The road to WWE Money In The Bank 2026 continues tonight, as WWE SmackDown is live at 8/7c on USA Network and Netflix from Ball Arena in Denver, CO.

As is always the case, the show formally got underway with the ‘WWE Then. Now. Forever. Together.’ show-opening signature package narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcome us to the show on commentary.

Highlights are show from last week. From there, we head backstage, where we see the usual top-of-the-show ‘Superstar Arrival’ shots of the likes of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargan, and Candice LeRae. We then settle inside Ball Arena.

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier
Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae vs. Tatum Paxley

Stratton settles inside the squared circle, as the clock strikes ‘Tiffy-Time.’ Her music dies down and her opponents make their respective ring walks next, with Candice LeRae and Tatum Paxley also coming out. The bell sounds and we’re officially off-and-running with Women’s Money In The Bank qualifying action as our opener.

The match official for this one is none other than Daphne LaShaunn. Candice LeRae immediately goes after Tatum Paxley, sending her into Tiffany Stratton before connecting with a clothesline. Stratton simultaneously catches Paxley with a DDT, while LeRae quickly covers Stratton for a one-count.

LeRae connects with a running elbow to Stratton in the corner before catching Paxley with a flatliner on the apron. Back inside the ring, Stratton responds with an elbow to LeRae and follows with a handspring back elbow. Stratton hits the ropes, but LeRae follows her in before Stratton counters with a spinebuster for a two-count.

Stratton charges into LeRae near the ropes as Paxley joins the action and catches LeRae with a kick to the head. Stratton looks for an Alabama Slam, but LeRae counters into a sunset flip attempt. Paxley jumps over them and rolls Stratton up for a two-count, leading to all three women exchanging a series of pin attempts.

Stratton breaks up the sequence with a dropkick to LeRae, but Paxley pulls Stratton away and connects with a snap suplex. Paxley follows with a running crossbody to Stratton in the corner and then delivers a headbutt. Paxley knocks LeRae from the apron before sending Stratton outside as well.

Paxley then heads to the apron and connects with a moonsault onto both Stratton and LeRae on the floor. On that note, the show shifts gears and settles into a mid-match commercial break as this high-stakes Women’s qualifier bout for WWE Money In The Bank continues.

When the show returns, we see things still ongoing in this one. All three women are down before slowly returning to their feet. Tatum Paxley takes control with strikes to both opponents, connecting with an arm-wringer on Candice LeRae and a dropkick to Tiffany Stratton.

Paxley follows with a combination of strikes to LeRae and a kick to the back of the neck before connecting with a release German suplex. LeRae answers with a German suplex of her own, but Stratton charges in and catches both women with a handspring double stunner.

Stratton delivers an Alabama Slam to LeRae and heads to the top rope for a Swanton Bomb. Paxley responds with a spinning heel kick to Stratton for a near fall before LeRae connects with a cannonball on Stratton while simultaneously hitting Paxley with a Codebreaker.

LeRae attempts a springboard moonsault, but Paxley knocks her to the floor. Stratton rolls up Paxley for a near fall before Paxley escapes another attempt and connects with the Cemetery Drive. LeRae immediately throws Paxley out of the ring and covers Stratton, but Paxley returns to break up the pin at two.

LeRae drives Paxley into the turnbuckles and positions her on the top rope before following her up. Paxley fights back and headbutts LeRae down, allowing Stratton to connect with a rolling senton on LeRae.

Paxley then comes off the top with a 450 Splash on LeRae for a close two-count. Stratton breaks up the pin with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and immediately covers LeRae to secure the victory and advance to the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Winner: Tiffany Stratton

Backstage: Chelsea Green, Nikki Bella, Paige & Danhausen

Cathy Kelley is backstage with WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green, who says all six women in the Money in the Bank field earned their opportunities. Green acknowledges that the eventual winner will pose a threat but says she is expecting Tiffany Stratton to win the ladder match.

Danhausen can be seen in the background as Nikki Bella interrupts and tells Green she intends to take the WWE Women’s Championship before anyone has the opportunity to cash in. Paige then arrives and takes issue with Bella attempting to move directly into a title opportunity.

