Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 16, 2026

Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show, but he does not come alone, as Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae also accompany him. Sami asks who came to ride or die with "The Last Real Good Guy," then says that "all those vultures" - especially Je'Von Evans and Trick Williams - got what was coming to them. He congratulates Penta on winning the Money in the Bank Contract, then tells him to focus his energy on Roman Reigns. Sami then says he has his own history with Reigns and that they will collide at Crown Jewel, and while he has something to say to Reigns, he will save it for Raw when he can say it to Reigns' face out of respect. Suddenly, Trick Williams shows up, and Sami tells Trick to say what he has to say. Trick says that he and Sami do not like each other and that this is "personal personal," as when Sami sees him, he sees the people turning on him, WrestleMania, Backlash and "a real Superstar." Trick admits he does not care about Sami or his "ride or die fans," and after Sami disrespected him two weeks ago, he is going to beat Sami's ass. Trick admits he does not care about Sami or his "ride or die fans," and after Sami disrespected him two weeks ago, he is going to beat Sami's ass. Sami says that he gave Trick a wake up call and that he had the WWE Champion standing one foot away from him telling him that he will not tolerate disrespect or being trifled with, but Trick tried to turn what he was saying into a joke because that is all he is. He says that Trick does not have "it" and cannot differentiate, and that he cannot tell when to be funny and when to be serious because he does not have the survival skills to survive in his jungle. Sami says he has it and that he thrives in the chaos of the moment, and that he can taste the electricity on his tongue and always find a way to survive, which is why Sami and Trick are where they are. Trick takes exception to this and says he is done talking, and that if Sami is as bad as he thinks he is, then he can take a swing and see what happens. Gargano stands between Sami and Trick to defend Sami, saying that Trick is disrespecting both him and Sami, and that Trick has been given opportunities that he and Sami would kill for. He says that Trick has "it," but he does not have the WWE Championship, and until then, he will show them the respect they deserve, and if he doesn't, he will show him why they are different. Trick says he is not here to make excuses and that he works as hard as anyone else here, and proposes that he beat Gargano's ass tonight. Sami tells Gargano that he can take Trick, and Gargano accepts. Trick calls for a referee, starting an impromptu match.

Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.

Trick Williams beats Johnny Gargano.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Blake Monroe that she and Giulia will face each other in a Street Fight next week when Chelsea Green shows up. Blake says Chelsea held the WWE Women's Championship longer than she though, then leaves. Chelsea says she has sent Tiffany Stratton a gift basket, then says Liv Morgan will not be okay. Aldis says that there will be a time that Chelsea and Liv will be on SmackDown, then Nikki Bella shows up wanting a title shot while wanting to know why Roxanne Perez (who she calls "the least relevant member of The Judgment Day" [Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh]) has a title shot before her. Chelsea says she would love nothing more than to beat her, and Nikki says she will be able to face her in two weeks.

Paige beats Nikki Bella after reversing a roll-up by Nikki and using the bottom rope for leverage.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews R-Truth. R-Truth says he is heartbroken before he quotes Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold, then says that Damian Priest betrayed him and that he will make Priest wish he was still in the bodega. He then says that Priest's ass is his.

Backstage, Kevin Owens is met by General Manager Nick Aldis in medical. Owens says his knee and shoulder may not be the best, but his back is good and CM Punk did not win the Money in the Bank contract. Punk shows up wanting a match with Owens, and Aldis says that he needs both men at their best and fighting only in the ring in an official capacity. He says that until then, he wants both men out of each others' way.

Damian Priest beats R-Truth by referee stoppage after R-Truth hurts himself upon hitting a missile drop kick off the top rope. After the match, Priest grabs a metal folding chair, but Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) show up to protect R-Truth before Priest can do anymore damage as a member of the medical staff checks on R-Truth. Priest throws the chair down and walks away.

We see footage of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and other stars from the new Street Fighter movie at the movie's red carpet premiere in Los Angeles, California.

Backstage, Gunther thinks that he is talking to General Manager Nick Aldis when he talks about what he did to Danhausen and says that he did Aldis a favor. He also calls what he did to Finn Balor what happens when someone gets in his business, then finds out that Danhausen is sitting in the office chair. Gunther gives Danhausen credit for still being here while Finn Balor is not, then grabs Danhausen by the neck and says that he will make Halloween very special after Danhausen mentions Finn Balor.

Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley head to the ring. Alexa celebrates her and Tatum's championship victory and mentions that Charlotte Flair wanted to be in that match last week, then mentions that Charlotte has been such an amazing friend and that she put the women's tag team title match side in the name of friendship. Alexa then introduces Tatum and that she put herself in a situation by partnering herself with two people who are always targets, but managed to become a champion out of it. Tatum says she is incredibly thankful to be standing in the ring with Alexa as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, then thanks Charlotte for defending her and giving her the opportunity to become a champion, and says that when Charlotte is better, she has a gift for her. Before Tatum can mention what that gift is after whispering it to Alexa, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) shows up. Jacy calls Alexa and Tatum's speech "incredibly cringy" and says that everyone should really be talking about is how Tiffany Stratton stole her Money in the Bank contract from under her. Fallon says Jacy winning the contract would be better than listening to Alexa and Tatum profess their love for Charlotte, and Lainey says that Charlotte is not as happy for Tatum as Tatum and Alexa think she is. Jacy says that Charlotte is friends with Alexa and Tatum out of convenience, and when Fatal Influence take back the women's tag team titles, they will be back under Charlotte's shadow. Tatum says they do not mind playing with Fatal Influence if they want the titles back, and Jacy says that she cannot do anything tonight, but Fallon and Lainey can before Fallon and Leiney hit cheap shots. This leads to a brawl, and Jacy gets laid out before Alexa and Tatum escape from Fallon and Lainey.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rey Fenix. Fenix says he is ready for tonight, and that he is happy for Penta winning the Money in the Bank contract. Sami Zayn shows up and says he is proud of Rey Fenix for his success, then asks Fenix if he has spoken to Penta. Fenix says he knows where Sami is taking the conversation and that he does not know who Penta will cash in on, then wishes Sami Zayn luck. Sami Zayn is not happy at the idea of that as Fenix leaves, then looks at a nearby water bottle, sighs, and slaps it.

Backstage, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) run into Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Michin. Both sides admit to having a common enemy, then Michin says that she, B-Fab and Jade Cargill have the next shot at the women's tag titles and that Fatal Influence can get the first shot if they win.

Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints by disqualification. During the match, Saints shoves referee Charles Robinson into the ropes to trip Fenix off the top rope. When Saints hits the Ro-Sham-Bo, Robinson refuses to count the pinfall attempt to Saints' tactics. Saints confronts Robinson and bumps his chest against Robinson's in response only for Robinson to disqualify him. After the match, Saints takes his anger out on Fenix and attacks him before two more referees arrive to restore order.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes that he has not seen Randy Orton. Cody says that Aldis has done all that he can do, and that he will go out into the ring to do what he can do.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody tosses a metal folding chair into the ring as he gets a microphone, then sits down in it in the middle of the ring before saying that everyone, including himself, was promised a face-to-face meeting with Orton and that he will wait before it happens. Instead of Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes gets Baron Corbin, who says that he did not and still does not see what everybody else sees in Cody, and while things have changed in WWE, "Cody whining about something in the ring" has always stayed the same. Corbin says that some people do not have it and that some people are born with it, and on his first day back, he destroyed everyone in the ring, and in his first match back, he became United States Champion. He says he needs no friends and enjoys hurting people. Corbin says that Cody is so concerned about being the good guy when nothing about it matters and that all that matters is getting back where he belongs, which he will do at Cody's expense. Cody tosses the chair out of the ring and says he would usually have the patience for this, then Corbin takes a swing only for Cody to be ready for it and knock Corbin out of the ring. He says there is still time in the show and he wants a fight, then calls for a referee.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Baron Corbin by disqualification after he is pulled out of the ring by Randy Orton. After the match, Orton continues to attack Cody, and this soon leads to a brawl between both men. Orton gets the upper hand on Cody and gets him in the ring for the punt, but Cody avoids the punt and hits the Cody Cutter. As Cody lines up for something else, he is suddenly attacked by Corbin, and Orton rolls out of the ring and heads towards the back. Corbin goes for End of Days, but Cody flips out of it and hits a Super Cody Cutter. Orton says that Cody is "not gonna do it" as Cody rips his now-torn shirt off, saying he does not have it in him, and Cody hits Corbin with an Orton-style punt to the head before looking dead at Orton to end the show.

