Preview:

The April 17 edition of SmackDown will serve as the go-home show for WrestleMania 42. Stars set to clash at the ‘Grandest Stage’ will face off for the final time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Randy Orton are listed as featured superstars.

As per tradition, the go-home show will feature the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. WWE has not announced the list of participants for the battle royal. On the other hand, after regaining the lantern, the Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erik Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) with Nikki Cross will take on four members of the MFTs (Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) in an eight-man street fight. Ahead of the showdown, the Wyatt Sicks delivered a message to the MFTs. Additionally, the show will feature WWE superstars from both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, and fans can expect an explosive final show before Mania with top names colliding before the ‘Grandest Stage.’

Last week’s show saw Royce Keys make his in-ring debut on the main roster, while Drew McIntyre launched a brutal assault on Jacob Fatu. The show also featured Danhausen’s first official match against Kit Wilson. In the main event of the show, Jade Cargill defeated Iyo Sky to retain the WWE title. Additionally, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton delivered another beatdown on Cody Rhodes, dragging Jelly Roll in the mix as well. On the other hand, Jacob Fatu will also appear after a brutal attack by Drew McIntyre last week, and fans are waiting to see how Fatu responds ahead of the Unsanctioned match at Mania. Additionally, Women’s United States Champion Giulia will defend the title against Tiffany Stratton.

A long-running WrestleMania Week tradition will continue on this week’s episode on the final show of the Blue brand. WWE has officially announced that the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal is set to take place tonight. On the other hand, after regaining the lantern, the Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erik Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) with Nikki Cross will take on four members of the MFTs (Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) in an eight-man street fight. With WrestleMania around the corner, WWE might pack surprises on tonight’s show. Stars appearing at WWE World in Las Vegas before SmackDown or even at the WWE Hall of Fame might decide to pay a visit to fans during the Blue brand’s show.

A longstanding WrestleMania week tradition is set to continue on this week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown. WWE has confirmed that the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will take place during Friday’s SmackDown, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual match has been a staple of WrestleMania festivities since its introduction in 2014. Originally featured on the WrestleMania card, the Battle Royal has, in recent years, shifted to the SmackDown episode leading into the premium live event. Despite the change in placement, it remains a marquee attraction of the week. Notable past winners include Carmelo Hayes, Bronson Reed, Jey Uso, and Bobby Lashley. As of now, WWE has yet to announce any participants for this year’s edition. Let’s Take look on complete match card and Show detail for edition of  WWE Smackdown Friday Night April 17, 2026 episode.

Match Card:

• Cody Rhodes has a message for Randy Orton one night before WrestleMania
• How will Jacob Fatu respond to Drew McIntyre’s brutal attack before WrestleMania?
• Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal returns
• The Wyatt Sicks battle The MFTs in an Eight-Man Tag Team Street Fight
• More Cards.

Location & Date:

• Show: WWE SmackDown 4/17/26
• Location: Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Date & Time: Friday, April 17,2026 | 8PM ET – 5AM PT