Backstage Notes From Last Night’s WWE SmackDown, Last-Minute Changes & In-Ring Return for Main Event

PWInsider has some backstage notes from last night’s edition of WWE SmackDown, which is the second-to-last episode before WrestleMania 42. Last night’s show featured WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill beating former champion Iyo Sky in the main event.

According to PWInsider report, Cargill vs. Sky was originally planned to open this week’s show following the Rhea Ripley promo segment, with the Pat McAfee segment closing out the show. Over the course of the day, WWE’s creative team ultimately opted to flip the segments.

Last night’s WWE Main Event TV tapings also featured Jordynne Grace making her in-ring return from a recent ankle injury, which she suffered last month. PWInsider reports that Grace returned to the ring against Zelina Vega, which was produced by WWE Hall of Famer Molly Holly. It’s also said that Grace looked good and had a fun match for her in-ring return.

Also, Matt Cardona revealed on his X account this morning that he wasn’t originally booked for last night’s show, writing that he “was just going to film a commercial and maybe even fly home early.” Instead, he ended up facing Trick Williams, with Williams picking up the win. So, it appears Williams’ match with Cardona was another last-minute change.

Additionally, it’s said that Drew McIntyre’s promo segment was filmed in New Jersey, while WWE SmackDown was held in San Jose, California.