By John Moore, ProWrestling.net Staffer (@liljohnm)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,392)
Fort Worth, Texas, at Dickies Arena
Simulcast live April 24, 2026, on USA Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] A WrestleMania highlight video package aired. Arrival shots of Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Lil Yachty and Trick Williams (w/A Gingerbread man), Danhausen, . Danhausen had a Stephen A. Smith cutout. Tessitore joked that Stephen A’s Knicks are losing because Danhausen cursed them (They were already cursed)…
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer. Cathy Kelley was the backstage interviewer…
“The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu made his entrance. Jacob talked about how he told Roman he wanted him. He said he told Roman he don’t want that title, but he needs that title. He said Roman told him eye to eye, “you’re not ready”. Jacob said the truth is, Roman’s right. Jacob said he’s always heard “you’re not ready”. From friends, family, everybody. “It’s not your time”, “You’re not ready”, “you’re not good enough”. He said to keep it 100, if Roman thinks Jacob isn’t ready, he better step up in the ring to prove it.
Jimmy and Jey Uso made their entrance. Jimmy said they heard that Jacob wants it all, to take care of fam, and raise the kids. Jimmy said Cody defended his title but he’s slippin’. Jimmy said that should be his target. He said not to go after the OTC and run the play with the family. The crowd showered Jacob with “Fatu” chants. Jimmy said those foos won’t give them a lifestyle, big money, or put the kids in school. Jey said it’s too late.
Jey said Jacob stepped up and opened his mouth. Jey said it was time to see if uce can swim in the deep end. Jey said to get respect from Roman, is to walk up to him, look him in the eye, and get ready for war, yeet. Solo Sikoa and the MFTs made their entrance. Solo told Jake that the Usos are lying to him. Solo said they didn’t bring him to WWE, Solo did. Solo joked that all Jey would do is teach Jacob to yeet.
Solo said if Jacob wants to be champion, Solo can help. Solo said that Jacob is going to need an army to beat Roman, and he has that army. Tama Tonga snatched the mic from Solo and said they are wasting their time, because Solo is a lost cause who can’t beat Roman. Tama said Jacob can’t even beat Solo. Jacob caught Tama with a Superkick. Jacob said the only person he should be talkin’ to right now is Roman Reigns.
Jacob said to keep it 100, if Solo thinks he can’t beat him. Let’s line up Solo vs. Jacob tonight. Jacob said his all gas no brakes catchphrase to end the segment…
John’s Thoughts: Very cool seeing the San Francisco Anoa’i contingent all in the ring together. Throw JC Mateo in there and I got some nostalgia from seeing them all in Daly City at the All Pro Wrestling indie promotion. I’m a bit weary about retreading the path of the Bloodline again, but in Heyman we trust to do the writing to make this work I guess? We’ll see. What I do like is seeing Jacob Fatu take the reigns as the up-and-coming protagonist, as the guy does have the aura and crowd support to potentially get that role for one of the brands.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett checked in on commentary. They sent the show to Cathy Kelley who interviewed Giulia and Kiana James about Giulia’s upcoming match. Kiana said they are mad about the lack of respect. She said it only lit a fire under them to defeat Tiffany Stratton. Giulia said she feels no pressure, only anger. Kiana said that Cathy was making them feel uncomfortable. Cathy told the cam she caught a stray and sent it back to the arena…
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance…[c]
Several bull riders from PBR were shown in the crowd. Tessitore also pointed out that Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa was made official…
Giulia and Kiana James made their entrance…
1. Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s United States Championship. Tiffany used her agility to avoid Giulia before hitting her with a clothesline for a one count. Giulia got a two count after a Small Package. Both women traded rapid fire pin attempts. Giulia got a two count after a neckbreaker. Giulia worked on Tiffany with headbutts. Tiffany went for a PME early but got tripped into a Tree of Woe.
