WWE SmackDown on April 10, 2026 delivered a mix of fresh debuts, strong in-ring action, and a controversial promo segment that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The show introduced new talent, continued major storylines, and added more buildup toward WrestleMania.
While several matches received positive reactions from fans, the Pat McAfee promo segment drew criticism and sparked debate among viewers.
Royce Keys and Danhausen Make WWE TV Debuts
Two new faces made their presence felt on SmackDown as Royce Keys and Danhausen debuted on WWE television.
Royce Keys appeared in front of a hometown crowd in the Bay Area. Before his match, WWE aired a vignette telling his personal story. The video highlighted his upbringing in a difficult neighborhood and how his grandparents helped guide him toward a better path.
Keys then faced Berto in his first WWE TV match. Throughout the contest, commentary emphasized Keys’ strength and physical power. After the match, he also appeared in a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley where he repeated his catchphrase “aight,” which quickly caught fans’ attention.
Danhausen also made his in-ring debut on the show and defeated Kit Wilson. The match featured several of Danhausen’s signature comedic and theatrical moments.
He landed a dropkick, attempted a bridge pin, and survived a top-rope elbow attempt before turning the momentum in his favor. At one point he “cursed” Wilson and used pyro effects behind the turnbuckle to distract his opponent. Danhausen eventually secured the win with a big boot and remains undefeated on WWE television after the debut.
Jacob Fatu vs Tama Tonga Turns Physical
Another intense match on the card featured Jacob Fatu taking on Tama Tonga. The two competitors delivered a hard-hitting contest that added more energy to the show.
After the match ended, Drew McIntyre appeared and attacked Fatu in a brutal post-match beatdown. The moment further fueled their ongoing rivalry and helped build momentum toward their upcoming Unsanctioned Match storyline.
The segment also continued tension between Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, adding another layer to the developing storyline around that group.
Jade Cargill vs Iyo Sky Headlines SmackDown
The main event of the night saw Jade Cargill face Iyo Sky in a match that continued the ongoing storyline involving Rhea Ripley.
Cargill has been targeting Ripley through her allies, and the match with Sky pushed that rivalry further as WrestleMania approaches. The bout closed the show and served as one of the major storyline developments of the night.
Pat McAfee Promo Draws Mixed Reactions
One of the most talked-about segments involved Pat McAfee, who delivered a lengthy promo during the show.
The segment included an announcement promoting discounted WrestleMania Saturday tickets. While some fans appreciated the promotion, many viewers felt the promo itself became too long and unfocused.
The segment also featured an appearance by music star Jelly Roll. Despite earlier expectations that he might not be involved in the storyline, he played a role in the segment, which drew mixed reactions from fans.
During the promo, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came out to respond. The situation quickly escalated when Randy Orton brought Jelly Roll to the ring and chaos followed.
Rhodes and Jelly Roll were attacked during the segment, and McAfee briefly left the ring holding Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship belt. The dramatic moment added tension to the long-running Rhodes vs Randy Orton storyline.
Key Moments From SmackDown
| Wrestler | Highlight From the Show |
|---|---|
| Danhausen | Won his WWE in-ring debut against Kit Wilson |
| Royce Keys | Made WWE TV debut against Berto and appeared in a backstage interview |
| Jacob Fatu | Faced Tama Tonga before being attacked by Drew McIntyre |
| Cody Rhodes | Responded to McAfee’s promo and was beaten down during the segment |
| Jade Cargill | Competed in the main event against Iyo Sky |
Mixed Reactions as WrestleMania Nears
SmackDown on April 10 combined exciting debuts and strong matches with a promo segment that divided opinion among fans.
Royce Keys received a solid introduction with a vignette, match, and interview, while Danhausen’s debut added humor and energy to the card. The physical clash between Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga also helped build momentum for upcoming storylines.
However, the Pat McAfee segment became the biggest talking point of the night. Many viewers felt the focus on celebrity appearances and ticket promotion overshadowed the wrestling narratives.
As WrestleMania approaches, SmackDown continues to move key storylines forward, but the show also left fans hoping for clearer direction in the weeks ahead.
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