AEW’s cordial relationship with NJPW has led to many stars from both promotions featuring in each other’s shows, and the recently returned Will Ospreay is keen to make good use of that arrangement as he is eager to wrestle in the G1 Climax.
Ospreay returned to AEW last month and a few weeks later wrestled in NJPW in a tag team match. The English star, in an interview with “Tokyo Sports,” stated that he would love to compete in the G1 Climax tournament, although it may be tough to get approval from AEW President Tony Khan to leave the promotion for several weeks.
“It’s hard to ask Tony (Khan) this year if I can take about six weeks off, but I’ve talked to my wife about it, and I do want to participate in the G1 Climax again someday. I’ve never won it, so I want to try again,” said Ospreay.
Ospreay, who has won several titles in NJPW, is also targeting the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which he previously won in 2021 when it was called the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The Heavyweight title was revived after it was combined with the IWGP World Heavyweight title in January, and Ospreay wants to get his hands on that belt.
“Also, the fourth generation IWGP Heavyweight belt, which was revived this year, has been worn by Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, and others, and I’ve always admired them. So I also want that belt.” [This text has been translated from Japanese.]
The former AEW International Champion knows the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Callum Newman, quite well, having mentored him from his teen years. Newman won the title from Yota Tsuji at NJPW’s Sakura Genesis show, where Ospreay was ringside to watch his protege capture the championship and even congratulated him after the match.
When one thinks about David Otunga’s WWE career, being a commentator is not something that would immediately come to mind. And yet, the “NXT” original and former Nexus member did in fact sit behind the commentary desk for three years during his WWE run, beginning with shoulder content such as “WWE Main Event” and “WWE Superstars” before becoming a color commentator for “WWE SmackDown Live” when the show moved to the USA Network in 2016.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel discussing the buildup to WrestleMania 33, which Otunga called, the former WWE Tag Team Champion reflected on his short-lived (by some standards) commentary career. Overall, Otunga was positive on it, praising getting to work with JBL and Mauro Ranallo, and noting that he got the chance to call several highly regarded matches, like John Cena vs. AJ Styles.
Otunga would admit, however, that being tabbed for the commentary role came as a surprise to him. Ultimately though, he would embrace the opportunity to help grow “SmackDown” in its new phase.
“This was…unexpected, but an amazing opportunity to become an announcer on ‘SmackDown,'” Otunga said. “And just the way that it was launched and rebranded as ‘SmackDown’ was now going to be live on the USA Network. It had been on Friday’s, but now it was going to be live on Tuesday’s. So we hammered that home that this is called, it’s not even called ‘SmackDown’ anymore, it’s called ‘SmackDown Live,’ because it was live on USA Network, just like ‘Raw.’ But it was awesome being a part of that, and being able to help launch that.”
If you quote this article, please credit “David Otunga” and provide an h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
Robert Stone made a major announcement during the April 7, 2026 episode of WWE NXT, revealing a new two-week special event titled “NXT Revenge.”
The announcement came on the post-Stand & Deliver edition of NXT on The CW, with Stone confirming that the themed event will begin on April 14 and conclude on April 21. The special is set to feature multiple high-stakes matches, including championship bouts and tournament action.
Week One of NXT Revenge, scheduled for April 14, will be headlined by the new champion Tony D’Angelo defending the NXT Championship against Ethan Page.
NXT Revenge – Week One (April 14)
WWE Men’s Speed Title Tournament Match: E.K. Prosper vs. Dorian Van Dux
Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan
NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Ethan Page
Week Two, taking place on April 21, will feature a Last Woman Standing match between Sol Ruca and ZARIA.
NXT Revenge – Week Two (April 21)
Last Woman Standing Match: Sol Ruca vs. ZARIA
WWE Men’s Speed Title Tournament Final: Lexis King vs. TBD
Kali Armstrong arrives
NXT Revenge is shaping up to be a significant follow-up to Stand & Deliver, with multiple storylines advancing and championships on the line across both weeks.
NXT Results – April 7, 2026 – Welcome to Wrestling Attitude’s live coverage of WWE NXT for April 7, 2026, coming to you from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida!
Stand & Deliver Recap / Tony D’Angelo Speaks
We get a look back at Stand & Deliver before new NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo makes his way to the ring. Tony says many fans have been with him since day one. When he arrived in NXT, he was just a kid — and when he looks in the mirror now, he barely recognizes that version of himself. He’s not just a man anymore. He is the man. He is the NXT Champion. The first Grand Slam Champion in NXT history. This is what he’s wanted since he walked through the door. He made decisions along the way — some good, some bad — but they shaped him into who he is. And now that he’s champion, his hands have an iron grip on that title. Not Ethan Page, not Ricky Saints, not Joe Hendry is taking it from him.
