WWE presented the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It featured the annual Andre the Giant Memorial battle royal, as well as some exciting in-ring showdowns. The night ended with Cody Rhodes arriving in the arena only to be met with a surprise appearance by CM Punk.
What happened in the opening segment of WWE SmackDown ?
Randy Orton opened the show to cut a promo on his WrestleMania 42 opponent, Cody Rhodes. He said that Rhodes asked him to be his true self, and he became that. Also, Rhodes never reached out to him when he needed to battle foes, and all he did was take. He assured the fans that he would win his 15th World title at WrestleMania with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment, RKO.
Eight-man tag team Street Fight
The match pitted all male members of The Wyatt Sicks against Solo Sikoa’s MFTs. It was a hellish and chaotic sight as the action went all over the ringside, with the use of foreign weapons. The bout came to a close when Talla Tonga stopped Uncle Howdy’s Sister Abigail’s attempt, and Solo hit the Samoan Spike to win the match for his team.
Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. Grayson Waller & Kofi Kingston
Damian Priest and R-Truth defended their WWE Tag Team titles against Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller. The bout was an exciting tag team showdown that saw Priest and Truth then hit an assisted Flatliner to Waller to score the victory and retain their titles.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Jordynne Grace
This match was to determine the No.1 contender for the WWE Women’s United States Championship, held by Giulia. Both women produced a stellar showdown which ended with Tiffany Stratton hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jordynne Grace to win the match.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
This was a tag team match scheduled for the evening. However, it ended within a few moments as all four superstars were assaulted by the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, ending it in a No-Contest.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
WWE superstars from RAW and SmackDown competed in the over-the-top-rope battle royal. Following fast-paced action, the match came down to Royce Keys and Talla Tonga. After a huge back and forth, Keys then delivered a huge spinebuster on Tonga and clotheslined him through the ropes to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Cody Rhodes & CM Punk segment
Cody Rhodes came out in the final segment. However, CM Punk made a surprise appearance on SmackDown. He came to share advice for his match against Randy Orton. At the same time, Rhodes wished him luck for his match against Roman Reigns. The duo closed the show with a hug and celebrated with the fans.Also read: 5 shocking moments that can happen at WWE WrestleMania 42
