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WWE SmackDown Results (3/27/26): Cody Rhodes Returns, a Shocking Title Change, & More

Tiffany Stratton, Jelly Roll, Randy Orton, and more are all set to appear on tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown.
Matt Black|
WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown | WWE

The road to WrestleMania 42 runs through the Steel City of Pittsburgh for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown.

With the Showcase of the Immortals being only three weeks away, you can expect plenty of big events on tonight's show to set up WWE's most important event of the year.

Last week, it was announced that Cody Rhodes was set to return on tonight's episode of SmackDown as well as appear on The Pat McAfee Show earlier in the week. Oddly, Rhodes' appearance on McAfee never took place, and advertisements for his return on tonight's show have disappeared.

However, we do know that Rhodes' WrestleMania opponent, Randy Orton, will be in the house this evening. What does The Viper have planned after brutally attacking Matt Cardona last week? Tune in to find out.

Randy Orton
Randy Orton | WWE

Last week's episode of SmackDown appeared to end with Orton attacking Cardona at ringside. However, the ongoing brawl throughout the evening between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre reached its boiling point as the two men fell off a large structure outside of the building to close the show.

General Manager Nick Aldis promises to have an update on Fatu and McIntyre's condition later tonight.

The Women's Tag Team Title scene continues to heat up heading into WrestleMania as The Bella Twins will take on Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Each team has cost the other their title shot against Nia Jax and Lash Legend in recent weeks. If one team can get a definitive win tonight, that should put them in line for another shot against the champs.

It will also be Tiffy Time tonight in the PPG Paints Arena as Tiffany Stratton continues to look for her path to WrestleMania next month as she goes one-on-one with Women's United States Champion Giulia. If Stratton picks up a non-title victory over the Beautiful Madness, it should put her in line for a title match at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton
Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton | WWE

Also set for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown, Grammy award-winning artist Jelly Roll will step into the ring for his first-ever singles match as he goes one-on-one with Kit Wilson. Will this match lead to a tag team match of sorts at WrestleMania next month? We'll find out soon enough.

Scroll down for the quick results of tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown from Pittsburgh.

WWE SmackDown results:

Tonight's episode kicks off with a recap package of last week's show featuring Randy Orton explaining his actions against Cody Rhodes and beating up Matt Cardona.

Randy Orton makes his way to the ring to speak with the WWE Universe. Orton says two weeks ago, Cody Rhodes looked him in the eye and told him he needed to be the best version of himself he could be and to listen to the voices in his head. Orton says he shut out the voices in his head a long time ago.

Orton says he's been thinking about his 15th World Championship for years, and when Cody gave him his blessing, he listened to the voices again, and he can't be held responsible for what happens next.

Randy is about to reveal who he's been talking with on the phone lately, but before he can, he's interrupted by Matt Cardona. Orton yells at Cardona, who hits Orton with the microphone in the face, knocking him out of the ring. The crowd chants for Randy. This heel turn is not working.

Backstage General Manager Nick Aldis is with Trick Williams and informs him that he's going to have a match at WrestleMania next month. Williams is excited and runs down everyone he needs to tell. Sami Zayn comes in and asks about his WrestleMania match, and Aldis tells him there's nothing for him right now. Zayn goes to walk away, but attacks Williams instead before telling Aldis he'll be on WrestleMania.

Randy Orton finds Nick Aldis backstage and has a temper tantrum over what Cardona did to him in the ring, demanding a match with him tonight, or he won't be held responsible for what happens next. Aldis reluctantly agrees to make the match and tells Orton to go cool off in the meantime.

The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, come out and cut a quick promo before taking a seat at ringside to observe (and likely get involved) in the opening contest.

The Bella Twins defeated Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. This match followed a very similar formula to the two Women's Tag Team Title matches that have taken place over the past two weeks. The finish saw Lash Legend punch Alexa Bliss right in the viewpoint of the referee, who pretended not to acknowledge it, leading to Brie Bella rolling up Bliss to score the pinfall victory.

After the match, Jax and Legend attack everyone until Bayley and Lyra Valkyria show up to chase the champions off. They have a shot at the titles this Monday night on Raw.

R-Truth and Damian Priest are backstage. Truth tells Priest that Judgment Day is back, and he's getting a clubhouse built. Priest tells him that's not happening. Jelly Roll and Rhea Ripley come in, and R-Truth mistakes Jelly Roll for Dominik Mysterio.

Truth chases Jelly Roll away as Ripley congratulates Priest on having gold again. Priest says he expects her to have gold after WrestleMania. It appears Ripley is about to head to the ring to call out Cargill.

Backstage, The Bella Twins argue with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair about their match from earlier. Nikki says they will do whatever it takes to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

Rhea Ripley makes her way to the ring to speak to the WWE Universe. Ripley says she's not surprised by Jade Cargill's actions, but she is surprised to see B-Fab and Michin stoop to her level. Ripley calls all three of them out to the ring. The trio comes out to the stage, and Cargill says Ripley sounds real slick for someone who got dropped last week.

Cargill says Michin and B-Fab positioned themselves with power. B-Fab calls Ripley a selfish backstabber. Michin says she's been grinding for decades and putting in work just like Ripley, but she's the one who gets all the attention. We're getting an impromptu match between Ripley and B-Fab right now.

Rhea Ripley defeated B-Fab (w/ Jade Cargill and Michin). This match didn't last long at all. The finish saw Jade Cargill get involved, leading to a quick disqualification. All three women laid Ripley out after the match.

