WWE Returns to San Jose for Friday Night SmackDown

Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Royce Keys set to appear ahead of WrestleMania 42

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the raw energy and intensity of a WWE wrestling match.The geometric, fragmented visuals of a Cubist painting capture the raw energy and intensity of an upcoming WWE showdown.San Jose Today

WWE is heading back to the SAP Center in San Jose, California, for this week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown, with only three shows left before WrestleMania 42. The card includes a response from Cody Rhodes after last week's attack by Randy Orton and Pat McAfee, an exposé from Drew McIntyre on Jacob Fatu, and the official SmackDown debut of Royce Keys.

Why it matters

With WrestleMania 42 just around the corner, this week's SmackDown will be a crucial stop on the road to the biggest event of the year. Fans will be eager to see how the ongoing storylines develop and what surprises may be in store ahead of the grand spectacle in Las Vegas.

The details

Last week on SmackDown, there was a shocking moment when Pat McAfee joined forces with Randy Orton to attack Cody Rhodes. This week, the WWE Undisputed Champion is scheduled to respond to that incident. Additionally, Drew McIntyre is set to expose Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn will look to get revenge on Trick Williams before their WrestleMania match. Royce Keys will also make his official SmackDown debut.

  • Friday Night SmackDown is taking place on April 10, 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026.

The players

Cody Rhodes

The WWE Undisputed Champion, who was attacked by Randy Orton and Pat McAfee last week on SmackDown.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE Superstar who joined forces with Pat McAfee to attack Cody Rhodes last week.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter and current WWE commentator who unexpectedly attacked Cody Rhodes alongside Randy Orton last week.

Drew McIntyre

A former WWE Champion who is set to expose Jacob Fatu on this week's SmackDown.

Royce Keys

A rising WWE Superstar who will make his official SmackDown debut this week.

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What they’re saying

“'I refuse to be defined by where I'm from, but instead by where I'm going.'”

— Royce Keys

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to see how the ongoing storylines develop and what surprises may be in store ahead of WrestleMania 42.

The takeaway

This week's SmackDown will be a crucial stop on the road to WrestleMania 42, with several key storylines and debuts set to unfold. Fans will be eager to see how the Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Pat McAfee situation evolves, as well as what Drew McIntyre has in store for Jacob Fatu and Royce Keys' official SmackDown debut.