Published: 3 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 hours ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
WWE
The April 17 edition of WWE SmackDown will serve as the final weekly TV show ahead of WrestleMania 42.
With this show taking place from Las Vegas, there will be some direct ramifications heading into “The Show of Shows” the following day.
From new storyline directions to championship matches being added to the Mania card, there could be some interesting changes to Friday nights on the SmackDown before “The Showcase of the Immortals.”
Here are seven potential changes to WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 42.
7. Tama Tonga Turns On The MFTs
Over the past few months, fans have seen Tama Tonga start to venture on his own, competing in singles action more often.
While he maintains his status as a member of The MFTs, Tonga has proven himself to be a capable singles competitor, which has caused issues with Solo Sikoa.
After calling out Solo’s obsession with The Wyatt Sicks and their sacred lantern, it was Tama who decided to give Uncle Howdy back his possession.
Following a distraction that caused The MFTs to lose on the April 13 WWE Raw, Friday Night SmackDown could see Tama finally turn his back on Sikoa’s group once and for all.
6. Jacob Fatu Gets A Receipt On Drew McIntyre Ahead Of Their Unsanctioned Match
At WrestleMania 42, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre look to finally bring their rivalry to a close when they clash in an Unsanctioned Match.
Fatu and McIntyre have been hellbent on destroying each other for weeks with this feud truly reaching a fever pitch in recent weeks.
On the April 10 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, “The Scottish Warrior” brutally beat down “The Samoan Werewolf” with a belt and using handcuffs.
This week’s SmackDown may see Fatu get his receipt before his Unsanctioned Match against McIntyre at “The Showcase of the Immortals.”
5. Tiffany Stratton vs. Giulia For The WWE Women’s United States Championship Added To The WrestleMania 42 Card
On the March 27 episode of SmackDown, Giulia defeated Tiffany Stratton in a non-title match.
Thwarting Stratton’s attempt to wrestle the WWE Women’s United States Championship away, “The Beautiful Madness” now finds herself without a challenger or a match at WrestleMania 42.
The WWE Women’s United States Championship has never been defended on a premium live event after debuting in December 2024, so Mania feels like the perfect time to break this streak.
Following a win on the April 17 SmackDown, it might be time for Stratton to finally get her title match and get a spot on the WrestleMania 42 card at the very last minute.
4. Danhausen Gets Announced As The Other Special Guest Host Alongside John Cena For WrestleMania
At WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Danhausen made his debut with the company as the individual revealed inside of the mystery crate.
The former AEW star has been heavily featured on WWE TV ever since and garnered the attention of the fans every step of the way.
After being such a highlighted star on both Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks, Danhausen should get some shine on the WrestleMania 42 two-night premium live event.
Danhausen being announced as a second guest host alongside John Cena at Mania would be very interesting and create some entertaining segments to come over the weekend.
3. The Bellas Are Removed From WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match Due To Nikki Bella’s Injury
In recent weeks, Nikki Bella has been sidelined with a reported ankle injury, leaving her status for WrestleMania 42 somewhat in doubt.
Despite this injury, The Bellas are still scheduled to compete in a four-way match against The Irresistible Forces, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria and Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at Mania.
This has led to the focus being put on the three other duos in the weeks since then and may open the door for a change to this match.
WWE could choose to announce on the April 17 SmackDown that Nikki is unable to compete and thus leading to a three-way match being confirmed for the tag titles at WrestleMania 42 the following day.
2. Sami Zayn Officially Turns Heel, While Trick Williams Turns Babyface
On the March 27 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to win the United States Championship.
Ever since this win, Zayn has garnered more and more boos from the fans in attendance, which is a stark change from how the crowd usually receives him.
Meanwhile, Trick Williams has undoubtedly become one of the fastest rising stars on the SmackDown roster and usually gets a positive reception from the audience despite being a heel.
WWE has the perfect opportunity to execute a seamless double turn that fans will accept by having Sami betray the fans and talk down to them, while Trick could come in defense of the crowd ahead of their US Title match at WrestleMania 42.
1. Jelly Roll Will Be In Cody Rhodes’ Corner Against Randy Orton & Pat McAfee At WrestleMania 42
Throughout the road to WrestleMania 42, Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee have become central figures in the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
While McAfee was revealed as Orton’s mystery caller, it was Jelly who tried to play peacemaker between the former Legacy stablemates until “The Viper” laid him out with a RKO.
After the attack on both Jelly and Cody on the April 10 SmackDown, McAfee and Orton have laid the battle lines down between them and the babyfaces.
The April 17 edition of SmackDown could see Jelly announce that he will be in Cody’s corner heading into his showdown with Orton that will undoubtedly have some involvement from McAfee at “The Show of Shows.”
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