The Andre The Giant Battle Royal returned and more on the April 17 WWE SmackDown, officially kicking off WrestleMania 42 weekend.
Following its inception back in 2014, The Andre The Giant Battle Royal took place on SmackDown and saw the winner receive the trophy that honours the Hall of Famer. Additionally, The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs faced off in a street fight and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appeared live.
The 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony followed the show, which saw Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, Demolition, Dennis Rodman, Bad News Allen and Sid Eudy inducted as part of this year’s class.
Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves were on commentary for the show.
WWE SmackDown Results April 17:
- Following a video package of WrestleMania’s history, Randy Orton officially kicked off the show. Orton admitted that he doesn’t need McAfee in his corner, but is glad that McAfee will be there as he is a straight shooter. Orton said that everything Rhodes did in their friendship is fake. Orton wasn’t interrupted or attacked in the opening promo.
- The MFTs defeated The Wyatt Sicks in a street fight.
- A police car made its way onstage and Jacob Fatu got out of it. Fatu said that he is a changed man and wants to put Drew McIntyre behind him, just like his criminal past.
- The Miz and Maryse tried to renew their wedding vows, but Maryse was cursed by Danhasuen.
- Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated Grayson Waller and Kofi Kingston to retain the Tag Team Championships.
- Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley met face to face one last time before WrestleMania. Ripley said that she would wait until Mania to get physical, as she didn’t want Cargill to have an excuse when she loses. There was no violence between the two.
- Tiffany Stratton defeated Jordynne Grace to become the new number one contender for the Women’s US Championship.
- Trick Williams spoke about Sami Zayn taking out Lil Yachty the previous week. Someone dressed as a gingerbread man interrupted, followed by Zayn. Zayn sent Williams out of the ring and hit the gingerbreak man with a Helluva Kick. Williams attacked a distracted Zayn.
- Charlotte Falir and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria did not happen as both teams brawled. Nia Jax and Lash Legend joined in the brawl.
- Royce Keys won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
- Cody Rhodes appeared in the main event segment, speaking about his WrestleMania history. CM Punk interrupted and they shared some memories as they both head into Mania as the top champions in the company.
Featured image: WWE
