WWE SmackDown After WrestleMania Preview: Paige Returns!
The dust has barely settled on WWE WrestleMania 42, and Friday (April 24, 2026) Night SmackDown is ready to kick off the new era with its signature post-'Mania energy.
This is always one of the most unpredictable nights of the year—new champions, fresh rivalries, surprise returns, and plenty of "what's next?" moments.
Check out our unofficial preview below, along with my predictions and more.
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SmackDown April 24th Lineup
Cody Rhodes & The American Nightmare Era: Fresh off retaining against Randy Orton, the champ will almost certainly address the Fort Worth crowd. Will Orton demand a rematch? Is there a new threat on the horizon?
New Women's Champion Rhea Ripley: Mami's back on top. How does she address her victory over Jade Cargill, and who steps up first on SmackDown?
United States Champion Trick Williams: Big win at 'Mania—expect the celebration and potential open challenges.
Paige's Return: One of the hottest talking points. After her shocking WrestleMania appearance and tag title involvement, she's confirmed for tonight. What's her status and role moving forward?
Tag & Midcard Shake-Ups: Groups like The MFTs showed tension recently—could we see a split? Wyatt Sicks fallout? Jacob Fatu momentum?
Fort Worth Energy: Dickies Arena is always loud for WWE. Expect big pops for Texas favorites and anyone who brings the chaos.
Featured Superstars: Paige, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Sami Zayn, and many more
SmackDown Predictions
Cody Rhodes celebrates his Undisputed WWE Championship win and is announcing a Open Challenge for the title at WWE Backlash PPV.
Non-Title Match: Rhea Ripley defeats Michin
Giulia defeats Charlotte Flair During the match Kiana James got the referee's attention after Giulia uses the low blow to win.
Trick Williams celebrated and then Sami Zayn announces the rematch at WWE Backlash 2026 PPV.
Royce Keys defeats Solo Sikoa
Main Event: Damian Priest defeats The Miz after Danhausen curses the referee again.
Paige and The Bella Twins celebrated only for Giulia and Kiana James to crash the party.
Trick Williams WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Matt Cardona defeats Trick Williams to win the WWE United States Championship
MFT explains the success and failures and then MFT announces the newest member.
Rhea Ripley celebrates the title win only for her to be challenged by Charlotte Flair.
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).