Here are the highlight sfrom tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 9, 2026

Backstage, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce meets up with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis regarding tonight's six-woman tag match. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty show up, and Trick says he has unfinished business with Sami Zayn. Bron Breakker also shows up, much to Trick's annoyance, and when Lil Yachty says that Trick will be Mr. Money in the Bank, Breakker wants to fight Trick. Pearce makes a match between Breakker and Trick, which Aldis also endorses.

CM Punk heads to the ring. Punk talks about tomorrow night's Money in the Bank Ladder Match and how he won the match in 2008 and 2009 and cashed in both times, then says he is doing this again as he has a chance to make history and be the only three-time winner. He responds to people saying he is crazy and that it cannot be done by saying "Watch me," and admits that it will not be a cakewalk. Punk mentions all of his opponents, but when he mentions Owens, Owens shows up, and Punk talks about him as he heads to the ring. Owens tells Punk that he will not win tomorrow night and that tomorrow will be successful for him, and that he will make sure Punk does not get the contract, "as nobody needs to see [Punk] as WWE Champion ever again." Owens says that as long as Punk does not win the contract, he will consider tomorrow night "a win." Punk says that this is an excuse for a consolation prize and says Owens does not believe in himself, which is why he is on top of the world while Owens is not. Owens says he has never looked up to Punk and will not start now before climbing one of the ladders to be eye-to-eye with Punk as he tells him that he sees a man who is not taking the contract, as he will make sure Punk does not walk out on his own two feet. As Owens says he will beat "that bitch Sami Zayn," Sami Zayn shows up as Owens and Punk argue, and he climbs up the ladder in the center. Sami calls all of this "disapponting," as he is on the short ladder while Owens and Punk are considered above him. Punk says it is not the size of the ladder, but what you do with it, and says he will wrap it around Owens' fat head before he beats Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Sami says that Owens and Punk should know better, as they know who he is and he is a survivor who has found a way to win and retain the WWE Championship. Owens says Sami had Punk's help, while Punk says Sami had Owens' help. Sami says this is because he is "exceptionally intelligent" and can see the forest for the trees while Punk and Owens cannot comprehend they are exactly alike, then says Owens is honest about wanting Punk to fail while Punk acts like it does not bother him. He says that this drives Punk crazy and that neither Punk or Owens will get the contract tomorrow night as they are not in the headspace for it, while he will still be Undisputed WWE Champion.

Jacy Jayne, Tiffany Stratton and Lash Legend beat Roxanne Perez, Sol Ruca and Lola Vice in a six-woman tag match after Sol Ruca inadvertently hits Lola Vice with the Sol Snatcher as Lash is about to hit Lola with the Lash Extension. After the match, Lash throws Jacy into Tiffany, then hits Tiffany with the Lash Extension.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Chelsea Green, who is focusing on being positive regarding a possible cash-in. Nikki Bella shows up and berates Chelsea Green again, saying that what she does to Paige is a preview of what she will do to Chelsea as she takes her title. Chelsea chalks this all up to jealousy, and Nikki says Chelsea's reign will be a failure and that Chelsea is a "bootleg Nikki Bella," then says the title will be going to the real thing, which she says Chelsea's husband would rather have. All of a sudden, Charlotte Flair is attacked by Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim.

Backstage, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley find out what has happened to Charlotte Flair from General Manager Nick Aldis, and says that Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab have been removed from the building before stating that Charlotte cannot compete. Charlotte demands that Alexa take her place in the match against Fatal Influence tonight, which Alexa does. Aldis also mentions that everyone will be banned from ringside for the match, including Jacy Jayne.

The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) beat The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) after Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki) show up to distract Tama Tonga only for Kiyoki to distract the referee after Tama knocks Kiyoki off the apron, which allows Haku to hit Erik in the throat with his walking stick. After the match, Bakusai brawl with The MFTs and get the upper hand, and when Ivar attacks Kiyoki for costing The War Raiders the match, Bakusai get the better of him, too.

Backstage, as Danhausen scans both Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis for evil with the Evil Detector, Finn Balor shows up wanting a match with Gunther. As Pearce leaves the room saying that he needs a drink, Aldis says that Gunther has a match, but with Danhausen, not with Finn. Danhausen is slightly reluctant to face Gunther, even as Finn reminds Danhausen of how dangerous Gunther is.

We see footage of John Cena on his seventeenth appearance on The Jimmy Fallon Show.

In backstage footage from ealier today, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with The Miz and Kit Wilson when he sees Randy Orton. Aldis tells Orton that he crossed a line with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Orton says he will make Aldis' night easy and that he will leave, then says that Cody is the problem and that he did what he said he would do to ensure Cody did not get the WWE Championship before he did. He tells Aldis to sit down and speak with Cody before saying that Cody will not kick his head off his shoulders.

The Miz and Kit Wilson suddenly shows up in the ring, with Miz offended that he pushed aside for Randy Orton. Kit Wilson calls the Lafayette, Louisiana crowd "toxic" before giving them a chance to sing "Happy Birthday" to The Miz. All of a sudden, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up, and The Miz interrupts Cody's entrance as the pyro is still going off, irritated that everyone will sing Cody's theme but not sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Miz demands that Cody stay out of the ring unless he is here to wish him a happy birthday. Cody gets in the ring, throws Kit Wilson over the top rope, then takes out The Miz before speaking to the fans. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up saying he was afraid of this and that he sent Orton home because of this, and says that if this happens anywhere else, it does nothing for anyone and risks both Cody and Orton being put on the shelf along with other top stars. He says that this is about business and that his business is to get the match into the ring. Aldis says that he knows it is far from over between Cody and Orton, and asks Cody to meet him in his office to see how they can make this match happen. Cody offers to have this discussed in his office, which is the ring, and mentions what Orton has done to him. She says that what Orton did to him made his daughter cry, and that fear was behind those tears. Cody says then says he will be everywhere to go after Orton, who cost him the WWE Championship. Cody demands that Orton be face-to-face with him, and says he is not above flying to St. Louis, Missouri to find him, stating that it is all about what he is going to do to Orton.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest, who says that he would be a world champion again if it were not for R-Truth. He says he is done explaining himself regarding R-Truth, then notices Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) mentioning what Priest has done to R-Truth. Priest confronts them, and after Fraxiom chew Priest out to his face, Priest pretends to leave only to lay them both out. All of a sudden, R-Truth sucker punches Priest from out of nowhere, and officials have to stop the ensuing brawl.

Danhausen vs. Gunther ends before it can start. Danhausen stops the referee from starting the match so he can curse Gunther, but Gunther boots Danhausen in the face before he can finish before absolutely torturing him. Finn Balor shows up and gets the better of Gunther, forcing him to retreat throught he crowd. Afterwards, Finn Balor checks on Danhausen, but Gunther returns from backstage and attacks Finn Balor. Finn Balor gets the better of Gunther again, but that does not last for long, and officials show up as Gunther powerbombs Finn Balor into the announce table.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae regarding last week. Gargano and Sami agree on surviving and overcoming the hands they are dealt, and that they need to figure out what they are dealing with. Bron Breakker shows up and tells Sami he will see him soon.

Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions after Lainey Reid is caught holding on to Fallon Henley's hand on a pinfall attempt to give Fallon leverage from the outside, allowing Alexa to hit Lainey with Sister Abigail and Tatum to hit Fallon with Cemetery Drive to win the match and the titles. (As per pre-match stipulation; everyone else is banned from ringside.)

