WWE SmackDown Notes: Maryse Makes Surprise Appearance & Gets Cursed By Danhausen, Tiffany Stratton Earns Shot at WWE Women’s United States Title, Royce Keys Wins Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Apr 17, 2026

Maryse Makes Surprise Appearance & Gets Cursed By Danhausen

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada featured Maryse making a surprise appearance and getting cursed by Danhausen.

During the show, a video aired featuring The Miz and Maryse renewing their vows with Kit Wilson officiating the ceremony. This led to Danhausen suddenly appearing next to Maryse to Miz’s angry displeasure. The Miz asked Danhausen what he is doing here, which Danhausen responded back stating he is the ring boy, best man and maid of honor. The Miz then told Wilson to finish the officiating which Wilson told Miz you may kiss the bride only to saying you may curse the bride instead. Danhausen told Maryse she was cursed leading to an argument breaking out between him and The Miz resulting in Maryse getting accidentally shoved face first into the cake nearby cake. Danhausen tastes the cake off of Maryse’s face and says vanilla.

Danhausen cursed Maryse#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/WZwIFbCjaq
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) April 18, 2026

This was Maryse’s first appearance in WWE since this past July’s Evolution 2 event.

Tiffany Stratton Earns Shot at WWE Women’s United States Title

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Tiffany Stratton defeating Jordynne Grace in a #1 Contender’s match for the WWE Women’s United States Championship.

Better hold on to that title tight, @giulia0221g! 👀@tiffstrattonwwe pic.twitter.com/km298TNox8
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

As a result of her victory, Stratton will be facing off against Giulia for the WWE Women’s United States Championship at a future show.

Royce Keys Wins Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Royce Keys winning this year’s Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

The competitors in this match were Keys, Kit Wilson, Nathan Cruz, Chris Sabin, El Grande Americano, Original El Grande Americano, Shiloh Hill, La Parka, Berto, Psycho Clown, Axiom, Alex Shelley, Apollo Crews, Joe Hendry, Joaquim Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, Ilja Dragunov, Akira Tozawa, Angel, Johnny Gargano, Matt Cardona, Aleister Black, Otis, and Hikuleo.