WWE Smackdown Airs Live Tonight Before WrestleMania

The final show before the biggest event of the year has a stacked card.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the chaotic movements and clashing of WWE wrestlers, conveying the intensity and excitement of the sport.The final Smackdown before WrestleMania promises to deliver high-octane action and drama as WWE superstars vie for a spot on the biggest stage.Neptune City Today

WWE's Friday Night Smackdown will air live tonight at 8 p.m. EST on USA Network, the final show before WrestleMania. The episode will feature several big matches and storylines leading into the biggest pay-per-view of the year, including the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and an appearance by Cody Rhodes to address Randy Orton.

Why it matters

Smackdown is always an important show, but this week's episode is especially crucial as the last chance for WWE to build momentum and hype heading into WrestleMania. Fans will be eager to see how the card shapes up and what surprises may be in store before the grand event.

The details

Tonight's Smackdown will take place live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The show will feature the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, a traditional WrestleMania tradition, as well as an appearance by Cody Rhodes, who is expected to address his ongoing feud with Randy Orton.

  • Friday Night Smackdown airs live at 8 p.m. EST.
  • The show will take place on April 17, 2026, the night before WrestleMania.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that produces Friday Night Smackdown and WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes

A WWE superstar who is expected to make an appearance on Smackdown to address his rivalry with Randy Orton.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE superstar who has an ongoing feud with Cody Rhodes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have one more stop before the biggest premium live event of the year.”

— Joe Mason, Author

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to Smackdown tonight to see how the WrestleMania card continues to take shape, including any potential surprises or last-minute changes.

The takeaway

Friday Night Smackdown is always an important show, but this week's episode is especially crucial as the final stop before WWE's biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. Fans will be eager to see how the card shapes up and what surprises may be in store.