Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Missouri wrestling fans will have a major spotlight moment in 2026 as WWE’s Road to WrestleMania tour arrives in St. Louis. Just days before WrestleMania 42, the city will host a marquee WWE event that blends history, star power, and high-stakes storytelling.
With Friday Night SmackDown set for April 3 at the Enterprise Center, St. Louis once again proves why it remains one of WWE’s most important markets. The night promises elite superstars, critical matchups, and momentum-setting moments heading into the biggest wrestling event of the year.
Fans attending the show can also explore the top Missouri sportsbook promos, adding another layer of entertainment to their wrestling weekend.
WWE’s Road to WrestleMania tour is designed to build maximum anticipation in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, and St. Louis holds a prime position on that route in 2026. Landing on April 3, the stop comes just days before WrestleMania 42, making every segment, promo, and match feel urgent.
WWE uses these events to escalate rivalries and define championship narratives. Missouri fans will be part of a live audience witnessing storylines that directly shape WrestleMania outcomes, adding significance beyond a standard weekly broadcast.
Friday Night SmackDown will broadcast live from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis on Friday, April 3, with a 6:30 PM start time. The Enterprise Center, known for hosting major sports and entertainment events, provides an ideal backdrop for a high-profile WWE show.
SmackDown episodes on the Road to WrestleMania often feature elevated production, surprise appearances, and matches with direct WrestleMania implications. Fans in attendance will experience both televised action and exclusive in-arena moments that never fully translate on screen.
St. Louis has long been recognized as a wrestling stronghold, producing passionate crowds and memorable WWE moments across decades. The city’s wrestling history stretches from territorial days through modern WWE eras, making it a reliable destination for major shows.
WWE frequently rewards cities with strong ticket sales and crowd reactions, and St. Louis consistently meets those expectations. Hosting a Road to WrestleMania SmackDown reinforces the city’s standing as a cornerstone WWE market that understands storytelling, pacing, and the emotional beats of professional wrestling.
Randy Orton’s presence on the April 3 card carries special meaning for local fans. As a St. Louis native, Orton has built a legendary WWE career while maintaining strong ties to the city. His appearances in St. Louis are often met with louder reactions and deeper emotional investment from the crowd. Whether involved in a marquee match or a pivotal storyline moment, Orton’s role on this SmackDown adds hometown energy to an already stacked show.
Cody Rhodes enters the Road to WrestleMania season as one of WWE’s central figures, and his inclusion on the St. Louis card signals storyline importance. SmackDown appearances during this period are carefully structured to advance rivalries and define character arcs.
Rhodes’ connection with the crowd, combined with his WrestleMania ambitions, ensures that his segment or match in St. Louis will carry weight. Fans can expect layered storytelling that pushes his journey forward just days before WrestleMania 42.
Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre brings a hard-hitting style that fits perfectly with the tension of WrestleMania season. His matches during the Road to WrestleMania often involve decisive moments that clarify his role on the WrestleMania card.
Appearing in St. Louis places McIntyre in front of a crowd known for appreciating physical, no-nonsense wrestling. His presence adds credibility and intensity to the event, reinforcing the idea that nothing on this SmackDown episode is filler.
The April 3 event also highlights WWE’s commitment to showcasing emerging and internationally recognized talent. Women’s United State Champion Giulia brings global wrestling recognition and technical precision.
United State Champion Carmelo Hayes continues to represent the next generation of WWE main event potential. Trick Williams adds charisma and athleticism that resonate strongly with live crowds. Their inclusion reflects WWE’s strategy of blending established names with rising stars during WrestleMania season, ensuring long-term storytelling momentum.
Sami Zayn’s strength lies in emotional engagement, and Road to WrestleMania episodes often amplify that connection. His appearances are rarely routine, as WWE uses his character to explore loyalty, conflict, and resilience.
Performing in front of a knowledgeable St. Louis audience allows Zayn to deliver nuanced performances that thrive on crowd reaction. Whether through a match or a promo, his role on this SmackDown contributes to the layered narrative fabric leading into WrestleMania 42.
The St. Louis SmackDown card features a powerful lineup from WWE’s women’s division. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill brings strength and presence that command attention. Jordynne Grace adds intensity and credibility from her physical style. Alexa Bliss contributes star power and psychological storytelling, while Charlotte Flair represents championship legacy and big-match experience.
With WrestleMania just days away, appearances by these women are likely tied to high-profile matches or defining storyline beats.
Roman Reigns is listed as a possible participant for the April 3 SmackDown, which adds another layer of anticipation. WWE often leverages uncertainty around Reigns’ appearances to boost intrigue and ticket demand.
If he appears, the moment would instantly elevate the show’s significance. Even the possibility of his involvement underscores how critical this St. Louis stop is within the broader Road to WrestleMania narrative structure.
The Enterprise Center provides WWE with a venue capable of delivering large-scale production while maintaining strong sightlines and acoustics. For fans, this means clear views, loud crowd energy, and immersive presentation.
WWE tailors its Road to WrestleMania shows to feel bigger than standard weekly episodes, and the Enterprise Center supports that vision. From entrance lighting to live crowd reactions, the venue enhances every moment of the broadcast.
With WrestleMania 42 just days away, the April 3, SmackDown in St. Louis functions as a final statement show. Rivalries sharpen, alliances strain, and championship paths become clearer. Fans in attendance will witness moments that directly influence WrestleMania outcomes, making this event more than a stop on the tour. It is a pivotal chapter in WWE’s biggest annual story, told live in a city that understands wrestling at its core.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
