WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, and Grades for April 9, 2019

Wrestling fans are hyped up for tonight’s WWE SmackDown after WrestleMania, and after Sheamus and Cesaro’s main event-ruining attack on Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins last night, all eyes will be glued to the new WWE Champion.

WWE SmackDown has been the “A” show on the main roster over the past year, and the brand’s new top male champion, Kofi Kingston, put his title on the line on Raw this week against new Universal Champion Seth Rollins. Though the WWE Universe was excited for this match, they were nervous that either man could lose their title.

As expected, a third party interfered, as the jealous duo of Sheamus and Cesaro ruined the main event with their attack on Kingston, who seemed close to pulling off a big move on Rollins. The Bar have feuded with The New Day for quite some time, but, lately, this rivalry has become more “serious” than “playful”. These two men are clearly jealous of Kingston’s accomplishments, and the WWE Universe shouldn’t be surprised if Cesaro decides to challenge Kofi for the WWE Title.

Becky Lynch also had a crowning moment at WrestleMania 35, rolling up Ronda Rousey to win the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships. Though Becky is now “Becky Two Belts”, the SmackDown Title – she was the first SmackDown Women’s Champion, after all – is the one she raises proudly to the fans after making that title WWE’s main event in 2018.

She’ll undoubtedly meet new challengers tonight on SmackDown. Last night, Dana Brooke called her out politely in a backstage segment, whereas Lacey Evans punched her in the face to start a brawl. Charlotte Flair will presumably have something to say about the way Becky won, but she surely won’t be the only person Lynch will have to watch out for tonight; there is a huge target on her back, indeed. Plus, with some superstars floating before the Superstar Shakeup next week, don’t be surprised if Evans shows up again.

The big match tonight will pit The Hardy Boyz against The Usos, who retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championships in a fast-paced Fatal Four-Way match at WrestleMania. There’s no doubt that The Hardyz vs. The Usos would have been WrestleMania worthy in its own right, and while Jimmy and Jey are huge favorites here, don’t be shocked if Jeff Hardy wins a title in back-to-back years on post-WrestleMania shows. I’d consider this a “can’t miss” match.

Meanwhile, the IIconics won the Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania, and while it’s unclear how the first champions, the Boss’N’Hug Connection, fit into the title picture, it is clear that those are coveted titles to hold. Perhaps Carmella and Naomi, who are now the two WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal winners, will team up to pursue the titles.

The Miz suffered a crushing defeat at WrestleMania, because it was only rotten luck that costed him against Shane McMahon. There’s no doubt that the match delivered, and I’m sure Miz’s post-WrestleMania promo to the WWE Universe will be just as good; he’s such an excellent babyface.

Finally, Sami Zayn made his return to Raw last night, falling short to Finn Balor in an Intercontinental Championship match. His best friend, Kevin Owens, is a babyface on SmackDown who didn’t have a WrestleMania match but could be itching for his own title opportunity. I wouldn’t mind a surprise match against United States Champion Samoa Joe, who will likely be ready to gloat after defeating the legendary Rey Mysterio in a matter of minutes on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

Check back here at 8 p.m. ET for live results, highlights, and grades from tonight’s WWE SmackDown after WrestleMania, which airs on the USA Network.