Paige tells Bella that her focus is on settling their issues in the ring and says they will face each other in Sacramento in two weeks. Paige slaps Bella across the face and walks away, while Green follows by brushing her hair across Bella’s face before leaving.

Rey Fenix & Fraxiom vs. Ricky Saints & The War Raiders

AAA World Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix makes his entrance for the second match of the evening. Fenix will team with Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer and Axiom against Ricky Saints and The War Raiders duo of Erik and Ivar in six-man tag-team action.

With Fenix in the ring and the six-man tag team match coming up next, SmackDown heads to another commercial break. When we return, everyone is in the ring and the bell sounds. Erik and Nathan Frazer start things off, with Erik connecting with an elbow before tagging in Ivar.

The War Raiders work over Frazer with double-team offense before Ricky Saints enters the match as his team uses quick tags to keep Frazer isolated. Frazer eventually creates an opening with an enzuigiri and tags in Axiom, who joins Frazer for double-team offense on Erik.

Ivar is sent to the floor, where Axiom and Frazer follow with consecutive dives to the outside. Saints is also sent out of the ring before Rey Fenix tags in and launches himself onto the opposition at ringside. Fenix comes down awkwardly and favors his right leg afterward as SmackDown heads to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Erik is being controlled by the opposing team while Fenix continues favoring his right leg on the apron. Ivar tags in and absorbs a dropkick to the leg from Axiom before stopping his momentum with a seated senton. Saints tags in and takes control of Axiom.

He then brings Erik back into the match. Ivar quickly follows, and The War Raiders combine for a sequence that ends with Erik slamming Ivar onto Axiom for a two-count. Saints returns and continues working over Axiom with punches and a scoop slam.

Axiom attempts to fight back with chops and a back kick, but a distraction from Erik allows Saints to take out his legs before targeting Axiom’s mask and following with a series of stomps. Axiom finally creates separation with a leaping enzuigiri. Erik tags in and connects with mounted elbows.

Axiom escapes and lands a dropkick before both men go down. Saints knocks Frazer from the apron, but Axiom kicks him away and makes the tag to Fenix. Fenix enters with a series of kicks before connecting with a Lethal Injection on Saints and a Tiger Feint kick to Erik.

He follows with the Adios Amigo kick to Erik, a Fireman’s Carry Brainbuster to Saints and a superkick to Ivar. Fenix heads to the top rope and connects with a Frog Splash on Ivar for a two-count, with Erik breaking up the pin. Frazer later dives onto Erik at ringside.

After he dives, when Erik catches him, Axiom follows with a moonsault to take all three men down. Back inside the ring, Ivar climbs to the second rope before Fenix stops him with a palm strike and follows him up. Fenix eventually connects with a hurricanrana.

Saints, however, quickly makes a blind tag during the sequence. Fenix heads back to the top rope, unaware that Saints is now legal. Saints catches Fenix and connects with Roshambo before covering him for the three-count and picking up the victory for his team.

Winners: Ricky Saints & The War Raiders

Backstage: Cody Rhodes & Trick Williams

Cathy Kelley catches up with Cody Rhodes backstage ahead of his Money in the Bank qualifying match later tonight. Rhodes says his focus is entirely on the match and that he has no intention of overlooking either of his opponents. Rhodes reflects on his history competing in Denver.

Rhodes makes it clear that his goal is to qualify and ultimately capture the Money in the Bank briefcase. Trick Williams then interrupts and tells Rhodes that he plans on being the one to win Money in the Bank. Rhodes listens to Williams before and then walks away. We head to another commercial break.

Damian Priest Vignette

A vignette airs featuring Damian Priest, who talks about returning to New York and reconnecting with the environment that shaped him. Priest says earning respect requires being willing to fight and describes that mentality as the foundation of becoming a champion.

Priest admits that he lost his way and forgot who he was after putting others ahead of himself. He says that will no longer be the case and warns R-Truth that if he is looking for trouble, Priest intends to put him down.

