to win the WWE Championship and lost, but because he stayed true to himself, the universe has given him an opportunity to redeem himself. He looks to Gargano and realizes he could be WWE Champion.

Paige beats Jacy Jayne with a schoolkid pin after taking out Lainey Reid and countering a roll-up with a schoolkid pin.

Backstage, Danhausen continues to experiment on The Miz and Kit Wilson, who now have white streaks in their hair. Matt Cardona shows up and says he has the craving to be Zack Ryder again. All of a sudden, Kit Wilson and The Miz. Danhausen leaves, then Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up wanting to find Danhausen and get their money, and Cardona has no idea and tells them to find him themselves. They leave, and Danhausen chides Zack Ryder for looking at the body under the sheet.

Backstage, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga run into Finn Balor, who is glad to see them and to see Tama make his own decisions. They mention their history, then Tama says it was a long time ago before mentioning Shinsuke Nakamura was part of his past too, and that everyone saw how that went.

Danahusen comes out with The Miz and Kit Wilson, and they all head to the ring. Danhausen welcomes everyone to "Danhausen TV." When asked about being replaced on his own TV show by Danhausen, Miz says "Awesome!" When asked about Los Garza's (Angel and Berto) recent actions by Danhausen, Kit Wilson says they are toxic. Los Garza run into the ring and attack The Miz and Kit Wilson, then confront Danhausen wanting their money. All of a sudden, Matt Cardona shows up. General Manager Nick Aldis then shows up and makes a tag team match between Los Garza and the team of Cardona and Danhausen, which happens right now.

Matt Cardona and Danhausen beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto) after The Miz and Kit Wilson stop Garza from using a chair and Berto goes up top only to be hit by corner pyro.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Gunther. Gunther says he is the one who needs to be redemption after being screwed out of WWE Champion twice, then says that Saturday will go down very differently.

Zuffa boxer Aaron McKenna is seen in the crowd.

We see a video package for Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring Tournament finals.

Jade Cargill beats Chelsea Green. After the match, Cargill attacks Chelsea, and Tiffany Stratton and Alexa Bliss run to the ring. Cargill retreats, and B-Fab and Michin run into the ring. The brawl ends with Cargill hitting Jaded on Tiffany Stratton.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Solo Sikoa. Royce Keys shows up and tells Solo that "Main Event" Jey Uso is coming for him, then wishes him good luck.

We see a video package for Bron Breakker vs. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins in a steel cage match at Night of Champions.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Trick Williams and Lil Yachty. Yachty tells Ricky Saints now has their full attention and has earned himself a tricky situation for his sucker punch. Trick Williams says Ricky Saints did everything to get in the ring with him, and now he is, and that Night of Champions will be "Night of Trick Williams."

Giulia beats Kiana James. After the match, Giulia is suddenly attacked from behind by Blake Monroe.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Before Cody can speak, Sami Zayn shows up and thanks his "ride or die" fans who have supported him since day one, then says that he regrets how he handled last week's WWE Championship match. When asked if this was a mistake by Cody, Sami says this was a mistake and that this is not what he wanted, but Cody has none of this and says that this is exactly what Sami wanted. Cody says that for a guy who claims not to get a break, thinks are looking up for him, and that he finds him exhausting to deal with, then finds him just as annoying as Kevin Owens. Sami tells Cody to keep Owens' name out of his mouth, then says that if were not for him, Gunther would be WWE Champion, and that Cody should be thanking him for that. He also says he will be the reason that Cody is no longer WWE Champion on Saturday. Gunther shows up and says he does not care about what is going on between Cody and Sami and that he only cares about the WWE Championship, and that Sami is right about last night and Cody knows it. He also says that Sami is wrong about leaving Night of Champions as WWE Champion, because he will. He says that as a referee, he caused a lot of damage to him, but as a wrestler, he is "a non-factor," as he has never been WWE Champion and never will be. Gunther then tells Cody to enjoy his last night as "golden boy," for he will be walking out of Night of Champions and into SummerSlam as champion and as King of the Ring, not him. "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up and heads to the ring, but Gunther stops the entrance theme reprises. Jey Uso says he will become King of the Ring and pull up on Cody at SummerSlam, and warns Sami that if he gets involved, he will get him, too. He then tells Gunther like he will make him tap out "like a little bitch" like he did at WrestleMania. This starts a brawl. Cody and Jey make quick work of Sami and Gunther, then have a staredown. Suddenly, Oba Femi makes his presence known, and he heads to the ring. Oba stands on the ring apron as Jey superkicks Cody out of the ring, then Gunther gets back in the ring and clotheslines Jey before confronting Oba. Sami then attacks Gunther from behind, then Cody gets back in and hits Sami with Cross Rhodes. Oba then stands before Cody as Cody picks the WWE Championship back up, and both men have a staredown as the show ends.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 29, 2026

We are introduced to Alvaro Carrera and Miguel Perez of the Spanish-language announce team.

Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab head to the ring to start tonight's show. Cargill says that everyone acts like she has something to prove, then says she does not have to ask for permission and that she is one of one. She says that she can do whatever she wants, and B-Fab says that Cargill will beat Rhea because she is the most dominant. She reminds Cargill that when it comes to being in the ring, she has beaten Cargill at WrestleMania and she will beat her again at Clash at Italy. Rhea says that Cargill can continue to throw her so-called dominance around, because she will be looking up at the true champon. Cargill asks Rhea if she hears how stupid she sounds and says the women's division does not revolve around her, and that Michin and B-Fab want to be around her while nobody wants to be around Rhea. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up, and while Charlotte admits she admires what Cargill has done, she should not confuse her attitude with accomplishment. Alexa says Cargill has the ego of a legend, but the resumé of a rookie. Cargill says that she will not be talked down upon by Charlotte's "rag doll," and Alexa Bliss tells Cargill that she has embarrassed women bigger than her on the mic and tells her not to embarrass her before her career even gets started. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes Jade Cargill vs. Alexa Bliss official and for right now.

Jade Cargill beats Alexa Bliss despite Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair brawling with "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab to the back, due to Cargill getting the knees up to block Twisted Bliss. After the match, Cargill pulls a metal folding chair out from underneath the ring and hits a second Jaded on the chair. Rhea and Charlotte rush back to the ring and chase Cargill out.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes when Sami Zayn shows up. Sami asks Cody if he has nothing to say to him. Cody says he has nothing, but Sami says he should, and he should start by apologizing, as he did not ask to fight his friend; Cody did. He says he had his back and tried to help him, but he stabbed him in the back with the Cross Rhodes. Cody says Sami walked away when Gunther choked him out. Sami says he wanted to help Cody because of how he is wired, and it took everything not to. He says that he left Cody there so that he could learn a lesson. Cody says that when he is done with Gunther tonight, he can teach him a lesson, too.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis wants Danhausen to appear in front of the fans. After Aldis tells Danhausen to improvise, The Miz shows up does not to wrestle Axiom due to Kit Wilson not being here tonight due to customs' liquid limit from the amount of moisturizer that he brought with him overseas. Aldis thinks The Miz need Kit Wilson's help, but The Miz denies this. Aldis tells him to prove this as Danhausen gathers materials in the background, then the lights dim above Aldis after Miz leaves.

Axiom beats The Miz after the flashing lights from Danhausen's new experiments distract The Miz as he is at the top turnbuckle, allowing Axiom to hit an avalanche Spanish Fly followed by the Golden Ratio for the win.

