WWE taped the September 4, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown from Cleveland, OH tonight on August 28, 2026, at Rocket Arena, airing on USA Network. The broadcast featured a packed slate of matches and backstage confrontations, highlighted by an Undisputed WWE Championship main event between CM Punk and Johnny Gargano.
Gunther, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Finn Bálor Opening Segment
SmackDown opened with a recap of last Friday’s show, including the main event between Kevin Owens, Gunther, and Finn Bálor that ended in a no contest. Gunther then came to the ring and called out Sami Zayn, with Zayn emerging through the crowd to confront The Ring General. Owens and Bálor also got involved in the segment.
CM Punk confronted Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae backstage. With the show taking place in Gargano’s hometown of Cleveland, Punk encountered Gargano once again slumped over a production crate. After Punk failed to lift Gargano’s spirits, LeRae argued that he deserved an Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity, and Gargano finally stood up from his planking position to accept the challenge in the main event. Gargano came out to his NXT “Rebel Heart” music. Gargano also appeared in a backstage segment with Sami Zayn before stepping into the ring.
Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley vs. Fatal Influence
In women’s tag team action, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley defeated Fatal Influence, which consisted of WWE Women’s United States Champion Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid. The celebration didn’t last long, as Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin got the upper hand after the bell, attacking Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley and sparking a massive brawl. The chaos set up a six-woman tag team match for WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event. Charlotte, Tatum, and Alexa Bliss will face Jade, B-Fab, and Michin on September 6 in Atlanta.
Nikki Bella took part in a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley, which was interrupted by Paige, revisiting Paige’s August 28 return when she attacked Nikki and cost her WWE Women’s United States Championship match against Jacy Jayne. It was later announced that Paige will face Nikki on the September 11 episode of SmackDown in Mexico City.
Chelsea Green, Nia Jax, and Tiffany Stratton Segment
Danhausen appeared during Gunther’s backstage meeting with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and called Gunther “Gooner.” Interim WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green came to the ring alongside Nick Aldis and a doctor. Chelsea Green said she had waited 13 years for this moment and didn’t care what the doctor had to say. The doctor cleared Green to return as long as she wears a protective face mask. Nia Jax and Lash Legend interrupted to demand a title shot, followed by Tiffany Stratton. Aldis granted Jax a championship match in Mexico City before booking a singles match between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton on the spot. Nia then defeated Tiffany Stratton. After the match, WWE announced that Chelsea will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Nia on September 11 in Mexico City.
Kevin Owens appeared in a backstage interview to address the controversy surrounding last week’s Undisputed WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton sat down with Corey Graves for a sit-down interview ahead of their grudge match at Sunday Night’s Main Event.
Lil Yachty and Trick Williams appeared for a segment featuring Yachty’s new music video. Baron Corbin then reacted to the video ahead of his match against Yachty.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki officially competed under the tag team name Bakusai. They defeated The Miz and Kit Wilson before The MFTs (WWE Tag Team Champions Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga) came out on the entrance ramp and confronted them after the match. AAA World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders exchanged words with R-Truth and Damian Priest backstage, and AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix discussed Ricky Saints in a backstage interview.
Blake Monroe vs. Giulia never officially started. Giulia attacked Monroe before the bell, preventing their scheduled match for the second time.
