Phoenix, Arizona played host to a compelling edition of WWE SmackDown on March 13, 2026, featuring a dominant performance by Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and escalating tensions heading into WrestleMania 42. The night saw Cargill secure a victory over Michin, even as simmering conflicts between Cargill and Rhea Ripley, and Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, took center stage. The Irresistible Forces similarly made an appearance, setting their sights on the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
The main event of the evening pitted Jade Cargill against Michin in a non-title match that showcased Cargill’s power and strategic dominance. The match, a preview of the high-stakes competition to come, ended with Cargill asserting her control and sending a clear message to her WrestleMania opponent, Rhea Ripley. The broader narrative of the evening revolved around championship aspirations and the building drama surrounding WWE’s premier events.
Cargill Defeats Michin, Sends Message to Ripley
The match began with a flurry of offense from Michin, utilizing right hands and a shotgun dropkick. She even managed to level Cargill outside the ring with a daring move through the middle rope. However, Cargill quickly turned the tables, demonstrating her strength with a pump kick and bodyslam. The momentum shifted repeatedly throughout the contest, with Michin showcasing resilience and a diverse arsenal of moves, including a Tornado DDT, Pele Kick, and Sliced Bread.
Despite Michin’s efforts, Cargill ultimately prevailed, executing a chokeslam and her signature move, Jaded, for the win. Following the match, Cargill was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, where she dismissed Michin’s performance as a result of overconfidence. Cargill boldly stated that other women in the locker room quiet down when she enters the room and expressed a lack of concern regarding her upcoming match against Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42.
Ripley’s music immediately interrupted Cargill’s post-match celebration, and she confronted Cargill in the ring, challenging her to a physical altercation. Cargill opted to retreat under the bottom rope, prompting Ripley to accuse her of running from a fight and predict a decisive victory at WrestleMania, stating Cargill “will be her b****” after the event.
Backstage Tension Between Rhodes and Zayn
The evening also saw escalating tension between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Backstage, Zayn approached Rhodes, seeking to mend their fractured relationship. However, Rhodes responded with frustration, questioning Zayn’s motives and even suggesting he might be angling for an Undisputed WWE Championship match. Zayn clarified that his congratulations to Randy Orton were genuine, stemming from his respect for the veteran wrestler, and asserted that his relationship with Rhodes should be one of equals, not superiority. The exchange ended with Zayn visibly frustrated and being confronted by Aleister Black and Zelina.
Bella Twins Return, Set Sights on Tag Team Titles
Adding to the excitement, the Bella Twins – Nikki and Brie – made a triumphant return to their hometown of Phoenix. They announced their intention to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championship, regardless of who emerges victorious from the current title picture. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss also appeared, further setting the stage for potential future matchups in the women’s division.
The Irresistible Forces also made their presence known, signaling their own ambitions within the tag team division. Their appearance added another layer of complexity to the landscape of WWE’s women’s wrestling scene.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the storylines established on SmackDown are poised to reach a fever pitch. The confrontation between Cargill and Ripley promises to be a highlight of the event, while the unresolved issues between Rhodes and Zayn could lead to further conflict. The return of the Bella Twins and the ambitions of The Irresistible Forces add further intrigue to the women’s division. Fans can expect continued drama and high-stakes action as WWE builds towards its biggest event of the year.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of WWE and the road to WrestleMania 42. Share your thoughts on the SmackDown results in the comments below!
