Punk and Lash Legend Qualify for Money in the Bank as Trick Williams Retains U.S. Title

Key points

• CM Punk defeated Gunther and Finn Bálor in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
• Lash Legend defeated Charlotte Flair and Giulia in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
• United States Champion Trick Williams retained his title against Baron Corbin in a Steel Cage Match.
• Fatal Influence defeated Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton, and Paige in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match with interference from Nikki Bella.
• Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes exchanged heated words, with Orton insisting Rhodes lacks the killer instinct to kick his head off.

Background

This episode followed a series of SmackDown shows in late August and early September that featured various title matches and Money in the Bank qualifiers. The September 18 show had teased the upcoming qualifiers, including Punk vs. Gunther vs. Finn Bálor and Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend vs. Giulia. The August 14 show had featured Baron Corbin defending the U.S. Title, and the August 29 show had set up a Punk-Gargano title showdown.

How outlets are covering it

Ringside News provided the initial spoiler lineup and backstage notes, highlighting the main event and other key matches. WWE's official highlights confirmed the results and provided detailed match breakdowns, emphasizing Punk's victory and the Steel Cage Match. Bleacher Report offered live updates and match grades, praising the quality of the main event and noting the tension between Punk and Bálor. CBS Sports focused on the results and match grades, confirming the qualifiers and the U.S. Title retention. All sources agreed on the main results, but Bleacher Report and CBS Sports provided more detailed analysis of the in-ring action and character dynamics.

Why it matters

The Money in the Bank qualifiers are crucial for determining the participants in the high-stakes Ladder Matches, which often lead to title opportunities. The U.S. Title match and the Six-Woman Tag Team Match further shape the current title picture and future storylines. The heated exchange between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes sets up a potential future confrontation, adding to the ongoing narrative on SmackDown.

What to watch

Next week's SmackDown is expected to feature additional Money in the Bank qualifiers, including Tatum Paxley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae and Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens vs. Johnny Gargano. The rivalry between Giulia and Blake Monroe is set to continue with a match scheduled for next week. The tension between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes is likely to escalate, potentially leading to a future confrontation.