Priest says returning to the city reminded him exactly who he is and what made him successful. He describes himself as a bad and violent man and says that is the version of Damian Priest everyone will see moving forward.

Backstage: Tatum Paxley, Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair

Backstage, Tatum Paxley is frustrated following her loss in the Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match earlier tonight. Alexa Bliss reassures Paxley and tells her not to worry about the setback.

Charlotte Flair reminds Paxley that they have a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match coming up next week. Flair then gives Paxley a hat before Paxley shares a hug with Bliss.

Sami Zayn In-Ring Segment

Back inside Ball Arena, Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn’s entrance music hits. Zayn makes his way to the ring for the next in-ring segment of the evening. Zayn addresses the Denver crowd and asks how many fans came to ride or die with “The Last Real Good Guy.”

Zayn is met with loud boos and reacts before turning his attention to his run as Undisputed WWE Champion. Zayn says no WWE Champion has traveled the same road that he has to reach the top. After spending years hearing people say they wanted to see him become champion, Zayn points out that he has now accomplished it.

In fact, he’s done it twice and questions the lack of respect he receives after the fact. Zayn says he continues to feel a sense of injustice because he does not believe he is treated with the same respect as other champions. He takes aim at those who believe defeating him is a foregone conclusion.

He reminds everyone that he has repeatedly found ways to survive. The champion points to his victories over CM Punk, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes as examples of his ability to overcome the odds. Zayn says he will continue finding a way to win and believes it is time for him to receive the respect he feels he is owed.

Before he can say much else, the champion is cut off by the familiar sounds of the entrance theme music of Je’Von Evans. He makes his way out as the crowd reacts.

Evans jokes that Zayn is getting red like an Angry Bird and looks like he’s crashing out. Zayn sarcastically assures him he’s fine and reminds Evans that he’s the WWE Champion.

Zayn assumes Evans is here to hear the usual speech about having a bright future, but Evans cuts him off. He’s heard that before. What if his time isn’t somewhere down the road? What if his time is now?

Evans points out that Zayn had to wait nearly 20 years to become WWE Champion, but maybe it won’t take the Young OG nearly that long. Evans says he could become the youngest Money in the Bank winner in WWE history, show up on SmackDown with the briefcase and cash in on Zayn. When Zayn wakes up, Evans says, he could be looking up at the new WWE Champion while Michael Cole sings his praises.

Zayn tries to respond, but Penta interrupts. A loud “Penta” chant breaks out as he enters the ring.

Penta says he respects Evans, but if Evans wants the Money in the Bank contract, he’ll have to go through him. Penta then turns his attention to Zayn and issues a warning. Whether Zayn or Roman Reigns is champion, Penta plans to cash in the briefcase and become World Champion.

Penta finishes with his familiar declaration: “Cero Miedo.” Zayn again tries to speak, only for United States Champion Trick Williams to make his entrance.

Williams gives Evans and Penta their credit but reminds everyone that it’s Friday night, meaning this is his territory. He then turns his attention to Zayn, calling him “gingerbread” and mocking his appearance, shoes and breath. According to Trick, there’s only one man in the ring who looks, sounds and smells like money — and that’s him.

An increasingly frustrated Zayn finally gets the floor. He says none of them can do what he’s done. There are at least two future losers standing in the ring — and probably three — but the real question is what happens when the losses and years begin piling up.

Zayn recalls everything he’s endured throughout his career, from being embarrassed at WrestleMania to being thrown into dumpsters, yet he survived and eventually became WWE Champion. He questions whether any of them could overcome the same obstacles and says they don’t deserve to share his ring until they’ve proven they can.

Zayn leaves the ring, but Finn Balor is waiting for him on the stage. Balor warns Zayn that briefcase or not, he’s coming for the WWE Championship.

Zayn dismisses Balor and tells him he isn’t special and should earn a title opportunity.

Balor responds by dropping Zayn, but Gunther suddenly attacks Balor from behind with a ripcord lariat. Gunther stares down Zayn before flattening the WWE Champion with a lariat as well.

Gunther sends Zayn crashing into a ladder before doing the same to Balor. Gunther stands tall over both men.