Backstage, R-Truth tells Damian Priest that he is still not medically cleared. He also tells Damian Priest that he has a tag team partner for tonight against The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga), who happens to be Royce Keys. Damian Priest does not want to team with him, let alone trust him, and Royce says that Priest wants to take on the world alone, and R-Truth has to verbally manipulate them into teaming by questioning their courage.

Backstage, Sami Zayn talks with Johnny Gargano about what just happened with him and Cody, with Candice LeRae caught in the middle. Matt Cardona shows up and says that things may not be going his way either, and this leads Sami to challenge Cardona to a match. Cardona accepts.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair leaves the trainer's room and runs into Rhea Ripley. Charlotte says that Alexa is in a lot of pain and pissed off and so is she. Rhea says she will take care of Jade Cargill, and Charlotte says that if Rhea does not, she will.

The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) beat Damian Priest and Royce Keys. During the match, R-Truth shows up and confronts Solo Sikoa for hitting Damian Priest with a Samoan Spike behind the referee's back only to be hit in the throat by Solo. When Royce Keys confronts Solo, Tama Tonga hits Keys from the top rope. Talla then choke slams Priest in the ring for the pin and the win.

Backstage, The Miz threatens to sue General Manager Nick Aldis for unsafe working conditions. Aldis agrees with The Miz, and says he is about to handle the electrical problems. The Miz confronts Danhausen only to be blasted with a fire extinguisher, and Danhausen refuses to let Aldis into the room.

The Pique Group is the recipient of the Twisted Tea Hard Ice Tea Seat Upgrade.

Backstage, Chelsea Green meets with Tiffany Stratton, who tells her "It's not that deep" as Chelsea tries to make more of an alliance between them. Chelsea awkwardly says she will see Tiffany after the match and wishes her luck, then Tiffany leaves.

Sami Zayn beats Matt Cardona.

We see a vignette for The King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring Tournaments.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Gunther, saying he has granted him and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes television time to say what they need to say and to keep it civil. Gunther is offended at first, but promises to keep it civil.

Trick Williams and Lil Yachty head to the ring. Lil Yachty introduces himself as the man with the money and the connections that makes it happen, and says that for the first time ever, "we are experiencing the Trick Williams campaign." Trick says he has been holding SmackDown down for quite some time, and that for the past couple weeks, he has taken out The Miz and Carmelo Hayes, and that nobody has proven themselves the future of the business better than him. Trick then declares himself for the King of the Ring Tournament, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and says Trick may be king of the entrance and the microphone, but King of the Ring is "grown folks business" and Trick is too little. Carmelo says he will take care of Ricky Saints tonight, then he will face him for the United States Championship. Trick says that "'Melo is being too melodramatic" and spouting off "what if," then says that if Carmelo sprouted an inch for every excuse he made, he could see Trick face-to-face and realize he is better than him. Ricky Saints shows up and says nobody wants to see "that telenovela stuff" right now and addresses last week, stating that he is two steps ahead and that after he deals with Carmelo, he will go after Trick and the United States Championship. Trick says that Ricky Saints lies and poses and looks like a bobblehead, then tells Saints to show up and tells Saints and Carmelo to handle things between them before facing him for the title. When Saints mouths off at Trick, Trick slaps him.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints ends in a double count-out. After the match, Saints attacks Carmelo from behind, but Carmelo soon sends him packing with a First 48.

Backstage, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) run into Tiffany Stratton and say that Tiffany made a wise decision not to be in Chelsea Green's corner, then state that after Nia is done with Chelsea, Tiffany will be next.

We hear from Blake Monroe, who writes a diary entry about the SmackDown women's locker room, then says not to get too comfortable because she is coming soon to SmackDown.

Chelsea Green beats Nia Jax after Tiffany Stratton shows up as Nia is about to hit the A-Nia-Lator and nails Nia with the Women's United States Championship behind the referee's back.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says the target has gotten bigger, but they have been successfully defending the women's tag titles. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up, and Jacy Jayne asks why Cathy is wasting her time before declaring for the Queen of the Ring Tournament. Fallon tells Brie Bella and Paige to hold on to their titles, while Lainey says they will be the next champions. Jacy then says that eventually, the women's division will be under their influence.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Before he can say much, however, he is joined in the ring by Gunther. Gunther tells Cody that for some reason, SmackDown has to be about him, and if it is not, he has to make it about him. He calls Cody a product of the culture he grew up in where egotism, narcissism and nepotism is rewarded. He also calls Cody "a perfect example of the crumbling concept of the American dream," then says that he has earned his position while everything was one phone call away for Cody. Gunther says that makes Cody "a little, entitled brat," and admits that while they have the same profession, they are nothing alike. He says that Cody has to scratch that itch for approval, but for him, it is unnecessary, and that protecting the sport from people like Cody is all that matters. Gunther says that Cody only cares about himself and is his own biggest fan, and instead of a champion, Cody is "a mark for [himself]." Cody says Gunther is a liar, stating that Gunther has implied does not want the attention or even the feeling of being the Undisputed WWE Champion and knows that Gunther wants that attention; otherwise, he would talk to a 330 lb. version of himself at an indie show. He says that Cody Rhodes tried to intimidate him from being champion, and while he did not succeed, he did not tell him that being is champion is addictive. Cody says that Gunther will get close to that attention only to find out he is just not that good. After Cody says that he is easy to find and hard to beat, both men have a staredown, Gunther stops Cody as he leaves, promising that he will choke Cody out, drop him like a wet towel, and take the Undisputed WWE Championship with him.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for May 21, 2026

Matt Cardona beats Nathan Frazer.

Maxxine Dupri beats Nikkita Lyons.

Je'Von Evans beats Harlem Lewis.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 8, 2026

In memory of Ted Turner, 1938 - 2026.

Jacob Fatu heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Jacob says that tomorrow night, he is not fighting Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship; he is taking the World Heavyweight Championship. He says that ever since they were young, everyone saw Roman as the future while seeing nothing in him, and now those same people want to talk nice to him. He says that history repeats himself, but everyone tagging in with him really wants to protect Roman. Jacob says that Roman was born with opportunity while he was born with doubt, then The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) make their way to the ring. Jimmy says they are not here to change Jacob's mind, as part of him is still proud of him while the other part is watching out for him, and wants to know if he has thought about what would happen if he lost to Roman. Jey says Jacob has not thought about that because he never thinks like that, and tells Jacob "Tribal Chief is gonna beat that ass" and break Jacob down emotionally and physically in front of his family. Jimmy says he knows Jacob's family will be in the front row, and if Jacob loses, they will have to acknowledge Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief. Jacob says that he is not losing and that he cannot lose, then says that Jay wants to school him on losing to Roman when he has never beaten Roman. He also tells Jimmy that there will be no acknowledging for his family, because the match is all about his family, who will see him become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Jacob says he is willing to put it all on the line, and asks if Roman is willing to do the same. He also tells The Usos that if they interfere in tomorrow night's, he will "burn the whole goddamn family tree down."

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Nick Aldis, who says that Gunther's recent actions were completely unacceptable. All of a sudden, Ricky Saints says everyone should be talking about him and his debut, then says he has gone from facing "QB1" to "QB4." Matt Cardona says he is not here to pass the torch to guys like him, and that he will see him in the ring tonight.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis wishes Jacob Fatu well on his way out of the building, then Jacob Fatu runs into Royce Keys, who says that failure was never an option for Jacob Fatu and tells Jacob to "werewolf up" and beat Roman Reigns. Afterwards, Royce Keys runs into Solo Sikoa, and tells him to pick his words carefully. Solo says that last week was just the wrong place at the wrong time, then tells Royce Keys that there is room in his family for him and that he needs an answer soon, and time is running out.

We hear from Chelsea Green, who wishes Tiffany Stratton luck on her first title defense via a video on X (formerly Twitter).

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Kiana James after Giulia inadvertently costs Kiana the victory while distracting the referee.

Sami Zayn is at the funeral for The Gingerbread Man. General Manager Nick Aldis says everyone just needs closure, then R-Truth shows up with a rose and says "I'm sorry for your loss" while trying to console Sami, much to Sami's chagrin.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Rhea says Fatal Influence have made an impression, but chose the wrong people to attack, and she cannot wait to get her hands on them. Charlotte says they can all get their hands on Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), and Alexa has to get between them as things get tense and tell them that they need to trust each other.

Backstage, R-Truth meets on Damian Priest, who is more focused on Talla Tonga than the funeral for the Gingerbread Man. Priest asks R-Truth to stay backstage, as Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga will get to R-Truth to get to him. He asks R-Truth to trust him, as he knows how to handle them alone.

Talla Tonga beats Damian Priest despite R-Truth and Damian Priest being able to fend off both Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa. After the match, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) are about to attack Damian Priest when Royce Keys shows up, causing them to retreat.

Backstage, Danhausen takes sign-ups for his tag team partner at Backlash when The Miz and Kit Wilson show up and notice that Danhausen has no tag team partner. Kit Wilson says that the only person toxic enough to team with Danhausen is Danhausen, who likes what he sees in Kit Wilson's mirror.

We see footage of Gingerbread Man in the middle of great moments in WWE history.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Paul Heyman regarding a contract when Gunther shows up. Aldis chides Gunther for his recent behavior even though he is happy to have him on SmackDown, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, much to Gunther's chagrin. Gunther walks out angrily, and Heyman tells Aldis that he will handle this. Cody says that Gunther has made it clear that he is next in line, and would like it if Gunther would come out to the ring and do just that. Heyman shows up with a contract for a Gunther-Cody match, and Cody asks if Heyman is now Gunther's advocate. Cody then says the contract is not necessary and that they can just do this right now, but Heyman says he owes Gunther a favor and that this match is the favor he owes him. Heyman also admits that he is a big fan of Cody, and just wants him to know that he needs a contract when an undisputed heavyweight championship is at stake, and tells him that the contract for the match will be for Clash in Italy. Heyman hands Cody the contract, then tells Cody that if he wants Gunther's name on the contract, then he will have to get it himself. Cody notes that CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Brock Lensar are now gone and that Heyman is running out of options. Heyman says that he is not running out of options as he leaves, and that sooner or later, they all need the wiseman. All of a sudden, Gunther comes out of the crowd, and Cody fights back only to be put in a sleeper hold. Cody slings Gunther out of the ring and keeps him out, then says he does not sweat Gunther and dares him to get the high ground.

We see The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) backstage. Tama Tonga says that Royce Keys is a problem that needs to be dealt with, but Solo Sikoa says he sees Royce as more of a solution than a problem and a perfect fit for the family. Tama says Royce embarrassed them, which does not sit right with him, and that he will handle business and show what he is all about. Talla Tonga is about to follow Tama, but Solo says that if Tama wants to go out on his own, then he will find out on his own.

Ricky Saints beats Matt Cardona.

At the Gingerbread Man's funeral, Sami Zayn is talking to someone about how this is all a big joke. The person he is talking to is a planking Johnny Gargano, and Sami wants to know if "Johnny Wrestling" is still in there. Johnny barely rises. As Candice LeRae checks on Gargano, Sami notices Rey Fenix, but Rey Fenix says this is not the time or place as Sami gets mad at Fenix being a funeral for something that was all one big shot at him.

Backstage, a ladder falls behind Brie Bella and Paige, then Danhausen streaks by, plucking a hair from Brie's head when Brie and Paige turn around.

We see another vignette for Blake Monroe as Blake Monroe picks a dress. Blake Monroe is coming soon to SmackDown.

Brie Bella and Paige head to the ring. Brie says there are a lot of teams in WWE saying they have wait to takes to beat them and become champions, but it is not so easy to beat them, and the results will always be the same. Paige says that this is not a nostalgia tour and that she and Brie are at the best they have ever been, and if The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) want to step up, then they should step up, for they are the champions and this is their house. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up, and Jacy Jayne says that Brie and Paige are in over their heads and that The Judgment Day are not the ones to worry about, especially after they dropped them and left them laying in the middle of the ring two weeks ago. Fallon Henley says that Fatal Influence is taking over SmackDown, and that part of the takeover includes the women's tag team titles. Lainey Reid says there is plenty of gold to go around, and that Jacy will soon be WWE Women's Champion. Jacy then says they have business to take care, and tells Brie and Paige to get out of the ring to see how a real team gets it done. Suddenly, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up. Nia says that Fatal Influence cannot just skip the line, and Lash Legend says that this is not NXT and that Fatal Influence will not get in the way of them getting the women's tag team titles back. Nia says Fatal Influence look like "discount mean girls," then Lash tells Fatal Influence to get to the back of the line before she and Nia lay out Brie and Paige. Rhea Ripley then heads to the ring for the next match - and stares down Lash Legend - on The Irresistible Forces' way out.

We see more footage of The Gingerbread Man at even more iconic moments in WWE history.

Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) beat Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag match after Jade Cargill shows up and yanks Rhea Ripley off the ring apron, allowing Jacy to hit Alexa with the Rolling Encore for the win. After the match, Fatal Influence back away from Jade Cargill as they leave the ring, and Cargill mockingly tells Alexa Bliss to get up. As Charlotte Flair gets in the ring, she is attacked by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Rhea Ripley gets in the ring and lays out Michin and B-Fab, but she is taken out with a pump kick by Cargill. B-Fab then puts Alexa in a full nelson slam, and Charlotte tries to fight back only to fare no better.

Backstage, Royce Keys is met by The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso). They know that Royce has been talking to Jacob Fatu, and Jey tells Royce to stay in his lane or else he might catch Roman Reigns' eye.

We see even more footage of The Gingerbread Man at even more iconic WWE moments.

Royce Keys beas Tama Tonga.

Backstage, Danhausen performs a science experiment where he decides to make a clone with Brie Bella's hair and one of his own teeth with a cloning machine. It is not going very well.

Backstage, Tama Tonga is met by Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that not even his own brother will help him. Talla Tonga shows up and tells Nakamura to stay away from Tama, or else they will have problems. Nakamura says something in Japanese, then walks away.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis welcomes Trick Williams to the arena and to the funeral for the Gingerbread Man, saying that the rest of the broadcast is all for him. The ring is then prepared for The Gingerbread Man's funeral.

Trick Williams heads to the ring for The Gingerbread Man's funeral. Trick eulogizes The Gingerbread Man in song, then we see an AI-generated montage of The Gingerbread Man's life. During the moment of silence, however, Sami Zayn interrupts, calling the funeral a waste of SmackDown TV time and calling it a joke targeting him. He also criticizes how expensive the funeral is before getting in the ring while Trick takes his fur coat off, then says he would not do something like this because he has too much respect for himself, the fans and the show. Sami Zayn says he is a working class hero and that he represents his "ride or die" fans until the end, and says he has been all over the card against people who thought they would knock him off his perch and has been in the game for twenty years, then gives credit where credit is due to Trick for getting in his head. Sami then tells Trick that he played himself and that he will make a joke out of him, then tells Trick to enjoy his night before he sees him at Backlash. Sami turns to leave, then hits a cheap shot. All of a sudden, The Gingerbread Man rises from the dead and unmasks to reveal that he is Lil Yachty, who hits Sami Zayn in the back with a candy cane. Trick then hits the Trick Shot on Sami to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for April 10, 2026

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes that he is not to put his hands on Pat McAfee - who is on his way to the arena - under any circumstances, as per higher management. Jelly Roll shows up, and Nick Aldis tells Jelly Roll not to engage Randy Orton or McAfee. Aldis leaves, and Jelly Roll tells Cody his match at WrestleMania has everything to do with twenty years of betrayal.

