All articles tagged with #smackdown
Tiffany Stratton secured the final spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match by defeating Tatum Paxley and Candice LeRae on SmackDown. While the match received positive in-ring reactions, social media backlash criticized WWE for overlooking fresh talent in favor of a veteran who has already won the briefcase and a world title.
WWE SmackDown on October 2, 2026, concluded the Money in the Bank qualifying process with Kevin Owens defeating Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano. Tiffany Stratton won the women's qualifier, and Blake Monroe made her main roster debut against Giulia. The show also featured a chaotic confrontation involving Sami Zayn and multiple rivals.
CM Punk defeated Finn Bálor and GUNTHER in a triple threat match to earn the final spot in the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. The bout served as the closing segment of the September 25, 2026, episode of SmackDown. This result confirms Punk's participation in the upcoming ladder match, eliminating his two opponents from the opportunity. The outcome aligns with pre-show run sheet predictions, though it represents a shift from earlier uncertainty regarding his qualification status.
CM Punk and Lash Legend earned spots in the Money in the Bank Ladder Matches, while Trick Williams retained the U.S. Title against Baron Corbin in a Steel Cage Match.
On WWE SmackDown, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship ended with a belt shot from CM Punk and a last‑second finish change after the referee didn’t call the bell, allowing Sami Zayn to retain his title.
SmackDown from Corpus Christi featured Money in the Bank qualifiers for both genders (Trick Williams earned a spot in the men’s, Jacy Jayne won the women’s qualifier), Cody Rhodes teased his path forward, and Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship after an appearance by CM Punk that delivered a belt shot to Kevin Owens, highlighting a championship-centered show with moments of energy but an overall B- grade.
Spoilers for WWE SmackDown on September 18, 2026 reveal a stacked card with Money in the Bank qualifiers (Trick Williams vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Fenix; Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill vs. Jacy Jayne), plus multiple backstage segments. Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano crash Sami Zayn and Nick Aldis’ opener, setting Owens up for a main-event title shot. CM Punk is rumored to be involved; next week’s teased matches include Punk vs. Gunther vs. Finn Balor and Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend vs. Giulia. Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne qualify for MITB; MFT vs. BAKUSAI ends non-finish. Main event winner not listed as of now; last-minute changes are possible.
SmackDown previews Sami Zayn’s second WWE Championship reign, suggesting it could end quickly amid a crowded field of challengers, Money in the Bank qualifiers, and ongoing feuds, including Cody Rhodes’ interview and Gargano pushing for a title shot.
CM Punk posted a reflective Instagram Story after losing the WWE Championship to Sami Zayn on SmackDown in Mexico City, emphasizing his willingness to try again and reclaim the belt after a 67-day reign. The title change was the fifth in 2026, with earlier switches involving Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and other key players.
CM Punk is slated to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn in the closing match of SmackDown from Arena CDMX, following Zayn's challenge after Punk's defense against Johnny Gargano. The show airs at 8 PM ET on USA Network, with international viewers able to watch via Netflix, though plans can still change before or during the live broadcast.
Spoilers for WWE SmackDown (Sept. 4), taped Aug. 28 in Cleveland, reveal CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano with Punk prevailing, and Punk later offering Sami Zayn a title shot in Mexico City. The show also features backstage with CM Punk and Nick Aldis, plus in‑ring bits: Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs. Fatal Influence, Nia Jax interrupting and defeating Tiffany Stratton, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton speaking, Lil Yachty music video, Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki) beating The Miz & Kit Wilson, and Giulia attacking Blake Monroe before their match.
SmackDown taped Sept. 4 in Cleveland with CM Punk defeating Johnny Gargano to retain the WWE Championship in Gargano’s hometown; Punk then challenged Sami Zayn for Sept. 11 in Mexico City. The episode also announced Mexico City bouts: Chelsea Green vs. Nia Jax for the Women’s Championship and Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton, plus Paige vs. Nikki Bella for Sept. 11. A Sept. 6 Atlanta six-woman tag (Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley with Alexa Bliss vs Jade Cargill, B-Fab & Michin) was set after Flair and Paxley defeated Fatal Influence. Other notes included Danhausen with Gunther, the Bakusai debut of Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki vs Miz & Kit Wilson, and a series of promos; Blake Monroe vs Giulia did not start due to an early attack.
WWE is weighing a high-profile debut for Blake Monroe by potentially booking her vs Giulia at Sunday Night’s Main Event on Sept. 6 in Atlanta; the match isn’t finalized, as WWE weighs giving Monroe a bigger stage while continuing their feud, following Monroe’s on-air attack and her backstory as Mariah May (AEW Women’s World Champion) and a former NXT North American Champion.
On SmackDown, Sami Zayn interrupts Kevin Owens’ bid for the Undisputed Championship, hints at a love-hate dynamic with CM Punk, and ultimately attacks both Punk and KO after Punk’s win, setting up a potential three-way feud among Punk, KO, and Sami. The show also featured Damien Priest vs. R-Truth in tag drama, Giulia’s clash with Blake Monroe and related antics, Lil Yachty’s teased matchup with Baron Corbin, Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton with Chelsea Green saving the day, plus a high-energy Cody Rhodes–Randy Orton opening and a Nick Aldis stipulation that raises tension ahead of Sunday’s Main Event.
SmackDown on Aug. 21, 2026 in Toronto ended with CM Punk defeating Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship after Sami Zayn interfered and blasted both competitors, costing KO the title; The MFTs retained the WWE Tag Team Championship against Damian Priest & R-Truth with Haku in their corner, and the show also featured Nakamura and Kyoki signaling a takeover, Blake Monroe attacking Giulia, Lash Legend vs Tiffany Stratton, and multiple promos and highlights from the night.