The moment he says the name, Joe Hendry appears.
Joe says Tony is right — Tony is the NXT Champion, Tony is the man, and Tony had a plan and executed it. He congratulates him. Tony was the better man… for one night. They had to deal with “those two clowns,” and Joe wonders aloud if the result would’ve been different otherwise.
Ethan Page interrupts. He tells Joe not to get any ideas. If anyone deserves a one‑on‑one rematch, it’s him — he beat Joe. If he hadn’t been distracted by his “best friend,” he would’ve won and become a two‑time champion. Instead, they’re stuck with a “knockoff Punisher” as champion.
Ricky Saints joins the party. He reminds Ethan that he attacked Ethan first, so Ethan shouldn’t blame his shortcomings on anyone else. If Ethan put his ego aside, everyone would be looking at Ricky as the new champion.
Tony says it doesn’t matter who steps up — the result will be the same.
The lights go out. Dark State appear in the crowd.
Security rushes in but can’t stop the brawl. Bodies fly everywhere. More security hits the ring and gets overwhelmed. Robert Stone sends wrestlers out to help restore order. Tony D’Angelo dives off the apron onto the pile. Even more wrestlers pour out to try to contain the chaos.
They eventually get everyone separated, but nothing is solved.
Tony yells at Stone. Stone yells back that he has a show to run — and Tony needs to get gear on, because he’s fighting Dark State tonight.
Sol Ruca vs. Izzi Dame
They lock up. Sol blocks a kick, Izzi misses a stomp, and Sol elbows her in the corner for a quick near fall. Sol “hang tens” on Izzi’s back, stomps the knees, and clamps on a headlock. Izzi ankle‑picks Sol on a leapfrog and hits a clothesline for two. Izzi drives shoulders in the corner, whips Sol, but Sol floats over and kicks Izzi’s leg out before sending her into the turnbuckles. Izzi catches Sol and goes for a belly‑to‑back, but Sol lands on her feet and hits an X‑Factor. Sol dropkicks Izzi through the ropes and follows with a springboard twisting crossbody to the floor.
Back inside, Sol trips Izzi, but Izzi blocks a kick. Sol gets a sunset flip for two. Izzi knees the midsection repeatedly. Izzi hoists Sol and drops her on the top turnbuckle, then hits a running knee and chokes her in the ropes. Izzi hot‑shots Sol and kicks her again. Sol counters with a rollup for two, then a crucifix bomb for another near fall. Izzi elbows her down and stretches her in a rear chinlock. Sol fights out with punches and an uppercut. Sol misses a corner splash, and Izzi drops her on the top turnbuckle again before hitting a side slam for two. Izzi applies a body scissors and gets another near fall.
Sol escapes with a jackknife cover for two. Izzi drops her on the turnbuckle again and goes for a knee, but Sol blocks it and sends Izzi down. Sol hits a springboard flip clothesline. They trade forearms. Sol fires chops, elbows to the neck, and back‑to‑back back elbows. She hits a German suplex, climbs, and lands a missile dropkick. Sol hits a running knee for two. She tries a suplex, Izzi blocks and hits one of her own. Izzi climbs, Sol kicks her, leaps up, but Izzi shoves her off — Sol lands on her feet. Izzi hits a Codebreaker for two. Izzi tries a backbreaker, Sol counters with a backslide for two. Sol spears her, sending Izzi rolling to the floor.
Spears gets on the apron. Niko pulls Izzi out of the way of Sol’s moonsault off the post. Sol lands on her feet — and Zaria Spears crushes her with a spear. Izzi follows with a powerbomb for the three‑count.
Winner: Izzi Dame
After the match, Zaria kneels over Sol and tells her it’s over when she says it’s over.
Vanity Project & Blake Monroe
Vanity Project are in Robert Stone’s office. Stone says he has a meeting with Blake Monroe. They say they want to talk to Blake too. Jackson tells Blake she’s always the North American Champion and hands her a title belt. Blake appreciates the gift.
Stone shuts it down — she can’t claim she’s champion because she lost. But she can have a mixed tag match against Tatum and Shiloh. Blake picks Jackson as her partner.
Elio’s Announcement
Elio says he achieved his goal, but he has to relinquish it due to injury. He’s excited to have EK try to win the title. Dorian Van Dux thanks Elio for the opportunity. EK says he’s facing Dorian next week.
