Royce Keys Wins 2026 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal On WWE SmackDown

In his second official match on “WWE SmackDown,” Royce Keys outlasted a host of other men to win the 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Keys bested stars from not only the blue brand, but “WWE NXT” and AAA as well.

Those other stars included the likes of Matt Cardona, Shiloh Hill, Joe Hendry, Johnny Gargano, Talla Tonga, Dragon Lee, the Motor City Machine Guns, Shinsuke Nakamura, La Parka, Apollo Crews, Psycho Clown, both El Grande Americanos, Aleister Black, and more. The first person eliminated was Kit Wilson, who was thrown out over a planking Gargano.

Tonga eliminated both El Grande Americano and the Original El Grande Americano as one man was trying to unmask the other, and Black eliminated former NXT Champion Hendry, as well as Ilja Dragunov later in the bout. A few names tried to gang up on Tonga to eliminate him, but he hit them with big uppercuts to stay alive in the match.

Otis hit the caterpillar on top of a planking Gargano and threw him out. Otis, Tonga, Black, and Keys rounded out the final four. Tonga went to hit a chokeslam on Keys after he threw Otis over the top rope, but Keys evaded the move. He hit a spinebuster to Tonga and eliminated him for the victory.

Backstage News On Roman Reigns’ WWE Contract Status Ahead Of WrestleMania 42

A report has emerged to dispel rumors and theories surrounding Roman Reigns and his future with WWE. 

Reigns is set to leverage January’s Royal Rumble win into a challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship held by CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 on Sunday. Drawing on Reigns and CM Punk’s history and real-life issues, their build has seen an emphasis on the idea that two commercial powerhouses are clashing over who is the bigger benchmark for their company. In a recent interview, Reigns said that if he loses to Punk he doesn’t belong in WWE and “my work is done.”

Now PWInsider reports that any rumors surrounding Reigns’ comments veering on the side of reality are inaccurate. It was noted that WWE is purposely holding silence on Reigns’ contract situation in order to encourage conspiracy theories about it, thereby driving engagement ahead of the match on Sunday. 

It was concluded in the report, upon speaking to a source with knowledge of the situation, that even if Reigns’ deal was set to expire, “it was all worked out with time to spare.”

Reigns re-signed with WWE in 2022 and secured his transition to a part-time superstar in the process, and said in April last year that after his current contract he only envisions two years max in the business before transitioning to a less physical form of entertainment. 

Royce Keys Wins Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal On WWE SmackDown

Royce Keys Wins Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal On WWE SmackDown

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal made its return during the April 17 episode of SmackDown in Las Vegas, bringing together a packed field of competitors all looking to build momentum heading into WrestleMania 42. While the match delivered the expected chaos, the closing stretch shifted the spotlight firmly onto one rising name.

With 25 Superstars filling the ring, the action broke down quickly as bodies were sent flying over the top rope in rapid succession. The pace never slowed, turning the contest into a test of awareness as much as strength.

Royce Keys outlasts the field to win Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

When it was all said and done, Royce Keys stood alone. He secured the victory by eliminating Talla Tonga in the final moments, capping off an impressive performance. Tonga attempted to end things with a chokeslam, but Keys slipped free, planted him with a spinebuster, and followed up with a powerful clothesline to seal the win.

The match wasted no time getting underway, with Kit Wilson becoming the first elimination after stumbling over Johnny Gargano and losing his footing. From there, the ring cleared out at a relentless pace. Aleister Black sent Joe Hendry packing, while Tonga dominated stretches of the match, including a standout elimination of Rey Fenix with a mid air chokeslam.

Keys, meanwhile, picked his moments. He eliminated Psycho Clown earlier in the bout and later removed Black from the equation, steadily building toward the final phase without overextending himself.

The last three came down to Keys, Tonga, and Otis, giving the finish a hard hitting feel. Otis mounted a brief comeback before Tonga shut him down with a big boot, leaving the final showdown between Tonga and Keys. That is where Keys turned the tide, countering at the perfect moment to take control and punch his ticket to victory.

