The March 13, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown airs live at 8 p.m. ET from the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona—the first WWE TV event there since January 3, 2025. Highlights include the contract signing for Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill vs. Michin in a non-title match, and musician Jelly Roll on Miz TV.
WWE announced the card for the March 13 SmackDown—continuing the Road to WrestleMania 42 (April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas)—via reports from Pro Wrestling Dot Net and Fightful. It airs at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET on USA Network in the U.S., with international streaming on Netflix. WrestleMania 42 features a new 6 p.m. ET start both nights: first hour on ESPN/ESPN2, then ESPN+ in the U.S. and Netflix worldwide.
The buildup stems from last week's March 6 episode, where Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre with help from Jacob Fatu—a controversial win with over 200,000 YouTube dislikes amid fan backlash. Now a three-time champion, Rhodes faces Randy Orton, who earned his shot by winning the men's Elimination Chamber. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis arranged the contract signing, spotlighting their history: Rhodes was a protégé in Orton's 2008 Legacy faction. Sources suggest possible interference from McIntyre, who has issues with both Rhodes and Fatu and is rumored for a WrestleMania match against the latter. No multi-man match is confirmed for the title bout despite prior rumors.
WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill meets Michin in a non-title match amid ongoing tension. Cargill builds momentum for her WrestleMania defense against Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley, while Michin aims for an upset to boost her title contention.
Three-time Grammy winner Jelly Roll appears on Miz TV with The Miz, following a video package last week and his WWE history, including a 2024 SummerSlam tag match with Orton vs. McIntyre and Logan Paul. Negotiations continue for a WrestleMania role, potentially a match, performance, or segment.
Additional talents include Tiffany Stratton, set to challenge Giulia for the Women's United States Championship at WrestleMania; Sami Zayn, tied to storylines with Trick Williams, Rhodes, and Orton; and Jacob Fatu.
