WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights (28/08/26): Orton & Rhodes face-off, Triple Threat No.1 Contender’s Match for WWE Title and more
The August 28 edition of WWE SmackDown delivered a packed night of drama, confrontations, and high-stakes action from the Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. From the opening moments, tensions quickly boiled over as several of WWE’s biggest names found themselves on a collision course, eventually building toward a chaotic main event. The episode also marked the highly anticipated in-ring debut of a rising star recently promoted from WWE NXT, adding another fresh element to the blue brand’s ever-changing landscape.
Adding to the night’s excitement was the intense confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, two longtime rivals whose growing tension made for one of the episode’s standout moments. With personal grudges, unexpected developments, and explosive matchups taking center stage, SmackDown continued to build momentum toward its upcoming storylines while giving fans plenty to talk about. Overall, the Ottawa show combined established superstars with emerging talent to create an energetic episode filled with surprises and memorable moments.
Opening Segment
Kevin Owens wasted no time making his frustrations known as he opened SmackDown by addressing the controversial ending to his championship opportunity from the previous week. Owens made it clear that he was still unhappy with how the match concluded, setting an intense tone right from the start. CM Punk soon interrupted, dismissing the idea that he needed Sami Zayn’s assistance during their recent encounter and making his position perfectly clear.
The situation escalated when Gunther, Finn Bálor, and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis entered the confrontation, turning an already tense exchange into a heated multi-superstar standoff. With tempers rising and no easy way to settle the dispute, Aldis stepped in with a major announcement. He revealed that the issue would be decided through a Triple Threat No. 1 Contender’s Match later in the evening, putting the spotlight on three top stars with a championship opportunity hanging in the balance.
Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend and Nia Jax
The night’s first match brought plenty of energy as the two teams collided in a fast-paced tag team battle. The action remained competitive until Lash Legend shifted the momentum by taking out Tiffany Stratton, leaving the opposition vulnerable at a crucial moment. Nia Jax then seized the opportunity, flattening Chelsea Green with the devastating Annihilator to secure the victory for her team and give them a strong start to the evening.
Jacy Jayne vs. Paige
Jacy Jayne put her WWE Women’s United States Championship on the line against Paige in a closely contested encounter that kept the crowd invested from bell to bell. Both women had their moments as they battled for control, with Paige pushing the champion to her limits in an effort to capture the title. However, Jayne remained composed when it mattered most, catching Paige with a sudden inside cradle to score the three-count and successfully retain her championship.
The drama did not end with the referee’s decision. Moments after the match, Nikki Bella made her presence felt by launching a surprise attack on Paige. The post-match assault immediately shifted the focus away from Jayne’s successful title defense and added another layer to Paige’s ongoing night, leaving questions about what Nikki’s intentions could mean for their rivalry going forward.
Michin vs. Tatum Paxley
Tatum Paxley officially began her SmackDown journey with an impressive debut against Michin, immediately showing that she belongs on the blue brand’s competitive roster. Paxley brought intensity and confidence to the contest, matching Michin’s aggression while creating several standout moments throughout the bout. She ultimately capped off a memorable first appearance by hitting Michin with the Cemetery Drive and securing the victory, giving Paxley a winning start on SmackDown and an early statement to the rest of the division.
Finn Balor vs. Gunther vs. Kevin Owens
SmackDown closed with a chaotic Triple Threat showdown featuring three of the blue brand’s top Superstars, all fighting for the chance to become the No. 1 contender for CM Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship. With a championship opportunity hanging in the balance, the contest quickly turned into a hard-hitting battle where every near-fall carried major consequences. Just when the match appeared to be approaching its conclusion, Sami Zayn stormed into the situation and disrupted the decisive pinfall, throwing the entire contest into confusion.
Zayn then attempted to take matters even further by bringing out another referee, but CM Punk soon made his way to the ring and stopped him before the situation could escalate further. With the chaos spiraling out of control, the Triple Threat ultimately ended without a definitive winner. In the closing moments, Zayn stood tall while holding the WWE Championship high in the air, leaving the arena—and the viewers at home—with a dramatic cliffhanger and plenty of questions surrounding Punk’s title reign.
Other Notable Moments from the Show
– In a backstage exchange, Ricky Saints approached Rey Fenix and made his intentions crystal clear, asking the Cruiserweight Champion for an opportunity at his title. Saints showed confidence while putting Fenix on notice, making it clear that he believes he has what it takes to challenge for the championship. The brief encounter added another potential challenger to Fenix’s growing list of contenders and could set the stage for an intriguing title showdown in the weeks ahead.
– Giulia made sure Blake Monroe did not get away with what happened the previous week, as she launched a surprise backstage assault on her rival. Fueled by revenge, Giulia caught Monroe off guard and unleashed a furious attack, making her intentions unmistakably clear. The confrontation added another layer to their growing rivalry and showed that Giulia is more than willing to settle the score herself when given the opportunity.