Giulia hit Tiffany with a dropkick. Giulia hit Tiffany with a reverse Tower of London at ringside heading into break.[c]
During the break, both women took each other out with stereo facebusters. Tiffany rallied with right hands and clotheslines. Tiffany hit Giulia with a backflip elbow and handstand into a Stunner for a two count. Both women made their way to the top rope. Giulia hit Tiffany with a Superplex for a two count. Tiffany escaped a Northern Lights Bomb. Kiana James tripped up Tiffany.
Tiffany grabbed Kiana. Giulia accidentally ran into Kiana. Tiffany hit Giulia with a Rolling Senton. Giulia reversed a PME into a modified Rings of Saturn. Giulia’s hold was broken, but she caught Tiffany with an Arriverderci. Tiffany reversed a Northern Lights Bomb into an Alabama Slam. Tiffany hit Giulia with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the victory.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia via pinfall in 8:55 to become the new WWE Women’s North American Champion.
The replay showed Kiana James looking in disappointment while selling her jaw. Fireworks went off to celebrate the new champion…
John’s Thoughts: A fine enough match but it didn’t really get enough time to get into that next gear. The result is fine, but this is the 2nd title reign of Giulia’s where she sorta got nothin’ out of it (though I’d argue that Kiana James was actually the one who benefited the most out of it because people were able to see how extremely talented she is). For Giulia, a babyface run might be in order as it would allow her to get over via her in-ring while she continues to try to improve her English. Tiffany isn’t in the best place these days either, but maybe she can find a way to make things work with a title around her waist. Just like I say with Giulia, I say the opposite with Tiffany as she could use a fresh start as a heel; given that she has the ready-made valley girl persona down pat.
Highlights aired of the Danhausen segment from WrestleMania…
“Earlier this week” Danhausen went to Miz’s house and knocked on his door. When Miz opened it he was gone. Instead, he teleported in the house. Miz asked Danhausen how he found his house. He said he had star maps. Miz kicked Danhausen out. Miz went to his backyard, and Danhausen was in the pool. Miz tried to tackle Danhausen, but he sent himself in the pool when Danhausen dodged. A “to be continued” graphic aired…
Brie Bella and Paige were hyped for after the break…[c]
A WrestleMania headlines package aired…
Cathy Kelley interviewed Tiffany Stratton about her title win. Tiffany talked about her being the runner up for months and months, but she’s finally the number 1 as US Champion. She said she’s going to show everyone the world runs on Tiffy Time…
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige made their entrances to their separate themes. Brie hyped up the crowd. She said WrestleMania was special. She said even though she couldn’t compete with her sister, at least she could count on a person she can call a sister. She told Paige “Welcome Back” which sparked chants. Paige did her “I’m back” catchphrase.
She talked about how she lost her voice, but it was one hell of a week. Paige said she’s so proud to be with Brie and they walked out as Women’s Tag Team Champions. Paige said it was a tough road, but she’s so happy to be home. Paige said she was in the ring with the best women in the world, but she wants to remind everyone that Smackdown is Paige’s house. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance.
Charlotte said it was good to see Paige back. Alexa said it was good too, even tough they pinned her. Alexa said they aren’t going to let one WrestleMania moment get in their way. Charlotte proposed a match between her and Alexa against the tag champs. The crowd did the “Yes” chant. Paige said she was down. Brie said she was also down and ready to go tonight. Charlotte did a “woo”. Paige asked for a referee, right now. Charles Robinson ran down the ramp for the match…[c]
2. Brie Bella and Paige vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Back from break, Bliss caught Brie with a dropkick. Flair tagged in and gave Brie a chop. Bliss and Flair cut the ring in half on Brie. Brie hit Charlotte with a Enzuigiri. Brie was going to get the hot tag, but Jacy Jayne showed up and tossed Paige into the steel steps for the DQ.
Brie Bella and Paige vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss ended in an apparent no contest in 1:57 of on-air time.
Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid ran out and beat down Flair and Bliss. The Fatal Influence trio left all four women in the ring lying. Fatal Influence gloated up the ramp…
More WrestleMania highlights were hyped for after the break…[c]
John’s Thoughts: The match was more of setting the table for the NXT trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid making their main roster debuts. A bit quick, but hopefully WWE is smart, and they end up putting together a video package to allow the heel trio to introduce themselves. Very happy to see Jacy Jayne get the callup, as she started last year as someone people would look past. Once she got the surprise NXT Women’s and TNA Knockouts title wins, she took the ball and ran with it by becoming really good in the ring while also becoming a strong heel talker and antagonist to whoever she went against. Happy to see Fallon called up to as she’s very versatile and whenever they explode the group, she’ll make a fun babyface if they let her go back to that role.
[Hour Two] Highlights aired of the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton match from WrestleMania…
A Royce Keys vignette aired. Various people from East Palo Alto, CA gave their thoughts on Royce Keys and talked about how proud they were of him. Royce’s brother said he’s proud his brother made it to the top. A montage was shown of Royce meeting with all his friends and family. He said he has people depending on him, and he can’t slow down…
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance. Cody sporting that black eye from WrestleMania. After asking the crowd what they wanted to talk about, he talked about how he left WrestleMania 42 bloody and battered. He said he made the decision to be ready and available. Cody talked about how he always gets back up no matter what. Cody said he wanted to send a message at WrestleMania. He said he also wanted to send a message to a man who’s not here tonight, Randy Orton.
Cody talked about how Randy started him in this sport. He said Randy gave him his best shot, a punt to the head, and he’s still standing here. He said he wanted to send a message to a sarcastic and condescending Sami Zayn who called him a golden boy. Cody said he is head to toe in gold. He said his family, friends, and fans will all be gold. He said the most important message he wanted to send is to outside forces who keep trying to interject in his plans.
He said they are 0-3. He said they should sit back, count their money, and mind their own damn business. Cody said this is the first Smackdown after Mania. He said he’s easy to find, weather you’re from NXT, Smackdown, Raw, Cody Rhodes is easy to find; but hard to beat…
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett checked in again. Tessitore recapped Fatal Influence causing havoc in the women’s tag team match earlier…
They cut backstage where Solo Sikoa was giving marching orders to the rest of MFTs. Solo said he wants them to get the tag team titles back and not let the family down. Tonga Loa asked Solo about Jacob Fatu. Solo said he’ll take care of Jacob…
WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R-Truth made their entrance…[c]
Joe Tessitore plugged WWE’s LJN action figures…
The MFTs made their entrance, sans Solo. Tessitore talked about the tension between Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa in recent months…
3. Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. “The MFTs” JC Mateo and Tama Tonga (w/Tonga Loa) for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Truth and Tama started the match. Both men traded hands to start. Truth rallied with right hands. Tama came back with a dropkick to take down Truth. Tama missed an elbow drop. Priest tagged in and took down Tama with a Superman Punch. Priest hit JC with a spin kick. Priest hit Tama in the corner with a running elbow.
JC pulled Damian’s hair which allowed Tama to dump him to ringside. Loa ran at Priest and clotheslined him while the ref was distracted.[c]
Back from break, the MFTs were cutting the ring in half on Priest. Priest got a window of opportunity after a clothesline on JC. Truth caught the hot tag and hit JC with the Five Moves of Doom. Truth hit JC with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Loa got on the apron to prevent an AA by Truth. Tama hit Truth with swinging neckbreaker. JC hit Truth.
Priest broke up JC’s pin. The MFTs dumped priest to ringside. Truth dodged Tama to send his head into the ringpost. Priest got a blind tag in. Priest and Truth hit JC with their Flatliner Flapjack combo for the win.
Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated JC Mateo and Tama Tonga via pinfall in 8:15 to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Tessitore sent the show back to the Danhausen and Miz skit at Miz’s house. Danhausen was playing with Miz’s golf simulator. Danhausen hit Miz in the balls off the backswing. Danhausen stole Miz’s Slammy award before leaving. Danhausen ran into Maryse who told Dan “You!”. Miz tried to throw a bowl of chocolate powder at Danhausen, but he dodged and he accidentally covered his wife in chocolate. Danhausen stole Miz’s daughter’s bike and drove off, which angered Miz…
Trick Williams and Little Yachty dapped it up backstage. Lil Yachty made sure to bring the gingerbread man with them. Trick slapped a random production crew guy backstage…[c]
John’s Thoughts: I get that they need to fill three hours, but they aren’t giving the Smackdown after Mania the same luster as the Raw after Mania. Even Cody’s promo on Smackdown was a cookie cutter filler promo whereas his promo on Raw actually set up a good foundation for a Punk vs. Cody match.
More WrestleMania headlines aired…
WWE US Champion Trick Williams made his entrance with Lil Yachty and The Gingerbread Man with them. Trick had his title on a podium while there were also Red, White, and Blue balloons around the ring. Trick said the people are excited to celebrate with the new United States Champion. Trick made sure to give props for the Gingerbread Man being with them. He said they weren’t here to drink or gamble.
Trick asked the crowd what Trick was at Mania to do. The crowd chanted “Whoop that trick”. Lil Yachty talked about how the other celebrities left, but he’s here to stay. Trick and Yachty said they were like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, Mike Tyson and Don King, and Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson. Yachty said they can’t hand out handouts, so no more open challenges.
Trick said if you want a handout find a clinic. He said if you want to find the US champion, then you find Trick Williams. Trick’s them played to presumably end the segment. The Gingerbread man betrayed them and hit both Trick and Yachty in the back with the giant candy cane. The mascot took off his mask to reveal Sami Zayn who got boos. The crowd showered Sami with “You suck” chants. Sami gave Trick a Helluva Kick for good measure…
John’s Thoughts: A productive segment to introduce Trick Williams as the new US Champion. Trick oozes charisma and is very witty. It was smart to pair him with Sami Zayn as Zayn was on the natural progression towards a heel turn. It lead to the crowd reaction turning Sami heel while Trick babyface (I hope they stick with Trick being a babyface at least). Curious to see if Lil Yachty is going to be a regular fixture in Trick’s act, which I wouldn’t mind as Yachty has been one of the better celebrity acts and enhances Trick’s act. Yachty has been a blast so far as the hype man.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Royce Keys about his Andre the Giant Battle Royal win. Keys said his emotions have been everywhere. He said he followed up his debut by winning the Dre. He said he’s just getting started and he takes whatever he wants. Solo Sikoa showed up and gave Keys an invitation to join the MFTs…
A Tale of the Tape aired for Miz vs. Danhausen…
Danhausen made his entrance in his coffin themed Hausen-mobile. Danhausen showed off the Miz’s Slammy Award…[c]
A replay aired of Sami Zayn beating down Trick and Yachty with a candy cane…
The Miz and Kit Wilson made his entrance…
4. Danhausen vs. The Miz (w/Kit Wilson). Kit Wilson grabbed Miz’s Slammy. Danhausen caught Miz with a crossbody and diving Huracanrana. Kit got on the apron for the distraction, which allowed Miz to beat down Danhausen off the distraction. Danhausen did the Undertaker sit-up and then cursed Miz, which summoned a smoke cannon pyro. Danhausen rolled up Miz for the victory.
Danhausen defeated The Miz via pinfall in 1:42.
Another puff of smoke went off. Danhausen ran away, even causing Miz and Kit to run into each other…
A replay aired of Rhea Ripley defeating Jade Cargill at WrestleMania…[c]
[Hour Three] A Blake Monroe (a.k.a. Mariah May) introductory vignette aired. Blake Monroe was “coming soon”…
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance. Rhea talked about how Mami was champion again. She said at Mania, Jade Cargill proved that she can go. Rhea said it’s her time to prove that the WWE Women’s Champion is a fighting champion. Rhea asked for anyone in the back to step up to Mami. Fatal Influence’s theme played as Fatal Influence made their entrance. Jacy Jayne said we all get it, Rhea is a star.