Trick Williams beats Bron Breakker by disqualification after Austin Theory and Maxxine Dupri show up and Theory attacks Trick. After the match, Logan Paul shows up and knocks Lil Yachty out, then Je'Von Evans shows up and fights Theory only to be distracted by Maxxine, allowing Breakker and Theory to gang up on Je'Von until Penta shows up and takes both Breakker and Theory out. Suddenly, "Big" Bronson Reed shows up from out of nowhere and takes out Penta before going on the warpath, leading to a Spear to Trick Williams by Bron Breakker before Bronson Reed hits Trick with a Tsunami. The attacks continue as the show fades to black.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 2, 2026

Tiffany Stratton beats Tatum Paxley and Candice LeRae in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Chelsea Green. Chelsea Green says that all six women in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match have earned it and are all threats, but is banking on Tiffany Stratton, saying she is "the Nikki to her Brie." In the background Danhausen scans a moose head and a backstage worker with a security wand. Nikki Bella shows up and confronts Chelsea saying she will take the WWE Women's title from her, but Paige shows up and says Nikki will have to beat her first, then gives Nikki two weeks to prepare for a match with her before slapping her. Chelsea flips her hair at Nikki on the way out.

It is announced that WWE Main Event will be coming to Rumble on Wednesday, October 14th at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific.

Ricky Saints and War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Rey Fenix and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) in a six-man tag match after Saints tags himself in before Fenix counters a powerbomb from the middle rope from Ivar with a hurricanrana, allowing Saints to hit Fenix with Ro-Sham-Bo for the win.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says he will not be lulled into underestimating Johnny Gargano tonight, then mentions that he and Kevin Owens have history. He plans on punching his ticket to Money in the Bank, then Trick Williams shows up and tells him that "his American Nightmare is over" and that it is time for a new dream. Cody wishes Trick luck before leaving.

We see footage of WWE Superstars at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas as part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' "Get Active" campaign.

We hear from Damian Priest, who says that if you can make it out of the city, you're a real one. He says that to get respect, one has to bleed, and to be the boss, one has to throw hands. He says that The Bronx is the foundation for "El Campeon," but he lost his way and put "their needs" ahead of his own. Priest says that the pain he has caused to R-Truth was personal, and if R-Truth comes back looking for trouble, he will put him down and enjoy it professionally. He says that New York City made him thrive, and that he came back to remember who he was: a bad and violent man, which everyone will see from now on.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss tell Tatum Paxley they have a women's tag team title shot against Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), then hints that Tatum needs to work on the concept of personal space.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami asks how many fans came to "ride or die with The Last Real Good Guy," then gets disappointed by the fans' reaction, stating that no WWE Champion in history has had the journey that he has had to get to where he is now. He says that after years of people clamoring for him to be WWE Champion, he does it not once, but twice only to get a less than stellar reaction. Sami says that he thought that justice would have arrived for him, but he is still plagued with a certain amount of injustice in the form of inequality in that he is not given the equal respect that WWE Champions are supposed to get. He says he has heard how people talk about him, including "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, and says that vultures are circling him thinking they just need to get a match with him to become champion. Sami proclaims that the WWE Championship is proof that he is a survivor and that he overcomes and finds a way, and tells the fans to ask his most recent contenders what happened when the title was on the line. As Sami says it is time to get the respect that is owed him, Je'Von Evans suddenly shows up and heads to the ring. Je'Von says that Sami is turning red like "an Angry Bird" and is "crashing out," but Sami says he is fine and he is the WWE Champion. This soon leads to Je'Von asking what if his own time is right now and it does not take him twenty years to win the WWE Championship. Je'Von says he is coming for the title, and asks what will happen if he becomes the youngest Money in the Bank Champion ever. He entertains the idea of coming back to SmackDown, cashing in on Sami, and beating him to become champion. Before Sami can respond, Penta shows up and says that while he respect Je'Von, Je'Von will have to beat him to win the contract, which he says will not happen. Penta then tells Sami that when he becomes Money in the Bank winner, he will cash in and become a world champion. Trick Williams shows up and heads to the ring, and notes that there has been a lot of talk about respect. He says that he knows what Je'Von and Penta have going on and that he respects everything they have been doing on Raw, but there is only one man on SmackDown who gets the job done and it is him. Trick then says that Sami does not respect anybody and that it has months since Sami combed his head, and that Sami still wears Skechers, has a breath that smells like "ten pounds of Bounce That Ass," and does not brush his teeth. Trick says that he looks, sounds and smells like Money in the Bank and that nobody knows that better than Sami, who says that nobody can do what he does and asks Trick, Penta and Je'Von what happens when the losses and the years pile up and adversity starts. Sami says that he has survived so much and has been made a mockery of in his time here to become WWE Champion and that the three of them cannot do what he does or overcome what he has, and that nobody can. He also says that until any of them overcome some obstacles, none of them deserve to be in the same ring as him. Sami then rolls out of the ring and leaves, but Finn Balor soon shows up as Sami is on the stage and stares Sami down. Finn tells Sami that he will come for his title, briefcase or not, and when Sami is done playing games, he will beat him for it. Sami tells Finn to do something to earn a title shot, and Finn forearms Sami before Gunther shows up and attacks Finn. Gunther then hits Sami with a lariat and tosses him into a nearby ladder before Gunther tosses Finn to the side.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that she will become Money in the Bank winner before Chelsea Green shows up. Tiffany says that the two of them can both be champion, then Lash Legend shows up and says she will be the one to dominate and bully her way to the briefcase.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther, then Danhausen shows up with a security wand. Gunther grabs Danhausen, pins him against the wall, then throws him into some crates.

Blake Monroe beats Giulia after tripping Giulia off the top rope and into the ring post, knocking her out.

Backstage, as Johnny Gargano tells Candice LeRae that "Johnny in the Bank" can still happen, Sami Zayn shows up and says that there are big consequences if he gets involved in the main event and tells Gargano that he has this match, and all there is left to do is to become "Johnny Wrestling."

Kevin Owens beats Johnny Gargano and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier. During the match, Randy Orton pulls referee Charles Robinson out of the ring after Cody hits Owens with a Cross Rhodes. Cody and Orton brawl, and when Cody is about to kick Orton's head off, he is hit by a tope suicida from Gargano. Gargano hits Owens with One Final Beat, but Owens kicks out and hits the pop-up powerbomb on Gargano for the win after Orton stops Cody from saving the match.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 25, 2026

Trick Williams retains the WWE United States Championship against Baron Corbin in a steel cage match.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Lash Legend gives credit where credit is due for her opponent, but says she is not worried. Nia Jax says that Lash is better than Charlotte Flair and Giulia, then "interviews" Lash, who says that she will win the gold.

Backstage, CM Punk is met by General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis asks Punk to meet him in his office.

Worlds Collide is live exclusively on YouTube on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 PM Eastern/6 PM Central.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis gets CM Punk in his office with Kevin Owens, and demands that both Owens and Punk stop attacking each other so it does not bleed into tonight's men's Money in the Bank qualifier. Punk agrees, and Owens walks out of the room.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton meets with Chelsea Green, who is panicking about the Money in the Bank briefcase as well as Nikki Bella. Paige shows up and says he and Tiffany have her back, then Paige and Tiffany leave before Nikki shows up and says Chelsea is an idiot to listen to Paige. She says that last week was a warning before Tiffany and Paige come back and confront Nikki. Nikki leaves, and Chelsea says "Never meet your heroes."

Lash Legend beats Giulia and Charlotte Flair in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after hitting Giulia with the Lash Extension after Guilia hits Charlotte with the Arrivederci Knee and the Northern Lights Bomb.

In backstage footage from last Friday, Michael Cole's interview with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has ended. Cody says "If it happens again, I'll kick his fucking head off." We then see footage from before the show where Randy Orton shows up and mentions Michael Cole's interview with Cody before stating that Michael will interview him tonight and that he does not have a say in the matter.

Backstage, Giulia is met by Blake Monroe, who tells Giulia to go back to obscurity only for Giulia to slap her in the face. Officials get involved as Blake slaps back, and General Manager Nick Aldis makes a match between Giulia and Blake next week, and says that this time, it will happen.

