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Cody Rhodes, Giulia vs Tiffany Stratton Set for SmackDown


SmackDown April 17 2026

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will make an appearance on Friday's SmackDown from Las Vegas, the final show before WrestleMania 42 this weekend. Rhodes will deliver a message to Randy Orton and Pat McAfee ahead of his title defense Saturday night.

The show also features a Women's United States Championship match, as Giulia puts the title on the line against former WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton. This marks just the second defense of Giulia's second reign and her first in three months.

The bout serves as a rematch from their March 27 non-title encounter, which Giulia won. Stratton will look to capture her first singles championship since losing the WWE Women's title earlier this year.

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WrestleMania 42 Build Continues

Jacob Fatu will also appear on the show ahead of his unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. The appearance gives Fatu one final opportunity to send a message before their highly anticipated clash.

The new additions join the previously announced Andre the Giant memorial battle royal and an eight-man street fight pitting the MFTs against the Wyatt Sicks.

SmackDown airs Friday night from Las Vegas, with WrestleMania 42 taking place Saturday and Sunday from the same city.