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. She congratulates Jade Cargill on using her brain and finding her one true weakness, and tells her that she made this personal by attacking Iyo Sky. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea is surprised that Iyo is here, and Iyo says she knows that Rhea is angry, because so is she, and she knows she will get Cargill at WrestleMania. Iyo then she wants to face Cargill tonight. Rhea says she trusts Iyo, but knows she is not at 100 percent. She asks Iyo if this is what she wants, and Iyo says she is sure and that she wants Cargill tonight. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and while he admits he had something different in mind, he never lets a good idea pass him by, and he makes Iyo Sky vs. Jade Cargill official for tonight's main event.

Alexa Bliss beats Bayley after Bayley is too focused on Charlotte - who throws her jacket at Bayley for mocking her - while the referee is telling Lyra Valkyria not to get involved in the match.

Backstage in the trainer's room, Matt Cardona tells Carmelo Hayes that he will have to wait for his WrestleMania moment when Trick Williams and Lil Yachty shows up. Carmelo Hayes mentions the situation as well as the fact that he will have to rehab his knee, then hopes that Trick Williams wins at WrestleMania so he can take his title back. Carmelo leaves, then Cardona says he is tired of guests running their mouths like they own the place. Yatchy says that Trick might as well whup Cardona tonight, and Cardona says that this is a good idea and that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis.

We hear from Drew McInytre, who calls Jacob Fatu a failure as a man and a father. He says that he is in Jacob's hometown and that his family will be at the show tonight, then we find out that McIntyre is in a prison cell, which McIntyre says Jacob is more familiar with. He says that the cell represents what Jacob is and will always be: a convict. He says that Jacob picked prison over feeding his family and that he will never change, and that Jacob belongs in a prison cell instead of WWE. McIntyre says he will beat Jacob within an inch of life and that he will screw up again and end up right back in prison. He says that Jacob stole from him and became a liability, and that he will make it right by being Jacob's judge, jury and executioner at WrestleMania. Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jacob Fatu during a photoshoot. The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) show up, and Solo Sikoa says that Jacob is not the only person with family in the Bay Area and that Jacob's past being brought up makes The MFT's look bad. Jacob tells Solo that they are not doing this today and that they can run it back and have a match tonight. Solo mockingly notes that Jacob is standing in the spot where his teeth got knocked out and that it would be a shame if it happened. Solo then addresses Tama Tonga as he says this, then mentions that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis so that Tama can take care of business tonight.

We see a vignette for Royce Keys in East Palo Alto, California. he talks about how choice was a luxury in East Palo Alto and grew up around crime as well as two grandparents who were not having any of it. We see Royce Keys' childhood home, and while Keys' family did not have a lot, they dreamed big, and he became a professional wrestler and managed to get out. He says that pro wrestling brings him peace and is what motivates him. Keys says that he will be defined not by where he is from, but by where he is going.

Royce Keys beats Berto in his SmackDown debut.

Pat McAfee arrives to the arena in a Dodge Ram and is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who tells McAfee that nobody is allowed to put his hands on him under any circumstances. When he enters the building, Jelly Roll confronts McAfee. McAfee says that he should have never been between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, then Jelly Roll asks McAfee why he is here. McAfee says that people like Jelly Roll should not be in the business. Jelly shoves McAfee to the wall, and Aldis has to stop Jelly Roll. McAfee tells Aldis to get "this ex-convict" out of the building as he heads to the ring.

Undefeated Zuffy Boxing lightweight boxer Tony Hirsch Jr. is in the front row.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys, who says that this has been a long time coming and that he gets to wrestle not just in the Bay Area, but around the world. Solo Sikoa shows up and says "long time, no see" and congratulates Royce Keys on his win, then says he runs things on SmackDown and that his door is always open if he needs anything.

Pat McAfee heads to the ring. McAfee calls San Jose, California "a shithole" and flips the fans off before saying it is crazy that people boo him but cheer CM Punk, and mocks the fact that CM Punk was covered in WWE merchandise and goes directly to him. He calls Punk a fraud, and says he is all talk and no action like a politician, and says that while Punk has the ability to change things, he gets down and rolls over "like the bitch that he is" before flipping the crowd off again. McAfee says he is man of action, an agent of change, and everything Punk says that he himself is, and while he agrees with Punk that ticket prices are too high, it is because of Orton that people want to go to WrestleMania. He then says that he will be the fans' hero, even though the "disgusting" fans do not deserve it, and says that he has called the Dodge Motor Company and that they will pay for 25% of the cost for WrestleMania tickets from now until the end of next week's Raw. McAfee calls WrestleMania "a once-in-a-century" night where Randy Orton will save the business while winning his fifteenth world title, then makes fun of the fact that the San Jose Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup. As McAfee calls "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes "a puppet" and boasts that he will be demoralized and pummeled by Orton, Cody shows up and heads to the ring. McAfee makes fun of Cody's entrance theme on the microphone, then Cody tells McAfee that he does not belong here. He then says that while he cannot touch him, McAfee can get a replica title and live out his WrestleMania moment at Fan Axxess before thanking whoever sent him. Cody says that McAfee is doing nothing but spouting catchphrases and mentioning the Attitude Era, then talks about how Paul Boesch says that "marks" are really "customers," and how the "customers" are really family to him. Cody tells McAfee has a gift, for as long as pro wrestling has existed, nobody has agreed on anything except for the fact that they want to see Randy Orton, but do not want to see Pat McAfee.Cody then says "Go...home...Pat," tosses the microphone to the site, has the fans chant "Go home," and is about leave when McAfee says he is home and born to be in the business while Cody was born into the business with a silver spoon in his mouth. McAfee goes on to call Cody the fakest person he has ever seen and "a cosplay champion" that he will rid the WWE of alongside Randy Orton, then tells him and the fans that if Orton does not walk out WrestleMania as champion, no one will ever see or hear from him ever again. Cody tells McAfee to take his sunglasses off, then calls McAfee for his hypocrisy about WWE and how McAfee says he is tired and states that they should bring Gunther in to put him to sleep once and for all before heading to the back. McAfee calls Cody "an elite runaway artist" and Stardust, then asks Cody if he will "suck Triple H's ass" to get a little bit more. Cody takes off his suit jacket and heads back to the ring when Randy Orton appears on the TitanTron. Orton reveals that he has attacked Jelly Roll backstage, and initially offers for Cody to "come get [his] boy" before deciding to bring Jelly Roll to him. Orton drags Jelly Roll to the stage and leaves, and McAfee approaches Cody as Cody checks on Jelly Roll. Cody confronts McAfee only for Orton to attack Cody from behind so that he and McAfee can gang up on him. Jelly Roll gets to his feet and grabs McAfee by the throat only to get clothesline by Orton, and Cody gets to his feet and fight back only to be attacked from behind by McAfee and hit with a draping DDT by Orton. McAfee then hands the Undisputed WWE Championship over to Orton, who then smacks Cody in the head with the center plate before he and McAfee celebrate over a downed Cody.

Backstage, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton are leaving. McAfee says that Orton is the focal point and saving the business, then mentions Cody Rhodes telling him to go home and does just that with Orton in his Dodge Ram after saying "You're welcome" to the fans. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega are briefly seen in the background.

Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson confront General Manager Nick Aldis about what happened to referee Dan Engler's arm in their tag team title match. Aldis says there is nothing to be done and that the man was cursed by Danhausen, and says that this is about his scope of control, but Kit Wilson insists something be done. Aldis puts Wilson in a match with Danhausen.

The Castaneda Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns Fan Seat Upgrade.

Jacob Fatu beats Tama Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu gets on the microphone only to be attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. Jacob hits McIntyre with a superkick, but McIntyre fires back with a Claymore. McIntyre then grabs a steel chair and smacks Jacob Fatu in the back with it before hitting him with a Future Shock DDT on the floor. As referee Charles Robinson checks on Jacob Fatu, McIntyre pulls out handcuffs with a long chain from his pocket. He handcuffs Jacob Fatu on one end, then drags him into the ring post and runs him into it before punching him a few times and handcuffing him to the top rope. He then wraps the chain around the ring post and boots him in the face. Referees are heading to the ring as McIntyre wraps the chain around the ring post again and asking Jacob Fatu what it is like to be in chains again before calling him an animal. Jacob Fatu headbutts McIntyre, and he falls down to the floor as McIntyre goes on the attack again. This time, McIntyre wraps the chain around Jacob's waist and handcuffs Jacob's hands behind his back. McIntyre then gets Jacob Fatu back in the ring and hits him with another Claymore, then shoves officials away before whipping Jacob with the leather belt off his blue jeans.

Backstage, R-Truth explains to Danhausen how to sign up to the ESPN App and watch WrestleMania. Danhausen says he cannot wait to beat Kit Wilson, then take over WrestleMania and the world. Damian Priest shows up and also meets Danhausen, who disappears when R-Truth and Priest argue over R-Truth getting Danhausen confused with Asuka. All of a sudden, Rhea Ripley attacks B-Fab, then says "One down, one to go," to R-Truth and Damian Priest. R-Truth says "I don't think Rhea wants her in The Judgement Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio)." Damian Priest leaves.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami calls the fans' boos "an interesting reaction" before addressing the topic of change and what "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have told him about change, then notes that the fans want to see change as well. Sami says he has strived to give the fans something more than a T-shirt, catchphrase or viral moments and has tried to give the fans himself and something real. He says he has given his heart, mind and soul, and while some fans boo, it steal means something to others. Sami says he cares about the kids who look up to him and the adults who talk about how he got them through the hardest parts of their lives, as well as the fans in California who have had his back since day one. He says that for those people, he loves them and he will not change until the day he dies. As for everyone else, he wants to know what he did at first, then says it is okay because he does not care because he realized his "ride or die" fans will have his back. Sami says the pressure was off when he realized he had "ride or die" fans, then says he will walk into WrestleMania as champion and walk out of WrestleMania as champion before Trick Williams shows up and heads to the ring. Lil Yachty joins Trick on the way there. Trick says that people are tired of hearing Sami Zayn talk, as he is always crying and whining, has funky breath, and cannot get the job done. He says having his first WrestleMania match with Sami makes him want to get some mouthwash and beat Sami up. Trick admits it did not take twenty years for him to get to this spot, but says he is "the anointed one" and that he will beat Sami's ass at WrestleMania, "because everybody loves Trick Williams." Sami says love takes a long time to build and that while the fans like Trick and have a crush on him after he has been here six months, then says he can make all the jokes he wants, because at WrestleMania, he is in the ring with a WrestleMania main eventer, and he will drag Trick into deep water. He says that Trick has yet to show him anything, and he will see if Trick can walk the walk or if Trick is just talk. Lil Yachty says Sami sounds like a hater, and says that Trick Williams makes Trick Williams, not materialistic things, and that Trick will become the new United States Champion. Matt Cardona then shows up and heads to the ring for the next match. Sami Zayn watches the next match from ringside at the commentary table.

Trick Williams beats Matt Cardona. Trick shoves Sami at the commentary table before sending Matt Cardona back into the ring, and Sami confronts Trick. Lil Yachty pulls Sami off the ring apron and sends him jaw-first into it, and Sami answers with a Helluva Kick. Despite Matt Cardona taking advantage of the situation, Trick hits Cardona with the Trick Shot for the win.

We look back on Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship from WrestleMania 24, courtesy of Snickers.

Danhausen beats Kit Wilson in his WWE debut match after rising off the mat and cursing Kit Wilson as Kit Wilson goes for an elbow drop off the top rope, burning Kit Wilson with pyro out of the corner. After the match, The Miz tries to attack Danhausen from behind, but the lights go out and Danhausen escapes.

Backstage, Jade Cargill finds "Michin" Mia Yim down on the floor with a broken shinai. When Cargill asks what happens, Michin says "Rhea," and Cargill says "I got you."

Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with Iyo Sky before her match with Jade Cargill. Rhea tells Iyo that she took "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab out, and has saved Jade Cargill for her. Iyo appreciates it, then tells Rhea to stay backstage so she is not distracted. Rhea tells Iyo to save some of Cargill for her for WrestleMania.

Jade Cargill beats Iyo Sky. After the match, Cargill grabs a metal folding chair, but Rhea Ripley runs to the ring before Cargill can hit Iyo with it. Cargill leaves the ring and leaves the chair behind as Rhea checks on Iyo.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 27, 2026

Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton talks about how he attacked "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes during their contract signing. He says that he shut out the voices in his head a long time ago, and that for the past few years, he has been thinking about his legacy as well as his fifteenth world championship, but when Cody gave him his blessing to be "The Viper" and the best that he can be. Orton says that he is now listening to the voices again and that he cannot be held responsible for what happens next; he says that his voices are not the problem, but everyone else's voices. Orton then states that there is one person outside of his head that he is listening to. All of a sudden, Matt Cardona shows up and strikes Orton in the head with the microphone in his hand.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Trick Williams. Aldis admits he is impressed with Trick as of late and that he is giving him a match at WrestleMania. All of a sudden, Sami Zayn shows up, wanting to know what he will be doing for WrestleMania. Aldis says things have not been going Sami's way as of late, and unless something changes, he does not have a spot for him. Sami walks away, but then gets an idea, walks back the other way, punches Trick out, and then says he will have a match at WrestleMania one way or another.

Backstage, Randy Orton meets with General Manager Nick Aldis, angry at what Matt Cardona did earlier and wanting a match with Cardona tonight. He also say that if Aldis cannot make the match happen, the voices are going to take over. Aldis makes the match, but tells Orton to cool off on his own somewhere until then.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up before the next match. Nia Jax says there is still time to get tickets for Raw, when they compete Bayley and Nia Jax with the women's tag titles on the line. Nia then says that the fans will want to see "the wanna-be contenders" in Alexa and Charlotte try their best tonight as she calls The Irresitible Forces are the team they want to watch and that there is no spotlight without them. Lash says that The Irresistible Forces are hotter compared to The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) and calls Alexa and Charlotte's friendship "fake" before stating that they will not bring the show down too much and demanding that both teams then wrestle. The Irresistible Forces then watch the next match from ringside.

The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) beat Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair after Lash Legend punches out Alexa Bliss on the outside. After the match, Charlotte confronts The Bella Twins, then The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) attack both teams. All of a sudden, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria show up and brawl with The Irresistible Forces as they are about to double-team Alexa, and they quickly clean house. Charlotte shoves Brie down to the mat as she and Alexa leave the ring.

