SmackDown in Lafayette: Tag Title Change and Ladder Promo Set Stage for Money in the Bank

Key points

• Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley defeated Fatal Influence to win the Women's Tag Team Championship after Charlotte Flair was attacked by Jade Cargill.
• CM Punk, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn engaged in a verbal confrontation atop ladders, with Zayn vowing to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship.
• A six-woman tag match featured all participants in the upcoming Women's Money in the Bank ladder match, ending with Lash Legend defeating her teammates.
• The main event between Trick Williams and Bron Breakker ended in a disqualification after interference from The Vision, setting up the men's ladder match.
• Finn Balor intervened to save Danhausen from Gunther, but the match was never officially started due to referee hesitation.

Background

This episode followed recent title changes, including Sami Zayn's capture of the WWE Championship from CM Punk in September. The show also built on earlier tensions between Tiffany Stratton and Tatum Paxley, with Stratton securing a spot in the Women's Money in the Bank match despite fan backlash over missed opportunities for newer talent.

How outlets are covering it

Wrestling Inc. praised the Punk-Owens-Zayn ladder promo for its execution but criticized the Gunther-Danhausen segment for lacking a proper match. Bleacher Report graded the show a C, noting the women's tag match was the only standout but criticizing the six-woman tag match for poor chemistry. CBS Sports focused on the results and grades, highlighting the title change and the main event DQ. All sources agreed the show was a hype event for Money in the Bank but noted inconsistencies in booking and pacing.

Why it matters

The episode set key storylines for Money in the Bank, including the new tag champions and the ongoing feud between Punk, Owens, and Zayn. The women's ladder match participants showcased their skills, while the men's main event DQ hinted at future rivalries. The show's reception highlights the importance of go-home episodes in building anticipation for major pay-per-views.

What to watch

Money in the Bank will take place on Saturday, featuring ladder matches for both men and women. The new tag champions will likely face Fatal Influence in a rematch, while the Punk-Owens-Zayn feud may continue post-event. The women's ladder match participants will compete for the briefcase, with Lash Legend's post-match aggression suggesting she is a strong contender.