WWE SmackDown aired live on April 10, 2026, from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The show played a major role in building momentum for WrestleMania 42, which is set to take place across two nights. Several key WWE stars appeared on the show as storylines intensified ahead of the biggest event of the year.
The episode featured Pat McAfee’s return, championship rivalries heating up, and the television debut of Royce Keys, making the San Jose event an important chapter in the WrestleMania buildup.
Pat McAfee Returns and Aligns with Randy Orton
One of the biggest talking points surrounding SmackDown was the return of Pat McAfee. The popular WWE personality shocked fans the previous week when he reappeared and aligned himself with Randy Orton.
I HAVE A SIMPLE QUESTION FOR CM PUNK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 11, 2026
WHEN THAT TKO MERCH CHECK COMES THRU WHICH ACCOUNT DOES IT GO TO…
HE'S A FRAUD #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/dZKGHAlDcS
During that moment, McAfee helped Orton launch an attack on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The confrontation came just days before Rhodes is scheduled to defend the championship against Orton at WrestleMania 42 Night One.
McAfee was scheduled to appear on the San Jose episode to address his actions. His return has created curiosity among fans, particularly about his comments regarding bringing back an era dominated by larger and more powerful wrestlers.
WrestleMania 42 Night One Matches Continue to Take Shape
SmackDown continued to focus heavily on matches scheduled for Night One of WrestleMania 42.
The main event of the first night will feature Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. Their rivalry has grown more intense in recent weeks following Orton’s attacks and McAfee’s involvement.
Another major match on Night One will decide the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The titles will be contested in a Fatal Four-Way match featuring several top teams from the women’s division.
| Team | Match Situation |
|---|---|
| Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair | Challengers |
| Bayley & Lyra Valkyria | Challengers |
| The Bella Twins | Challengers |
| Nia Jax & Lash Legend | Defending Champions |
As part of the ongoing rivalry between the teams, Alexa Bliss and Bayley faced each other in singles competition on the show. The match added more tension to the growing rivalry heading into the championship contest.
Also see: Royce Keys Wins WWE SmackDown Debut Match Against Berto in San Jose
Night Two Storylines Continue to Develop
The build toward WrestleMania 42 Night Two also continued on SmackDown.
One of the biggest matches scheduled for the second night will see Rhea Ripley defend the Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. The rivalry has escalated following recent events on Raw.
Ripley recently teamed with IYO SKY to defeat Michin and B-Fab. After that match, Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab attacked SKY and left her injured. Ripley was expected to address the situation on SmackDown as tensions between the two competitors continue to rise.
United States Championship Feud Intensifies
Another major storyline featured Sami Zayn and Trick Williams ahead of their United States Championship match at WrestleMania 42 Night Two.
Sami Zayn questions why he’s getting booed.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 11, 2026
“I don’t even know what I did. What did I actually do?”#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/IIVatPKZen
Zayn successfully defended his title against Carmelo Hayes in the main event of the previous SmackDown. However, the celebration did not last long. Trick Williams later attacked Zayn with the help of rapper Lil Yachty, escalating the rivalry between the two competitors.
| Superstar | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Sami Zayn | Retained United States Championship vs Carmelo Hayes |
| Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY | Defeated Michin & B-Fab on Raw |
| Bayley | Defeated Lash Legend on Raw with help from Lyra Valkyria |
These developments continue to shape the championship picture heading into WrestleMania.
Drew McIntyre Promises to Expose Jacob Fatu
Drew McIntyre also appeared during the show as part of his rivalry with Jacob Fatu. McIntyre promised that he would reveal the truth about Fatu ahead of their WrestleMania clash.
Their feud has been building in recent weeks and is expected to reach a major moment during the upcoming event.
Royce Keys Makes Televised SmackDown Debut
The San Jose episode also featured the televised debut of Royce Keys, formerly known to fans as Powerhouse Hobbs.
Keys has built strong momentum behind the scenes after competing in several dark matches and appearing in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. His debut marks an important step in his WWE journey.
| Wrestler | Recent Performance |
|---|---|
| Royce Keys | Multiple dark match victories since February |
| Opponents Defeated | Motor City Machine Guns, Rey Fenix, Berto, Brutus Creed, Rayo Americano |
The debut performance helped establish Keys as a new presence on the SmackDown roster.
SmackDown Builds Momentum Toward WrestleMania 42
The April 10 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered several important moments as the road to WrestleMania 42 continues.
With championship rivalries heating up, major stars appearing, and new talent debuting, the San Jose show added both answers and new questions ahead of the biggest WWE event of the year. Fans will now watch closely as the final pieces fall into place before WrestleMania begins.
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