Live WWE SmackDown Preview: Final Show Details Before WrestleMania
This live update covers WWE’s SmackDown and acts as a short preview with final show details ahead of WrestleMania. The April 17 edition serves as the final stop before the big weekend.
Match card and key segments
The show features multiple high-profile segments and matches. Expect in-ring action and promotional beats that set up WrestleMania.
- Cody Rhodes delivers a message to Randy Orton and Pat McAfee.
- Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre face off in a tense encounter.
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal takes place.
- Eight-man tag team street fight: The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy) vs. MFT (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga and/or JC Mateo).
- Women’s United States Championship No. 1 contender match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jordynne Grace.
Broadcast and viewing information
SmackDown airs Friday, April 17 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The broadcast is on USA Network and streaming is available via Sling.
WrestleMania weekend schedule
SmackDown opens the weekend from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Several major events follow at nearby venues.
- SmackDown: Friday, April 17 at 8 p.m. ET — T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
- WWE Hall of Fame ceremony: Saturday, April 18 at midnight ET — Dolby Live at Park MGM.
- WrestleMania 42 Night One: Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. ET — Allegiant Stadium.
- KillTony WrestleMania Vegas: Sunday, April 19 at midnight ET — Dolby Live at Park MGM.
- WrestleMania 42 Night Two: Sunday, April 19 at 6 p.m. ET — Allegiant Stadium.
- Raw after WrestleMania: Monday, April 20 at 8 p.m. ET — T-Mobile Arena.
Headlines and rivalries
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appears to send one more message ahead of his WrestleMania match. Randy Orton has criticized Rhodes and said he intends to repair his own legacy at the big show.
Pat McAfee remains a polarizing presence. He draws boos while Orton receives strong cheers from the crowd.
Special matches and stakes
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal continues as an annual fixture. Past winners have used the victory as a springboard to bigger momentum.
The eight-man street fight promises chaos. Both factions bring multiple members and animated storylines into the match.
Injuries and roster notes
Nikki Bella is dealing with an ankle issue from the March 27 SmackDown tag match. She told the Nikki & Brie Show on April 17 she will keep wearing a boot while she rests the foot.
Her WrestleMania status remains unclear less than 24 hours before the weekend begins.
Arena atmosphere and attendance
Friday’s crowd at T-Mobile Arena looked smaller than usual for a final SmackDown before WrestleMania. More than half of the upper bowl was covered for the event.
That seating arrangement contrasted with a fuller arena at last year’s pre-WrestleMania show.
Filmogaz.com will provide continued coverage and updates through the WrestleMania weekend. Stay tuned for live reaction and analysis.