Backstage, Damian Priest finds R-Truth building a new clubhouse. Jelly Roll shows up, and R-Truth thinks that Jelly Roll is "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Rhea Ripley then shows up, and R-Truth takes this as Rhea Ripley and "Dominik Mysterio" getting back together again and hopes Liv Morgan does not see this. After R-Truth says that the clubhouse will have a hot tub, Jelly Roll warns Rhea Ripley that Jade Cargill is mean, violent, big and strong, yet Rhea Ripley is the one to humble Cargill at WrestleMania. He then leaves to get ready for his match with Kit Wilson, then R-Truth runs after him. Rhea congratulates Priest on winning the WWE Tag Team Championships with R-Truth, and Priest admits that while his gold is unexpected, he expects Rhea to get hers at WrestleMania and tells her to take care of Cargill already. Rhea says she is about to do just that.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair checks on Alexa Bliss when The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) confront them. Charlotte tells The Bella Twins that they did not stand a chance without The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend), and tells them to get to the back of the line. Brie says they did not ask The Irresistible Forces to watch their match and tells Charlotte not to blame them, and that they came back to become Women's Tag Team Champions by any means necessary.

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Rhea says she never expected any integrity from Jade Cargill, as she was fully under the impression to do whatever it took to not get her hands dirty. She did not, however, expect B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim to be desperate enough to stoop down to Cargill's level. She says that if they want to play that game, that is fine, as it is WrestleMania season and she does not care who she has to go through to get there. Rhea says she is dressed for any occasion, and dares Michin, Cargill and B-Fab to join her. Jade Cargill shows up, as does Michin and B-Fab, and Cargill says Rhea sounds real slick for someone who got dropped last week, and says that Michin and B-Fab did not join her; instead, they positioned themselves in power. B-Fab calls Rhea "a selfish backstabber" who does not care who puts in the work as long as she gets the rewards, and Michin says she has been grinding for decades just like Rhea, and while she and B-Fab are forgotten, Rhea gets all the love and attention. Michin says they are tired of this and that they want theirs now, and B-Fab says Cargill gave them the opportunity and they took it, and that with Cargill, what you see is what you got. Cargill then says that Rhea can be their guest if she wants her ass kicked, then says that they spoke with General Manager Nick Aldis and that B-Fab has offered to step up, and that Rhea will learn tonight. Rhea tells Jade that they will learn that actions have consequences and that she is something that Cargill cannot protect B-Fab from. Rhea then calls for a referee, which leads to a match.

Rhea Ripley quickly beats B-Fab by disqualification after Jade Cargill attacks her on the outside. Rhea fights back after the match and goes for Riptide on Cargill, but "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab gang up on her before readying her for Jaded.

Backstage, Kit Wilson meets with The Miz, saying "The Miz Method" worked and that he wants The Miz in his corner. The Miz says Kit Wilson can do this on his own while trying not to have anything bad happen to him. The Miz leaves, then Danhausen shows up and asks Kit what he has that he himself does not. Kit Wilson says he looks the part while Danhausen is toxic. Danhausen interrupts Kit Wilson before he can finish that sentences, curses him and disappears.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre is taped up, but still walking, and he admits that he can feel the pain from fighting Jacob Fatu last week. He says he is not here to fight tonight, but if Jacob Fatu wants to start something, he will finish it. He then says that Jacob Fatu took WrestleMania away from him and that when a man has nothing to lose, he is at his most dangerous.

Before the next match, Kit Wilson defends the honor of his mother through slam poetry. He then attacks Jelly Rock from behind with the poetry book.

Jelly Roll beats Kit Wilson with a choke slam, earning his first singles win in WWE. Jelly Roll celebrates with his son after the match.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa meets with The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). Solo says that everything he does for the family is done out of love, as he knows just how great they can be. He says that his job is to lead this family, but he cannot lead if he is on the same page. Solo says last week was a little too much, and he apologizes before stating that Roman Reigns would not have done the same. The MFT's leave, but as Tama Tonga is about to join them, Carmelo Hayes asks Tama Tonga if he is going to take a shot at the United States Championship or if he is going to wait until Solo tells him to. Carmelo leaves, then Shinsuke Nakamura catches up with Tama Tonga again. Talla Tonga shows up, then Tama Tonga leaves with him.

Carmelo Hayes' open challenge for the WWE United States Championship is answered by Sami Zayn. Trick Williams then shows up and watches the next match from ringside.

Sami Zayn beats Carmelo Hayes to win the WWE United States Championship for the second time. During the match, Trick Williams takes the WWE United States Championship and throws it into the ring. Sami Zayn takes it, but the referee removes it. Trick gets on the apron, but punches Carmelo with a right hand meant for Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn then hits the Helluva Kick on Carmelo Hayes to win the match and the title.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jacob Fatu. Jacob says he did not show up just to stay backstage, and then heads to the ring to speak to the people.

Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers are seen in the front row.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with General Manager Nick Aldis and finds out that he will be defending the WWE United States Championship against Trick Williams at WrestleMania.

Jacob Fatu heads to the ring. Jacob says he is limping, busted open, and has cracked ribs, and it all has to do with Drew McIntyre. He asks McIntyre what is wrong with him after trying to take him out, end his career and take food off his family's table. He says that kicking his teeth down his throat, hitting his head with the WWE Championship, hitting him with a car and even tossing him off the side of a building was not going to keep him down, and that he is still standing. Jacob says that as long as he has air in his lungs, he will dog walk McIntyre ever week. McIntyre shows up and says he is the victim, not Jacob, and that Jacob started this when he accused him of a crime he did not commit, saying that he is guilty until proven innocent and that Jacob is straight guilty because he is a criminal. He says that Jacob Fatu stole everything from him, then says "Screw your damn kids." General Manager Nick Aldis intervenes, saying neither man is in any condition to beat each other up tonight until WrestleMania, when they finally square off one-on-one. He then says McIntyre and Jacob have become liabilities to themselves and WWE and that WWE will not be held responsible, and that their match will be unsanctioned.

Backstage, Jelly Roll meets with Matt Cardona, saying he feels bad after what Randy Orton did to him. Matt Cardona wants to kick Randy's ass tonight, then Jelly Roll leaves and Zelina Vega and Aleister Black show up. Zelina says that Cardona is picking a fight he cannot win to fix his ego, and Aleister says that there would have been if it was just Randy, but Randy now has the voices in his hand.

Chelsea Green catches up with Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany declines Chelsea's help against Giulia.

Giulia beats Tiffany Stratton following the distraction by Kiana James, which allows Giulia to get the knees up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and get the win.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Bayley says that she and Lyra Valkyria that they had to remind The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) who runs SmackDown and who has their eyes on the women's tag team division. Lyra says that she and Bayley are the biggest threat to the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, and Bayley says that they will get the job done on Raw.

Randy Orton is on the phone with someone. He tells that person that he will see them soon.

Randy Orton beats Matt Cardona. After the match, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes comes out of his tour bus, heads towards the ring, and gets stopped by security and General Manager Nick Aldis. Cody says he just wants to talk to Orton, but Aldis reminds him not to jeopardize the WrestleMania match. Cody stares down Orton from the ring apron, and this soon leads to a brawl. Orton retreats, and security and officials try in vain to stop the brawl when it makes its way outside. Both Cody and Orton fight off security as they continue to beat each other up, and even Jelly Roll has to show up reason with both Cody and Orton. All of a sudden, Randy Orton hits Jelly Roll with an RKO and smiles on his way to the back.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for March 19, 2026

Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom).

