The April 17 episode of WWE SmackDown served as the final stop before WrestleMania 42, and the show delivered a major moment with the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
The match followed its traditional format, with the ring filled by a large group of Superstars all looking to secure a WrestleMania moment. The field included talent from multiple brands, along with appearances from AAA and NXT competitors. Royce Keys received a featured entrance, signaling early that he would be a key focus in the match. Joe Hendry also entered the bout, notably without an NXT label on his nameplate.
Aleister Black controlled large portions of the contest, eliminating several participants and emerging as a dominant force. As the match progressed, the field was narrowed down to five competitors: Keys, Johnny Gargano, Matt Cardona, Talla Tonga, and Black. Gargano was eliminated following interference from Otis, and Cardona was quickly thrown out afterward.
The final four came down to Otis, Keys, Black, and Talla Tonga. Black delivered a Black Mass to Otis, but moments later, Keys capitalized by eliminating Black with a clothesline. That left three men in the ring. Talla Tonga then removed Otis from the match, setting up the final exchange.
In the closing moments, Keys hit a spinebuster on Talla Tonga and sent him over the top rope to secure the win. The victory gives Keys a major achievement early in his WWE run.
Keys’ rise has been closely watched since his Royal Rumble debut earlier this year. He made the move to WWE after leaving AEW, where Tony Khan reportedly made an effort to keep him. Keys chose to join WWE, and this win suggests that decision is already paying off.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has been a part of WrestleMania tradition since its introduction at WrestleMania XXX as a tribute to André the Giant. Over the years, winners have included Cesaro, Big Show, Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley, Matt Hardy, Braun Strowman, Jey Uso, Madcap Moss, Bobby Lashley, and Bronson Reed. Carmelo Hayes was the most recent winner prior to this year.
While the match has delivered mixed results in terms of launching careers, it still offers a high-profile platform. With this victory, Keys now joins that list and gains momentum heading out of WrestleMania weekend.
Royce Keys Wins 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
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