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The Bloodline Gets Drafted, Tama Tonga, Solo Sikoa Announced for Huge Backlash Match, Major NXT Call-Ups & More: WWE SmackDown 4/26 Results, Recap & Highlights

Published April 26, 2024, 10:26 PM EDT

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Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, live from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, will feature the first episode of the WWE Draft 2024. With stars getting shifted between brands, the night will see some interesting development. This episode will also feature AJ Styles, Bianca Belair, LA Knight, Liv Morgan, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Sheamus, and more. Cody Rhodes will face his Backlash opponent for the contract signing tonight. Here are the results for WWE SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown 26/04/2024 Results

Opening segment: The show opened with the announcement team explaining the WWE Draft 2024. This episode of WWE SmackDown would see the first round of the Draft.

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Backstage segment: Paul Heyman was seen backstage, and he announced that Roman Reigns would not be involved in the Draft as he voluntarily withdrew his name.

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In-ring segment: The opening segment of the show was the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles for Backlash. Styles won the #1 contender tournament for Rhodes’ WWE Undisputed Universal Championship title. The two exchanged words, and Styles claimed that Rhodes’ title run would be cut short at Backlash.

WWE Draft first round: Triple H and Cody Rhodes announced the first round of the WWE Drafts 2024:

  • SmackDown: Bianca Belair and Carmelo Hayes
  • RAW: Jey Uso and Seth Rollins

Following the Draft, Hayes challenged Rhodes to a match later on, which Rhodes accepted.

Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee vs. The Legado Del Fantasma

Winner: Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee

Continuing their feud, both teams looked great, with the fans cheering the Hall of Famer and the future of Lucha wrestling. A hot tag to Mysterio perked the crowd up. A 619, followed by Project Dragon and LWO, won.

Post-match: After winning, LWO’s celebration was interrupted by Santos Escobar, who claimed he knew who attacked Lee ahead of their Mania match. Video footage reveals it was Carlito who attacked Lee, and Carlito attacked Lee once again in the ring before escaping.

Bron Breakker vs. Cedric Alexander

Winner: Bron Breakker

A match that ended as quickly as it started, Breakker won within a minute. This continues his winning streak on the main roster.

Backstage segment: Tiffany Stratton is seen talking to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. She claimed that she deserved her shot at the Women’s title. However, Aldis scheduled a match between Naomi and Stratton, and the winner faces Bayley at Backlash.

WWE Draft second round: Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson continue the Night #1 Draft pick

  • SmackDown: Randy Orton and Nia Jax
  • RAW: Bron Breakker and Liv Morgan

Backstage segment: Paul Heyman is seen with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Sikoa asked about the Draft before Kevin Owens attacked Tonga. Security broke the two up.

Entrance segment: Bianca Belair is welcomed on SmackDown but was cut short as Damage CTRL showed up. However, Jade Cargill comes out to ensure nothing takes place. The entire segment was interrupted by Owens still attacking Tonga.

In-ring segment: Owens continued the beatdown on Tonga inside the ring, and Sikoa came out to help his MFT. However, Randy Orton came out to ensure Owens didn’t end up like last week. Taking out Tonga, Sikoa was able to escape from the Viper, but he followed as Owens continued his beatdown on Tonga.

WWE Draft third round: The Dudley Boyz continue the Night #1 Draft pick.

  • SmackDown: LA Knight Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman
  • RAW: Ricochet and Sheamus

Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton

Winner: Match ended due to Nia Jax

Nick Aldis set the match, and the winner would face Bayley for the WWE Women’s title at Backlash. Both women looked great during the match, with each getting a chance to shine. However, the match was cut short as Nia Jax attacked Bayley, who was by ringside. Stratton got in on the action and laid out both women just like last week.

WWE Draft third round: JBL and Teddy Long continue the Night #1 Draft pick.

  • SmackDown:  AJ Styles and Andrade
  • RAW: Chad Gable, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri, Otis, and Kiana James

Backlash announcement: Nick Aldis announced two matches for Backlash. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley for the WWE Women’s title, and Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga vs. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens.

Cody Rhodes vs. Carmelo Hayes

Winner: Cody Rhodes

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Rhodes’s first match on SmackDown was against NXT’s Hayes. With the call-up to the main roster, Hayes had a lot to prove in this main event match. While Hayes had the upper hand during the first half of the match, The American Nightmare soon turned things around. He hit a perfect Cody Cutter on Hayes and picked up the win.

Post-match: AJ Styles came out to the ring after Rhodes won, and the two had a standoff ahead of their match at Backlash.

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What did you think of this episode of WWE SmackDown and the WWE 2024 Draft? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by:

Christopher Paul

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Christopher Paul is a WWE reporter at EssentiallySports. With over eight years of experience as a writer and a childhood passion for pro wrestling, Chris is now a voice for kayfabe fans. He has a penchant for covering live events and enjoys breaking the latest developments in the WWE Universe.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha