WWE SmackDown (October 9, 2026) – CM Punk returns, Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs Fatal Influence & more set for next week
(Courtesy : WWE)
Money In The Bank bracket locked down in October 2 SmackDown edition.
The October 2 SmackDown edition provided entertaining matchups, with Kevin Owens clinching the final spot for the Money In The Bank Ladder match and Tiffany Stratton also aiming for another title shot following her qualification.
Randy Orton’s interference impacted Cody Rhodes ’ chances in the qualifier match, but the duo will look to settle the score in the near future. In another singles match, Blake Monroe recorded a gutsy win in her in-ring debut on the main roster, defeating Giulia.
SmackDown on October 9 before MITB will have a title match
As much as the in-ring action was exciting for the fans, there was much development backstage also, including an announcement of a tag team matchup next week.
During the live coverage, fans saw a backstage segment involving Charlotte Flair, Tatum Paxley, and Alexa Bliss. While neither of the members qualified for the Money in the Bank main event, Charlotte informed Tatum that she and Alexa had a word with General Manager Nick Aldis.
The SmackDown GM granted them a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid & Fallon Henley) next week, with Flair and Tatum Paxley teaming up once again.
It will be an interesting matchup, as the duo had an opportunity earlier in September and lost to Fatal Influence. This could be their chance to redeem that loss and win the Tag Team title.
More in the Women’s division, Nikki Bella received a direct challenge from Paige, as the former Diva’s Champion has some unfinished business with Bella. As per Paige’s challenge, the match will be in Sacramento on October 16.
Moreover, SmackDown advertised CM Punk’s appearance for next week. Punk qualified for the MITB ladder match, defeating Gunther and Finn Balor. So it is unlikely that the Cookie Master will be in action on a night before edition.
The September 9 episode of WWE SmackDown will air live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana. CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Gunther are listed as featured superstars for the show.
Additionally, a six-man tag match is being advertised for the show, pitting the team of Seth Rollins, LA Knight, and Solo Sikoa against 946 (Royce Keys, Bronco Nima & Lucien Price). This will be a dark match and will not be a part of the broadcast.
Announced for WWE SmackDown next week (October 10, 2026)
- CM Punk returns
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) (c) vs Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley
- CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill & Gunther are listed as featured superstars
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When and where will Friday Night SmackDown take place next week?
The October 9 edition of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Who qualified for Money In the Bank 2026 Ladder Match?
Following a win over Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano, Kevin Owens will join Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Penta, and CM Punk in the 2026 Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match main event. As for the Women’s Division, Roxanne Perez, Lash Legend, Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, Tiffany Stratton, and Sol Ruca will be in action in the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
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