WWE SmackDown September 4 , 2026: Coverage and Results

CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship in the main event

Bakusai made their debut with a victory over The Miz and Kit Wilson

WWE SmackDown
Photo Credit: WWE
Antonio Rubio
Antonio Rubio
Published 09/05/2026

Tonight we will once again enjoy a new live coverage of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be broadcasted from the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The show will feature several attractions, highlighting the debut of Bakusai (the team formed by Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki).

On the other hand, Giulia will face Blake Monroe in a one-on-one match. Additionally, Sami Zayn will be present on the show after his recent attacks on CM Punk and the challengers for the WWE Undisputed Championship. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.

Summary of WWE SmackDown September 4, 2026

  • Gunther, Finn Bálor, and Kevin Owens tried to get revenge on the elusive Sami Zayn.
  • Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley (with Alexa Bliss) defeated Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley) (with Jacy Jayne) in a tag team match.
    • Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab attacked the winners.
  • Chelsea Green received medical clearance to compete, as long as she wears a protective mask. Nia Jax demanded a title match against the Canadian.
  • Nia Jax (with Lash Legend) defeated Tiffany Stratton (with Chelsea Green) after applying an Annihilator.
  • Randy Orton once again taunted Cody Rhodes.
  • Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki) defeated The Miz and Kit Wilson in a tag team match.
  • Giulia attacked Blake Monroe before their scheduled match.
  • CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae) to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship in the main event of the night.
    • "The Best in the World" granted a title opportunity to Sami Zayn in the upcoming SmackDown episode in Mexico.

Live Report of WWE SmackDown September 4, 2026

WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!

Gunther is in charge of opening tonight's show. "The Ring General" heads to the ring with a serious face. With a microphone in hand, the Austrian acknowledges that he has been looking for Sami Zayn all day, but without success. Gunther is not willing to forget what happened last week, so he threatens to hijack the show until the Canadian presents himself. Sami quickly appears on the scene, but he does so in the audience area. Zayn points out that it won't be necessary for Gunther to hijack the show. Now that he's there, he can say whatever he wants. However, he will keep his distance, as his hand is still broken.

Sami is fully aware that, like Gunther, there are many people backstage angry with him. However, he doesn't understand why Gunther acts as if he is the victim of this story, because the only aggrieved party is him. "The WWE Champion should be a good guy. He should be the last real good guy left. But instead, our WWE champion is the biggest fraud, a hypocritical piece of shit, a snake crawling in the grass, and someone who shouldn't be breathing the same air as me: CM Punk", he says. The fans chant "The Best in the World". Sami regrets that the audience continues to be brainwashed.

Zayn affirms that his goal has always been to recover what was stolen from him: the WWE Undisputed Championship. Last week there was a triple threat match to determine the next challenger... but he was excluded from it. Week after week, he must overcome obstacles to get what he deserves. But that's over. "If you're not happy with what happened last week, here's my advice, Gunther: Buckle up. Get very comfortable. Because this is the future that awaits SmackDown from now on. There won't be matches to determine the next challenger. No one will have it easy. I don't care if it's you, Gunther. I don't care if it's Finn Bálor. I don't care if it's my lifelong friend, Kevin Owens. If I don't sleep, no one will sleep. If I don't eat, no one will eat. No one will have theirs until I have mine! No justice, no peace!", he exclaims. Gunther considers that he has heard enough. So, if Zayn has no intention of entering the ring, he will go in search of him. The Austrian gets out of the ring to jump over the audience barrier. "The Ring General" heads towards Sami's position when a third character appears on the scene.

Finn Bálor appears near Zayn. The Irishman points out that, after what happened last week, he also seeks justice. "And I'm going to take it right now," he says before starting a chase. Sami runs towards the audience barrier to jump over it. Zayn enters the ring. Soon, he realizes that Finn is on his heels. Sami leaves the ring, ready to run down the entrance ramp, when suddenly, Kevin Owens appears on the scene. KO runs after Zayn, who finds another way out to escape the place. The Canadians disappear backstage while Bálor watches from the center of the ring.

Nick Aldis approaches CM Punk backstage. "The Best in the World" asks the General Manager if he has seen what just happened. Aldis replies that he has. The Brit admits they have a problem. He continues to try to find a challenger for CM Punk, but Sami Zayn is not making it easy for him. Suddenly, something catches CM Punk's attention. He hints to Aldis that he may have found a solution, but he needs him to grant him a few seconds. CM Punk approaches Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano. The latter remains lying face down on a production box. "The Best in the World" can't believe Gargano is still in this state. CM Punk bends down to address Johnny face to face with the aim of "waking him up". CM Punk knows that "Johnny Wrestling" is still somewhere inside Gargano. Candice assures the champion that his method won't work, as she has tried it many times. CM Punk continues talking to Johnny, reminding him that he is in his home state of Ohio. Wouldn't he like to perform in front of his fellow Ohioans and compete for the WWE Undisputed Championship? Johnny still doesn't react. CM Punk gives up and returns to Aldis. Candice stops "The Best in the World" to ask him to wait a little longer. Suddenly, something startles her. "Oh my God!" she exclaims. We see Gargano standing for the first time in months. Johnny approaches the champion. "Let's do it!", he exclaims. "`Perfect," responds a smiling CM Punk. He and Aldis continue on their way. A happy Candice hugs her husband as the segment comes to an end.

Alexa Bliss approaches Charlotte Flair in the Gorilla Position. Flair is surprised to see Bliss without her combat team. Especially considering that their match is about to begin and a victory could propel them towards the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Alexa informs Charlotte that there has been a change of plans: Tatum Paxley will be her partner tonight. Paxley appears on the scene, excited to be able to compete alongside Flair in a tag team match. "Are you kidding me?" Flair asks Alexa. She reminds "The Queen" that Tatum showed last week how good she is by defeating Michin. Additionally, she feels that Charlotte and Paxley are still getting to know each other, so this match will help them strengthen their bond. Tatum is eager to enter the ring, as in a tag team match they will have to touch each other a lot to carry out the relays. "The Queen" has no choice but to accept her partner's desire, as long as Tatum follows her instructions to the letter and doesn't disappoint her. "I would never!", exclaims Paxley as she tries to hug Charlotte. "Don't touch me," says Flair with a forced smile. "When we win," she adds. The three women head to the ring, where their rivals are already waiting.

Tag Team Match
Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley (with Alexa Bliss) vs. Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley) (with Jacy Jayne)

Lainey and Tatum start the fight. Reid surprises Paxley with a kick to take the lead in the match. Lainey takes Tatum to her corner, where she quickly teams up with Fallon. Lainey applies a painful shoulderbreaker on Paxley. Henley covers her. 1..2..NO. This leads us to a new commercial break.

Returning, we see Tatum escaping from the Women's Champions to give the relay to Charlotte, who jumps on both with a diving crossbody. Flair applies chops left and right before knocking down Reid with a handspring clothesline. "The Queen" kicks Lainey in one of the corners to continue her offensive. Charlotte gets rid of Henley on the apron before preparing a Figure Four Leglock to apply it on Reid. However, Fallon returns to prevent it. Flair catches Henley to apply a Fallaway Slam. As a result, Fallon ends up outside the ring.

Charlotte puts her hands on her waist to make it clear that her goal is the Fatal Influence tag team championships. However, her distraction allows Reid to recover and surprise her with a superkick. Flair responds with a spinning neckbreaker. Lainey ends up at ringside with Fallon. Paxley receives the relay to jump on both with a diving crossbody. Tatum brings Lainey back to look for a Figure Four Leglock, but Jacy climbs to the apron to distract her.

Alexa makes Jayne fall to throw her against one of the ring posts. Meanwhile, Charlotte kicks Fallon with a Penalty Kick. Lainey takes advantage of the chaos to surprise Tatum with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Paxley pushes Reid to escape the three count. Lainey is pushed towards the ropes, where Charlotte awaits her with a big boot. Knocked out, Reid can't do anything to avoid a Cemetery Drive from Paxley. 1...2...3.

Winners: Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley

¡Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin storm the ring to launch an assault on Flair, Bliss, and Paxley! These last ones counterattack, starting a fight. However, Fatal Influence storm the ring to balance the situation in favor of the heels. With Charlotte, Alexa, and Tatum lying on the mat, Jacy and her partners decide to leave them at the mercy of Jade and her partners. Michin and B-Fab apply a BTA on Tatum. After that, Cargill executes the Jaded on Charlotte. The heels pose victorious over their victims to end this segment.

Cathy Kelley interviews Nikki Bella backstage. Kelley conveys to the WWE Hall of Famer the feeling that many fans have about her behavior towards Paige, whom she has attacked repeatedly. Has she gone too far? Nikki assures that she hasn't. The British woman didn't fail the Bella brand, but also showed that she has no passion for this business. "Paige is the reason why Brie is injured. Paige is the reason why my big comeback was ruined. You know what? I'm going to ruin...", says Nikki before being interrupted by Paige. She grabs Cathy's arm to prevent her from leaving, assuring her that she didn't come to fight... although she likes to see how uncomfortable Nikki feels just imagining it. Paige has realized something. "You never liked me from the beginning. Not just at (Wrestle) Mania. It goes further back. You've never liked me. You know why? Because I built my career on effort, loyalty, and respect. And baby, you better give it your all next week in Mexico City, because otherwise, I'll end your career faster than your last relationship ended", says Paige before leaving. Nikki remains standing, visibly furious, as the segment comes to an end.

Nick Aldis talks to one of the doctors on the phone when Gunther appears on the scene. The Austrian accuses the General Manager of not making things easy for him on SmackDown. First, he had to take care of Sami Zayn on his own because Aldis didn't help him with that. Second, the Brit put Finn Bálor's ghost in his way (while we see Danhausen cleaning Aldis' office with a duster). And now he has given a title shot to Johnny Gargano, a guy who has been lying on a production box for months. But now he believes he understands what's going on. "You shared the ring with me and felt like the center of attention. And now you've become addicted to it," says "The Ring General". He believes that all the decisions Nick is making are aimed at continuing to attract everyone's attention. "I'm worried. I'm worried about this business. I'm worried about my career. So I need you to focus and run this place properly," he says. The General Manager advises him to talk to CM Punk if he has any problem with the Gargano issue. As for Sami Zayn and everything else, he will have to wait, as he now has to deal with a matter involving the WWE Women's Championship. The Brit leaves the place. Gunther can't believe there's something more important to attend to than himself. Suddenly, a hand rests on Gunther's shoulder. It's Danhausen. "Don't worry, Guner. Danhausen knows exactly how you feel," he says. The Austrian firmly removes Danhausen's hand. So much so that it hurts the quirky character. "Never EVER touch me again," says Gunther before leaving. Still sore, Danhausen places a small portrait with his photograph and the legend "Employee of the Month" on Aldis' table.

We see Nick Aldis and Dr. Woodruff in the ring. The SmackDown General Manager informs us that there are updates on Chelsea Green's health, so he asks the Canadian to join them in the ring. Green quickly appears on the scene. The fans welcome her with a great ovation. Chelsea immediately takes the floor to make it clear that she respects Dr. Woodruff, but has no interest in hearing what he has to say. Chelsea reminds Aldis that they have been through this before, and she has no intention of getting excited like last time. She remains the WWE Women's Interim Champion and is not willing to let Nick take the belt away from her. Green knows she has a target on her back and that all the women on the roster want to take the championship from her. However, she had to wait 13 years to get it, and she won't let them take it without a fight. So anyone who wants to try it can go ahead. Aldis assures Chelsea that he understands her. But at this point, the decision is no longer hers, but the doctor's, to whom he gives the floor. "Chelsea, as we have already discussed, you have a fractured orbital bone that has not fully healed. But it is healing. My medical opinion is that, as long as you wear the face mask, you will be medically cleared to compete," says Woodruff. Happy with the news, Green hugs the doctor.

The Irresistible Forces interrupt the segment!

"Finally! That's what I was waiting to hear," says Nia Jax. "I thought you'd never shut up, Chelsea. Let's stop playing games, because you know I want that WWE Women's Championship. So, either you grant me a match right now, or I break your other orbital bone, because we all know you're made of glass," says Jax before entering the ring. "You're bullies! You both are!" exclaims the Canadian. Lash Legend and Nia approach, threateningly, Chelsea. Jax hits the protective mask off Green, which ends up on the mat. Aldis confronts "The Irresistible Force" to reprimand her for her attitude. Suddenly...

Tiffany Stratton bursts onto the scene!

Stratton kicks Jax out of the ring. Legend surprises Tiffany to carry her on her shoulders. Stratton frees herself to apply a backstabber to Lash, who ends up at ringside with Nia. Aldis takes the floor to give reason to Jax: they don't have to keep waiting, so he announces that she will have her desired opportunity against Green. But it will be next week in Mexico City. As for tonight, and since both Nia and Tiffany are eager to fight, they can do it one-on-one right HERE and NOW. Stratton launches a sliding dropkick to knock down Lash. Nia gets her revenge by applying a clothesline to Tiffany. This leads us to a new commercial break.