Keanu Carver vs. Jasper Troy vs. Josh Briggs
Josh Briggs jumps Jasper Troy the moment Troy steps into the ring, hammering him with forearms and throwing him into the turnbuckles. Troy rams Josh into the corner, but Keanu Carver yanks Troy to the floor and slams him into the steps. Josh tells Keanu to wait, then boots him and hits a side slam followed by a splash for a near fall. Keanu fires punches and tries to lift Josh, but Troy barrels in with a running body tackle that wipes both men out. Troy throws Keanu into Josh in the corner, then hoists Keanu — but Josh pulls Troy off and they hit a double chokeslam.
Keanu punches Josh and gets a near fall on Troy. Josh elbows Keanu, but Keanu answers with a clothesline for two. Keanu kicks Josh and whips him hard into the corner twice, then chokes him. Keanu knocks Troy off the apron and whips him into the apron before returning to the ring — and running straight into Josh’s boot. Keanu drives Josh face‑first into the mat. Josh boots Keanu on the floor, boots Troy, and slams Keanu’s head into the steps before rolling him in for a near fall. Josh hits a forearm to Keanu’s neck, then brings Troy back in for another two‑count.
Keanu kicks Josh, Troy joins in, and they trade shots. Troy clotheslines Keanu for two. Troy whips Keanu, misses a splash, and Keanu unloads punches. Keanu chokes Troy in the corner, but Josh hits a belly‑to‑back suplex for two. Troy clubs Josh with a double sledge and hits back elbows in the corner. Josh fires back. Josh tries a suplex, Troy blocks, and they collide with a double shoulder tackle. Josh covers Keanu, but Troy breaks it up and yells at him. Josh shoves Troy. Keanu elbows both men. Josh forearms Keanu and hits a crossbody on Troy. Keanu powerslams Josh for two, then spinebusters Troy for another near fall.
Keanu whips Josh and kicks him. Keanu and Troy trade punches. Troy clotheslines Keanu and slams Josh. Troy splashes Keanu and hits a Black Hole Slam on Josh. Troy chokeslams Keanu and covers Josh, but Josh kicks out. Troy drags Keanu into position and climbs — but Josh shoves him off to the floor. Josh and Keanu trade forearms. Keanu and Josh hit back elbows. Troy charges back in with a running body block. Troy sets for a chokeslam — but Keanu POUNCES Troy over the top rope to the floor. Josh hits a forearm. Josh whips Keanu and misses a splash. Keanu hits another POUNCE, then a suplex into a powerslam for the three‑count.
Winner: Keanu Carver
Shiloh & Tatum Backstage
Shiloh and Tatum talk backstage. Tatum says she thought she was done with Blake Monroe — Blake is obsessed. Shiloh asks if Tatum has actually dealt with her. Shiloh says he hates Jackson. Ricky Saints walks in and mocks them for always cackling. Hill asks Ricky if he should be worried about his tag match. Ricky walks off while they keep laughing.
Joe Hendry, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page & Tony D’Angelo vs. Osiris Griffin, Cutler James, Dion Lennox & Saquon Shugars
Tony starts swinging before the bell even settles. Cutler James hits a corner clothesline, Saquon Shugars hits a dropkick, and Osiris Griffin drops Tony. James tags in and punches Tony. Osiris and Dion tag in, but Cutler misses a splash and Tony boots him before taking down Saquon with a double‑leg and raining punches. Tony hits a running Diamond Dust. Ethan Page tags in, punches Dion, slams him, and drops an elbow. Dion double‑thrusts him and tags Saquon. Ethan suplexes Saquon for two. Ricky tags in, but Saquon shoves Ethan into Ricky and rolls him up. James tags in and sends Ricky into the corner. Dion tags in and keeps Ricky trapped.
Ricky escapes and tags Joe Hendry. Joe hip‑tosses Dion, kicks him, and shoulder tackles him. Dion escapes a suplex, James tags in, and Joe hits a delayed vertical suplex for two. Ricky tags in, hits a hip attack in the corner, punches James, kicks him, and walks the ropes for Old School before hitting a Fameasser for two. Ethan tags in and argues with Ricky. James misses a double clothesline and eats a double back body drop. Osiris hits a crossbody on both men. Osiris slams Ethan and tries to slam Saquon onto him, but Ethan gets the knees up. Dion misses a splash. Tony hits clotheslines on Saquon and Dion, then slams Saquon onto Dion. Tony Superman‑punches Saquon and forearms James. Dion spinebusters Tony. Osiris and Saquon choke Tony in the ropes. Osiris hits punches and a short‑arm clothesline. James tags in, chops Tony, and hits a backbreaker for two.
