WWE SmackDown Preview: Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Massive Surprise Announced

WWE expanded the card for the April 10, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown by adding a singles match between Alexa Bliss and Bayley. The match was announced via social media by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis as part of the company’s final preparations for WrestleMania 42.

The April 10 broadcast took place live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The addition of the Bliss and Bayley contest provided the event with a sixth advertised segment as WWE moves toward its premier annual event.

WrestleMania 42 Tag Team Implications

The singles match on April 10 serves as a continuation of the rivalry between Alexa Bliss and Bayley. Both athletes are scheduled to compete in the Women’s Tag Team Title bout at WrestleMania 42.

For the championship match, Alexa Bliss will team with Charlotte Flair. Bayley is set to team with Lyra Valkyria. They will compete against the reigning champions, Irresistable Forces, consisting of Nia Jax and Lash Legend, as well as the team of Nikki Bella and Brie Bella, known as the Bella Twins.

Women’s Championship Build-Up

The April 10 episode also featured a segment with Rhea Ripley addressing the actions of WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. On April 6, 2026, during an episode of Raw, Cargill attacked IYO SKY backstage.

During that attack, Michin and B-Fab reportedly held Ripley back, preventing her from assisting IYO SKY. Ripley appeared on the April 10 SmackDown to respond to the incident as she continues her build toward challenging Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Intercontinental and United States Title Storylines

Drew McIntyre appeared on the April 10 show to address his upcoming WrestleMania 42 opponent, Jacob Fatu. McIntyre vowed to reveal the real nature of Fatu, whom he described as nothing more than a criminal.

The two are scheduled to face each other in an Unsanctioned Match in Las Vegas during the WrestleMania 42 weekend.

United States Champion Sami Zayn appeared on the April 10 broadcast seeking retribution against Trick Williams and rapper Lil Yachty. The conflict stems from an attack on Zayn by Williams and Yachty that occurred during the previous week’s broadcast, shortly after Zayn defended his title against Carmelo Hayes.

Debuts and Special Announcements

The April 10 event included the debut of Royce Keys. The show also featured appearances by Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

Pat McAfee addressed the crowd live during the broadcast. Prior to the show, McAfee used social media to tease a massive surprise announcement for the San Jose audience.

Road to WrestleMania 42 Schedule

The April 10 episode was the second-to-last SmackDown broadcast before the WrestleMania 42 festivities. The schedule for the final push is as follows:

• April 17, 2026: The official go-home episode of SmackDown will air from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is also scheduled for the evening of April 17.
• April 18-19, 2026: WrestleMania 42 will take place over two nights at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.