Backstage With Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green & Lash Legend

Cathy Kelley catches up with Tiffany Stratton backstage, where Stratton discusses her plans to win Money in the Bank.

Chelsea Green arrives to celebrate with Stratton before Lash Legend joins the conversation. Danhausen can also be spotted in the background.

Backstage With Gunther & Danhausen

Cathy Kelley approaches Gunther backstage, but Danhausen appears with another one of his antics.

Gunther has seen enough and tosses Danhausen into some nearby equipment before walking away.

Giulia vs. Blake Monroe

Giulia and Blake Monroe waste little time trading strikes after the opening bell. Giulia connects with a headlock throw before Monroe traps her in the corner with a series of kicks. Monroe places Giulia on the top turnbuckle and connects with a handstand hurricanrana followed by a low dropkick for a two-count.

Giulia answers with a snapmare and kicks to the back before sending Monroe outside with a running kick. Giulia follows, but Monroe drives her into the apron and connects with a running knee strike as the show heads to commercial.

Back from the break, Monroe scores another two-count before connecting with a suplex. Giulia attempts to fight back, but Monroe drives her into the corner and follows with a knee strike and Regal Cutter for another near fall.

Monroe applies a crossface, but Giulia escapes and hits a jawbreaker. Giulia builds momentum with shoulder blocks and a flurry of punches before connecting with a corner attack and second-rope dropkick that sends Monroe flying across the ring.

Monroe avoids the Arrivederci knee and answers with a Sling Blade. A Saito suplex earns Monroe another two-count. Giulia counters a Neutralizer attempt with a back body drop and looks for the Northern Lights Bomb, but Monroe escapes and connects with a headbutt.

Giulia laughs it off and drills Monroe with the Arrivederci knee. Giulia follows with a Curb Stomp for a close near fall. Monroe crawls onto the apron, where Giulia grabs her by the hair and pulls her toward the top turnbuckle.

Monroe manages to slip free and trips Giulia, sending her face-first into the corner. Monroe immediately covers Giulia and scores the three-count. We head to another commercial break as Blake celebrates the win.

Winner: Blake Monroe

Backstage With Johnny Gargano & Sami Zayn

Johnny Gargano consoles Candice LeRae following her loss earlier in the night before turning his attention to his upcoming Money in the Bank qualifier. Gargano says he has the opportunity to become “Johnny in the Bank.” Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn walks up looking concerned.

Zayn tells Gargano they’re cut from the same cloth and tries to fire him up ahead of the main event. Zayn urges Gargano to go out there and win the match. Gargano gets fired up and heads off as Zayn crosses the fingers on both hands.

WWE SmackDown Preview For Next Week (10/9/2026)

Next Friday on SmackDown, Fatal Influence will defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley. CM Punk is also advertised to appear on the October 9 episode.

Men’s Money In The Bank Qualifier
Kevin Owens vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Cody Rhodes

It’s main event time!

Kevin Owens makes his entrance wearing a black armband reading “BEN” in tribute to the late Benjamin Satterley, better known to wrestling fans as PAC and Neville. The bell rings and Cody Rhodes immediately goes after Owens before catching Gargano with an elbow. Owens responds by attacking Rhodes and clubbing him down to the mat.

Rhodes reverses a whip and catches Owens with a knee to the midsection. Gargano gets involved, but Rhodes blocks a kick and rolls him up for two. Rhodes follows with a backslide on Owens, who kicks out at one. Owens takes control and works over both opponents before sending Gargano outside. He connects with a short-arm clothesline on Rhodes, but Rhodes knocks him from the apron to the floor.

Gargano kicks Rhodes back before catching Owens with a kick to the face. Gargano follows with a slingshot spear on Rhodes and a suicide dive onto Owens on the floor as the show heads to a mid-match commercial break. During the picture-in-picture break, Gargano knocks Owens back outside before Rhodes begins fighting back. Owens cuts Rhodes off and kicks Gargano out of the ring before hitting Rhodes with a cannonball in the corner for a two-count.

