WWE Friday Night SmackDown Preview: Full Card, Predictions, and How to Watch

The final WWE TV show before WrestleMania 42 takes place this Friday in Las Vegas.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a chaotic WWE wrestling match, with overlapping planes of color and movement capturing the raw energy of the sport.The final WWE TV event before WrestleMania 42 promises high-stakes action and continued storyline development as Superstars make their final push towards the biggest stage.San Jose Today

The last episode of WWE television before WrestleMania 42 is set to air this Friday night on the USA Network. The card includes the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and an eight-man tag team match between The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs. Several top WWE Superstars are also scheduled to appear, including Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton.

Why it matters

This episode of SmackDown is the final tune-up before the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42. Storylines will continue to develop and set the stage for the marquee matches at the upcoming two-night WrestleMania spectacular.

The details

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will feature a number of WWE Superstars competing in the annual over-the-top-rope battle royal, with newcomer Royce Keys being tipped as the favorite. In the eight-man tag team match, The Wyatt Sicks will look to defeat The MFTs and end their ongoing feud. Additionally, several top Superstars are scheduled to appear, including Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton.

  • Friday Night SmackDown will air live on April 17, 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium.

The players

Royce Keys

A rising WWE Superstar who is the favorite to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

The Wyatt Sicks

A tag team competing in an eight-man tag match against The MFTs.

The MFTs

A tag team competing in an eight-man tag match against The Wyatt Sicks.

Drew McIntyre

A top WWE Superstar scheduled to appear on the episode.

Cody Rhodes

A top WWE Superstar scheduled to appear on the episode.

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What they’re saying

“Ladies and gentlemen.. This is what we walked into this morning thanks to @CodyRhodes… THANKS TO OUR SECURITY CAMERAS HERE'S THE FOOTAGE”

— Pat McAfee, TV Host

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to Friday Night SmackDown to see how the storylines progress ahead of WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19.

The takeaway

This episode of SmackDown is the final chance for Superstars to make a statement before the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. Fans can expect high-stakes action and continued development of key storylines as the road to WrestleMania reaches its final stretch.