Tiffany Stratton (with Chelsea Green) vs. Nia Jax (with Lash Legend)

The match begins during the next commercial break. Back from the break, we see Jax catching Stratton in a submission hold. Tiffany lands several elbows, followed by a cutter to break free. Stratton follows up with a hurricanrana to take her opponent down, finishing her off with a dropkick straight to the face. 1..2..NO. Jax stops her opponent's offense and sends her over the top rope. She then finishes her off with a headbutt. 1..2..NO.

Jax looks to gain some height to set up her Annihilator, but Stratton knocks her down. Tiffany tries to take her opponent down, but without success. Two consecutive cutters weaken Nia, who is eventually taken down with a Crucifix Pin. 1..2..NO. Stratton drags Nia toward one of the corners to set up her next attack. Lash gets on the apron to distract Tiffany, who quickly takes her down with a dropkick. Jax takes advantage of the situation to surprise Stratton with a samoan drop. An Annihilator puts an end to the match. 1..2..3.

Winner: Nia Jax

Jax approaches the ropes to snatch the protective mask away from Chelsea (who was tending to Tiffany). Nia taunts the champion, prompting her to enter the ring and reclaim what belongs to her. Green finally goes after her enemy to try to get her mask back, but "The Irresistible Force" decides to throw it aside. Once satisfied, Jax and Legend leave the ring and head backstage. Meanwhile, Green tends to Tiffany.

Byron Saxton interviews Kevin Owens backstage. Saxton asks him about the opportunity Johnny Gargano will have tonight. "It's great for Johnny. I'm really happy that he has this opportunity. But don't think CM Punk did this out of the goodness of his heart. Punk doesn't do anything unless it benefits him. I know what he's doing. You see, he thinks that by having this match with Johnny, maybe he can lure Sami Zayn into the ring. I get it. I almost want to say I respect the idea, but I'll never respect anything CM Punk does. That being said, and if he's right and Sami comes out there... something tells me he won't come alone," Kevin says before walking away.

Corey Graves met with Cody Rhodes before the show to record an interview. Graves asked Cody how his relationship with Randy Orton had reached its current state when everything between them had been fine before WrestleMania 42. "How did we get to this point?" asked "The Viper" as he interrupted the interview before it even began. Orton reassured Graves by reminding him that there is a stipulation preventing him and Rhodes from laying a finger on each other. Otherwise, they will never be able to compete for the Undisputed WWE Championship again. Randy stood in front of Cody to remind him of everything he said about his family last week, starting with his mother, whom he called "trailer park trash." "Is that what I called your mom? Yeah, and you did nothing. What kind of son do we have here, Cody? What would your mother think about you not defending her last week when I called her trailer park trash? You wanna hit me? You wanna hit me right now?", Randy asked. Rhodes remained unfazed.

Orton reminded him that he had also insulted his wife and his dog (although the dog is still not dead, despite what he said last week). Cody continued to remain calm. Randy knew why he couldn't provoke him enough to make him lose his temper. "You're a good guy. You respect the rules so much that you won't lay a finger on me, not even to defend your family's honor. And all for the World Championship. The Undisputed WWE Championship. You want it so badly. That's it, isn't it? You're an addict. You're a damn addict, man. Look at you, you need help. You love the WWE Championship more than you love your family. It's crazy. People call me sick and twisted. The voices and whatnot. You're sicker than anyone!" Randy exclaimed.

Cody stood up to calmly respond to Orton. "Sick? Maybe. Maybe I've realized that I'm sick. Everyone else seems to be. But if you're right, that means you're screwed on Sunday", said "The American Nightmare" before walking away. Randy sat in silence, thinking about Rhodes' words, as the segment came to an end.

Trick Williams approaches Lil Yachty in the men's locker room. Trick wants to talk to his partner about Sunday's match. A motivated Yachty assures him that he has everything under control. So much so that he is confident he will kick Baron Corbin's ass. Williams doesn't want him to do anything reckless. He just needs him to survive five minutes in the ring. Yachty is certain he can do much more than that, as he has spent the entire week training. To prove it, he invites him to watch a recording of his training. However, what we see on screen is a music video from the rapper in which he barely trains. Instead, he spends his time having fun with some girls and alcoholic beverages.

