Danhausen’s WWE debut ends in undefeated win after pyro mishap
Danhausen defeated Kit Wilson on WWE SmackDown in his first WWE match, with a pyro malfunction aiding the finish, leaving him undefeated in WWE.
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Royce Keys Debuts on SmackDown, Drops Aight Catchphrase and Spinebuster Finisher
Former AEW powerhouse Royce Keys made his SmackDown television debut on the Apr. 10 episode, quickly defeating Berto with a spinebuster that looks set to be his finishing move, while he peppered his promo with the new catchphrase “Aight.” Commentary suggests the spinebuster could trouble the SmackDown roster, and Solo Sikoa offered to help Keys as he begins his WWE ascent.
Pat McAfee Sparks Fan Backlash as SmackDown Takes a Turbulent Turn
Pat McAfee’s controversial promos dominate SmackDown as Nick Aldis positions himself as the fan’s voice and teases Roll vs. McAfee; Cody Rhodes defends the crowd while McAfee targets Punk and others, setting up potential conflicts. The show also features Jade Cargill vs. Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, a Danhausen win with Kit Wilson, and Drew McIntyre–style beatdowns, plus Sami Zayn and Trick Williams interactions. The overall feeling is a confusing booking direction, yielding a D+ grade from the recap.
Royce Keys Resurfaces on SmackDown for a New WWE Run
WWE announced that Royce Keys, the ex-AEW talent who debuted at the 2026 Royal Rumble, will make his weekly SmackDown debut this Friday. A three-minute WWE video teases his arrival and a more layered character built around his East Palo Alto upbringing. Keys entered the Rumble at #14, lasted nearly 10 minutes, eliminated Damian Priest, and was eliminated by Bronson Reed; WWE confirms he’s aligned with SmackDown (the blue brand). After several dark matches and a well-received podcast interview, the key test will be what unfolds on TV in the ring.
WWE Revises SmackDown Card After Pat McAfee Storyline Response
WWE is reworking SmackDown plans following the Pat McAfee storyline, with changes to upcoming episodes’ lineup and segments.
SmackDown Bets on a MASSIVE SURPRISE to Save WrestleMania's Main Event
SmackDown from San Jose builds toward WrestleMania 42 with Pat McAfee promising a MASSIVE SURPRISE to buoy the Orton-Cody Rhodes main event, while Rhodes vows to strike back after last week's chair beatdown. The show is expected to feature the debut of Royce Keys, payback angles for Sami Zayn, and various setup segments as WWE pushes multiple WrestleMania storylines including Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu and several match-builds for the weekend.
Royce Keys Set for Official SmackDown Debut After WWE Announcement
WWE announced that Royce Keys, formerly Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, will make his official SmackDown television debut following his Royal Rumble appearance and recent dark matches, with WWE posting a video and tweet confirming the debut for tomorrow.
Giulia Recalls Humbling SmackDown Moment After Stratton Spot
On SmackDown, Giulia defeated Tiffany Stratton with a roll-up after Stratton’s rough swanton, then joked that she actually peed a lot from the spot; Giulia remains United States champion as WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas approaches, with Stratton potentially earning a Mania appearance.
Tiffany Stratton’s SmackDown Wardrobe Glitch Halts Show
Tiffany Stratton reportedly suffered a wardrobe malfunction during a SmackDown match with Giulia, causing a brief black screen on the feed during a commercial. Giulia won with interference from Kiana James, and the moment sparked chatter about a WrestleMania title clash.
Rhodes Returns, Orton Feud Heats Up as SmackDown Builds Mania
SmackDown (Mar 27, 2026) pushed WrestleMania-forward with Cody Rhodes returning to confront Randy Orton after Orton defeats Matt Cardona, sparking a pull‑apart that Jelly Roll interrupts. Sami Zayn seeks a Mania spot, backing Trick Williams, who beats Carmelo Hayes to set up a United States Championship match against Nick Aldis at WrestleMania. The show also featured Lash Legend with The Bella Twins defeating Flair & Bliss, ongoing Rhea Ripley/Jade Cargill/Michin/B-Fab angles, Kit Wilson vs. Jelly Roll, and a teased unsanctioned bout between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre; Giulia defeated Tiffany Stratton with help from Kiana James. Grade B.
Orton Unleashed and McIntyre Injury Tease Spark SmackDown's WrestleMania Build
WWE SmackDown from Pittsburgh set the WrestleMania pace with Randy Orton looming backstage and threatening more chaos, Cody Rhodes set to return to address him, and a major injury tease for Drew McIntyre. The night also featured Jelly Roll’s surprise win over Kit Wilson, interruptions and new alliances involving Jade Cargill, plus injury updates for Nikki Bella and hints of title drama including a possible United States Title defense, all shaping the Road to WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn Wins US Title With Interference, Sets WrestleMania 42 Showdown
On SmackDown, Sami Zayn captured the United States Championship from Carmelo Hayes after Trick Williams interfered, despite GM Nick Aldis previously noting no WrestleMania plans for him. Zayn overcame the odds with a kick and will defend the US title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, setting up a high-stakes clash on WWE's big show.
Zayn snatches US title on SmackDown; fans and Corbin push for Mania triple threat
Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to win the WWE United States Championship on SmackDown, with Baron Corbin chiming in on social media saying Hayes was screwed and deserving of a Mania match, even proposing a three-way with Ilja and Trick Williams. Zayn is slated to defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42, as fan reaction to the finish runs negative.
Sami Zayn Poised to Take United States Title on SmackDown
WWE is reportedly planning a major title change on the March 27 SmackDown, with Sami Zayn set to defeat Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship ahead of WrestleMania 42. If true, the switch would shake up SmackDown’s momentum as Hayes’s strong US Title run continues to elevate him, in a show that also features Cody Rhodes’ return and other segments; plans can still change, so tune in for a potential live title moment.
Jelly Roll Secures His First WWE Singles Victory on SmackDown
Grammy-winning Jelly Roll defeated Kit Wilson in a five-minute, one-on-one match on SmackDown to record his first WWE singles win, overcoming a competitive bout that drew mixed reactions from fans; Roll used Wilson's poetry book as a distraction and pinned him with a late chokeslam.