The final episode of WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 delivered big moments, major storyline developments, and a new number one contender. With Las Vegas hosting the show just one day before the biggest event of the year, the energy was high and several matches helped set the stage for WrestleMania weekend.
The biggest highlight of the night came when Tiffany Stratton secured a major victory to enter the Women’s United States Championship picture.
Tiffany Stratton Becomes No.1 Contender
The main talking point of the show was the #1 contender match between Tiffany Stratton and Jordynne Grace. Both superstars delivered a competitive performance, with strong crowd support throughout the match.
In the end, Tiffany Stratton picked up a clean win by hitting her signature move, the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. This victory confirms her as the next challenger for Giulia’s Women’s United States Championship.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Tiffany Stratton vs Jordynne Grace | Tiffany Stratton won |
| Finish | Prettiest Moonsault Ever |
| Outcome | New No.1 Contender |
This win is a big step forward for Stratton, who has been working to return to the title picture after her previous championship run.
WWE Tag Team Titles Successfully Defended
The WWE Tag Team Championship match also took place on SmackDown, where Damian Priest and R-Truth defended their titles against Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller.
The challengers controlled much of the match early on, but a mistake between Kingston and Waller allowed Priest to turn the momentum. The champions finished the match with a strong double-team move to retain their titles.
| Championship Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Priest & R-Truth (c) vs Kingston & Waller | Priest & R-Truth won |
| Result Type | Pinfall |
| Titles Status | Successfully retained |
Eight-Man Street Fight Ends Long Rivalry
A long-running rivalry came to an end in an eight-man tag team street fight between The MFTs and The Wyatt Sicks. The match was intense and filled with chaos, as expected from a street fight format.
The finish saw Solo Sikoa accidentally strike his own teammate before taking control and securing the victory for his team.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| The MFTs vs The Wyatt Sicks | The MFTs won |
| Match Type | Eight-Man Street Fight |
| Key Moment | Solo Sikoa decisive strike |
Major Segments Build WrestleMania Momentum
Several top superstars appeared on the show to build hype for WrestleMania 42. Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Pat McAfee were part of key segments that added intensity to their upcoming match.
Orton made it clear that he is focused on winning another world title, while Rhodes continues to defend his position as champion heading into the big event.
At the same time, tensions also rose in the women’s division as Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill exchanged strong words ahead of their WrestleMania clash.
Also see: Paige Set for WWE Return at WrestleMania 42, Likely to Replace Injured Nikki Bella
Other Key Highlights from SmackDown
The show also featured multiple backstage segments and storyline developments that added depth to the WrestleMania build.
| Segment | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Jacob Fatu Promo | Sends strong message ahead of match |
| Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair | Focus on momentum before WrestleMania |
| Andre the Giant Battle Royal | Annual tradition returns |
These moments helped connect different storylines while keeping the focus on the upcoming premium event.
Full Match Card Summary
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Tiffany Stratton vs Jordynne Grace | Stratton won |
| Priest & R-Truth vs Kingston & Waller | Priest & Truth retained |
| MFTs vs Wyatt Sicks | MFTs won |
Final Build to WrestleMania 42
This episode of SmackDown successfully set the tone for WrestleMania 42. With new contenders decided, rivalries reaching their peak, and champions ready to defend their titles, the stage is now fully prepared.
Tiffany Stratton’s big win stands out as the defining moment of the night, putting her in a strong position heading into one of the biggest weekends in WWE.