Grayson Waller beats Shiloh Hill.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 16, 2026

Drew McIntyre is played to the ring by a troupe of bagpipers as he heads to the ring to start tonight's show. McIntyre says that he prayed for this and it happened, and says that while it has been a rough few years in the UK, if anyone can bring the UK together, it is him. He says that the support over the past week has been incredible, then tells the fans "screw you," saying that this is not "a bad guy wrestler bit" and that the fans are jumping on a bandwagon and were not there when things got tough. McIntyre says that there is only one person to thank - himself - saying he was the only person who believed in himself, then addresses "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, saying there will be no rematch due to a close in the contract for their last match. He proclaims that Cody's era ends now and that his era ends tonight before Randy Orton makes his way to the ring. Orton says he is not here to congratulate McIntyre; instead, he is here to remind him that since he didn't punt him in the head months ago, he will not hesitate. Orton then says that when he wins the WWE Championship again, it will be with an RKO. Suddenly, Jacob Fatu shows up and brawls with McIntyre, and McIntyre finds out the hard way that sending Jacob head-first into the ring first does nothing to Jacob. As Jacob chases McIntyre through the crowd, Orton receives a Skull Crushing Finale from behind from The Miz.

Randy Orton beats The Miz in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Fatal Four-Way qualifier.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre runs into Ilja Dragunov, who says he will beat Sami Zayn tonight and get one step closer to the Undisputed WWE Championship. McIntyre says he will see him at Royal Rumble if he wins.

We hear from Bo Dallas, who says that Solo Sikoa stole their light only to inherit the weight of what it really means. He says it is not a weapon and that they carry it in the dark so the dark does not carry The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross). He says that taking the light is more powerful than its true purpose and that the light will come back to them. He states that like a moth to a flame, they will not stop until they take it back.

Backstage, Alexa Bliss is met by Charlotte Flair. Alexa says last week sucked and wants to know if Charlotte was really sick. Charlotte says she was really sick, and Alexa tells Charlotte she has her back before she leaves. Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up after Alexa leaves to try a drive a wedge between Alexa and Charlotte, but Charlotte is not having any of it.

UFC Middleweight fighter Michael "Venom" Page is seen in the front row.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Giulia and Kiana James. fter the match, Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up and go on the attack, ganging up on Charlotte after laying out Alexa. Giulia shows up and confronts Nia, and Kiana has to hold Giulia back.

We hear from Solo Sikoa, who sees more than the lantern and that he can see all the fireflies in the world who are now in his possession. He states that if Bo Dallas wants the lantern back, The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) must put the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line. He says his family will take back all the gold, but until then, he will take care of the lantern, and "he" is going to be with him when he takes out Damian Priest and wins the Undisputed WWE Championship.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody says that he was not just WWE's champion, but the fans' champion, and he wanted the fans to be teammates and not just spectators. He admits that either he became complacent, or Drew McIntyre was just that good last week. He also talks about winning back-to-back Royal Rumbles, then says only one person has one three and that he loves a gamble. He states that with no rematch clause, he will do this "the old way," and declares for the men's Royal Rumble. Cody also addresses Jacob Fatu, saying he has known Jacob throughout his career, and says that he knows what "receipt" means. He says that Jacob has a receipt coming, and he can either come and take it, or he can come to Jacob and beat the brakes off his ass.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Matt Cardona. Cardona says it is a shame how Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says he and Drew McIntyre also go way back. He says he reinvented himself while he was gone, and he plans to become WWE Champion.

Trick Williams beats Matt Cardona in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Fatal Four-Way qualifier. After the match, Kit Wilson heads towards the ring, calls Trick Williams "toxic," then attacks Matt Cardona as soon as Cardona turns his back before calling him toxic.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest. Priest says he could talk all day about Drew McIntyre, but tonight is about Solo Sikoa, and his match may not be one-on-one. He says he did "one versus all" to win Money in the Bank, and he will do it again to get to McIntyre.

Kit Wilson is still in the ring as he says the fans need reassurance, leadership, and most of all, him. As Kit Wilson states that he is the solution to toxic masculinity, Jacob Fatu shows up from behind and superkicks him when he turns around. Jacob then hits Kit Wilson with a senton followed by a top rope moonsault, then tells "The Americna Nightmare" Cody Rhodes that if he has something to say about or to him, then he can get in the ring right now. Cody shows up and heads to the ring to brawl with Jacob, and referees and security show up to separate both men. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up just before the brawl starts again and the scene fades to black.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu is official for Saturday Night's Main Event on January 24th.

Damian Priest beats Solo Sikoa in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Fatal Four-Way qualifier after The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) show up and chase The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo) - minus Talla Tonga, who is ejected for tripping Priest off the top rope despite the referee not seeing it - and Solo Sikoa keeps Uncle Howdy from taking the lantern back. After the match, Uncle Howdy reclaims his lantern, but he is soon taken out by a returning Talla Tonga, who reclaims the lantern for Solo before helping Solo to the back.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Drew McIntyre. Sami says he is happy that McIntyre won last week, then says that he will beat Ilja Dragunov, win the #1 contender's match and see McIntyre again. McIntyre says he has beaten Sami eleven times while Sami has never beaten him, and that nothing will change. Sami says "We'll see."

Carmelo Hayes' open challenge opponent is revealed to be Leon Slater.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Leon Slater after countering a Superplex attempt with an avalanche cutter.

Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura is confronted by Tama Tonga, saying that he had his chance and blew it. Tama Tonga then tells Nakamura to stay out of his way. Nakamura replies to Tama Tonga in Japanese, then walks away.

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae laugh about beating up Nathan Frazer when Axiom shows up and tells them to give the mask back to save them a beating. Gargano hands the mask to Candice, then he is suddenly jumped by Nathan Frazer in an Axiom mask. Frazer tells Gargano that they have a match next week, and that after he beats respect into him, Axiom will do the same and take his mask back.

We see a vignette for Oba Femi.

Jade Cargill watches the next match from ringside.

Jordynne Grace beats Chelsea Green. After the match, Jordynne addresses Jade Cargill, stating that it is extremely important for Cargill to know what exactly is coming for her and that if she is tired of babysitting the WWE Women's Championship, she can get in the ring, right here, right now. Chelsea charges at Jordynne only for Jordynne to dodge so that Chelsea runs into Cargill instead. Jordynne looks at the WWE Women's Championship, then passes it to Cargill.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams. Trick Williams puts all of SmackDown, saying that he is money before telling Randy Orton and Damian Priest have a match with the future of the business and that he is going to whoop that ass. Priest shows up and says that while Trick likes to do a lot of talking, he does not, and says that since the both of them are free next Friday, he is free to whoop that trick.

Sami Zayn beats Ilja Dragunov in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Fatal Four-Way qualifier. After the match, Sami is attacked from behind by Trick Williams, who then hits Sami with the Trick Knee to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 2, 2026

The Miz suddenly hijacks the start of the show to air his 2025 grievances, saying that no one will move on to 2026 until he does. He takes exception to not facing John Cena one last time and not being the one to tap him out. He talks about how he offered his advice and expertise to younger talent, who he says should be chomping at the bit to learn him from him, only to be met with ungratefulness and entitlement. He says that respect is not demanded, it is expected. The Miz also mentions Joe Hendry and R-Truth ruining his last SmackDown of 2025 and bringing back the "tiny balls" nickname, then says there is a silver lining and that John Cena is gone in 2026, saying nobody wants to see Cena anymore. He declares himself the new face of WWE, saying that unlike Buffalo, New York, he actually wins championships. Miz lists his accomplishments as a double Grand Slam champion, and says he is the locker room leader and the adult in the room full of brats. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and bumps into The Miz, who is suddenly happy to see him back on SmackDown as he says that they are both the locker room leaders, the faces of WWE and the adults in the room. The Miz then proposes they could both be "Miz-K-O," but gets met with an RKO. Orton hen comically shakes Miz's hand and pats him on the chest before wishing him a happy new year and hitting him with another RKO.

