Randy Orton WWE

26): Start Time, Match Card

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Rick Ucchino | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 6:00 AM ET

Is tonight the night?

WWE has a huge stop along the road to WrestleMania 42 when Friday Night SmackDown takes over the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Randy Orton returns to his hometown just two weeks before he challenges for his 15th World Championship, and he may not be alone.

The Viper has spent the past few weeks receiving some sinister advice from someone over the phone, and earlier this week he indicated that this person would be at SmackDown. Fans may just be hours away from finding out this mysterious advisor's true identity.

pic.twitter.com/sIwVcwuwIC
— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) April 2, 2026

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will also be in St. Louis tonight, but what version of The American Nightmare will grace the WWE Universe with his presence? Stephanie McMahon made her surprise return to WWE programming this past Monday night on Raw and delivered some tough love advice, after slapping the taste out of Cody's mouth.

The former WWE Chief Executive Officer warned Rhodes that he'll need to match the diabolical nature of the uncaged Viper, and the voices inside his head, if he wants any shot at retaining the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42. Tonight could be a preview of just how far Cody is willing to go to avoid another disappointing loss on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Drew McIntyre truly believed that he would be the one walking into Allegiant Stadium later this month with the WWE Championship around his waist, but Jacob Fatu made sure that dream went up in smoke a few weeks ago.

The Scottish Warrior and The Samoan Werewolf are now barreling toward what will likely be a brutal Unsanctioned Match at the 'Showcase of the Immortals', but first they both have a stop to make in St. Louis. It's anyone's guess as to what level of chaos will ensue with both men under the same roof.

WWE

Rhea Ripley has been on the wrong end of a 3-on-1 beat down the past couple of weeks, as the already physically imposing Jade Cargill has recruited Michin and B-Fab to fight by her side. Ripley will return to the Blue Brand to respond to the WWE Women's Champion and her new cronies, but it may end up being the same result on a different week if she steps into the ring without backup of her own.

Tiffany Stratton and Solo Sikoa are being advertised for the show as well. There have not been any matches booked yet for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown, but check back for updates as those start to get announced throughout the day.