WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights (4/09/26)
WWE SmackDown delivered an eventful September 4 episode, which aired tonight after being taped the previous week, serving as the final stop before this Sunday’s special Sunday Night’s Main Event. With the stakes rising across multiple storylines, the episode focused on building momentum and setting the stage for what fans can expect at the upcoming event. The night was headlined by a hard-fought Undisputed WWE Championship match that provided a dramatic conclusion to the show, while several other developments kept the action moving throughout the evening. Chelsea Green’s latest medical update added another layer to her ongoing situation, while Giulia made it clear that her issues with Blake Monroe were far from over, getting her revenge with a backstage attack. Alongside these developments, SmackDown featured a series of competitive matches, heated confrontations, and storyline advancements that helped establish the tone for Sunday’s show and left fans with plenty to anticipate.
Opening Segment
WWE SmackDown kicked off with an unexpected dose of humor as Danhausen made his presence felt, delivering a quirky promo centered on his mission to lift the curse surrounding Cleveland’s struggling sports teams, particularly the Browns and Cavaliers. The mood quickly shifted when Gunther stepped into the spotlight and confronted Sami Zayn over his controversial involvement in last week’s No. 1 Contender’s Match. Zayn appeared from the crowd to explain his actions, but the confrontation soon turned personal as he fired verbal shots at CM Punk. Things escalated further when Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor joined the chaos, creating a tense standoff that left Zayn with little choice but to retreat. The explosive opening segment immediately established several brewing rivalries and added more tension to the road ahead.
Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs. Lainey Reed & Fallon Henley
The action continued on SmackDown with Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley joining forces for a tag team showdown, with Alexa Bliss watching their backs at ringside, while Jacy Jayne accompanied Lainey Reed and Fallon Henley. The competitive bout featured plenty of back-and-forth action, but Flair and Paxley ultimately managed to secure the victory and appeared to have the night under control. However, their celebration was cut short when Jade Cargill and the Baddies stormed the scene, turning the situation into complete chaos. Cargill and her allies attacked both teams, leaving Flair, Paxley, Reed and Henley down in the aftermath. The post-match assault added another layer to the ongoing tensions in the women’s division and made it clear that Cargill and the Baddies are looking to make a statement.
Chelsea Green’s injury status
Nick Aldis addressed the situation surrounding Chelsea Green on SmackDown by bringing her into the ring alongside a doctor for an official medical evaluation. After assessing Green, the doctor confirmed that she had been cleared to compete, but with one important condition: she must wear a protective mask whenever she steps into the ring. Green’s return to action immediately attracted attention, but she was soon confronted by Nia Jax and Lash Legend, with Jax making it clear that she wanted an opportunity at Green’s Women’s Championship. What began as a medical update quickly turned into a major title announcement, as Aldis made the match official for next week’s SmackDown, setting up a highly anticipated championship clash between Green and Jax.
Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton
Following the heated segment, an impromptu showdown was quickly arranged, putting Nia Jax against Tiffany Stratton in an unexpected singles encounter. The match wasted little time getting physical, with both women showcasing their power and athleticism while looking for an opening to gain control. Stratton attempted to use her speed and agility to keep Jax off balance, but the former champion’s strength eventually proved to be the difference-maker. Jax took control at the crucial moment and delivered a devastating Annihilator, planting Stratton before covering her for the three-count. The decisive victory gave Jax valuable momentum heading into her upcoming Women’s Championship opportunity and sent a clear warning to Chelsea Green.
Kit Wilson & The Miz vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki
The tag team action on SmackDown delivered an entertaining clash as Bakusai, consisting of Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki, squared off against Kit Wilson and The Miz. Both teams battled through a competitive encounter, with Nakamura and Kyoki eventually finding the opening they needed to take control and secure the victory. Their win looked like a strong statement from the newly formed duo, but they had little time to celebrate. Following the match, the MFTs made their presence felt by confronting Bakusai, instantly changing the atmosphere and hinting at a potential rivalry between the two sides. The unexpected confrontation added another layer of intrigue to the SmackDown tag team division and left fans wondering what could come next for Nakamura and Kyoki.
Giulia vs Blake Monroe
Fans expecting to see Giulia and Blake Monroe finally settle their differences inside the ring on SmackDown were left disappointed as their anticipated match never took place. During a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley, Monroe once again made it clear that she looked down on Giulia, suggesting that the former Women’s United States Champion was not on her level. Her comments quickly caught up with her when Giulia launched a surprise attack on The Glamour, chasing her from backstage and into the arena as the confrontation spiraled out of control. The Beautiful Madness eventually delivered the Arrivederci, leaving Monroe laid out in the ring and bringing the segment to an emphatic conclusion. While the match may have been postponed, Giulia’s actions sent a clear message that she is more than ready for Monroe and that their growing rivalry is far from over.
CM Punk vs Johnny Gargano
The main event of SmackDown saw CM Punk put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Johnny Gargano in a hard-fought encounter. Punk took control during the commercial break, but Gargano refused to stay down and eventually caught the champion with a superkick for a near fall. Just when Punk appeared ready to finish the match with the Go To Sleep, Sami Zayn unexpectedly arrived and once again threw the title picture into chaos. Candice LeRae and Kevin Owens also became involved at ringside, followed by Gunther and Finn Bálor, creating a chaotic sequence that allowed Zayn to strike Punk with the championship belt. Gargano nearly capitalized on the opportunity, but Punk kicked out at two. After surviving the chaos, Punk finally put Gargano away with the Go To Sleep to retain his title. Following the match, Punk confronted Zayn and officially challenged him to an Undisputed WWE Championship match on next week’s SmackDown in Mexico City, adding another major chapter to their growing rivalry.
Other Notable Moments from the Show
– The heated rivalry between Paige and Nikki Bella reached another boiling point on SmackDown, setting the stage for their highly anticipated showdown next week in Mexico City. After weeks of tension and the fallout from a shocking betrayal, Paige confronted the confident Bella and made it clear that she intends to settle their differences inside the ring. Paige emphasized that she built her career through hard work, loyalty and earning the respect of the wrestling world, while taking a personal shot at Bella’s rise to fame. With both women clearly unwilling to back down, their confrontation added even more intensity to what promises to be a highly emotional clash on next Friday’s show.
– Tensions between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes escalated once again on SmackDown when The Viper interrupted Corey Graves’ sit-down interview with The American Nightmare. Orton continued his personal attacks from the previous week, taking another shot at Rhodes’ wife and even bringing his beloved dog Pharaoh into the conversation. The former mentor then went a step further by labeling Rhodes an “addict,” claiming that his obsession with becoming WWE Champion had made him sick. Rhodes, however, refused to back down and calmly stared Orton down before admitting that if he truly was sick, at least he was aware of it. He then delivered a chilling warning, telling Orton that if that was the case, The Viper would be in serious trouble when they finally collide this Sunday. The segment added a much more personal edge to their rivalry, with both former allies now seemingly determined to settle their differences in the ring.