The crowd overwhelmed Jacy with boos. Jacy barked back at the crowd. Jacy couldn’t get any words out because the crowd kept booing her overwhelmingly, which Rhea pointed out. The boos lasted a minute or two. Jacy said the crowd needs to give Fatal Influence credit for taking out all the precious little legends. Rhea said she saw what they did, and taking out that many legends is impressive. Rhea said she’ll give Jacy a lesson, “stop while you’re ahead”.
Fallon Henley said what they did to the legends, nothing like what they’ll do to Rhea. Lainey Reid also hyped up Fatal Influence. Rhea said she thought Jade was cocky. Rhea said she’s used to being on the wrong side of the numbers game, and if you see thing now, that doesn’t matter. Rhea said if you’re down for a fight, she’s ready.
Jacy said Fatal Influence is always ready to throw hands. Nick Aldis walked out. He said he was thinking of a punishment for Fatal Influence for what they did earlier, and she’s standing in the ring. Aldis booked Rhea vs. Jacy for “right now”…[c]
5. WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) in a non-title match. Rhea got the early takedown on Jacy. Jacy reversed a Body Slam into a side headlock. Rhea escaped and took down Jacy with a shoulder tackle. Jacy went to her teammates for some planning. Jacy worked on Rhea with a few forearms. Jayne took down Rhea with a running huracanrana. Both women traded quick reversals. Rhea used a right hand to knock Jacy off the apron.
Jacy dodged a Wrecking Ball kick, but Rhea put Jacy in the Electric Chair and slammed Jacy’s face on the apron. Fallon and Lainey distracted Rhea, which allowed Jacy to hit Rhea with a PK.[c]
Back from break, Jacy was working on Rhea with methodical offense. Rhea hit Jacy with a Capo Roundhouse. Rhea hit Jacy with a shortarm strike combination and lift slam. Jacy escaped a power bomb and hit Rhea with a Superkick. Rhea jumped over Jacy, but Jacy surprised Rhea with a Knee Plus for a nearfall. Rhea ducked a Rolling Encore and hit Jacy with a Superkick.
Jacy crotched Rhea on the top rope. Rhea escaped the corner and hit Jacy with Cheeky Nandos. Jacy rolled up Rhea for a two count. Rhea hit Jacy with a Razor’s Edge and Leg Lariat. Jacy kicked out at two. Rhea caught Jacy with a headbutt. Rhea went for the Rip Tide, but Henley hit Rhea with a Chop Block for the DQ.
Rhea Ripley defeated Jacy Jayne via DQ in 10:45.
Henley and Reid held Rhea in place, allowing Jacy to hit Rhea with the Rolling Encore (Discus Elbow)
John’s Thoughts: I’m happy that the quick interference at the beginning of the show wasn’t the only segment for Fatal Influence. This was a better one in establishing them as a formidable heel force. Rhea set Jacy up for success in the talking segment, by setting her up to be booed overwhelmingly. Again, I’m really happy for Jacy, seeing her go from afterthought to a top heel in NXT. The DQ finish made sense, as you don’t want Jayne to take a definitive loss off rip.
