WWE SmackDown April 10 Episode: Title Heist and Debuts Shake Up WrestleMania Build
The April 10 episode of WWE SmackDown served as a pivotal second-last edition before the grand spectacle of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, delivering high-stakes drama and significant roster developments. This action-packed show featured thrilling in-ring bouts, the official debut of two new superstars, and a shocking title theft that has reshaped the road to WrestleMania.
Pat McAfee and Randy Orton Execute Daring Title Theft
In a highly intriguing segment, WrestleMania 42 opponents Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, alongside Orton's ally Pat McAfee, clashed in a confrontation that ended with Rhodes losing possession of the Undisputed WWE Championship. McAfee initially appeared on SmackDown to announce a surprise 25% discount on WrestleMania 42 Saturday tickets, available until next week's RAW. He then fired verbal shots at Cody Rhodes, prompting Rhodes to confront him despite orders not to touch McAfee.
Rhodes delivered a befitting response to McAfee's words and began to leave the ring, but McAfee's continued taunts forced him to return. This decision proved costly as Randy Orton and Pat McAfee launched a coordinated attack inside the ring, also taking out Jelly Roll. Following the assault, McAfee and Orton absconded with Rhodes' Undisputed WWE belt, leaving the arena together and creating major uncertainty ahead of WrestleMania 42.
Major In-Ring Debuts of Former AEW Stars
This week's SmackDown marked the official singles in-ring debut of two former AEW stars, adding fresh talent to the WWE roster. Royce Keys made a strong impression with a squash match against Berto, sealing his victory with a powerful spinebuster. Meanwhile, Danhausen battled Kit Wilson in a singles showdown, utilizing his signature curse followed by a big boot to emerge victorious. These debuts signal WWE's ongoing efforts to bolster its talent pool with experienced performers.
Other Key Highlights from the April 10 Episode
The episode featured several other notable matches and segments that advanced ongoing storylines:
- Alexa Bliss defeated hometown hero Bayley in the opening match, setting a competitive tone for the night.
- Trick Williams secured a victory over Matt Cardona in a singles match, then confronted Sami Zayn, who addressed the loud boos he has been receiving for weeks.
- Jacob Fatu picked up a win over Tama Tonga but was subjected to a brutal beatdown by Drew McIntyre post-match, escalating their rivalry.
With WrestleMania 42 rapidly approaching, this episode of SmackDown successfully built momentum through unexpected twists, new talent introductions, and intense in-ring action, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the final pre-WrestleMania showdown.
