This WWE SmackDown recap is from the March 13, 2026, episode, which featured numerous title matches and championship storylines as WrestleMania 42 approaches. The final segment also featured the Randy Orton heel turn nobody expected from “The Viper.”
WWE SmackDown this week opened with “The Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre grabbing a mic to call out general manager Nick Aldis. McIntyre lost his WWE Championship last week to “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. Aldis took offense to being called a corporate stooge, and the two were face-to-face when “The Samoan Werewolf” Jaco Fatu entered.
Fatu didn’t say much before McIntyre shocked the WWE Universe by quitting. The jaws in the audience hit the floor, ending the segment.
The Wyatt Sicks earned an opportunity at the MFTs and their WWE World Tag Team Championship. This rivalry has gone stale, as none of the competitors can carry a match once the bell rings. On the other hand, everyone is great with their theatrical gimmicks. The Wyatt Sicks won their titles back, but couldn’t get the stolen lantern.
WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and Michin had a non-title match. Michin carried the match with her move set and high-spots, but, of course, Cargill retained with a few power moves. The champ cut a post-match promo, taking stabs at her upcoming challenger at WrestleMania, Rhea Ripley. The number one contender made a surprise appearance on SmackDown, but every word exchanged was superficial and shallow.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair challenged The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The match was rather slow and uninteresting. The Bella Twins, who claimed to be next in line, were at commentary for this one. At one point, Jax pulled one of the twins out for protection. This angered the next in line, who rushed the ring, getting the match thrown out.
Los Garza (Angel and Berto) versus Damien Priest and R-Truth was up next. Priest and Truth became the number one contenders for the tag titles after winning a gauntlet match. A match that their opponents were in as well.
The underrated Angel and Berto carried the match early, with their pace and high-flying. The size and power of Priest battled back to win the match in a simple, straightforward finish.
The Miz hosted an episode of Miz TV. His guest on this night – Jelly Roll. The two quickly started arguing when Kit Wilson appeared. Wilson also had a problem with Jelly, calling him fatphobic and toxic. The fight ended with Miz taking an accidental blow.
Wilson is doing a fantastic job with this feminist gimmick. Getting over such a gimmick is commendable.
In a battle between women who truly don’t put the art of wrestling atop their priorities, Tiffany Stratton versus Kiana James was next. It’s a shame, especially considering their athleticism. This match, however, was a one-finisher time filler.
Fatu, who had had enough of his antics backstage, had a match with Trick Williams. Fatu may not be as cut as his opponent, but he excelled in more athletic feats and moves. McIntyre, fresh off quitting earlier, reappeared to cost The Samoan Werewolf the match.
The final segment was the contract signing between Rhodes and Orton for the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 42. After the two of them reminisced, the challenger dropped an unbelievable heel-turn on his friend.
Rhodes took to the blade, and the contrast in the color of his blood in his bleached hair was quite striking. Even after his opponent lay lifeless, Orton continued the chair shots. This was a sharp idea to heighten the intensity of the otherwise friendly rivalry heading into WrestleMania.
These WWE SmackDown results show when McIntyre quit, the Randy Orton heel turn, new champs, and much more. Stay tuned to Stadium Rant for the latest on the road to WrestleMania.
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