WWE SmackDown Results 8/21/26
Scotiabank Arena
Toronto, Canada

You can follow me on Twitter @TheHootsPodcast

Commentators: (Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett)

Ring Announcer: Mark Nash 

Transcription by Josh Lopez

Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Nick Aldis Segment 

Sami Zayn: Yes, it is, Nick. No, it’s exactly what it is, it’s an injustice, Nick. It’s an injustice. It should be me out there defending the WWE Championship, tonight in Toronto, in my home country. But it’s CM Punk, and that’s an injustice, and that’s because of you. Yes. Yes. And when I ask for justice, Nick, I’m not asking for much, just when do I get my rematch for my WWE Championship? No, what do you tell me, go out there and earn it, number one contenders match. Here’s Finn Balor, oh, by the way, at the last second, here’s GUNTHER. And, oh, at the very last second, here’s Kevin Owens. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for him, I want good things for him, but at the end of the day, Nick, it’s an injustice. And then last week, Nick, I say it again, I ask you again, when, when do I get my chance at justice? And you say, well, go out there, another number one contenders match, go earn it. Oh, broken hand, you’re jeopardizing your career? Tough. Take it or leave it, and I take it. I still put on my boots and go out there. And I still don’t get my match, why, because Randy Orton gets involved? What business does Randy Orton have getting involved, tell me? He loss. He loss to Cody Rhodes.

Randy Orton: By all means, Sami, please continue, I want to see where this goes.

Cody Rhodes: Randy!

Sami Zayn: No, it’s simple, Randy.

Cody Rhodes: Out here. Out here. Out here. No, we got abruptly cut off last week. Get out here, right now. What are we waiting on? Nick, send him out, send Sami, too, I got one for him. Come on, Randy. What are we waiting for? Let’s get Randy Orton out, right here, right now. Come on.

Nick Aldis: Cody, I know you’re upset, but we’re not doing this right now, okay? Last week was a disaster, it was almost a complete catastrophe. You have your match in Atlanta at Sunday Night’s Main Event.

Randy Orton: We already got a time and a place, Cody. There’s already a time and a place. In two weeks from this Sunday, in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday Night’s Main Event, your hometown. I’m whooping your ass in front of your family as they no doubt sit in that front row. We don’t have to do this now, man. We got two weeks, I’m beating your ass, no doubt about it.

Cody Rhodes: I think I know you well enough to know, you don’t want to wait two weeks, what’s stopping us from doing it, right here, right now?

Nick Aldis: No, hey, we’re not doing this again. I’m sick of you. I’m sick of you putting officials in danger. I’m sick of you putting fans in danger. And quite frankly, I’m sick of you disrespecting me, so here’s what’s going to happen right now. At Sunday Night’s Main Event, you two can tear each other apart, but not one minute sooner. As you’re both obsessed with being WWE Champion, if either of you lays a finger on the other before Sunday Night’s Main Event, mark my words, you will never, never get another shot at the WWE Championship, and you can take that to the bank, both of you. Look at me and know that I’m dead serious. So, what’s it going to be, boys? You want to keep screwing up my show or do you want another title shot?

Randy Orton: I’ll tell you one thing, right now, there’s no way in absolute hell, Nick, that I’m gonna get in this ring tonight and jeopardize me becoming a 15x World Champion. You have my word, you can call me, Mr. Professional. That’s the term, right, Mr. Professional? But while I’m out here, I do have one a question for you. A few minutes ago, while I was in the back, I heard you say something about finishing off where we left off last week on SmackDown. Now, I saw the footage, you had that chair held up high, you were about to smash my head like a grape, and you would have everybody believe that you were stopped from doing such a thing. But I know you, Cody, I know you better than you know yourself, and I know that’s a lie. I know that, if you swung that chair, you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself. Now, me, months ago before WrestleMania, I swung that chair as hard as I could, I saw red, and I had zero remorse, zero. Want to know why? Because I know how to go there, I know how to do what needs to be done, I know how to be my worst self. The worst version of Cody Rhodes, are you serious? You are a good guy. You have always been a good guy. You will always be a good guy. The Golden Boy. American Nightmare? Brother, you are The American Daydream. Two weeks ago, you asked the question, the question was this, who was gonna kill the legend of Randy Orton? Well, you didn’t finish, you didn’t answer that question, and I know why, Cody. Because it’s not going to be you.

