WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, tonight. The company is set to kick off the biggest weekend in pro wrestling with the go-home edition of the blue show ahead of The Showcase of the Immortals.

SmackDown has delivered several compelling storylines on the Road to WrestleMania 42. WWE will likely conclude the buildup to those programs on tonight’s show. The promotion has shared the lineup of the event, and it promises to be a star-studded affair.

Cody Rhodes has a message for Randy Orton after The Viper and McAfee stole the Undisputed WWE Championship on last week’s show. The Wyatt Sicks and MFT will square off in a massive eight-man tag team Street Fight. Jacob Fatu will address the vicious attack by Drew McIntyre. The much-awaited Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will also take place at the event.

WWE must deliver a solid show tonight to create hype around WrestleMania 42. In this article, I will discuss how I would book SmackDown before ‘Mania.

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#4. Tama Tonga Would Betray MFT and Help The Wyatt Sicks Win

Tama Tonga has been a loyal soldier to Solo Sikoa since debuting in WWE following WrestleMania XL. He has selflessly done all the dirty work and heavy lifting for Sikoa as MFT’s enforcer. However, it’s time for The Good Bad Guy to step out of The Street Champion’s shadow.

In recent weeks, Tama has expressed displeasure with Sikoa’s leadership style and decisions. Moreover, Shinsuke Nakamura has been in his ear, motivating him to be his own man and cut ties with MFT. This past Monday on RAW, the former WWE Tag Team Champion inadvertently cost his teammates a potential win over LA Knight and The Usos.

The Good Bad Guy seems ready to embark on a solo run, and tonight’s show seems like the perfect occasion to pull the trigger on the move. If I were in charge of the creative team, I would book Tama to turn his back on MFT and attack Sikoa during the Street Fight. In a tense moment, the former NJPW star would finally listen to his inner voice and turn babyface by refusing to help Sikoa.

All eyes would be on SmackDown tonight, and I would book Tama’s much-awaited character change for the show to ensure it receives the spotlight.

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#3. Cody Rhodes Would Tease Having Backup of His Own

Cody Rhodes is set to battle Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship tomorrow at WrestleMania 42. The Viper has outnumbered Rhodes since joining forces with Pat McAfee. Last week, the heel duo removed Jelly Roll from the equation by brutally attacking him. They later stole Rhodes’ championship and left the arena.

Given the recent developments, Orton and McAfee seemingly have the support of a major authority figure on the Road to WrestleMania 42. While The American Nightmare regained the title from McAfee’s studio earlier this week, he has yet to get revenge on the duo.

Tonight on SmackDown, Rhodes is scheduled to deliver a message to Orton. I would book The Prodigal Son to deliver a fiery promo reflecting on his history with The Apex Predator. Instead of highlighting Rhodes and Orton’s journey together, WWE has focused on The Viper’s relationship with McAfee. However, I would put the spotlight back on the former Legacy stablemates on the show.

I would also book Rhodes to tease having backup of his own at WrestleMania 42. The American Nightmare would hint at joining forces with legends like John Cena or Stone Cold Steve Austin, who will be in Las Vegas this weekend for The Showcase of the Immortals.

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#2. Royce Keys Would Win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has launched the careers of several top names. Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, Braun Strowman, and Cesaro have all benefited from winning the prestigious match. The battle royal is set to return tonight on SmackDown.

If I were booking SmackDown, Royce Keys would win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The Monstar debuted at Royal Rumble 2026, delivering a dominant performance in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match. Last week, he wrestled his first match on the blue brand, defeating Berto in less than three minutes.

Keys needs a big win under his belt to come across as a credible competitor on SmackDown. A win would be a great way to introduce the former AEW star to the WWE audience. Therefore, I would book The Monstar to score the most number of eliminations before throwing a veteran like Damian Priest over the top rope to reign supreme in the battle royal.

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#1. Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab Would Destroy IYO SKY on SmackDown

The buildup to Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill has received a lot of criticism from fans due to its lackluster buildup. WWE tried to spice up the storyline by booking Cargill to join forces with Michin and B-Fab. However, the alliance has yet to reach its true potential.

Ripley’s tag team partner, IYO SKY, recently entered the storyline. She has been trying to help Mami fend off the heel trio. Meanwhile, The Genius of the Sky has also been feuding with The Kabuki Warriors. As of this writing, SKY doesn’t have a match at The Show of Shows.

On this week’s SmackDown, I would book the heel faction to attack Ripley and handcuff her to the ring ropes with the help of The Kabuki Warriors. After taking out Mami, Cargill’s faction and Asuka would brutally attack SKY and remove her from the equation. This angle would give The Genius of the SKY a valid reason to miss The Show of Shows.

Helplessly watching the heels destroy her best friend would light a fire inside Ripley and force her to bring out her dark side ahead of WrestleMania. WWE needs a solid final segment in the storyline to capture fans’ interest. Hence, I would book an emotional beatdown angle on tonight’s show.