Last week’s Friday Night Fight Night was one of the most exciting editions of the show in recent memory. We crowned an #AndNEW champion, on top of crowning two new title contenders, and the unveiling of a new “Showcase of the Immortals” match. This week, we inch closer to WrestleMania 42, as things continue to heat up on the way to “Sin City”, Las Vegas, Nevada. WWE Universe, let’s get right into it. Here’s a WWE SmackDown preview for March 16, 2026. Let’s run it down.
A Crazy Tune-Up
For the past number of months, Michin has been chomping at the bit to prove herself against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. Fortunately for her, Cargill is in a fighting mood after an intense confrontation with her number one contender, Rhea Ripley, on last week’s SmackDown.
Right after that war of words, Michin would poke the bear, and she got her wish. However, it seems like Michin doesn’t know what she’s getting into. This is the most we’ve seen of Jade Cargill this angry and amped up, and Michin might be the one who further stokes the fire prior to Cargill’s defense of the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Will Michin pull off the upset and possibly land herself a title match down the line? Or will Jade Cargill build momentum ahead of the biggest match of her career?
Leaving a Legacy
This past week’s WWE SmackDown saw the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes once again climb the top of the mountain, as he became a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. While that win is amazing in and of itself, Rhodes has barely enough room to breathe. Now that he’s champion again, he needs to get back into the thick of things, specifically, facing his former mentor and best friend, the “Viper” Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 42 for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
For many, Rhodes has always had this hesitation when it comes to pulling the proverbial “trigger.” On the flipside, Randy Orton has made it clear, friend or foe, that he will do anything to secure his 15th world championship. When Randy won the Elimination Chamber, we saw that it doesn’t matter who you are, if you’re in the way, Orton’s going to get you out by any means necessary.
This week, the brand new Undisputed WWE Champion and the “Apex Predator” put pen to paper to make it official for Las Vegas. That said, we know both men will not just sign and walk away; we are going to have strong words exchanged.
What will Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have to say to each other ahead of their WrestleMania 42 main event title match in Las Vegas?
Let’s see all unfold this Friday on SmackDown, which you can watch on The USA Network and Netflix.
WWE SmackDown Preview and Match Card (3/13/26):
- WrestleMania 42 Contract Signing for the Undisputed WWE Championship Match Between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton
- Jelly Roll Will Appear Live on WWE SmackDown
- Jade Cargill vs. Michin
