WWE SmackDown Live Results: WrestleMania 42 Go-Home Display On Friday, April 17, 2026, WWE SmackDown delivered the final episode before WrestleMania 42, setting the stage for the two-night spectacle at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The go-home show featured high-stakes matches, heated promos, and key developments heading into WWE’s flagship event. The evening opened with a video package highlighting WrestleMania’s four-decade history, followed by the arrival of Randy Orton and Pat McAfee backstage. Orton addressed the crowd, acknowledging his demand for McAfee in his corner despite their tumultuous history, stating he values McAfee’s honesty and loyalty. When Orton mentioned Cody Rhodes, the audience responded with a chorus of boos, reflecting the ongoing tension between the two former allies turned rivals. Orton accused Rhodes of consistently taking from their friendship without giving back, a sentiment rooted in their shared history dating back to their early careers. He concluded his promo without interruption, maintaining the psychological intensity that has defined their rivalry for over two decades. The in-ring action began with the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, a traditional SmackDown staple preceding WrestleMania. While specific winner details were not disclosed in the available coverage, the match served as a platform for multiple superstars to showcase their strength and resilience. In the women’s division, Jordynne Grace faced Tiffany Stratton in a number one contender’s match for the Women’s United States Championship. The bout highlighted the growing depth of SmackDown’s female roster, with both athletes delivering a competitive performance that underscored the stakes heading into WrestleMania. Jacob Fatu responded to Drew McIntyre’s attack from the previous week, signaling an escalation in their feud. Fatu’s retaliation demonstrated his readiness to challenge McIntyre on a larger stage, adding momentum to their ongoing storyline. The Wyatt Sicks engaged in a street fight against The MFTs, delivering a chaotic and physically intense match that lived up to the stipulation’s reputation for unpredictability. The encounter featured extreme elements and reinforced the Wyatt Sicks’ dominance in recent weeks. Cody Rhodes closed the show with a direct message to Randy Orton, setting the tone for their WrestleMania 42 main event. Rhodes framed their match as more than a championship contest—it was a personal reckoning rooted in 20 years of shared history, generational legacies, and unresolved respect. He emphasized that their bout for the WWE Undisputed Championship on Night 1 would settle not only who is the top wrestler in WWE but also honor the lineage of their fathers, Dusty Rhodes and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. The go-home episode successfully built anticipation for WrestleMania 42, blending athletic competition with narrative depth. With the Undisputed Championship match headlining Night 1 and numerous title defenses and special attractions scheduled for Night 2, the show affirmed SmackDown’s role as a critical pillar in WWE’s road to its most significant event of the year.
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