Sami Zayn captures the Undisputed WWE Championship after a dramatic finish on USA Network, returning to a three-hour block at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, September 18, 2026. Fans can watch the event live and on-demand using streaming services such as Sling TV and DIRECTV.
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Where to Watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown Live Without Cable
Viewers looking to catch the action live on USA Network can access the broadcast through several streaming options. Alternatively, Sling TV carries USA Network, with introductory rates for the first full month running as low as $29.99 for the Orange & Blue Plan, though it does not offer a free trial.
Additional streaming is accessible via FuboTV, which offers tiered packages starting with the Pro plan at $48.99 for the first month, followed by Elite at $53.99 and Deluxe at $73.99, all featuring first-month discounts and access to ESPN Unlimited. For flexible viewing, Sling TV provides short-term options including 24-hour day passes for $4.99, three-day access for $9.99, and seven-day access.
Sami Zayn Claims the Undisputed WWE Championship
The title change followed a chaotic encounter where CM Punk battled through an active knee injury and focused his offense on Zayn’s previously injured wrist. Outside interference ultimately dictated the finish when outside chaos involving Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Kevin Owens altered the match’s trajectory. After an accidental strike from Kevin Owens hit Punk with the championship belt, Zayn capitalized immediately to deliver a Helluva Kick and secure the victory.
That victory initiates Sami Zayn’s new title reign, drawing immediate attention from a stacked locker room. Multiple top-tier competitors have surfaced as active threats to the newly won gold. Finn Bálor, Randy Orton, Gunther, and Cody Rhodes are all positioning themselves for championship opportunities.
Cody Rhodes Returns Following Randy Orton Clash
Cody Rhodes makes his first return appearance to SmackDown following his defeat against Randy Orton. The rivalry between Rhodes and Orton developed rapidly after Orton interrupted an interview in previous weeks to ignite a war of words. Randy Orton made it clear that the championship belt is directly in his sights following his recent victory over Rhodes.
With Rhodes returning to address the fallout from his recent losses, his appearance is expected to bring clarity to the direction of his career and his standing in the current championship picture.
Action Across Divisions and International Showcases
The program follows a recent international excursion to Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where several divisional matches set up current storylines. In championship defense action, WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green successfully defended her title against Nia Jax, utilizing an Unprettier to finish the match despite interference from Lash Legend and Tiffany Stratton. Meanwhile, Nikki Bella secured a controversial win over Paige by leveraging the ropes.
Tag team competition also delivered shifts as The War Raiders defended and retained the AAA Tag Team Titles against Damian Priest and R-Truth. That loss triggered a shocking post-match fallout when Damian Priest turned on his partner R-Truth. In other matches, Rey Fenix defended the AAA Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints using the Mexican Muscle Buster, while Baron Corbin delivered physical attacks targeting both Lil Yachty and United States Champion Trick Williams.
Streaming Service Comparison and Pricing
| Streaming Service | Cost | Free Trial? |
|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | $29.99 | No |
| DIRECTV | $74.99 | Yes (5-Day Trial) |
| FuboTV | $48.99 – $73.99 (First Month) | Yes |
As the promotion continues its weekly run from Corpus Christi, live coverage on USA Network captures the immediate aftermath of Sami Zayn’s championship victory and the returning roster members vying for position.