WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 4

The WWE Champion Arrives

At the top of the hour, SmackDown Live begins with the new WWE Champion Randy Orton making his way to the ring. After taking some time to savor the moment, Orton decides to address the audience. Reflecting on his victory at WrestleMania, The Viper appeared confident that his issues with Bray Wyatt are well under control. Proclaiming himself to be the true master, the WWE Champion goes on to say Wyatt will always remember his name.

This leads to the Eater of Worlds appearing on the titantron, and he has some choice words for his rival. Promising to reclaim his championship, Wyatt challenges Orton to a “House of Horrors Match”. What that match entails is unknown at the moment, but odds are it’ll involve a no holds barred environment. Orton accepts, however, he doesn’t want to wait any longer to fight. Calling Wyatt out, Orton witnesses the screen going haywire and the Eater of Worlds “teleporting” to the ring.

The two begin to brawl inside the ring, with the Orton managing to gain the advantage. His attack is cut short when Erick Rowan returns to SmackDown Live. Assaulting Orton beside Wyatt, Rowan had the Viper in dire straits before backup arrived. Luke Harper rushed to the aid of Orton, taking it to both of his former brethren. Countering an attempt at Sister Abigail, Harper would deliver a big boot to Wyatt to send the duo packing. What a way to start the show.

Backstage, The Miz and Maryse are being interviewed about their loss to John Cena and Nikki Bella. Unwilling to let the bad blood slide, the couple states that Cena’s proposal was just a marketing ploy. Since the Superstar Shake-Up may lead them to Raw, they decide to seek out revenge tonight.