Once the video ends, Yachty asks Trick what he thought of it. Williams replies that it was good, but he didn't see any training in it. Baron Corbin appears on the scene to ask Yachty if he is taking his participation in Sunday Night's Main Event as seriously as he takes his music career—that is, as a joke—because on Sunday he intends to humiliate him in front of his entire family and friends in his hometown. Trick promises Corbin that the outcome will be very different. "Once Lil Yachty survives, I'll make sure you don't. I'll get my championship back", says Williams. "Trick, I hope you understand that your only opportunity at this championship rests on him (Yachty), and I'm going to massacre him. He's dead, just like your hopes and dreams of becoming United States Champion again. Got it?", Baron says before walking away. Yachty mocks "The Lone Wolf's" threat as the segment comes to an end.

Tag Team Match
Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki) vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson

Wilson and Kyoki start the match. Kit corners the Japanese wrestler in one of the corners, prompting the referee to intervene. Wilson takes off his shirt and throws it at his opponent, who responds with two consecutive running crossbodies. Kyoki takes Kit down and kicks him with a dropkick. The Brit tags in The Miz. He delivers a chop to Kyoki. "More! More!" exclaims the Japanese wrestler. The Miz delivers a second chop. "More! More, please!" Kyoki shouts before responding with a flurry of chops of his own.

Nakamura receives the tag and continues the match. Shinsuke dodges a punch from The Miz and taunts him. "C'mon!" Nakamura exclaims. He dodges another charge from The Miz before hitting him with a sliding release German suplex under the bottom rope. Kit distracts Shinsuke long enough for The Miz to surprise the Japanese wrestler with a kick on the apron. Nakamura falls to ringside, where he takes a European uppercut from Wilson. The Miz and Kit celebrate at ringside as we head to another commercial break.

Back from the break, we see Wilson and The Miz working together against Nakamura. The Miz catches Shinsuke in a submission hold. Nakamura kicks The Miz to finally break free from the pressure. Both men are left lying on the mat. Shinsuke and The Miz crawl toward their respective corners to tag in their partners. Kyoki comes in with everything he's got, taking care of both opponents at the same time. Kyoki sends Kit and The Miz out of the ring before diving onto both of them. Kyoki brings Wilson back into the ring and finishes him with a Falcon Arrow. 1..2..NO. The Miz breaks up the count.

The Miz attacks Kyoki while he is lying on the mat. Shinsuke quickly comes to his partner's rescue. Nakamura takes The Miz toward one of the corners and charges at him. The Miz dodges, causing the Japanese wrestler to crash into the turnbuckle. The Miz goes back after Kyoki and attempts to hit him with a Skull Crushing Finale. However, the Japanese wrestler blocks it and executes a reverse Stunner. Nakamura returns to finish The Miz with the Kinshasa. With The Miz out of the picture, Kyoki can finish Kit with another reverse Stunner. 1..2..3.

Winners: Bakusai

MFT (Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga) (with Haku) appear on the entrance ramp to exchange looks with the Japanese wrestlers.

Cathy Kelley interviews Blake Monroe in the Gorilla Position. Kelley reminds the Brit that she and Giulia have attacked each other over the past few weeks. Monroe has claimed that she deserves a better opponent than "The Beautiful Madness" for her debut. So why did she ultimately agree to compete in this match? "Catherine, she still isn't suitable. I deserve a greater opponent. I deserve a more majestic entrance. But if Giulia thinks she can slap me in the face, I'm going to...", Blake says before her opponent pounces on her.

"The Beautiful Madness" drags her enemy toward the entrance ramp to continue her assault. Blake slaps Giulia. Giulia returns the favor before throwing her into the arena screen. Giulia continues striking the Brit. Several officials have to intervene to separate her from her victim. Blake takes advantage of this to charge at the Italian-Japanese wrestler, but Giulia quickly turns the tables. The officials pull Giulia away from Monroe. The former United States Champion escapes them to hit a G-Trigger on "The Glamour," subsequently kicking her in the head. Once satisfied, Giulia heads backstage. Meanwhile, Monroe is tended to on the entrance ramp.

We head backstage. Candice LeRae helps Johnny Gargano get ready for his match tonight when they hear someone calling from the window. It is Sami Zayn. He enters the building through the back door to congratulate Gargano on being able to walk again and on the opportunity he has in his hands tonight. Sami believes that justice has finally been served for guys like them. Zayn assures him that he would like to accompany him to the ring, but this place isn't safe for him right now. Even so, he will be supporting him in some way. Zayn wants Johnny to understand something: if an opportunity comes his way, he has to take it. That said, he has one request. "If you take the title from CM Punk, I'll be first", says Zayn, putting himself forward as Gargano's first challenger. Gargano remains silent. "I'll be first, Johnny. Right? Do you understand?", he asks. "Okay," Gargano finally replies. Sami wishes his friend good luck before Gargano leaves with LeRae toward the ring. Zayn, meanwhile, leaves the building.