A video package aired to recap the Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu segment from Raw this past Monday…
Jacob Fatu was waring up backstage. Jimmy and Jey Uso pulled up. Jimmy said they’ll have Jacob’s back to counter the MFTs. Jacob said he doesn’t need their help…[c]
A replay aired of the finish of the previous match…
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were in the medical room. Rhea Ripley showed up. Alexa Bliss proposed all three of them go after Fatal Influence. Charlotte cut in and said she’ll take care of Jacy by herself next week, unlike Rhea. Alexa told Rhea that Charlotte is just like that…
A Brock Lesnar career highlight package aired…
Solo Sikoa and the MFTs made their entrance…[c]
Ricky Saints was announced as the next Smackdown star and he’ll make his debut next week…
Jacob Fatu made his entrance…
6. “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa (w/Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo). Jacob dominated the early collar and elbow. Solo kicked Jacob and put him in a side headlock. Jacob and Solo shook each other up with a series of shoulder tackles. Jacob took down Solo with a right hook. Jacob went for Ten Headbutts in the Corner, but Solo escaped. Solo then hit Jacob with Ten Punches in the Corner. Solo called Jacob stupid and gave him a right hook.
Jacob took down Solo with a flying elbow. JC distracted Jacob which allowed Solo to dump him to ringside. Solo distracted the ref so Tama can hit him with a flying right hand. Jimmy and Jey Uso appeared on the stage. Jacob yelled that he didn’t want their help.[c]
Back from break, Solo was working on Jacob with methodical offense. Jacob and Solo traded Yay Boo strikes. Fatu rallied with a flurry of strikes. Jacob hit Solo with a running Senton. Jacob hit Solo with Ten Headbutts in the Corner. Jacob then hit Solo with the Umaga hip attack. Tama distracted Jacob. Jacob saw the Samoan Spike coming and hit Solo with a Superkick. Loa distracted the ref, allowing JC to knock Jacob off the top rope.
Jacob took out the extra MFTs with a Suicide Dive. Solo caught Jacob with a superkick and Spinning Solo. Solo hit Jacob with the Uso Splash for a nearfall. Jacob hit Solo with a Superkick and Samoan Drop. Jacob hit Solo with his signature Moonsault for the victory.
Jacob Fatu defeated Solo Sikoa via pinfall in 10:57.
Tama, Loa, and JC jumped Jacob after the match. Jacob managed to fend off all three of them with kicks. Jacob took a chair they had and beat up JC and Tama with hit. Jacob wrapped chairs around JC and Tama’s neck in the corners. Jacob then hit both of them with Umaga hip attacks. Jacob hit Tonga Loa with a Suicide Dive. Jacob set up Tonga Loa on the announce table.
Jacob hit Loa with a Uso Splash through the announce table. The Usos got on the apron. Jacob Fatu told them “Tell Roman, I’ll see his, and ya’ll ass, on Monday Night Raw”. The producers credits aired to close the show…
John’s Thoughts: Okay. I’m down with Super Fatu! The MFTs are past their prime at this moment, so it was good to use them as cannon fodder for Jacob Fatu’s character development. Jacob Fatu wants to step up to be at Roman’s level, then have him defeat a faction single-handedly to elevate him up some tiers (The MFTs need to break soon with the whole Solo vs. Tama thing). I’m happy they didn’t let the Usos interfere as it would have just tempered Jacob’s character development. They only have a few weeks til Backlash right?
As I mentioned earlier, the Smackdown after Mania wasn’t as eventful as the Raw after Mania. Part of it is the 3 hours; but I’m also wondering if they decided to spin their wheels on some things due to the massive talent cuts. There were some significant cuts involving important characters, so I can see a reason for them going on cruise control. You can click this link to check out the WWE Talent Cut Tracker. We did get a few NXT callups, with some announced; and I felt like they set up Fatal Influence for a good start by giving them two segments to establish themselves. I’ll be by in a bit with my same-night audio review for the Dot Net Members and Patreon Patrons.
Payroll belongs to the samoans.
It looks pretty obvious that the Tama/Solo thing is for now because it appears Talla was released.
I have no problem with elevating Jacob Fatu a few tiers and having face Roman at Backlash. My problem is more with WWE’s laziness when it comes to following their own rules with the brands. Jacob, a Smackdown star, challenged Roman, a Raw star, to a World Heavyweight Championship (currently a Raw title)match at Backlash. There has been no storyline explanation of why either GM or the company is ok with this. At least do that. It’s not hard. Details matter.