WWE Friday Night Smackdown Review. 18.4.2026.

Written By Patrick O'malley.

Superstars Seen Showing Up To Work.

Jade Cargill, and her group of baddies. Rhea Ripley. Team Blair. Trick Williams, and. Bayley and Lyra were all seen showing up to the arena.

Randy Orton Segment.

Pat Mcafe was seeen dropping off Randy Orton like a proud parent, in what was a big looking Ram Truck. Randy then stepped into the ring, and cut a very good heel promo, as he blamed Cody of being a taker, and not a giver. I liked this. Pat drove him and Randy off, as that big old Truck goes towards Mania. I get that a lot of fans don't like Pat Mcafe, this told me that WWE have listened, because his screen time was very minimal on this broadcast.

The MFT's vs The Wyatt Sic 8 Man Street Fight.

I liked this. As the way of how TV Street Fights go, this one was very cohesive, and it worked from the layout, all the way to the Matches within the Match. This led to Nikki Cross going airbourne, and. Solo getting the win with a spike to Uncle Howdy.

R Truth Segment.

R Truth don't you ever change. He got Australia confused with England to the point that must've turned cross eyed. Damien Priest how is he not corpsing on live TV.

Miz And Maryse Wedding Vows Renewal.

What do you get when you add cake, upset children, Kit Wilson as a priest, and. Danhausen cursing people? If you're answer was pure silly comedy, then you would be right. I loved this.

Jacob Fatu Segment Of The Night.

I loved this. A police car was seen showing to the car park, and into the arena, and as it went onto the stage outcame Jacob Fatu. This was by far one of the best segments of the night. Jacob went to town on calling out Drew Mcintyre, and when Night 1 of Mania arrives, he won't be able to hide from Jacob, because no one will be able to save him during their unsanctioned Match. This was fantastic.

R Truth And Damien Priest vs Kofi Kingston And Grayson Waller WWE Tag Team Championship.

This was a bit of fun, and a good way to get Priest And Truth on the card. The pair retained.

Jade Cargill And Rhea Ripley.

This was excellent. It's no secret that I haven't been a big fan of this build, but this segment was great. Once Bfab, and. Michin had stepped away, both of these ladies had a fantastic promo dual. Now what I have to say is about fans who leave awful things about Pro Wrestlers on social media. Leave Rhea alone. It's never ok to bring anyones weight. Rhea has opened up about battling a eating disorder, and I think that it's important to talk about these issues, because if we can talk about them, then those that are affected can get help. So leaving awful messages doesn't help anyone. So with said, think before you post. It's really not that difficult.

Tiffany Stratton vs Jordynne Grace. No1 Contenders For The WWE United States Championship.

Tiffany Stratton, beat Jordynne Grace, in what was a solid TV Match. I think it's a shame that tiffany isn't on the Mania Card.

Trick Williams Segment.

I liked this, from the main theme of respect, to the added edition of the Gingerbread Man, this had me thinking of the words. Do you know The Muffin Man. The Muffin Man who lives on Drury Lane. Yes The Muffin Man. I loved this segment as it worked to put over both mens securities, and insecurities. That poor Gingerbread Man, he did not deserve getting a hellouva kick. Gingerbread Men are loved here in the O'malley household.

Team Blair vs Lyra Valkyria And Bayley.

I didn't like this, because the Match got thrown out, thanks to Lash Legend, and Nia Jax. If rumours are to be Believed. Saraya Beavis, aka Paige is in Las Vegas. Now I wonder why.

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Royce Keys, beat 19 other men to take home the oversized statue of Andre. WWE have done a great job building up Royce throughout the broadcast, which included an emotional video, which paid tribute to his late Mother, this was an incredibly emotional moment, and was superbly put together by WWE. Oh and hello Joe Hendry.

Cody Rhodes Segment.

From allowing the fans to chant go home Pat. Cody was on fire, as he flipped the script on Randy's prior segment from earlier in the evening. Cm Punk came out, and the pair didn't just have a great Promo Dual, they laid bare what we could be getting at Mania 43 next year in Saudi Arabia next year, with a year to build to it. Now this is how you send the fans home happy heading into one of the biggest shows of the year.

Overview Of This Weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

This is the best that WWE Friday Night Smackdown has looked in weeks, and given the fact the past two weeks shows have been at such a low bar, anything at this point would be passable. WWE has found it cohesion again, and if this broadcast is anything to go by, then I think we might be in for one hell of a steller weekend. Sit tight, and strap yourselves in, because things are going to get very interesting.

This weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown is a decent 7/10.