Undisputed WWE Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (with Candice LeRae)

"Johnny Wrestling!" the fans chant to cheer on the hometown wrestler. He is quickly taken down with two powerslams from CM Punk. The fans boo the champion. Gargano blocks a third powerslam to launch a counteroffensive. Johnny corners CM Punk and unleashes a flurry of punches. "The Best in the World" stops Johnny's offense and lifts him onto his shoulders. CM Punk prepares to hit a GTS, but his opponent avoids it with a hurricanrana. Johnny kicks CM Punk, who ends up at ringside. Gargano dives onto the champion with a tope. Johnny celebrates with the fans as we head to the final commercial break of the night.

Back from the break, we see CM Punk catching Johnny in a grounded headlock. Gargano lands several punches to break free, but he is soon taken down again. CM Punk hits a running knee strike on Johnny before following up with a clothesline. CM Punk climbs one of the corners. CM Punk pauses for a moment to ask where Sami Zayn is. CM Punk dives onto Johnny with a diving crossbody, but the challenger rolls him over on the mat to cover him. 1..2..NO.

CM Punk throws several kicks at Gargano, who responds with a superkick. 1..2..NO. Gargano and CM Punk exchange attacks in the center of the ring. CM Punk surprises his opponent with a big boot. 1..2..NO. CM Punk kicks Johnny toward the apron. CM Punk lands several right hands on Gargano, who responds with an enzuigiri. Johnny finishes off the champion with a slingshot spear. 1..2..NO.

CM Punk blocks Johnny's superkick and responds with a sit-out powerbomb. 1..2..NO. CM Punk prepares to hit a GTS, at which point Sami finally appears on the scene. CM Punk leaves the ring to attack Zayn, who flees into the ring. The referee is distracted, allowing LeRae to surprise CM Punk with a hurricanrana. As a result, CM Punk crashes into the steel steps.

Gargano dives onto CM Punk with a suicide dive. Johnny brings him back into the ring and finishes him with a DDT. 1..2..NO. LeRae and Zayn can't believe it. Sami grabs the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he tries to bring into the ring. However, Kevin Owens appears on the scene to attack his former friend. Owens unleashes a flurry of attacks on Zayn and prepares to hit him with a piledriver. However, Gunther appears out of nowhere to stop him with a big boot!

Gunther now prepares Sami for a powerbomb, but Finn Bálor stops him with a slingblade. The Irishman approaches Zayn, but Sami attacks him with the championship. Sami uses the belt to knock out Gunther and Owens. Meanwhile, in the ring, CM Punk catches Johnny and hits him with a GTS. "The Best in the World" covers his opponent, but the referee is distracted by LeRae, who is loudly complaining from the apron. Sami takes advantage of the situation to enter the ring and smash CM Punk in the head with the championship. Johnny covers CM Punk. 1..2..NO!

Zayn approaches Candice and whispers something in her ear. At that moment, Nick Aldis appears on the scene with several officials. The SmackDown General Manager orders the Canadian to leave ringside. Meanwhile, referee Daphanie LaShaunn tells LeRae that she must also return backstage. Somewhat distracted by everything that has happened, Gargano goes back after CM Punk, but Punk surprises him by lifting him onto his shoulders and putting him away with a GTS. 1..2..3.

Winner and STILL Undisputed WWE Champion: CM Punk

Sami argues with Aldis while CM Punk grabs a microphone. "The Best in the World" reminds the General Manager that he still has a say on the brand, as he is the current champion, which allows him to make decisions regarding title opportunities. "I happily walk into enemy territory and they boo me, just like I expected, but I still love you, Cleveland. Listen. Sami Zayn, you don't want this title half as much as I want to kick your ass for constantly sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. You want a title opportunity? You little bastard, you've got it. Next week. Mexico City. Punk versus Zayn. It's time for you to go to sleep," says CM Punk. "Cult of Personality" plays throughout the arena as Zayn confronts the champion. "It's over for you! I'll take back what's mine! Wait! You just wait!", the Canadian shouts. And with that, this week's episode of SmackDown comes to an end.