WWE presented the March 26 episode of SmackDown from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show featured escalating tensions between Jacob Fatu & Drew McIntyre, the crowning of a new US Champion, and other exciting matches.
Moreover, it also saw Cody Rhodes return to get some measure of revenge from Randy Orton, weeks after his vicious attack on him ahead of their match at WrestleMania 42.
What happened in WWE SmackDown’s opening segment?
The show opened with Randy Orton coming down to the ring. He told the fans that they and Cody Rhodes wanted him to be the best version of himself and listen to the voices in his head. Orton clarified that he could not be held responsible for what happens next.
Just then, Matt Cardona came down and took down Orton to begin SmackDown on a heated note.
The Bella Twins vs. Charlexa
Nikki and Brie Bella squared off against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in a tag team match. Nia Jax and Lash Legend were ringside to watch the match. The fast-paced showdown was captivating the fans throughout its course. The final moments saw Legend hit Alexa with a punch, allowing Brie to roll her up for the pin and win the match for her team.
The aftermath saw Lash and Nia attack the two teams, only for Bayley and Lyra Valkyria to run down the ring to come to their aid.
Rhea Ripley vs. B-Fab
Jade Cargill came out with B-Fab and Michin, who gave an explanation for the reason to align with her despite past differences. This began as an impromptu match and lasted only a few minutes when Cargill attacked Rhea Ripley outside the ring to cause a DQ. It ended with Ripley subjected to a 3-on-1 assault and lying on the mat.
Jelly Roll vs. Kit Wilson
This was Jelly Roll’s first match since last competing at the 2025 WWE SummerSlam PLE and his first-ever singles match in WWE. Both men exchanged hard-hitting moves. Moreover, Jelly Roll held his own valiantly and managed to deliver a thunderous chokeslam to Kit Wilson in the end to pick up the victory.
Sami Zayn vs. Carmelo Hayes
Sami Zayn answered Carmelo Hayes’ US Title Open Challenge this week on SmackDown. Trick Williams sat ringside to watch the match.
Towards the end of the highly enthralling showdown, Trick Williams got hold of the US title. The referee took the belt, and as he was not looking, Williams took a punch that hit Carmelo. Zayn took advantage and hit the Helluva Kick to become the new champion.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Giulia
The two SmackDown stars faced off in a non-title match. The exciting match saw a last-minute distraction from Kiana James, delaying Tiffany Stratton from delivering the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Giulia got her knees up and rolled Stratton for the pin.
Randy Orton vs. Matt Cardona
This was the main event match of the night. Despite his wrist injury at the hands of Randy Orton last week, Matt Cardona put up a valiant effort. However, he was dominated by Orton and finished off with an RKO, who then picked up the win. Cody Rhodes arrived at the arena right after and headed to the ring. This led to a brawl between him and Orton as security attempted to stop him from beating his WrestleMania 42 opponent. The show ended with both men stopped by security, and Orton hit Jelly Roll with an RKO, with heated tensions built on the road to WrestleMania.Also read: Will former WWE star Ronda Rousey return to wrestling after her MMA Fight with Gina Carano?
