The opening segment for tonight’s WWE SmackDown has now been revealed ahead of the WrestleMania 42 go-home show.
Ringside News has learned that the current plan for WWE Friday Night SmackDown is for Randy Orton to open the show. With tensions already running high heading into WrestleMania 42, putting Orton in the opening segment signals that WWE is wasting no time kicking off the night with one of its biggest stars.
Also, an additional tag team match is expected to take place during the April 17 episode, even though WWE has not promoted the bout publicly. The match would see R-Truth and Damian Priest join forces to face Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller.
While WWE has already confirmed several matches and segments for the show, this reported tag team bout appears set to be a surprise addition for fans watching live.
Earlier changes to the lineup included the removal of the originally scheduled Women’s United States Championship match between Giulia and Tiffany Stratton. Instead, Stratton is now set to face Jordynne Grace in a No. 1 Contender’s Match, with the winner earning a future title opportunity against Giulia.
Here is the updated lineup for WWE SmackDown on April 17, 2026:
- Jordynne Grace vs Tiffany Stratton — No. 1 Contender’s Match for the Women’s United States Championship
- Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
- Cody Rhodes Responds to Randy Orton
- Jacob Fatu Breaks Silence After Drew McIntyre Attack
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
- Street Fight: Wyatt Sicks vs The MFTs
- (Spoiler) R-Truth & Damian Priest vs Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller
With Randy Orton now planned to open the show, it’s clear WWE intends to start the WrestleMania 42 go-home episode with a major presence right out of the gate.
Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage over in our SmackDown results section.