By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,388)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at PPG Paints Arena
Simulcast live March 27, 2026, on USA Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] Joe Tessitore was on commentary and narrated backstage/arrival shots of The Bella Twins, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, Giulia and Kiana James, Tiffany Stratton, Kit Wilson, and Jelly Roll, who was with his son checking out the replica Stanley Cups. Tessitore, who was joined on commentary by Wade Barrett, said there were over 12,700 in attendance…
Powell’s POV: WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 12,212 with 11,423 tickets distributed. The last time WWE ran a television event at PPG Paints Arena was the June 30, 2025, Raw, which had 13,432 tickets distributed. The listed capacity is 19,758.
A video package recapped Randy Orton’s actions on last week’s Smackdown, which included taking out Matt Cardona…
Randy Orton made his entrance and was introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash. The fans sang along with Orton’s entrance theme. Orton recalled Cody Rhodes telling him two weeks ago that he needed to be the best version of himself that he could be.
Orton said Cody told him to listen to the voices in his head. Orton said he shut them out a long time ago, which drew some boos. Orton said Cody gave him his blessing. He said now that he’s listening to the voices in his head, he can’t be held responsible for what happens. Orton said there was one voice outside his head that he was listening to.
Matt Cardona’s entrance music interrupted Orton. As Cardona walked to the ring, Orton called for his music to be cut. Orton asked if Cardona wanted him to break his other arm. Orton said Cardona is lucky he still has a job in WWE. Cardona entered the ring and slammed a microphone over Orton’s head, which sent him to the floor. There were some “Randy” chants…
Powell’s POV: Gee, I can’t believe that Orton attacking Matt Cardona last week wasn’t enough to stop fans from singing his entrance theme and chanting his name. I continue to suspect that the creative forces are a step ahead and expect Orton to be cheered. I hope I’m not mistaken.
Backstage, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis finished giving a referee some instructions. Trick Williams showed up and said he knew Aldis had something to say. Aldis said he’s been impressed by Trick, and he hears the people supporting him. Aldis said he cares about business. Aldis told Trick that he was giving him a match at WrestleMania. Trick celebrated.
Sami Zayn showed up. Trick called Zayn “Ginger Bread.” Zayn wondered what he would be doing at WrestleMania. Aldis told him that he doesn’t have a spot for him unless something changes. A dejected Zayn walked away, but then had an epiphany. Zayn turned and walked back toward Aldis and Trick, who pointed and said catering is that way. Zayn punched Trick. “Hey, I’m gonna have a match at WrestleMania,” Zayn excitedly said. “Just you watch”…
The Bella Twins made their entrance heading into the first commercial break… [C]
Backstage, an angry Randy Orton told Nick Aldis to make a match between him and Matt Cardona. Aldis said Cardona’s arm was broken. Orton said he knows because he’s the one who broke it. Orton said that the voices were talking, and something bad would happen if he didn’t get his match with Cardona. Aldis seemed to concede before telling Orton to go cool off…
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrances. Just as the match was about to start, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend made their entrance and spoke while they were walking to the ring. Jax said there was still time to buy tickets to Raw, where they will defend their titles against Lyra Valkyria and Bayley. They insulted the teams in the ring…
1. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Brie Bella and Nikki Bella. Nia Jax and Lash Legend sat in office chairs at ringside to watch the match. All four wrestlers ended up at ringside and bickered in front of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions before a picture-in-picture break. [C]
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