Backstage, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) are met by Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Nia calls teaming up with them "a little difficult," but Lash says it will be worth it when they help them to a victory tonight on the way to the women's tag team titles. When Nia Jax says they want a shot at the women's tag team titles after Monday, Asuka says they will be glad to owe them a beating after they keep the women's tag team titles. Asuka leaves, then Kairi Sane tells Nia and Lash that they should be ready for them.

Backstage, Randy Orton runs into "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and tells him that once he beats Drew McIntyre, he is coming for the WWE Championship. Orton leaves, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up to remind Cody about Drew McIntyre being in the building for the Three Stages of Hell stipulations and the "no physicality" clause. Cody says he will not put the WWE Championship in jeopardy.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Nia Jax, Lash Legend and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) in an eight-woman tag match.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Jordynne Grace when Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up. Chelsea Green does not want to wrestle tonight, but Aldis threatens to strip her of the United States Women's Champion if she does not.

Members of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team are seen in the front row.

Before the next match, Kit Wilson talks about how he is redefining masculinity and how Buffalo, New York has some of the most toxic sports fans in all of America. All of a sudden, Zack Ryder shows up, this time as Matt Cardona. It is finally recognized on commentary that Zack Ryder and Matt Cardona are the same person.

Matt Cardona beats Kit Wilson. During the match, it is announced that Matt Cardona is now part of the SmackDown roster.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest. Priest says he has gone to war with Aleister Black for six months and that this ends tonight. He says Aleister tried to change and break him, but he is not his creator, and all he has done is wake something up that even Aleister will not understand. He hopes to stuff Aleister in an ambulance and send him to the ER, for he will be the one to fade to black.

We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross). Bo Dallas asks Solo Sikoa what the meaning of family is, as he has been searching for that since The Bloodline split up and has claimed that The Wyatt Sicks are not a family. He says that Solo has not taken the time to contemplate the force he is up against and mocks what he does not understand. He says that his family is not made up of who he sees, and that it is filled with millions of Fireflies around the world who will always remember. He says it is time to chop down Solo's family tree at the root, for when the dust settles, The Wyatt Sicks will be the ones.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami admits he feels good to be back after the last couple of weeks after watching John Cena's last match with his son in the front row, and admits that the match made him realize that while John Cena has won a world title seventeen times, he has not won one. He says that as long as his son has been able to watch wrestling, his son has been confused as to why he has never been world champion. Sami then says he is not here to talk about being world champion; he is here to do it. After Sami declares that he is coming for the WWE Championship, Trick Williams suddenly shows up and announces that he has finally arrived before introducing himself to Sami. Trick says he is here for one reason and one reason only: the WWE Championship. He says that they are not the same, and says that unlike Sami Zayn, he is not "the one that almost gets the job done." Sami says he has been watching and is impressed, but tells Trick that he has yet to be humbled, and since Trick has no problem interrupting him, he has no problem Sami a lesson and teaching Trick to be humbled.

Backstage, Carmelo Hayes is met by Ilja Dragunov, who says he wanted to fight the best version of the best last week and that Carmelo gave him exactly that. Dragunov hints that this may not be the last time, and when asked if he will continue the open challenge, Carmelo says yes. Carmelo Hayes suddenly runs into The Miz and thanks him for making this possible...by leaving him alone so he could be the greatest he has ever been.

General Manager Nick Aldis meets backstage with Rey Fenix when Trick Williams shows up fuming about Sami Zayn. Fenix tells Trick that he has a lot to learn, but Trick says Fenix needs to learn to keep his mouth shut when grown men are talking. Aldis puts Trick in his SmackDown debut match with Rey Fenix next week.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Johnny Gargano.

Backstage, Tama Tonga is met by Shinsuke Nakamura. They both speak to each other in Japanese, and after Nakamura leaves, Solo asks if everything is okay. Tama says yes, then finds out that The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) will face The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) in an eight-man tag match next week and soon take back the WWE Tag Team Championships.

We hear from Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Aleister says that it does not matter what Damian Priest says at this point, and says that Priest can beat him as many times as he wants, as nothing will change. He says Priest is the only thing that has changed, and that after tonight, nothing will be the same ever again. Zelina says it is time to put the final nail in the coffin of Priest's own delusions.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, who says that she injured "Michin" Mia Yim on purpose during the recent holiday tour and that injuries happen when pigeons do not know their place. Jordynne Grace shows up wanting to get a good look at the champion as she looks at all her options, and Cargill tells her to sign somewhere else. Jordynne is not impressed with Cargill's threats.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs into Sami Zayn, who has not seen Drew McIntyre. Cody says he has heard what Sami had to say and that everyone is being honest tonight, and while Sami says he thinks the world of Cody, Cody understands where he is coming from. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and after Aldis admits he has not seen McIntyre, Cody heads to the ring.

We see a video package for Oba Femi.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody asks what makes one a WWE Champion, and Cody says it is his mentality when it comes to facing anyone in a WWE ring. He says he shows up with the WWE Championship early so that everybody can "see [him] seeing them," then says that while Drew McIntyre reeks of envy, he is grateful that McIntyre is a mountain to climb and cannot wait to have their fight. Cody then says that he sees McIntyre as lunch while he sees himself as the champion, and that this will not change in Berlin, Germany. McIntyre appears on the TitanTron and says Cody is so predictable because he is old-school and traditional and that Cody is "as vanilla as it gets," then says he has come up with the best way to hurt him. McIntyre finally names the Three Stages of Hell's stipulations. The first match will be a straight wrestling match, but in the second match, falls will count anywhere. He then says that if the match goes to a third fall, it will end in an old-fashioned steel cage where two men enter and one champion leaves. McIntyre says that is assuming Cody is still champion, then admits that he has been in Cody's tour bus and that one item inside stood out more than any other: a picture of Cody with his father Dusty Rhodes. McIntyre says that he wishes Dusty was still here today to see the man Cody has become, then says Dusty would be ashamed and hopes Dusty has a coat when Hell freezes over after he becomes champion before throwing the picture frame down and stomping it to pieces. McIntyre destroys the Cody then runs to the back to confront McIntyre, and General Manager Nick Aldis and a band of referees hold Cody back. All of a sudden, Drew McIntyre is in the ring with a trash can while carrying the photo in his hands. Cody is held back by the referees as McIntyre sets the photo on fire and throws it in the trash can. McIntyre taunts Cody as everyone keeps Cody back.

Giulia beats Chelsa Green to become the WWE United States Women's Champion for a second time after Kiana James distracts the referee as Chelsea has the match won with the Un-Pretty-Her.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Rhea says that she and Iyo have been waiting a long time to get their hands on The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) and that the Women's Tag Team Champonship are finally coming back. Iyo says that the two of them will finally be champions together. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up, and Alexa wishes Rhea and Iyo good luck, stating that The Kabuki Warriors can be a little sneaky. After Charlotte says that they are next in line, Rhea says that this will soon become her and Iyo's pain as well as theirs.

Backstage, Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano are met by Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). Nathan Frazer notes that Gargano is not doing well without Tommaso Ciampa. Axiom then demands his blue mask back, but Gargano considers the mask a gift for Candice. Axiom heads to General Manager Nick Aldis for a match to get the mask back.

Damian Priest beats Aleister Black in an ambulance match. During the match, Zelina Vega is the first to open the doors, and when she does, Rhea Ripley comes out and chases Zelina to the ring before hitting her with a Riptide. Aleister goes into the ambulance following a choke slam from the top of the ambulance to two tables brought into the match by Priest.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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