Backstage, Michael Cole "interviews" Randy Orton. Orton mentions what Cody had said about kicking his head off after the camera stopped rolling, stating that everyone thinks Cody is a good guy and that he does not believe Cody to be a liar. He says that Cody is not the same man he was twenty years ago and that a lot of compromises were made a long way despite saying that he is not compromised, and that Cody has changed throughout his career despite still being a good guy. Orton says he has never changed and that he has always been himself, and says that if Cody really does kick his head off, he has been compromised; if he does not, he has peaked. Orton asks if Cody has the capability to kick his head off, Michael says no. Orton says that Michael is dead on with his answer, then ends the "interview," takes the clip-on microphone off and leaves the room.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn, who says that a lot of people who either want to be WWE Champion or do not want him to be WWE Champion. He says that he will prevail against whatever is thrown at him, as he is doing everything for the right reasons. He calls the Undisputed WWE Championship a lesson in hope and perseverance, and as he talks about his opposition, he is met by Finn Balor, who says that everyone is coming after Sami after he screwed everyone else on the way to the top. He says that he will come for Sami and the Undisputed WWE Championship, and when he does, everyone will see what justice is truly like. Finn leaves, then Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up, with Gargano wondering where his title match is. Sami says that Gargano deserves a championship match, but Nick Aldis said no. Sami says he was not going to leave empty-handed, and got Gargano and Candice qualifying matches for Money in the Bank. Sami says that he has Gargano's back, and wants to know if Gargano has his back and is "ride or die." Gargano looks at Candice, then says "ride or die."

Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) beat Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton and Paige in a six-woman tag match after Nikki Bella trips Paige on the outside. After the match, Jacy and Nikki blow kisses at one another.

In backstage footage from earlier this week, R-Truth is being interviewed in the trainer's room when he is attacked from behind by Damian Priest, who then chokes Truth with a chair and stating that he should be a champion instead of wasting his time with him. He then tells R-Truth to go bother somebody else.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther, who considers it a travesty that he has qualify for a ladder climbing contest. He then says Finn Balor has a major opportunity tonight, but he does not have his emotions in check, and tonight, he will find out who he is dealing with: the legendary Finn Balor, or a ghost of Finn Balor. Danhausen shows up wanting Gunther to split the money, then realizes Gunther will not split the money with him and tries to curse him. Gunther shoves Danhausen to the wall and chokes him, telling Danhausen to get out of his way.

We see footage of CM Punk at the Chicago Cubs' recent game against the Florida Marlins.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody mentions his recent issues with Randy Orton as well as CM Punk losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Sami Zayn - who he knows he can beat - then says what he knows and what he must do are two different things. He mentions Orton turning him kicking his head off into an unwinnable situation, then says he has been through stuff like this before and that he is "the king of unwinnable situations." Cody then says that Orton will be in the same position where he hesitated, but this time, he promises to kick Orton's head off his shoulders. He then admits he cannot promise that Orton will be the only one. As Cody leaves, CM Punk heads to the ring for the next match. Cody and Punk look at each other, then Cody heads to the back.

CM Punk beats Gunther and Finn Balor in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifer after Finn Balor hits the Coup de Grace on Gunther as Gunther has Punk in a sleeper hold, allowing Punk to float over and pin Gunther for a three-count before Finn Balor can break it up. After the match, Finn Balor and CM Punk shake hands to end the show while Gunther is angry.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 18, 2026

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to start tonight's show. He says that sometimes, he has to deal with people who rub him the wrong way in his job, and he has to dig deep, wear a smile and stay professional. With that in mind, Aldis introduces Sami Zayn to the ring. Sami thinks that Aldis finds it funny that the crowd boos him and that it must eat Aldis up to declare him the Undisputed WWE Champion, then says it feels good coming out of his own mouth and says that he meant it when justice for him was justice for all. He then says that he fights even for the people who boo him, saying that it is also for them, then says that justice has been served and that the Undisputed WWE Championship is what it looks like. Sami Zayn says that justice is not the only core tenet in his belief system and that he also believes in equality, and says that when other Superstars are knocking down his door, he expects Aldis to treat them like he treated him and make them go through hoops. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up and head to the ring, and Sami says he would not be celebrating tonight if it were not for him. Gargano says they would not miss it for the world, then brings up their deal, saying that if they helped him last week, then he is first in line. Sami says that Gargano was the one to say something, not him, and that leads to Gargano demanding that Sami uphold the deal. Aldis steps in and says Sami may be the champion, but he does not make the matches. Aldis says he has CM Punk in mind as next in line, but Punk is not here. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up. Sami tells Aldis to control the roster as Owens heads to the ring, and Owens says that when it comes to people who deserve title matches, he is in the picture. Candice LeRae insists that Johnny Gargano is next, and Owens hits Gargano with a Stunner. Aldis tells Owens that he cannot reward bed behavior, but Owens reminds Aldis that Sami screwed up multiple SmackDown main events to become champion again. Owens specifically mentions Sami costing him a title shot and making a no-contest out of a #1 contender Triple Threat Match in addition to Sami being "an arrogant jackass," all which Aldis notes as true. Sami grabs Aldis by the suit as he demands that Aldis not throw him under the bus. Aldis demands Sami take his hands off him, then makes Sami defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens tonight before asking if Sami can make it past seven days. Sami catches up to Aldis afterwards, but as he talks to him, Randy Orton shows up, shines the front of the WWE Championship, and tells Sami to keep it warm for him before he heads to the ring for the next match. When Owens and Orton meet near the ring, they nod at each other.

We see footage of WWE on tour in South America and Mexico.

Trick Williams beats Rey Fenix and Randy Orton in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifier after Orton RKOs Fenix out of the air only for Trick to hit him with a Trick Shot before pinning Fenix to qualify.

Backstage, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae are met by Sami Zayn, who says that "they are trying to do it again" and take the Undisputed WWE Championship. He also tells Gargano that what General Manager Nick Aldis said to him is "crap" and says that he will work on a title match between them. Sami then says that if he loses the Undisputed WWE Championship and he is not champion anymore, Gargano may never get another shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship again. Gargano says he gets it, then Sami says they will get together later.

We hear from The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Haku). Tama Tonga says that they became tag team champions themselves and that they needed Shinsuke Nakamura, and that Nakamura made a mistake bringing Kiyoki to WWE, saying that whatever happens to him will be on Nakamura. We then hear from Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki). Nakamura tells The MFTs that they are the prey, not the hunters.

Backstage, Tatum Paxley is lighting special candles as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss focus on tonight's match. Charlotte blows one of the candles out, and Alexa says that she needs to focus on what she needs to do on her own. Alexa leaves, then Charlotte accidentally blows out the candle for bad luck.

Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kiyoki) beat The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) by disqualification after Haku hits Nakamura in the throat with his cane on the outside. After the match, The MFTs double-team and lay out Kiyoki.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kevin Owens. Owens mentions Corpus Christi being where he had his first official main roster match against John Cena and won, then says the starts have aligned perfectly and that he will beat Sami Zayn to become WWE Champion. Finn Balor shows up and says it is convenient that Owens has a title shot against Sami Zayn, then says that he is coming for whoever wins tonight, even if he has to win Money in the Bank to do it.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis congratulates Chelsea Green when Danhausen shows up with Aldis' phone in his hand, saying that Gunther is mad at Aldis. Aldis chases Danhausen into his office, then Tiffany Stratton tells Chelsea that she will be in the Money in the Bank qualifiers. They both run into Nikki Bella, who tells Chelsea to keep her name out of her mouth and that she is coming for her title without having to qualify for Money in the Bank because she is a legend.

Michael Cole interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody admits that he could not pull the trigger on Randy Orton and he does not want to give excuses. On the subject of being called "QB1" and how everyone he celebrated with at WrestleMania 40 have stabbed him in the back, Cody says he should have seen it coming and beat them to the punch, saying everyone gets seduced by the biggest title in the game. He says that this is not the end of "QB1" as there is still a team in the form of those calling the action in WWE. On the subject of facing Randy Orton in the ring again, Cody says he is not immune to the discussions about his morality and says that all his success beyond his wildest dreams came down to knowing who he was and being uncompromised. He says that "uncompromised" led to two Royal Rumble wins, two wins against John Cena, and beating Roman Reigns for the first time in four years, and that he is amused to the belief that he needs to change. Cody says he will face Orton again, and when he does, he will not make the same mistake twice.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, B-Fab and Michin. B-Fab and Michin says they have all mopped the floor with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley. Cargill then says that B-Fab and Michin are next in line for the women's tag team titles while she is coming for what is hers in the WWE Women's Championship.

Jacy Jayne beats Alexa Bliss and Jade Cargill in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after Cargill counters Sister Abigail with Jaded only for Jayne to kick Cargill in the head, allowing her to pin Alexa and qualify.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia, who says that Charlotte Flair and Lash Legend are in her way just like she is in theirs. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up, but Giulia says she does not like them and she beats up people she does not like. Lash says she will qualify for Money in the Bank and go on to become champion, but Giulia says they will see how that will go after she kicks Lash's teeth in.

