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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H congratulated Royce Keys following his SmackDown debut. Triple H shared a photo with the new star as part of his comments about Keys' debut.
Kenny Omega defended AJ Styles' upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction in an interview with Vice Magazine, stating that the timing is appropriate and not too soon after Styles' retirement. Omega cited Styles' contributions across multiple promotions including TNA, his integral role in Bullet Club in Japan, and his WWE success as justification for immediate recognition rather than waiting years for formality's sake. Omega argued there's no point in making someone wait when their Hall of Fame-worthy legacy is already clear.
During the April 10, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, Pat McAfee repeatedly made middle finger gestures during his entrance, prompting WWE to use full-screen blackouts to censor the moments. WWE avoided cutting away from the segment entirely, instead using the blackouts and then returning with tighter camera shots that hid his hands, with the censorship happening multiple times as McAfee continued to the ring. There is no indication that McAfee will face punishment for the gestures.
Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman criticized the April 10, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown on social media, calling segments involving celebrities Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll "embarrassing" just eight days before WrestleMania. Coachman argued that celebrities shouldn't be used as props in main event storylines and questioned the logic of offering ticket discounts so close to WrestleMania, while clarifying his criticism was directed at creative decisions rather than the individual performers involved.
Royce Keys, who previously wrestled as Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, defeated Berto in his WWE SmackDown debut on April 10, 2026 in San Jose, California. Triple H took to social media after the show to congratulate Keys on his "dominant SmackDown debut," sharing a backstage photo and stating "Just the beginning" in his post.
WWE fans heavily criticized Pat McAfee's in-ring promo segment from the April 10, 2026 episode of SmackDown, which was interrupted by Cody Rhodes and ended with Randy Orton blindsiding Cody. The segment's YouTube clip received nearly twice as many dislikes as likes, with fans expressing frustration over what they perceived as an over-reliance on celebrity involvement featuring McAfee and Jelly Roll instead of focusing on WWE's core roster. Fan comments criticized the creative direction heading into WrestleMania, with some saying the celebrity-heavy approach could hurt ticket sales and questioning whether the segment benefited the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton storyline.
WWE fans reacted negatively to a Jelly Roll and Pat McAfee segment from the April 10, 2026 episode of SmackDown, with dislikes nearly doubling the likes on the YouTube clip shortly after it was uploaded. Fans criticized the celebrity-heavy direction in the comments, with some questioning why celebrities are getting more focus than full-time WWE superstars like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
Danhausen defeated Kit Wilson in his WWE in-ring debut on SmackDown. Danhausen had previously made his WWE debut in February at the Elimination Chamber PLE.
WWE has confirmed the first matches for the SmackDown show before WrestleMania 42 on April 17 in Las Vegas. The confirmed matches include the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal and Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs.
WWE has announced two matches for the April 17 SmackDown go-home episode before WrestleMania in Las Vegas. The show will feature the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and an 8-man street fight tag team match between the Wyatt Sicks and the MFTs.
Danhausen made his WWE in-ring debut on the April 10 SmackDown episode, defeating Kit Wilson with a big boot after appearing to "curse" his opponent, which was followed by a pyro blast on the top rope that caused Wilson to lose his footing. The match took place in San Jose with about thirty minutes left in the show, and Danhausen received a strong crowd reaction compared to his opponent Kit Wilson.
Drew McIntyre attacked Jacob Fatu from behind after Fatu's victory over Tama Tonga on the April 10, 2026 episode of SmackDown, handcuffing him to the ring post. With Fatu restrained and unable to defend himself, McIntyre continued the assault by punching him with the loose handcuff, kicking him, hitting a Claymore, and whipping him with his belt before officials intervened.