Rhodes attempts a piledriver on Owens, but Owens counters with a back body drop. Rhodes tries to turn it into a sunset flip, only for Gargano to catapult Rhodes head-first into Owens below the belt. Gargano covers Rhodes for one before continuing the attack. Rhodes fights back, but Gargano takes him down and connects with a kick to the face for a near fall.

Owens pulls Gargano outside and repeatedly sends him into the commentary table before bouncing him off the steel steps. Back from the break, Owens pulls a table from underneath the ring to a big reaction from the crowd. He sets it up at ringside and looks to put Gargano through it, but Candice LeRae intervenes to save her husband.

Gargano sends Owens into the steps before returning to the ring, where Rhodes runs him over with a forearm and follows with a snap powerslam. Rhodes connects with a Disaster Kick before unloading on Owens and delivering a Bionic Elbow.

Gargano takes Rhodes down and locks in the Gargano Escape, but Owens breaks it up. Owens looks for a Stunner on Gargano, who escapes, only to eat a snap German suplex. Owens attempts a package piledriver, but Gargano counters into another Gargano Escape. Owens rolls through for a two-count.

Rhodes returns and delivers a front suplex that sends Gargano crashing onto Owens. Rhodes looks up at the Money in the Bank briefcases before setting up Cross Rhodes, but Gargano catches him with a knee to the face.

LeRae grabs Rhodes from the floor as Gargano prepares a superkick. Gargano stops himself before accidentally striking his wife, but Rhodes boots Gargano into LeRae, sending her off the apron and onto the table at ringside.

The table doesn’t break. Rhodes then punches Gargano off the apron and sends him crashing through the table. Owens and Rhodes begin trading shots until simultaneous clotheslines leave both men down as SmackDown heads to another commercial break.

During the break, Owens gets back to his feet first and stomps away at Rhodes while officials help LeRae to the back. Owens attempts a senton splash, but Rhodes gets his knees up.

Rhodes mounts Owens in the corner and unloads with punches before placing him on the top turnbuckle. Gargano suddenly returns and shoves Rhodes to the floor before going after Owens.

Back from the final commercial break, Owens connects with a fisherman’s superplex on Gargano for a close two-count. Owens heads to the top rope, but Rhodes meets him there. Gargano joins the action and catches Rhodes with a sunset flip powerbomb before Owens comes flying off the top with a Swanton Bomb onto Rhodes.

Gargano immediately superkicks Owens and covers Rhodes, but Rhodes kicks out at two. Rhodes recovers and connects with a Super Cody Cutter on Gargano. Owens immediately superkicks Rhodes out of the ring and looks for a Pop-up Powerbomb on Gargano.

Gargano avoids it, but Owens catches him with a Stunner. Owens covers, but Rhodes dives in and stops referee Charles Robinson’s hand from hitting the mat for the three-count.

An angry Owens stomps Rhodes before the two begin exchanging punches and chops. Owens throws his wrist tape at Rhodes, leading to another wild exchange in the center of the ring.

Owens looks for the Stunner, but Rhodes counters and connects with Cross Rhodes. Rhodes covers Owens, but Randy Orton suddenly appears and pulls the referee out of the ring before the three-count.

Rhodes immediately goes after Orton at ringside. Orton sends Rhodes into the steel steps and places him on the commentary table, but Rhodes escapes a draping DDT attempt and drives Orton into the apron.

Rhodes sends Orton into the ring post and sees him positioned for a potential Punt, but Gargano attacks Rhodes before he can capitalize.

Back inside, Gargano connects with One Final Beat on Owens for a near fall. Owens recovers and superkicks Gargano before sending him into the ropes and connecting with a Pop-up Powerbomb. Orton prevents Rhodes from getting back into the ring as Owens covers Gargano for the victory.

Kevin Owens advances to the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, joining Trick Williams, Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Penta and CM Punk.

An irate Rhodes chases Orton through the crowd, but Orton manages to escape. Back inside the ring, Owens looks up at the Money in the Bank briefcases hanging above the ring before celebrating his victory as SmackDown goes off the air. Thanks for joining us!

Winner: Kevin Owens