Kit Wilson and The Miz are backstage. The Miz is upset about stepping in gum and says he can't be at ringside with Wilson tonight for his match with Jelly Roll. Miz is worried about the curse that Danhausen has put on him.

When Miz leaves, Danhausen shows up, wanting to know why Miz will mentor Wilson instead of him. Wilson tries to call Danhausen toxic, but he gets cut off, and Danhausen curses Wilson before disappearing.

Drew McIntyre limps into the arena after what happened last week. Cathy Kelley stops him and questions whether his being here tonight is a good idea. McIntyre says he's not here to fight tonight, but if Jacob Fatu starts something, he'll finish it. McIntyre says Fatu took everything from him, and when you have nothing left to fight for, that's when you're the most dangerous.

Jelly Roll defeated Kit Wilson. This match probably could have benefited from being shorter, but the live crowd seemed to enjoy it. The finish saw Jelly Roll hit Kit Wilson with a chokeslam to score the pinfall victory.

The MFTs are backstage. Solo Sikoa says everything he does for the family is out of love, and he wants everyone on the same page. Sikoa apologizes for his actions last week and says that's something Roman Reigns would never do.

The rest of the MFTs leave as Carmelo Hayes approaches Tama Tonga and asks him if he's finally gonna step up and answer his open challenge, or if he's waiting until Sikoa tells him it's okay. Shinsuke Nakamura comes in and says something to Tama. Talla returns and asks if there's a problem. Tama says no, and they walk away.

Sami Zayn answers Carmelo Hayes' open challenge this week. Trick Williams comes out to ringside to watch the title match up close.

Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to become the new WWE United States Champion. This was easily the best thing on the show so far from an in-ring standpoint. You aren't going to get a bad match with these two men involved. The finish saw Trick Williams get involved and accidentally strike Carmelo Hayes, which allowed Sami Zayn to hit Melo with a Helluva Kick to score the pinfall victory.

Jacob Fatu limps into the arena and is cut off by Cathy Kelley, who tells him what McIntyre said earlier. Fatu says he's going to speak to the people and makes his way to the ring.

Sami Zayn approaches Nick Aldis backstage, gloating about his title win, and questions if he has a spot on the WrestleMania card now. Aldis says Zayn has his match, and he will defend the United States Championship against Trick Williams.

Jacob Fatu comes out to the ring to speak to the WWE Universe. Fatu questions what's wrong with Drew McIntyre when he tried to end his career. Fatu says after everything McIntyre did to him, he's still standing and as long as he has air in his lungs he's going to dog walk his punk ass. Drew McIntyre comes out and accuses Fatu of playing the victim.

McIntyre blames Fatu for taking his title and WrestleMania away from him. McIntyre tries to antagonize Fatu by talking about his kids. Before Fatu can do anything, Nick Aldis comes out and announces that the two of them will face off next month at WrestleMania in an unsanctioned match.

Backstage, Jelly Roll apologizes to Matt Cardona for what Randy Orton did to him last week. Cardona says it's not his fault, and Jelly Roll says this isn't the Randy they know. Jelly Roll informs Cardona that Cody Rhodes is on his way to the building, and Cardona tells him to tell Rhodes to stay out of his match. Jelly Roll says he'll pray for him and walks away. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega show up to pick on Cardona, leaving him confused, along with everyone else listening to them.

Tiffany Stratton is seen backstage making her way to the ring. She's interrupted by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre. Green tries to offer Stratton advice and assistance, being a former two-time United States Champion, but Stratton declines and walks away.

Giulia (w/ Kiana James) defeated Tiffany Stratton. It was a good idea to get these two together in the ring ahead of WrestleMania because it appeared at points during the match that the two weren't on the same page. The finish saw Kiana James get involved, distracting Tiffany Stratton long enough for Giulia to get her knees up on the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to roll up Stratton for the win.

Randy Orton is shown backstage talking to someone on the phone and says he'll see them soon.

Randy Orton defeated Matt Cardona. This was pretty much Randy Orton just pummeling Matt Cardona for 95% of the match. Cardona got a hope spot or two in, but that was it. The finish saw Orton hit Cardona with the RKO to score the pinfall victory.

The Tron lights up, and Cody Rhodes arrives in his tour bus. Rhodes enters the building and makes his way to the ring. Jelly Roll briefly stops Rhodes to offer some verbal support. The American Nightmare continues to make his way to the ring as Orton attacks security in the ring. Nick Aldis stops Rhodes in the aisleway, but Cody insists he's just there to talk.

Rhodes gets in the ring and immediately begins to brawl with Orton. They fight all around ringside as security tries to separate the two men. Jelly Roll comes out and tries to play the peackeeper, but Orton hits him with an RKO as WWE SmackDown goes off the air.

WWE SmackDown quick results:

  • The Bella Twins defeated Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair
  • Rhea Ripley defeated B-Fab via disqualification
  • Jelly Roll defeated Kit Wilson
  • Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes to become the new WWE United States Champion
  • WWE Women's United States Champion Giulia defeated Tiffany Stratton in a non-title match
  • Randy Orton defeated Matt Cardona

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Published | Modified
Matt Black
MATT BLACK

Matt Black got involved in the wrestling media industry over two decades ago, covering WWE video games released by Acclaim, THQ, and 2K. He has been covering professional wrestling for multiple digital outlets since 2019. He is the former Senior Editor of WrestleZone and has extensive knowledge of the entire wrestling industry. In his spare time, Matt enjoys cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Lakers. He's also a diehard comic book movie fan and doesn't pick sides when it comes to the endless debates of Marvel versus DC.

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