Dion tags in and tries to slam Tony, but Tony escapes and hits a spinebuster. Joe tags in and clotheslines Saquon and James. Joe hits a fallaway slam on James and does the Meme Turn. He lifts Saquon, but Osiris hot‑shots him for two. Osiris knees Joe’s back. Joe chops back, but Osiris clubs him down. Saquon tags in and hits a corner shoulder. Saquon applies a chinlock. Joe fights out with punches and uppercuts. Osiris tags in, but Joe swings Saquon into Osiris and hits a Death Valley Driver. Osiris hits a splash to the back, and Saquon gets a near fall. James tags in and hits Joe. Joe uppercuts him, but James elbows him down and slams him for two. Joe chops back. Osiris tags in, Joe kicks him, and Joe uppercuts James — but James hits a backbreaker. Osiris splashes Joe for two.
Ricky and Ethan argue with James and Osiris. Dion punches Joe — but Myles Borne flies in with a double sledge off the barricade and sends Dion into the announce table. Joe uppercuts James, and Tony tags in. Tony unloads punches, then hits German suplexes on Saquon, James, and Osiris. Tony hits a fisherman’s buster on Saquon for two. Ricky gets on the apron. Ethan boots Osiris over the top. James gets dumped. Joe dives onto the pile. Saquon kicks Tony, but Tony spears him. Tony hits a chokeslam — and Ethan tags himself in, knocks Tony down, and hits Twisted Grin on Saquon for the win.
Winners: Ethan Page, Tony D’Angelo, Ricky Saints & Joe Hendry
After the match, Ethan poses — and Tony chokeslams him from behind.
Jaida Parker Speaks
Jaida Parker says she’s sick of people like Kelani Jordan acting like there are no consequences. Jaida beat her — and Kelani attacked her afterward. Jaida says nothing about her is soft. She warns Kelani she’ll get her payback. That’s why she did what she did at the Performance Center. Next week, she’ll prove she doesn’t play.
Lexis King vs. Chaz Hall — Speed Tournament
Chaz Hall opens with chops, flips over King, and hits a jumping back heel kick for two. King tries a suplex, Hall lands on his feet, and hits a West Coast Pop for another near fall. King chops him. King sets for Coronation, but Hall counters with an Asai DDT and a shooting star press for two. King elbows him, climbs, but Hall handspring‑kicks him to the floor. Hall drops the straps and hits a Sasuke Special. Hall climbs for another shooting star, but King gets the boots up and hits Coronation for the three‑count.
Winner: Lexis King
King advances to face the winner of EK Prosper vs. Dorian Van Dux.
Myles & Stone / Tony D’Angelo
Myles Borne says he “returned the favor.” Stone tells him he can’t do that. Tony D’Angelo storms in, says he doesn’t have time for small talk — after tonight, he wants Ethan Page. Stone says he can make that happen.
Keanu Carver steps in front of Tony.
Tatum Paxley & Shiloh Hill vs. Jackson Drake & Blake Monroe
Tatum and Blake start by playing tug‑of‑war with both the real and fake title belts. Tatum drives shoulders into Blake, but Blake yanks her down by the hair. Tatum blocks a suplex and hits one of her own. Jackson Drake tags in and punches Shiloh Hill. Drake chops him, but Hill hoists Drake onto the top rope and chops him back before dropping to the floor to throw more forearms. Hill rolls in and continues the attack until Blake cuts him off — and Tatum nails Blake with an enzuigiri. Hill follows with a flying clothesline for a near fall.
Drake punches Hill, and Blake refuses to tag in. Hill tags Tatum, who grabs Blake and rolls her up for two. Drake blocks Cemetery Drive. Tatum sends Hill into Drake, then sends Blake into Drake. Tatum and Hill lock in stereo surfboards and slam both opponents face‑first into the mat. They follow with running hip attacks that knock Blake and Drake off the apron — and Brad catches Blake.
Tatum asks Brad and Ricky if Blake can “come out to play,” but they block her path. Blake returns to the ring and kicks Tatum. Tatum gets up but misses an enzuigiri. Blake hits a sling blade. Drake tags in. Hill goes for a slam, Drake escapes, and Hill hits a tilt‑a‑whirl slam followed by a flip senton for two. Hill whips Drake but runs into a boot. Drake targets the arm and shoulder, then hits a belly‑to‑back suplex. Drake lands a shooting star press for a near fall and applies an armbar. Drake whips Hill hard and chokes him in the corner. Another near fall. Another armbar. Hill reverses, Drake reverses back, Hill reverses again. They trade punches. Hill hits a flying shoulder tackle and drags Ricky Saints into the ring by accident. Blake saves Drake, and Blake and Drake hit forearms on Hill. Drake keeps hammering him and gets another near fall.