Backstage, Lil Yachty talks with Trick Williams. Trick says he has a plan for Baron Corbin, but right now, he is focused on Money in the Bank. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty catch up with Sami Zayn, who takes offense to being called "Gingerbread Man" and demands respect. Trick hopes Sami is still champion when he wins Money in the Bank so he can beat him for championship gold again.

We hear from Damian Priest, who says the real question is why is took so long to get rid of R-Truth, especially after R-Truth put him through so much. He says that R-Truth should have been the one to change and that R-Truth should have let him move on, then says that R-Truth does not get it yet and that he will make sure he does.

Sami Zayn retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens following the interference and distractions by Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae and the sudden appearance of CM Punk, who blasts Owens in the face with the Undisputed WWE Championship. After the match, CM Punk attacks Sami Zayn and hits him with the GTS. As Punk's music plays, Punk then hits the GTS on Owens.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 11, 2026

We are introduced to the Spanish announce team of Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto.

Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Randy mocks Cody Rhodes' "What do you want to talk about?" opening line before addressing him, saying that Cody showed the world exactly who he is, saying Cody is not a killer, but a good man. He says that Cody is a good father, husband and friend, and that it takes a lot to put down a legend, as he knows first-hand from when he was "The Legend Killer." He says it takes a piece of one's soul and that Cody's soul "is not for sale." Orton says Cody is not a killer, but he is, and he does not care if anyone perceives him as being a good person, as that means nothing to him. He says that he will not hesitate to pull the trigger on anyone who comes between him and his fifteenth world title, and whoever is Undisputed WWE Champion after tonight should know that he is coming for him. Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Chelsea Green that if her mask is off when she is injured, she will lose the Interim WWE Women's Championship. Chelsea says she has been bedazzling her mask as she thanks Aldis, who tells her that she has earned this. Chelsea then runs into Tiffany Stratton, who says she will be in her corner tonight in her match.

WWE acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Rey Fenix retains the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints. After the match, Ricky Saints refuses Fenix's sign of respect.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn, who says that this is all about justice and that he would have been happy if Kevin Owens or Johnny Gargano beat CM Punk, but when he tried to help them, it did not work out. He says he has realized that it could not be Gargano or Owens, and that he must get justice by his own hands against CM Punk. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up, and Gargano makes it clear that if Sami wins the Undisputed WWE Championship, he is next.

Nikki Bella beats Paige with a stack-up pin in the corner while putting her feet on the ropes for leverage after the referee is nearly crushed between Paige and Nikki in the corner.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia Jax says Chelsea Green should never have been champion in the first place and that she will end Chelsea's career when she breaks her face. Lash Legend says that if Tiffany Stratton has any smart ideas, she will have a smarter one in breaking her ribs.

Trick Williams heads to the ring. On the way to the ring, a fan in the front door hands Trick a soccer ball. Trick mentions the "Quinones" chants, saying that Quinones is the best futbol player that Mexico has to offer much like how Trick is the best wrestler WWE has to offer. He compares how Quinones scores goals to how he kicked Baron Corbin's ass at Sunday Night's Main Event before kicking the ball into the crowd, and says he might have to change his name from "Tricky Two-Times" to "Tricky Two Titles." Trick then thanks Lil Yachty for surviving the five minutes beforehand and getting him the title shot that he made the most of, then introduces Lil Yachty to the ring before realizing he has to put him on a pedestal during the introduction. Suddenly, Baron Corbin is seen dragging a beaten-down Lil Yachty to the stage. Trick chases Corbin to the back, then he and officials check on Lil Yachty before bringing him to the back. Corbin then returns with Yachty's Trick Stick and hits Trick in the back with it, then says it is not over between him and Trick.

Backstage, Finn Balor meets with General Manager Nick Aldis looking for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship against whoever comes out on top tonight. Danhausen shows up and cleans the monitor behind them, and Aldis gets his attention when he mentions that Finn Balor should focus on Money in the Bank. Aldis tells Danhausen that they will discuss it another time. Gunther shows up and tells Finn Balor that if he had any decency, he would have retired years ago, and that it might take somebody beating it into him. Gunther leaves, but Finn Balor says that Gunther is "a whiny little bitch" and that he has heard it all before. Gunther confronts Finn Balor for this and gets a punch to the face for it, and Aldis and Finn Balor continue their conversation elsewhere after Finn Balor calls Gunther a "pendejo." Danhausen realizes that he should probably not bother Gunther after this.

Chelsea Green retains the Interim WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax after Tiffany Stratton takes the punch meant for an unmasked Chelsea and Nia Jax misses the A-Nia-Lator, allowing Chelsea to put her mask back on and vault over Nia Jax off the top rope for an Un-Pretty-Her to win and retain.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews CM Punk. Punk says that bad behavior needs to be taught a lesson, and that sometimes, when you become the champion, you win "the idiot lottery." He says that Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are problems, as are Gunther, and that he will not lose his title to "some guy who jerked it to his nine-day reign." Punk then says he will smash Sami's face with the GTS so it is hopefully wired shut and nobody has to hear Sami's excuses when he loses.

The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) retain the AAA World Tag Team Championships against Damian Priest and R-Truth. After the match, Priest and R-Truth hug, then hands R-Truth's sombrero back to him before turning on Truth with a clothesline. He then takes Truth South of Heaven in the center of the ring.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are met by Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), who tell the two of them that they have a lot to work on with Tatum Paxley. As Jacy Jayne mentions her future plans, Tatum shows up behind from behind Fatal Influence and reminds Fatal Influence that they beat them last time. Fatal Influence leaves, then Charlotte says that she can trust Alexa, but has yet to trust Tatum after what she calls "a rookie mistake" at Sunday Night's Main Event.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rey Fenix. Fenix says that Penta winning the World Heavyweight Championship would mean a lot for the family, then mentions his own title defense before Ricky Saints shows up to apologize for not showing respect, then shakes Fenix's hand saying that Fenix is the better man before leaving. They shake hands, then Saints turns around only to attack Fenix from behind and tell him that he is the better man tonight.

Sami Zayn beats CM Punk to win the Undisputed WWE Championship for the second time! During the match, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae show up, and Gargano distracts the referee so that Sami can put Punk in the Figure Four Leg Lock. Punk grabs Sami's hand and goes for the Anaconda Vice as Candice LeRae distracts referee Dan Engler, who is unable to see Sami Zayn submit. Gargano then grabs the WWE Championship to use it as a weapon, but Punk ducks and hits Gargano with the GTS, causing Gargano to plank again. As Engler removes Gargano from the ring, Sami tries to grab the WWE Championship, but Owens takes it from Sami and tries to hit Sami with it only for Sami to duck, causing Owens to inadvertently hit Punk instead. Sami then hits Owens with a low blow, then shoves the Undisputed WWE Championship out of the ring before pinning CM Punk to end the show as a champion again.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 4, 2026

Gunther heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Gunther syas he has been looking for Sami Zayn all day and claims that Sami is hiding, and proclaims that tonight's show will not start until Sami shows himself. Sami Zayn shows up in the crowd and says that Gunther does not have to hold the show hostage, then says he is keeping his distance due to a broken hand. Sami notes that Gunther is angry at him, much like everyone else, and says that Gunther is speaking like a victim when he is the victim here and he was the one who was robbed and should still be Undisputed WWE Champion, saying the champion should be "the last real good guy left around here," but instead, the champion is the biggest "hypocrite fraud" who "should not be breathing the same air as [him]" in CM Punk. Sami says he is not asking for the world, and that he just wants what was stolen from him: the WWE Championship. Sami says that Gunther was in last week's Triple Threat Match when he was not even included, then tells Gunther to buckle up and get comfortable, for this is the future from here on out. He says there will be no #1 contender's matches and no easy rides, and that nobody will get theirs until he gets his. Gunther says he has heard enough and threatens to drag Sami from the crowd to the ring. As Sami says that he is not cleared, Finn Balor shows up in the crowd and says that he still has a bone to pick for Gunther while saying that he is here for his own justice, which he will get from Sami. Finn Balor chases Sami Zayn to the ring, and when Sami tries to leave up the entrance ramp, Kevin Owens shows up from behind. Owens chases Sami through the crowd.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis and CM Punk discuss what has just happened. Aldis says they cannot keep doing this and that they need a #1 contender. CM Punk suddenly gets an idea when he finds Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, then asks Gargano if he got to this point in his career to lie on a box or become a world champion. Candice says this will not work, but Punk says that "Johnny Wrestling lurks somewhere in there" and proposes an Undisputed WWE Championship match between himself and Gargano tonight. Gargano does not stir, and when Candice stops Punk and Aldis, Gargano is suddenly standing upright. Gargano walks up to Punk and says "Let's do it." Punk says "Perfect," then walks away.

