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WWE SmackDown Preview (4/3/26): Start Time, Match Card, How To Watch & Live Stream

Randy Orton returns home as WWE SmackDown stops off in St. Louis, Missouri, but he may not be alone. Also, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is looking to play spoiler.
Rick Ucchino|
Randy Orton
Randy Orton | WWE

Is tonight the night?

WWE has a huge stop along the road to WrestleMania 42 when Friday Night SmackDown takes over the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Randy Orton returns to his hometown just two weeks before he challenges for his 15th World Championship, and he may not be alone.

The Viper has spent the past few weeks receiving some sinister advice from someone over the phone, and earlier this week he indicated that this person would be at SmackDown. Fans may just be hours away from finding out this mysterious advisor's true identity.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will also be in St. Louis tonight, but what version of The American Nightmare will grace the WWE Universe with his presence? Stephanie McMahon made her surprise return to WWE programming this past Monday night on Raw and delivered some tough love advice, after slapping the taste out of Cody's mouth.

The former WWE Chief Executive Officer warned Rhodes that he'll need to match the diabolical nature of the uncaged Viper, and the voices inside his head, if he wants any shot at retaining the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42. Tonight could be a preview of just how far Cody is willing to go to avoid another disappointing loss on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Drew McIntyre truly believed that he would be the one walking into Allegiant Stadium later this month with the WWE Championship around his waist, but Jacob Fatu made sure that dream went up in smoke a few weeks ago.

The Scottish Warrior and The Samoan Werewolf are now barreling toward what will likely be a brutal Unsanctioned Match at the 'Showcase of the Immortals', but first they both have a stop to make in St. Louis. It's anyone's guess as to what level of chaos will ensue with both men under the same roof.

Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley responds to Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab | WWE

Rhea Ripley has been on the wrong end of a 3-on-1 beat down the past couple of weeks, as the already physically imposing Jade Cargill has recruited Michin and B-Fab to fight by her side. Ripley will return to the Blue Brand to respond to the WWE Women's Champion and her new cronies, but it may end up being the same result on a different week if she steps into the ring without backup of her own.

Tiffany Stratton and Solo Sikoa are being advertised for the show as well. There have not been any matches booked yet for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown, but check back for updates as those start to get announced throughout the day.

How to watch WWE SmackDown tonight:

TV Channel: USA Network

Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu+ Live TV, Sling TV

WWE SmackDown start time:

Time: 8 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CST)

WWE SmackDown location:

Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri

WWE Smackdown card (Announced):

  • WWE Champion Cody Rhodes aims to spoil Randy Orton's homecoming
  • Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu will both appear ahead of their Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania 42
  • Rhea Ripley will respond after back-to-back attacks by WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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