Cody Rhodes: You are operating at a very dangerous assumption. You’re assuming that me swinging that chair is the wrong thing to do. You said it yourself, you shook my hand, you called me your brother, and then you painted that table red with my blood. And then at WrestleMania, you lost, and before you left, you kicked me so hard in the skull, I still got makeup covering it up. So, what stops me from doing that, and is that really the wrong thing? You think that, are you sure? Now, I have learned from my friends, my heroes, my enemies and I have learned from you. Take this as a moment with me trying to teach you something. Say you’re right, say you go and you win the 15th, hell, maybe the 16th, maybe the 17th, maybe you break every record there is, maybe Randy Orton becomes the greatest of all-time. But here’s what happens after, you still come back to me, the one who kills The Legend Killer is QB1. And Randy, that is not a prediction, it’s a spoiler.

– The MFT’s walking through the back sending a warning to the entire tag team division. HAKU appears. Haku says that it’s time they show Damian Priest and R-Truth who The Motherfucking Tongans are here.

First Match: The MFT’s (c) w/Haku vs. Damian Priest & R-Truth For The WWE Tag Team Championship

The MFT’s jump Priest and Truth before the bell rings. Tama is throwing haymakers at Priest. Priest with forearm shivers. Tama drives his knee into the midsection of Priest. Tama hammers down on the back of Priest’s neck. Priest reverses out of the irish whip from Tama. Tama kicks Priest in the chest. Priest drops Tama with a leaping shoulder tackle. Priest launches Tama to the corner. Priest rocks Tama with a forearm smash. Priest with rapid fire haymakers. We see The War Raiders looking on from the locker room. Priest sends Tama to the corner. Tama decks Priest with a back elbow smash. Priest drops Tama with The Big Boot. Priest brings Tama to the corner. Priest with a big forearm smash. Priest tags in Truth. Truth does a split. Truth with The Stinger Splash. Priest sends Talla tumbling to the floor. Wepa Time knocks Talla off the ring apron with a double shoulder tackle. Wepa Time clotheslines Tama over the top rope. Truth with The Slingshot Pescado. Truth is fired up. Priest runs Talla rib first into the ringside barricade. Truth rolls Tama back into the ring. Truth with two haymakers. Short-Arm Reversal by Tama. Tama with The Hot Shot. Tama with a Sliding Elbow Strike for a one count.

Tama transitions into a ground and pound attack. Tama dumps Truth out of the ring. Tama tags in Talla. Talla dumps Truth face first on the barricade. Talla rolls Truth back into the ring. Talla stomps on Truth’s ribs. Talla knocks Priest off the apron. Truth with three haymakers. Talla slaps Truth in the chest. Talla tags in Tama. Tama whips Truth across the ring. Tama punches Truth in the back. Talla clotheslines Truth. Tama hooks the outside leg for a two count. Tama fish hooks Truth. Tama puts his leg on the back of Truth’s neck. Tama HeadButts Truth. Tama tags in Talla. Talla with an Overhand Chop. Talla tags in Tama. Tama applies a rear chin lock. Truth with elbows into the midsection of Tama. Tama answers with a clubbing sledge. Tama sends Truth to the corner. Truth avoids The Diving Back Elbow Smash. Truth slides under a clothesline from Tama. Truth with a Leaping Calf Kick. Priest and Talla are tagged in. Priest with a Spinning Roundhouse Kick from the apron. Priest ducks a clothesline from Talla. Priest with a series of haymakers. Priest SuperKicks Talla. Priest transitions into a corner mount. Talla applies The Bear Hug. Priest hammers down on the back of Talla’s neck. Priest nails Talla with The Bell Clap. Priest with a Spinning Roundhouse Kick. Priest with a Leaping Flatliner to Tama. Priest follows that with a Face Crusher.

