CM Punk Secures Final Men's Money in the Bank Spot on SmackDown

Key points

• CM Punk won the men's Money in the Bank qualifier on September 25, 2026, against Finn Bálor and GUNTHER.
• The match was a triple threat that closed the SmackDown broadcast.
• Punk's victory secures his place in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
• Finn Bálor and GUNTHER were eliminated from the ladder match opportunity.
• The result matches the pre-show run sheet, confirming Punk's advancement.

Background

This qualification follows a series of recent Money in the Bank qualifiers across WWE brands. On September 20, Trick Williams earned a men's spot, and on September 25, Lash Legend secured the women's spot. Earlier in September, RAW qualifiers in Mexico City and subsequent changes involving Penta also advanced participants. Punk's qualification completes the current cycle of qualifiers for the men's ladder match, following his recent championship-related appearances on SmackDown.

How outlets are covering it

Ringside News reported the outcome based on the show's run sheet, noting that Punk's qualification was previously uncertain. WWE's official highlights confirmed the match result, listing it as a full match segment. CBS Sports reported the results and match grades, confirming Punk earned the spot. All sources agree on the outcome, with Ringside News emphasizing the shift from prior uncertainty, while WWE and CBS Sports presented the result as a confirmed event. No disagreements were noted among the sources regarding the winner or the match structure.

Why it matters

CM Punk's qualification adds a high-profile name to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, increasing the event's significance. The elimination of Finn Bálor and GUNTHER removes two other top-tier competitors from the ladder match, potentially altering the competitive dynamics. The match's placement as the closing segment of SmackDown underscores its importance in the weekly programming.

What to watch

CM Punk will compete in the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, where he will attempt to win the briefcase. The next SmackDown episode will likely feature follow-up segments involving the eliminated competitors, Finn Bálor and GUNTHER, as well as other ongoing storylines from the September 25 broadcast, such as the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton feud.