SmackDown Preview (4/17/26): André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Returns
Friday Night SmackDown is officially in WrestleMania go-home mode, and WWE has already locked in two big matches for next week’s episode on April 17 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Here’s the early lineup, my predictions, and our latest podcast. GM Nick Aldis usually updates Friday afternoon—maybe sooner. I’ll add new matches when announced.
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SmackDown April 17th Lineup
André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Entrants TBA
The traditional André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal makes its return to SmackDown!
This over-the-top-rope battle is always a fun mix of surprise entrants, big-man spots, and WrestleMania momentum builders. No participants have been announced yet, but expect a mix of Raw and SmackDown stars looking to earn some pre-Mania spotlight (and bragging rights).
Eight-Man Tag: The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) w/ Nikki Cross vs. MFT (Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga & JC Mateo) w/ Tonga Loa
This one has been brewing for months over Bray Wyatt’s lantern (which the Wyatts finally got back). The Wyatt Sicks challenged MFT to a Street Fight, and WWE made it official.
No rules, no count-outs — expect weapons, chaos, and plenty of spooky/supernatural vibes clashing with the Bloodline-style aggression of MFT.
SmackDown Predictions
Bayley defeats Alexa Bliss with the help of The Bella Twins
Main Event: Sami Zayn defeats Aleister Black
Jimmy Uso Wins the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal!
Other predicted entrants:
El Grande Americano
"The Original" El Grande Americano
Danhausen
Finn Balor
Dominik Mysterio
Ricky Saints
Ethan Page
Charlie Dempsey
Tavion Heights
Bear Bronson
Cedric Alexander
Leon Slater
Eddie Edwards
Brian Myers
Kit Wilson
Lexis King
Saquon Shugars
Dion Lennox
Shawn Spears
Brooks Jensen
Cappuccino Jones
Luke Gallows
Karl Anderson
Daga
WWE SmackDown is one of WWE's flagship weekly programs, showcasing the biggest Superstars on the SmackDown brand in explosive matches, heated rivalries, intense promos, and major storyline advancements that shape the future of WWE.
It airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network (in the US), with episodes also available on demand shortly after the live broadcast on Peacock (in the US) and on WWE Network or Netflix internationally (depending on the region).
