WWE SmackDown Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights Before WrestleMania 42

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of the go-home episode of SmackDown before this weekend's WrestleMania PLE.

Saturday and Sunday will be the two biggest days of the year for WWE, so all eyes were on the blue brand to see how it wrapped up the build for the event.

Here's a look at what was advertised for Friday's show:

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Jordynne Grace vs. Tiffany Stratton (Women's United States Championship No. 1 Contender's match)

Jacob Fatu responds to Drew McIntyre's attack last week

The Wyatt Sicks vs. MFTs (Street Fight)

Cody Rhodes has a message for Randy Orton

Let's take a look at everything that happened on Friday's show.

The Voices Are Loud

Eakin Howard/Getty Images

SmackDown opened with a video package highlighting the history of WrestleMania. Randy Orton and Pat McAfee arrived backstage and Nick Aldis handed McAfee a contract of some kind while The Viper made his way to the ring.

The 46-year-old took his time getting to the ring. He said he will be the first to admit he doesn't need McAfee, but he wants him in his corner because he is a straight shooter who reminded him who he is.

When he mentioned Cody Rhodes, the crowd let out a chorus of boos. He said all Rhodes has ever done in their friendship is take. He ended the promo without being interrupted or attacked.

This was nothing we haven't heard already, but it wasn't bad. It was a pretty standard segment designed to build a match. Orton got in McAfee's truck and they drove away.

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

The video package was good, but it was impossible to sum up over 40 years of events in just a couple of minutes, so many memorable moments were left out.

You have to hand it to McAfee. He is good at playing someone you love to hate.

It's kind of interesting how the crowd has turned on both Rhodes and Sami Zayn in recent weeks.

The Wyatt Sicks vs. MFTs

Mike Marques/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: The Wyatt Sicks defeated the MFTs (SD, March 13)

The first match of the night was a huge eight-man Street Fight, but all five members of the MFTs were introduced by the announcer, so it was obvious this was not going to be kept to the eight men involved.

Tama Tonga was still showing clear signs of issues with Solo Sikoa before the match began. As soon as the bell rang, everyone started brawling. There were no tags and no rules, so this was all over the place immediately.

We're not going to beat around the bush with this one. This feud overstayed its welcome a long time ago and has been on life support for several weeks. If this is not the end of it, then it's clear WWE doesn't know how to end the story.

The match had a couple of memorable moments, but it was more of a mess than the controlled chaos you would hope for with a bout like this. Sikoa pinned Uncle Howdy to get the win, and hopefully, to end this story once and for all.

Result: The MFTs defeated The Wyatt Sicks

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

It would be cool if Solo Sikoa had a special different face paint instead of going without it when the rest of the group all uses it.

Just a reminder that Nikki Cross hasn't had a televised match since September, 2024.

The hit Erick Rowan took from the steel steps was wild.

Cross took out Tanga Loa with a crossbody from the top rope.

All Gas, No Brakes

Eakin Howard/Getty Images

After a few video packages and breaks, a police car was driven into the arena. Jacob Fatu emerged from the back seat and stood on top of the car.

He gave a promo directed at his WrestleMania opponent, Drew McIntyre. He made it clear that he has changed a lot since his legal troubles and intends to put McIntyre in his past just like his criminal record.

This was pretty simple, but it was effective. Fatu didn't need 10 minutes, or even a full five. He said everything he needed to say, and then it was over. It was refreshingly succinct.

Grade: B-

Notable Moments and Observations

The Miz and Maryse tried to renew their vows in Vegas with Kit Wilson overseeing everything, but Danhausen crashed the party.

Damian Priest and R-Truth vs.

Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images

Last time in action: Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated Miz and Kit Wilson (SD, April 3), Penta defeated Kofi Kingston (Raw, March 30), Dragon Lee defeated Grayson Waller (Main Event, March 27)

The next match saw Damian Priest and R-Truth defend their Tag Team Championships against Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller.

The Archer of Infamy and Waller got the match going with a fast-paced exchange before Truth tagged in to take over. He spent a long time on defense while Waller and Kingston took turns beating him down.

While the match felt a little paint-by-numbers, it didn't have any botches or moments that stood out as especially bad. All four men are great athletes, so even if they aren't doing something exciting, what they do always looks good.

Priest got the pin for his team to retain the titles.

Result: Priest and Truth defeated Waller and Kingston

Grade: C+

---

Notable Moments and Observations

Xavier Woods is dealing with an injury, which is why he was not competing in this match alongside Kingston.

Even for WWE, one match in the first hour is ridiculous. If you bought a ticket to SmackDown, would you be happy with just one match in 60 minutes?

Waller and Kingston knocked some replica belts out of the hands of fans on the way to the ring.

Mami and The Storm

Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images

After the commercial break, Jade Cargill came out flanked by Michin and B-Fab. Before she could even say two words, Rhea Ripley's music hit.

She said she isn't usually a patient person and wants to take Jade out after everything she had done, but she is willing to wait for this weekend because she doesn't want Cargill to have an excuse if she loses.

This exchange ended without any violence, which was a nice change for these two. They didn't do much to make their upcoming match more interesting, but they addressed it well enough for this not to feel like a waste of time.

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

Corey Graves was doing a lot on commentary to try to hype this match for WrestleMania.

Jade's comment about Ripley being a goth kid with insecurities felt inspired by Vampiro's recent comments about Ripley being a poser goth, which was a weird thing for him to say in the first place.

Jordynne Grace vs. Tiffany Stratton

Matthew Bolt/LVMS/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Last time in action: Jordynne Grace defeated Zelina (Main Event, April 10), Tiffany Stratton lost to Giulia (SD, March 27)

This was originally announced on social media as a U.S. title match between Tiffany Stratton and Giulia, but it was changed to Stratton against Jordynne Grace for a future title shot.

Giulia and Kiana James watched from ringside as the two babyfaces squared up. Stratton had a slight power advantage, but not by much.

Due to a heavy storm and tornadoes in the area, I lost power and was unable to see most of this match, so it would be unfair to offer a grade for something we can't review honestly. Tiffy scored the win to earn a future title shot.

Result: Stratton defeated Grace

Grade: N/A

---

Notable Moments and Observations

The ease with which Grace can pick up her opponents never ceases to be impressive.