Hill powerbombs Drake and both men are down. Blake grabs Hill, and Tatum tags in. Tatum fires forearms and dropkicks Drake. She hits an enzuigiri on Blake and unloads more forearms. Tatum hits a fisherman’s powerbomb for a near fall. She climbs, but Brad gets on the apron. Tatum kicks him off, and Hill hits a flip dive onto Brad and Ricky. Tatum goes for a 450, misses, and rolls through. She hits a rolling kick on Drake — but Blake hits Glamour Shot and covers Tatum for the three‑count.
Winners: Jackson Drake & Blake Monroe
Robert Stone Announces NXT Revenge
Robert Stone sits in his office with Sarah and says he’s been taking calls and signing contracts. NXT will host a special two‑week series: NXT Revenge.
Week One: Tony D’Angelo defends the NXT Championship against Ethan Page. Week Two: Sol Ruca vs. Zaria in a Last Woman Standing Match.
Kali Armstrong Speaks
Kali Armstrong says she watched Stand & Deliver from home, but she’ll be there next year. She was raised to be a champion. She’s not like the other women — she’s not here to fit in.
Next Week on NXT
Joe Hendry will perform in concert. Jaida Parker faces Kelani Jordan.
NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice Speaks
Lola Vice makes her way to the ring. She says she is the new NXT Women’s Champion — and at Stand & Deliver, she became the first Cuban‑American champion in WWE history. She’s dreamed of this moment for years. When she arrived in 2022, she thought she was ready. WWE hyped her MMA‑to‑WWE transition. She thought she’d rise straight to the top.
She was humbled. She had to start from scratch. She had to learn what it means to earn a spot. She wasn’t ready then. So she went to AAA, traveled the world, and came back with no doubts left. Now she’s undeniable. This isn’t confidence — it’s proof. Earning something is better than having it handed to you. She’s not the MMA girl anymore. She’s a WWE Superstar.
Jacy Jayne interrupts with Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley. Jacy congratulates Lola — because it’s the last win she’ll ever get over her. Jacy says she’s been here before. She’s done this before. Lola has only set her up to become a three‑time Women’s Champion. Lainey says Lola doesn’t belong in the conversation because Jacy is the definition of evolution. Jacy says Lola only got into the match because of a technicality. She held the title for 286 days and ran the division.
Robert Stone comes out and says that’s enough — Jacy gets her rematch next week.
Lola says she’ll knock Jacy’s ass out again.
Fallon and Lainey attack Lola from behind. Lola fires back with a back heel kick to Jacy and punches. She German suplexes Lainey and nearly hits Jacy with a backfist as Jacy escapes.
WWE SmackDown delivered its strongest audience performance in months with the April 3, 2026 episode, marking the show’s highest viewership total of the year so far.
The broadcast drew 1.51 million viewers, a notable increase from the 1.308 million viewers recorded on March 27. The jump reflects renewed interest in the blue brand as the road to WrestleMania 42 continues to build momentum.
In the key 18–49 demographic, SmackDown posted a 0.43 rating, rising significantly from the 0.33 rating achieved the previous week. This marks one of the show’s best demo performances in recent months and signals stronger engagement among its core audience.
The April 3 episode was heavily centered around Pat McAfee and the ongoing mystery caller storyline, which has become a focal point of recent programming. McAfee’s increased presence has generated discussion both on-screen and behind the scenes, particularly as his involvement continues to expand heading into WrestleMania 42.
The strong ratings suggest that the storyline—and McAfee’s role within it—successfully captured viewer attention, contributing to the overall increase in numbers.
SmackDown ultimately finished fourth for the night in overall television rankings, a solid placement given the competitive landscape.
With WrestleMania 42 approaching, WWE appears to be gaining traction at the right time. The April 3 numbers indicate positive momentum for SmackDown, especially as major storylines begin to peak and key matches take shape.
If this trend continues, WWE could see even stronger viewership in the coming weeks as anticipation builds for its biggest event of the year.
Most Viewed WWE SmackDown (4/3) Videos on YouTube
FULL SEGMENT: Pat McAfee answers call for Randy Orton to take out Cody Rhodes (1.3 million views)
Danhausen helps Damian Priest & R-Truth beat The Miz & Kit Wilson (661K views)
Cody Rhodes: “Pat McAfee can kiss my a**” (541K views)
IYO SKY saves Rhea Ripley from Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab (514K views)
Tama Tonga gives Uncle Howdy back his lantern (504K views)
WWE SmackDown Draws Best Viewership of 2026 on April 3 Episode
