The April 18 edition of WWE SmackDown will be the final weekly TV show ahead of the two-night WrestleMania 41 card.
With the stars of the blue brand trying to gain the last bit of momentum they can, the broadcast should provide some moments that further set the stage for “The Show of Shows.”
Fans should expect some adjustments and narrative shifts that add just a bit more excitement heading into Mania on Saturday and Sunday.
Here are six potential changes to WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 41.
6. Zelina Vega Becomes #1 Contender For Chelsea Green’s WWE Women’s United States Championship
On the April 11 episode of WWE SmackDown, Chelsea Green got herself counted out in a match against Zelina Vega.
After suffering a countout loss, Green will now team with her Secret Hervice of Piper Niven and Alba Fyre to face Vega, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter in a six-woman tag team match.
Another victory for Vega over the reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion should immediately put the former LWO member in contention for the gold.
Whether it be a late addition to the WrestleMania 41 or on the SmackDown following Mania, Zelina should become the number one contender for the title and get her opportunity sooner rather than later.
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5. Motor City Machine Guns Defeat Street Profits To Win The WWE Tag Team Championship
Another huge matchup on the WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 41 will see Street Profits defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against The Motor City Machine Guns.
This first time meeting between two of the top tag teams in WWE will be highly anticipated and result in a thrilling encounter.
While Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins just won the gold for the first time in four years on the March 14 episode of WWE SmackDown, the company has to create some last minute hype for the weekend and could do so with a shock title change.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin regaining the WWE Tag Team Championship would only add to the chaotic state of the SmackDown tag team division, while showing fans that they are in store for surprises throughout WrestleMania 41 weekend.
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4. Damian Priest On A Rampage Looking To Get His Hands On Drew McIntyre
The intensity and hatred between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre has only picked up more and more on the road to WrestleMania 41.
On the April 11 edition of WWE SmackDown, a brawl between the two rivals saw McIntyre use the steel steps to lay out Priest before proceeding to snatch his chain as well.
With the cross chain having some importance to Priest, this should lead to the former World Heavyweight Champion being irate on this week’s SmackDown and looking to get his hands on McIntyre before WrestleMania Sunday.
To further intensify their hostilities, Priest and McIntyre might be about to do battle one last time before their Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania 41 that could ramp things up to a fever pitch.
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3. Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair WWE Women’s Championship Bout Turned Into A No DQ Match
There might not be another rivalry heading into WrestleMania 41 that has grown into a blood feud more than Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair.
After their personal grudge spilled over to the on-screen product with their face-to-face confrontation on the April 4 edition of WWE SmackDown, their WrestleMania 41 match might be incapable of abiding by the rules.
With both women ready to tear each other apart, WWE would be wise to throw the rules out of the window and give them a stipulation fitting of their feud.
Making Tiffany vs. Charlotte’s WWE Women’s Championship contest a No DQ Match would provide an extra hook for their highly anticipated battle that will elevate it in importance on the WrestleMania 41 card.
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2. Randy Orton Open Challenge Added To WrestleMania 41 Card
Speaking of last minute additions, the wrestling world is still wondering what will be the fate of Randy Orton heading into “The Show of Shows.”
After Kevin Owens announced his neck surgery that pulled him from the WrestleMania 41 card, many fans have been wondering who will face “The Legend Killer” at “The Grandest Stage of Them All.”
With teases to Solo Sikoa and even SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, the company could make things official by announcing a Randy Orton open challenge for the WrestleMania Sunday lineup.
While there have been hints to other stars, making it an open challenge could allow a returning star like Aleister Black or Rusev get the opportunity to accept this match against Orton at Mania.
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1. Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena Rivalry Takes Center Stage
Ever since turning heel for the first time in 20 years at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, John Cena has only appeared on Monday Night Raw in the lead-up to WrestleMania 41.
For three straight weeks, Cena tore apart the fans and went eye-to-eye with his Mania opponent, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
Following several weeks of hostilities brewing between both men, it all comes to a head on WrestleMania Sunday, but they have one last meeting with one another when they will both be on the April 18 Friday Night SmackDown.
With both stars in the arena ahead of “The Showcase of the Immortals,” it means Cody and Cena’s rivalry will take center stage and be the primary focus on this broadcast before they lock horns in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday night.
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