Johnny Gargano vs. CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship is official for later tonight.

Backstage before the next match, Charlotte Flair is met by Alexa Bliss. Alexa says there is a change in plans., then Tatum Paxley shows up and says that she and Charlotte are going to work well together. Alexa says that Tatum proved herself against "Michin" Mia Yim, then calls this change of plans "a bonding exercise." Charlotte says a heads-up would have been nice, then tells Tatum to take notes and do as she says.

Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley beat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) after Alexa Bliss stops Jacy Jayne from interfering on the outside. After the match, Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab attack Charlotte, Alexa and Tatum. Jacy, Fallon, and Lainey join in, then let Cargill, Michin and B-Fab get the last word on their Sunday Night's Main Event opponents.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Nikki Bella. Nikki says that the only thing she took too far was her trust in Paige, who she says is "a C-grade skank" who has "hurt the Bella brand." As she says that Paige is the reason her returned was ruined, Paige shows up and says she has realized that Nikki has never, ever liked her because she built her career on "hustle, loyalty and respect," and next week, Nikki had better bring it, or else she will end her career faster than her last relationship.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Gunther, who says that Aldis has put him in a position that he should not be in. Danhausen is behind both men with a feather duster as Gunther complains about Johnny Gargano suddenly getting a WWE Championship match against CM Punk. Gunther says that Aldis felt the limelight after getting in the ring with him and does not want to escape it, then says that he is worried about his career and his business and tells Aldis to get his stuff together. Aldis tells Gunther to take it up with Punk, then says the rest of his business has to wait as he has his own business to attend to with the dctor. Aldis leaves, then Danhausen puts his hand on Gunther's shoulder and says he knows exactly how Gunther feels. Gunther grabs Danhausen by the wrist and tells him not to touch him ever again, then Danhausen puts a portrait on himself on the nearby desk with "Employee of the Month" on it.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring with Dr. Woodruff regarding Chelsea Green's injury. Aldis introduces Chelsea Green to the ring, and Chelsea says she does not care what the doctor has to say and that she and Aldis have been through this already, then tells the fans that instead of waterworks, they are getting "an extremely pissed off Women's Champion" and warns Aldis not to take this away from her after saying she can be a fighting champion. Chelsea says she understands she has a target on her eye for everyone to see, but she has waited thirteen years for this title, and if the rest of the women want to think it is easy to take the title from her, then they can try, as she is more concerned about her legacy than her safety. Aldis tells Chelsea she respects this and respects Chelsea, but says her safety is part of his job. He then says it is not up to him anymore, then has Dr. Woodruff speak. Dr. Woodruff says that Chelsea has a fractured orbital bone that has not fully healed, but it is healing, and it is his medical opinion that as long as Chelsea wears the face mask at all times, she is cleared to compete. As Chelsea thanks Dr. Woodruff, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) shows up, and Nia Jax says that she was waiting to hear this before making it clear that she wants the Interim WWE Women's Championship. Nia and Lash surround the ring as Nia demands that Chelsea give her a match before she breaks her other orbital bone, as "everyone knows [Chelsea] is mad eof glass." Adlis has to get between The Irresistible Forces and Chelsea, and Tiffany Stratton shows up and fights The Irresistible Forces. Aldis says Nia will get her championship match next week in Mexico City, Mexico, then says that Tiffany Stratton is ready to fight and that Tiffany and Nia Jax can have a match right now.

Nia Jax beats Tiffany Stratton after Lash Legend is able to stop Tiffany from hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. After the match, Nia Jax rips the mask off of Chelsea's face, then dares Chelsea to get the mask back. Chelsea confronts Nia, and that is enough for The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) to toss the mask aside and walk away.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Kevin Owens. Owens says he is happy for Johnny Gargano to get his opportunity, but states that CM Punk does not do anything unless he benefits from it and thinks that he is doing this to draw Sami Zayn to the ring. Owens almost respects this, but he does not respect anything Punk does, and if Sami does head to the ring, he will not be alone.

We see Corey Graves' interview with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes from earlier today. The interview is suddenly interrupted by Randy Orton, who mocks Cody and the no-physicality clause for their match before daring Cody to hit him. Cody is stone-faced as Orton mentions everything that he did to Cody last week, and chalks Cody's refusal to lay a hand on him up to his respect for his family and the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says Cody is an addict who loves the WWE Championship more than his own family and that he needs help, saying that he is more sick than anybody, including himself. Cody stands up and says he might be aware that he is sick, as everyone else seems to do, then tells Orton that he is screwed on Sunday because of this before leaving the room.

Backstage, Lil Yachty is met by Trick Williams. Yachty says he will get the win at Sunday Night's Main Event, but Trick says he just wants Yachty to survive the five minutes so he can get his rematch. Yachty then shows off a video of him in the ring that is actually a music video for a diss track on Baron Corbin, who he calls "Baron Borin'." Trick wants Yachty to focus, then Corbin says that Yachty is a joke like his music career and that what he will do to Yachty is no joke. Trick tells Corbin to bring that energy on Sunday, because after Yachty survives, Corbin will not. Corbin tells Trick that his title shot relies on Yachty, and that he will slaughter Yachty, stating that Yachty is dead just like Trick's state of title contention.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki (now known collectively as "Bakusai") beat The Miz and Kit Wilson. After the match, The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) and Haku show up on the stage to stare down Bakusai from the stage.

We see a video package for Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says tonight's match is still not suitable and that she deserves a grander opponent and entrance, then Giulia attacks Blake again, taking their brawl to the stage. Officials try in vain to break the brawl up before Giulia knocks Blake out with the Arrivederci Knee.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Sami says he is happy for Gargano, then says that this is justice and one for "guys like them." He says that even if he is not out there with him physically, he is still there for him in spirit. He tells Gargano to take the opportunity when it falls in his lap and to not be like Kevin Owens, then tells Gargano that if he takes the title off of Punk, he wants the first shot.

CM Punk retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. During the match, Sami Zayn shows up from out of the crowd, and CM Punk fights Sami. Sami gets in the ring, and Candice LeRae sends CM Punk into the ring steps with a hurricanrana. Gargano hits a tope suicida followed by One Final Beat, but Punk kicks out. Sami then takes the Undisputed WWE Championship, but he is attacked by Owens as he tries to hand the title to Gargano. Owens is about to powerbomb Sami into the ring apron when Gunther shows up, hits Owens with a big boot, then goes for a powerbomb on Sami only for Finn Balor to come out of the crowd and hit the Sling Blade on Gunther. Sami hits Finn with the Undisputed WWE Championship, then does the same to Gunther and Owens. Punk hits Gargano with the GTS, but as Candice distracts the referee, Sami clocks Punk in the head with the Undisupted WWE Championship. Punk still kicks out despite this, and Sami whispers something to Candice. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with officials and ejects Sami from ringside, and Punk hits Gargano with the GTS to win and retain. After the match, Punk tells Sami that he does not want the Undisupted WWE Championship half as much as he wants to break Sami's face for sticking him nose where it does not belong, and if Sami wants a title shot, he will get one next week, and he will put him to sleep.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 28, 2026

Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens admits that this is not how he wanted to come back to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as he has lost many WWE Championship matches and yet none of them felt as bad to lose as the one on Friday in Toronto. He says that it was perfect, as he did not know if he would ever get back in the ring, and when he was medically cleared, he got in the ring as soon as he could so he could be in that #1 contender's match and win the WWE Championship not just to do it in front of his own countrymen, but because his parents would be able to be at that show, as when he was here two years ago, his mother was fighting for her life, and luckily, she kicked out and is still here. He mentions that travel is more difficult for her now, but she and her father came to Friday's show. Owens then says that Sami Zayn made sure he did not win the WWE Championship in front of his parents, and that while he and Sami have done horrible things to each other, he cannot forgive or forget, as it was not just about winning the WWE Championship, but because he will never get another opportunity like Friday again. Owens tells Sami that he will deal with him when the time comes, but on that night, everyone knows that he had CM Punk beat and that he was better than the best in the world. Owens says that Punk got lucky and capitalized on Sami's actions, then tells Punk that they are far from done and just getting started, and that he will not stop until he takes the WWE Championship from him. All of a suddenly, CM Punk suddenly shows up and says he does need Sami's help and that he will send Owens packing again. General Manager Nick Aldis quickly gets between them as Punk gets to the ring, then Gunther shows up. Gunther says that if he keeps listening to this, his ears will start to bleed, then realizes that Punk and Owens hate each other so much because when they look at each other, they see themselves, then says that he is here to remind them of what matters now. Gunther tells Owens that while he is glad that his mother kicked out, he is glad that Owens did not. Before Gunther can address Punk, however, Finn Balor shows up, and Gunther interrupts Finn only for Finn to tell him to shut up and that everyone is getting tired of his act. He says that Owens already had his opportunity and that Owens and Gunther have yet to beat him, then says that the line now begins with him. General Manager Nick Aldis says that there is nothing more to discuss, and has Owens, Gunther and Finn Balor face each other in a #1 contender's Triple Threat Match in tonight's main event.

Backstage, Chelsea Green is met by Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea says she is heading out to the ring, and Tiffany says that she does not want anything to jeopardize Chelsea's championship reign. Chelsea tells Tiffany that she will be by her side and that she will see her out there.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) beat Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton. During the match, Nia Jax re-breaks Chelsea Green's orbital bone with a headbutt, forcing Tiffany Stratton to wrestle on her own for a while as medical checks on Chelsea, but as medical helps Chelsea to the back, Chelsea gets back to the ring and tags herself in to save the match. The match ends with Nia Jax hitting Chelsea Green with the A-Nia-Lator.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Danhausen, then Gunther shows up. Danhausen is impressed to meet Gunther, who is not happy that Aldis is making him jump through hoops. Aldis tells him that there are no shenanigans and no other hoops to jump through, confirming that if he wins tonight, he gets a shot at the WWE Championship. To Danhausen's disappointment, Danhausen cannot get into the match to make it a Fatal 4-Way.

Jacy Jayne retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Paige with an inside cradle following the distraction by Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After the match, Paige is attacked from behind by Nikki Bella, who then hits Paige with the Rack Attack 2.0.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Finn Balor, who mentions tonight's main event and tells Cody that by the time Cody is done with Randy Orton, there will be a new WWE Champion around here, and they can face each other for the title. Cody tells Finn that he will see him on the other side.

Backstage, Trick Williams meets with Lil Yachty regarding last week, asking him if he is ready for Baron Corbin, as Corbin is a monster. Lil Yachty says he has had bigger fish fried in his pan and that Corbin disrespected both of them. Lil Yachty says he will do the impossible and last the five minutes, then Trick will whup that trick and get the United States Championship back. Yachty leaves, then Trick runs into Corbin, who says that he does not ahave friends because friends make people do stupid things, then says he will whup Yachty. Trick says Corbin is not as entertaining as he is, but Corbin says he does not have to be entertaining because he is the champ.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Rhodes addresses Orton, saying that while he wants to beat Orton up right now, he does not think it accomplishes the whole "killing the Legend Killer" thing. Cody says that a fifteenth world championship is not in the cards for Orton anymore, as every time Orton moves up, he screws up and beats himself. Cody talks about how he was there first-hand when others got shown the door while Orton got slaps on the wrist and do-overs, and says that Orton screwed up again by getting between him and the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, and that it will be him killing the Legend Killer and not Randy beating Randy. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring, and says that he had zero accountability for his actions and made bad decision after bad decision while Cody was in the driver's seat for it, both figuratively and literally, and says that if he were Cody, he would punch him right in the face. Orton dares Cody to take a swing at him, which Cody refuses to do, then Orton says that he came back after a 100-day vacation to ensure that Cody did not beat Punk for the WWE Championship, and asks Cody if that makes him want to take another swing. Orton then mentions Cody's dog Pharaoh, and Cody takes his jacket off and walks in a circle around the ring before Orton tells Cody that he will beat him in his hometown at Sunday Night's Main Event. Orton then asks Cody if he will make sure that his "trailer park trash" mother is watching in the front row as he beats his ass, which causes Cody to loosen his tie. Orton then mentions Brandi Rhodes, asking if Brandi will be there before daring Cody to take a swing again. Cody says that he knows what Orton is doing and that he knew Orton would do this just to get out of their match, and that he is counting the days until Sunday Night's Main Event to find out if Orton really is the once-in-a-lifetime superstar like Dusty Rhodes or a first-class screw-up like "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr. Cody then tells Orton that he will see him in Atlanta, Georgia.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Tatum Paxley. Tatum says her mind has been racing, then whispers a secret into Jackie's ear. Jackie thanks Tatum, then laves. Tatum then meets with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss and thanks them for the brunch, then finds out that they will face Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab in a six-woman tag match at Sunday Night's Main Event. Charlotte tells Tatum not to make her regret this as Tatum high-fives her and Alexa, then Tatum says she will see Charlotte and Alexa in the ring.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rey Fenix. Fenix says he loves his brother Penta, but this is his moment, and he will be a World Heavyweight Champion. Ricky Saints shows up and says that Fenix will lose the tournament, come back with his tail tucked between his legs, and give him a shot at the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship. Fenix says he will win the tournament, then win the title, come back, and shut Saints up.

Tatum Paxley beats "Michin" Mia Yim in her main roster debut match.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says her match with Giulia was beneath her, and asks why General Manager Nick Aldis would put her in a match like that in the first place. Blake then says that she will make her debut when she gets an opponent of her caliber, then she is suddenly attacked from behind by Guilia.

Backstage, Kevin Owens runs into Randy Orton, who says that while Owens was right about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, he has not forgotten how Owens dropped him on his head.

We hear from The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) and Haku. Tama Tonga says Damian Priest and R-Truth brought everything they had, but it was not enough, and they put them down. Tama says that not everybody has gotten the message. Talla Tonga says that he put Nakamura on the shelf for months, but Nakamura is now back and he has brought Kyoki with him. Tama says that Kyoki is not in Japan anymore, and that he is in his territory just to get put in the dirt. Haku says they must not undestimate their enemies, and that their challengers should be destroyed because they are "the motherfuckin' Tongans." Backstage, Damian Priest has watched the promo, and R-Truth walks in and says that he and Priest are going to get the WWE Tag Team Championships back. Priest says the past summer has been incredible, but they no longer have the titles and that it is time to move on. Priest says he wanted to focus on singles championships, then tells R-Truth that he still has his back. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up wanting to give R-Truth and Priest the beating they wanted to give to The MFT's, but R-Truth takes this as a challenge and dares The War Raiders to put the AAA World Tag Team Championships on the line. Erik says they can do this in Mexico City, Mexico, and R-Truth says they have a match, much to Priest's chagrin.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia Jax wants a championship match, but Aldis says Chelsea Green needs to be re-evaluated. Nia reminds Aldis of Chelsea's 30-days defense clause, and tells him that if she does not get a shot at the Interim WWE Women's Championship in two weeks, she will take it by force. The Irresistible Forces leave, then The Miz and Kit Wilson - who are now back to normal - show up and mention what Danhausen did to them and that Aldis owes them for what they had to go through with Danhausen. Aldis puts The Miz and Shinsuke and Kyoki.

Kevin Owens vs. Gunther vs. Finn Balor in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's Triple Threat Match ends in a no-contest. During the match, Finn Balor hits Gunther with the Coup de Grace only to be pulled out of the pinfall attempt by Sami Zayn, who then punches out referee Dan Engler when confronted by Engler. Owens hits Gunther with a Stunner, but the referee is down. Another referee heads to the ring, but Sami Zayn takes him out as well. CM Punk arrives and beats Sami up, saying "This is justice!" before throwing him into a ring post. Punk chases Sami into the ring only for Owens to brawl with him, and Owens lays Punk out only for Sami to hit Owens with the Undisputed WWE Championship and do the same to Finn Balor. Gunther gets in the ring and puts Sami in a sleeper hold, but Sami hits him with the WWE Championship. Punk then runs at Sami only to be hit with the title as well. Sami then lifts up the Undisputed WWE Championship and says "No justice, no peace" as the show ends.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 21, 2026

Backstage, Sami Zayn argues with General Manager Nick Aldis, saying that it should be him that should be defending the Undisputed WWE Championship in Toronto and demands to know when he will get justice, especially after Randy Orton got involved last week. Orton shows up and confronts Sami, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes - who is already in the ring - calls Orton out. Aldis tells Orton to let him deal with this, and Sami furiously demands not to run away from him. As Aldis talks with Cody, Orton shows up and tells Cody that he will be whupping his ass at Sunday Night's Main Event, but Cody says he knows Orton well enough that he will not wait until then. Aldis butts in, saying that they are not doing this again after putting other people in danger, and says that they will tear each other apart at Sunday Night's Main event and not one minute sooner. Aldis also warns both Orton and Cody that if they lay a hand on each other before them, they will never get another shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. Orton says he will not jeapordize his chance of becoming a 15-time world champion, then addresses the attack on him at the end of last week's show, saying that Cody did not swing the chair down on his head because he would not be able to live with himself, while he swung the chair because he knew how to "go there" and become the worst version fo himself. Orton says that Cody is and will always be "a good guy," and is more like "The American Daydream" rather than "The American Nightmare." He says that Cody says will not be the one to end "The Legend Killer," but Cody says that Orton is operating on a very dangerous assumption, and that he has learned from Orton and his enemies that he will come back to him and that this is not a prediction, but a spoiler.

Backstage, we hear from The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga). Tama wants to see everyone talking trash, as it is about their family now. Talla says the WWE Tag Team Championships are theirs now, and threatens to put down anyone who challenges them. Haku shows up and says it is time they show them who is "the motherfuckin' Tongans here."

The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Damian Priest and R-Truth with the Red Cross. After the match, Priest helps Truth up.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews CM Punk. Punk says that he thrives in pressure situations and hostile territories, and that Kevin Owens has been fighting imaginary, one-sided beefs and ghosts from twenty years ago in his head. He says that while Owens has claimed he has never changed, Punk says he has grown and evolved while he sees the same Owens from twenty years ago. Randy Orton shows up and gives CM Punk fair warning that after he whups "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, he will be coming for him. Punk says he looks forward to it.

Backstage, Chelsea Green meets with Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea wants to take Stratton out for a big steak dinner after what happened last week, but Stratton says it is okay and tells Chelsea not to be at ringside because she does not want anything jeopardizing Chelsea's championship reign. Chelsea and Stratton pass by Paige, who tells Chelsea that she will be a great champion after having an injury threaten to take away somethings he loved just like an injury did to her. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) show up and mock the situation, and Jacy tells Chelsea not to take advice from anyone who cannot hold a championship before Fallon says it is only a matter of time before they take the Interim WWE Women's Championship from her. Lainey says last week was "cute," but words are no match for actually getting in the ring with Fatal Influence. Chelsea says that if anybody will be taking titles, it will be them taking Fatal Influence's, and Paige says that she misses gold being around her waist and proposes taking the Women's United States Championship from Jacy, which prompts Stratton to tell Fatal Influence to continue being irrelevant like they were before they got to SmackDown. Jacy tells Stratton to keep wrapping tape around her waist while Fatal Influence continues to wrap gold around theirs.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Blake Monroe. Blake says that she sees herself as world championship material and that her match should be for the WWE Women's Championship, even if it is against Chelsea Green, but instead, she has a rendezvous with Giulia and she is trying to find something appropriate to wear for "this dump Toronto." Blake then agrees with Cathy that she will look great regardless of what she wears as she reveals he ring gear and says that even if she is given nothing, she will do what she does best and make everyone talk about her.

Giulia vs. Blake Monroe ends before it can begin when Blake attacks Giulia from behind during Giulia's ring entrance and hits her with a Gotch-style Neutralizer in the ring.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss talk about Alexa's upcoming birthday brunch when Alexa mentions that Tatum Paxley will be with them. Tatum shows up and says she cannot wait to hang out with Charlotte and Alexa, then gets confused as to what a Bloody Mary is. Charlotte asks what is happening, then Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim show up. Cargill says that Alexa needs "that freak show" in Tatum to bail herself out of a match before Tatum introduces herself, asks which one of them is Mary, and says that she needs their blood as she extends her hand towards B-Fab. B-Fab is grossed out, and Charlotte says that while Tatum may be a freak show with no sense of personal space, she still handled B-Fab and Michin. B-Fab says that if Tatum is so impressive, then they can see what Tatum can do on her own, which leads Michin to challenge Tatum to a one-on-one match next week. An excited Tatum accepts, and B-Fab has to get Cargill out of there while Tatum is happy that Charlotte defended her.

Trick Williams and Lil' Yachty head to the ring. Trick says he has Lil' Yachty back, but not his title, and that Baron Corbin does not want to see him one-on-one without cheating or taking shortcuts. When Trick calls Corbin out, Corbin shows up and heads to the ring, then chases Yachty out before Trick reminds Corbin that he is the one he is looking for. Trick tells Corbin to stop ducking him and give the people what they want, right here, right now, but Corbin says that the United States title is getting "a pretty little haircut" and that Trick is not getting another shot at it after he lost the rematch. Corbin says that Trick has nothing to offer and that his rematch is not happening. As Corbin says that they are done, Yachty is back in the ring, and he hits Corbin with the Trick Stick. Trick then clotheslines Corbin out of the ring, and Corbin ends up giving Trick his title rematch at Sunday Night's Main Event, but only if he gets five minutes with Yachty and only if Yachty surives; otherwise, they are done. Yachty accepts, and Corbin tells Yachty it will be the longest five minutes of his life.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kevin Owens. Owens notes that Finn Balor is in the room, and Finn Balor says he is glad to have seen him return at SummerSlam, then Owens notes that Gunther is now in the room. Gunther tells Owens that if he wins tonight, he will not have to worry about Finn Balor, as he is a shadow of his former self; instead, Owens will have to worry about him. Finn tells Owens not to worry about Gunther and to worry about winning the Undisputed WWE Championship, and tells him that when he does, he will be waiting on the other side.

Lash Legend beats Tiffany Stratton. After the match, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) attack Stratton, then Chelsea Green runs to the ring with a shinai and smacks The Irresistible Forces with it.

We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that he has warned The MFT's (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) for weeks, but they have not been listening. He says that what is in the dark has finally come to light. All of a sudden, Hiromu Tanahashi, no longer in New Japan Pro Wrestling, introduces himself as "Kyoki," and says that after spending years competing around the world, he is finally in WWE, and says that the stronger they are, the more fun he has. Nakamura says that Kyoki does not fear chaos; he enjoys it. Kyoki wants more fights, more gold and more madness, and Nakamura tells The MFT's that they have the WWE Tag Team Championships for now, but when Strong Style and madness combine, there will be an explosion.

CM Punk retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. During the match, Punk pushes Owens into referee Dan Engler, and Owens soon does the same to Punk, which knocks Engler out of the ring. Owens hits a Stunner, but Engler is out. Owens calls for another referee before Punk hits him with the GTS, but Engler is still out. Punk tries to pull Engler back into the ring, but Sami Zayn comes out of the crowd and sends Punk into the ring post and back into the ring, where Owens hits Punk with another Stunner. Sami gets Engler back into the ring, but Punk kicks out in the nick of time. Sami then grabs the Undisputed WWE Championship and slides it into the ring, and tells Owens to use it as a weapon against Punk while Engler is still down. Owens is reluctant, and when Sami gets on the apron, Owens tells him he is not winning it that way and hands the title to Sami only for Sami to smack him in the head with it. Punk hits Owens with another GTS, and Engler comes to and counts the pinfall. After the match, Sami hits Punk with the WWE Championship, and when Owens gets to his feet, Sami hits Owens with it a second time before doing the same to Punk. Sami then tells Punk that he stole the WWE Championship and that the WWE Championship being back with him is justice.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top moments from tonight's show!