WWE SmackDown is heading to Portland, Oregon tonight, and this episode looks like a very important stop on the road to WrestleMania 42. With major title matches, top stars announced, and tensions rising across the roster, fans can expect a packed night from the Moda Center.
The biggest focus is clearly on the WWE Championship, where Drew McIntyre will be forced to defend his title against Cody Rhodes in a match that could completely change the WrestleMania main event picture.
WWE Championship match could change WrestleMania 42
The biggest match announced for tonight’s SmackDown is Drew McIntyre vs Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. This is not just another title defence. This match could decide who walks into WrestleMania 42 as champion and who gets the chance to face Randy Orton on the grand stage.
Drew McIntyre has done everything possible to stop Cody Rhodes from getting another title shot. He already cost Cody at the Royal Rumble and then again inside the Elimination Chamber. Because of that, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis stepped in and made this title match official.
Now Cody has one final opportunity to win back the championship. That makes the match even more emotional and more dangerous. Cody knows this could be his last chance before WrestleMania. Drew, on the other hand, wants to prove that he deserves to stay on top and enter the biggest show of the year as champion.
This match also matters because Randy Orton is already waiting at WrestleMania 42 after winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber. So tonight’s result could settle one of the biggest questions on the blue brand: will Orton face Drew McIntyre or Cody Rhodes in Las Vegas?
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill set for face-to-face showdown
Another major reason fans are excited for tonight’s SmackDown is the expected face-to-face segment between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill. Ripley earned her WrestleMania title shot after winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, and she is now set to challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship this April.
There is already a lot of buzz around this rivalry. Their recent exchange on social media got fans talking because the tension felt very real. Many people were left wondering whether the comments were part of the storyline or something more personal. That has made tonight’s segment even more interesting.
Both women are powerful, confident, and used to dominating opponents. Jade Cargill has looked like a star since stepping into a top championship role, while Rhea Ripley remains one of WWE’s most popular and dangerous names. If their in-ring match lives up to the hype, this could become one of the standout matches at WrestleMania 42.
Tonight’s face-off may not include physical action, but it should give fans a stronger idea of how personal this rivalry is becoming.
Tag team turmoil will decide new challengers
The WWE Tag Team Championship picture will also move forward tonight as six teams battle in a tag team turmoil match to decide the new number one contenders. These matches are always exciting because they create chaos, surprise eliminations, and opportunities for different teams to shine.
With WrestleMania getting closer, every team will want momentum. A win tonight could be enough to push one pair into a major title match on one of the biggest stages of the year. This type of match also gives WWE a chance to build more than one team at the same time, which is good for the division.
Because tag team turmoil matches can change quickly, fans should expect drama, near falls, and maybe even outside interference. It may not be the headline match of the night, but it could still end up being one of the most entertaining parts of the show.
Carmelo Hayes has another open challenge
Carmelo Hayes is also set to defend his Men’s United States Championship in an open challenge. That instantly adds mystery to the show because nobody knows who will step up to face him.
Open challenges are always fun because they leave room for surprises. WWE can use them to feature returning stars, rising names, or even unexpected cross-brand appearances. Carmelo Hayes has been building his reputation as a confident and talented champion, so tonight is another chance for him to strengthen his run with the title.
At the same time, an open challenge can be risky. A champion may come in prepared for one kind of opponent and get something completely different. That unpredictability makes this segment one to watch.
Big names advertised for Portland
Tonight’s SmackDown will not be short on star power. Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair, and Sami Zayn are all being advertised locally for the show. Even if not all of them wrestle, their presence adds extra value to an already strong card.
Randy Orton’s appearance is especially important because he is directly connected to the WWE Championship story. Whoever wins the main event tonight will likely be his WrestleMania 42 opponent.
Sami Zayn is another name worth watching. He always brings energy and emotion to any segment, and WWE could easily involve him in a major storyline as WrestleMania season continues. Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton also add more interest, especially in the women’s division, where several big stories are starting to take shape.
How to watch WWE SmackDown tonight
Here is a quick overview of the key viewing details for tonight’s show:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Show | WWE SmackDown |
| Date | Tonight |
| Venue | Moda Center |
| City | Portland, Oregon |
| Start Time | 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST |
| TV Channel | USA Network |
| Streaming Options | Peacock, Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV |
Tonight’s SmackDown has all the ingredients needed for a memorable WrestleMania season episode. The WWE Championship is on the line, Cody Rhodes is fighting for one last chance, Drew McIntyre is under serious pressure, and Randy Orton is waiting to see who survives.
On top of that, Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill are set to come face-to-face, the tag team division will get fresh challengers, and Carmelo Hayes could end up facing anyone. For WWE fans, this is not just another weekly show. It feels like an episode that could shape the next few weeks in a very big way. If WWE delivers on the hype, Portland may end up hosting one of the most important SmackDowns of the year.
FAQ
What is the main event for WWE SmackDown tonight?
The main event is expected to be Drew McIntyre defending the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes.
Why is Cody Rhodes getting another WWE Championship match?
Cody Rhodes was given one final title shot after Drew McIntyre interfered in both the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, stopping him from earning a rematch fairly.
Who will face the WWE Champion at WrestleMania 42?
The likely WrestleMania 42 challenger is Randy Orton, who won the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
What will happen between Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill tonight?
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill are set to meet face-to-face on SmackDown as they build towards their WWE Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Is there a title match besides the WWE Championship on SmackDown tonight?
Yes, Carmelo Hayes is scheduled to defend his Men’s United States Championship in an open challenge.
