Top storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown (August 14, 2026) - Chelsea Green's injury; CM Punk vs Kevin Owens & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
Storylines on SmackDown continue to take shape post-SummerSlam.
The August 14 edition of Friday Night SmackDown is set to air live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Trick Williams, and Gunther are listed as featured superstars for the show.
WWE has announced multiple title matches for the show. Tiffany Stratton will defend the Women’s US title against Jacy Jayne, while US Champion Baron Corbin defends against Carmelo Hayes.
Another title match announced for this week’s SmackDown will see WWE Tag Team Champions Wepa Up (R-Truth & Damian Priest) defend the titles in a triple threat match against the War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) and The Tongans (Talla & Tama Tonga).
With SummerSlam in the rearview mirror, let us take a look at the top four storylines that are likely to unravel on this week’s WWE SmackDown.
4. Shinsuke Nakamura’s warning & Tag title match
As noted, R-Truth and Damian Priest will defend the WWE Tag Team titles in a triple-threat tag team match featuring the War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) and The Tongans (Talla & Tama Tonga). The Tongans, accompanied by Haku, made their presence felt, attacking the former two tag teams during their title vs title showdown two weeks ago.
Additionally, Shinsuke Nakamura sent a stern warning to the Tongans last week, stating that he is back and that this time he would not be fighting alone. Fans are now waiting to witness what lies on this week’s show for the Tongans.
3. Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton
Randy Orton’s return at SummerSlam, where he cost Cody Rhodes the Undisputed title match, revived their feud from WrestleMania 42. Rhodes was eager to get his hands on Orton last week, but the Viper continued to outsmart Rhodes and escape.
All signs currently point towards a rematch between the two, and now fans are waiting to see how the build unfolds in the coming weeks.
2. CM Punk vs Kevin Owens
‘The Prizefighter’ Kevin Owens, after securing the number one contender spot for the Undisputed title, asked GM Nick Aldis to book for the August 21 edition of SmackDown in Toronto, Canada. Owens also had a fiery promo battle with the Champion CM Punk.
Owens is now preparing for the title showdown, but the interaction with Sami Zayn has led many fans to speculate whether his former friend, who continues to complain about unfair practices since losing the Undisputed title, will play a role in the match in Toronto.
1. Chelsea Green’s injury
The newly crowned Interim WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green suffered an injury during last week’s tag team match against Fatal Influence, where she teamed up with Tiffany Stratton. Green has suffered a broken orbital bone around her right eye.
With the reigning Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley already out of action due to injury, fans are now wondering how WWE will deal with this situation.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The August 14 edition of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
What is the next PLE after WWE SummerSlam 2026?
Money in the Bank is the next PLE after SummerSlam 2026.
When and where will Money in the Bank 2026 take place?
The 2026 edition of Money in the Bank is set for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.