The win continues a strong run for Keys following his debut earlier this year, adding a major accolade to his growing résumé. With WrestleMania 42 just around the corner, his stock is clearly on the rise and this victory puts him firmly in the conversation as one to watch.

Jacob Fatu Rolls Into SmackDown In Cop Car Before WrestleMania 42

Jacob Fatu Rolls Into SmackDown In Cop Car Before WrestleMania 42

Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre are turning up the intensity at just the right time, pushing their rivalry into dangerous territory as WrestleMania 42 approaches. On the April 17 episode of WWE SmackDown, Fatu made a statement that instantly flipped the narrative surrounding him.

The segment centered on the growing hostility between the two, with McIntyre repeatedly trying to get under Fatu’s skin by referencing his past and orchestrating a public “arrest” to humiliate him. This time, however, things didn’t go according to McIntyre’s plan.

Jacob Fatu arrives in a cop car on WWE SmackDown

Sirens echoed through the arena before a police car rolled onto the stage, bringing the crowd to attention. An officer stepped out and opened the door, revealing Fatu, who emerged and climbed onto the vehicle with a microphone in hand.

Fatu addressed the situation head on, making it clear that being handcuffed in front of his family didn’t break him. Instead, he embraced it, stating he has no shame in his past and refuses to let McIntyre define who he is today. He also shut down any idea of fear, insisting he is a different man now and not someone who can be intimidated.

Turning his focus to their upcoming Unsanctioned Match, Fatu promised chaos. With no rules, no officials, and no limits, he warned that nothing and no one would be able to stop what he plans to do. He even claimed that not even a SWAT team could prevent him from taking McIntyre apart.

The confrontation follows last week’s vicious assault by McIntyre. After Fatu picked up a win over Tama Tonga, McIntyre launched a brutal post match attack that left a lasting impact.

Using chairs and steel steps, McIntyre dismantled Fatu before planting him with a Future Shock DDT on the floor. He then handcuffed Fatu to the ring post and continued the assault, leaving him battered and bloodied.

That moment pushed this rivalry past the point of no return, setting the stage for a violent showdown at WrestleMania.

Wyatt Sicks’ Future In Doubt After Brutal SmackDown Loss Before WrestleMania 42

The go home episode of WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 has left fans questioning what comes next for the Wyatt Sicks following a major loss on April 17, 2026.

The chaotic street fight saw Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, and Tama Tonga collide with Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Uncle Howdy. Weapons were used throughout, with kendo sticks, chairs, and steel steps all coming into play as the action spilled outside the ring.

One of the most surprising moments came when Rowan launched himself onto Talla Tonga in an unexpected aerial move, adding to the unpredictable nature of the fight.

Despite showing flashes of control, the Wyatt Sicks lost momentum late. Interference and a string of heavy shots allowed their opponents to take over, with Sikoa sealing the victory after driving a Samoan Spike into Uncle Howdy.

The aftermath added another layer of intrigue, as tension appeared within the winning side, highlighted by a cold stare from Tama Tonga directed at Sikoa.

Online reaction was swift, and largely critical. Many fans are now questioning the direction of the Wyatt Sicks, with some suggesting the defeat could mark a turning point for the group. Others pointed to a recurring issue, with Uncle Howdy once again taking the fall in a high profile match.

There is also growing frustration around repetition. Since returning, the faction has leaned heavily into dark, chaotic segments without securing enough meaningful wins to reinforce their credibility. That has sparked speculation that WWE could be adjusting its long term plans for the group.

Their on screen identity has also become a talking point. While their presentation leans into horror style elements, they have at times been framed more like anti heroes, creating a disconnect that has made it difficult for audiences to fully invest.

Earlier injuries and time away from television slowed their momentum, and although the move from RAW to SmackDown in 2025 was meant to reset their trajectory, it has yet to deliver the impact many expected.