Priest plays to the crowd. Priest with a Flying Clothesline for a one count. Talla denies The South Of Heaven Chokeslam. Priest with repeated back elbow smashes. Talla clotheslines Priest. Talla repeatedly stomps on Priest’s chest. Talla is choking Priest with his boot. Priest kicks Talla in the face. Priest decks Tama with a back elbow smash. Priest side steps Talla into the turnbuckles. Tama tags himself in. Tama stops Priest in his tracks. Priest with a Spinning Enzuigiri. Pries tags in Truth. Truth ducks a clothesline from Tama. Truth with Two Diving Shoulder Tackles. Truth with a Spinning Side Slam. You Can’t See Me, Ron. Truth delivers The Five Knuckle Shuffle. Truth hits The Attitude Adjustment for a two count. Priest is throwing haymakers at Talla. Priest clotheslines Talla over the top rope. Priest with a Flying Double Axe Handle Strike off the steel ring steps. Tama sends Priest crashing into the announce table. Talla Chokeslams Priest on the apron. Truth rolls Tama over for a two count. Truth with rapid fire haymakers. Truth kicks Tama in the gut. Truth goes for The SitOut FaceBuster, but Tama lands back on his feet. Tama drops Truth with a Swinging NeckBreaker. Tama tags in Talla. The MFT’s connects with The Red Cross to pickup the victory. After the match, Priest helps Truth get back on his feet and gives him a hug.

Winner: Still WWE Tag Team Champions, The MFT’s via Pinfall 

– Cathy Kelley had a backstage interview with CM Punk. Does walking into a hostile environment defending the WWE Championship against a returning Kevin Owens change his gameplan? Not at all, he thrives on pressure, he thrives in hostile territories. Punk says that Kevin has been fighting these imaginary one-sided beefs in his head, these ghosts from 20 years ago. Kevin makes the claim that Punk hasn’t changed, but he disagrees. He has changed, he’s grown, he’s evolved, he’s better and he’s the champion for a reason. Punk says that he still sees the same Kevin Owens from 20 years. Punk mentions that Kevin is having a championship opportunity in his second match after being out of action for 17 months. Before Punk could finish his thought, Randy Orton appears. Randy says that Punk is looking good. He’s here to give him a fair warning. After he’s done whooping Cody Rhodes in Atlanta, in front of his family, he just wanted to give Punk a heads up. He’s coming for Number 15. Punk says that he’s looking forward to it as Randy walks away.

– Coming out of the commercial break, Chelsea Green runs into Tiffany Stratton in the back. Chelsea is so glad that Tiffany is feeling better after last week. Chelsea has an idea to make up for everything that happened last week. She’s going to bring Tiffany to a nice steak dinner. Tiffany says that it’s okay, she understands that Chelsea was just trying to help. Tiffany tells Chelsea to not go out there during her match, she doesn’t want anything to jeopardize her title reign. Chelsea says that’s so sweet. Chelsea says hi to Paige as they’re walking around the backstage area. Paige mentions that what Chelsea said last week was so powerful, she should be very proud of herself. Paige knows what it’s like to have something taken away from her due to injury. Paige says that Chelsea is going to be champion for a very long time. Fatal Influence joins the conversation. Jacy Jayne is poking fun at this cute little bonding moment. Jacy says that Chelsea shouldn’t be taking advice from people who don’t know how to hold onto championships. Fallon Henley says that it’s only a matter of time before Fatal Influence takes the WWE Women’s Championship, too. Lainey says that Chelsea’s speech from last week was cute, but they know that words don’t match when they get into the ring with Fatal Influence. Paige would like to get some gold back around her waist. And since Nikki “The Backstabber” Bella isn’t here tonight, how about Paige takes the Women’s United States Championship instead? Tiffany says that Fatal Influence can go back to being irrelevant just like they were when they got to SmackDown. Jacy says that Tiffany can continue wrapping tape around her waist while Fatal Influence will continue to wrap gold around theirs.

– Cathy Kelley had a backstage interview with Blake Monroe. Tonight, is Blake’s first match on SmackDown, is this debut that she envisioned? No, it’s not, Blake sees herself as World Championship Material. Blake says that her debut should be for the WWE Women’s Championship, even if it’s against Chelsea Green. Blake is going to have a rendezvous with her old friend, Giulia. And even worse, Blake says that her debut should be taking place in Paris, but no stuck with a rack looking for some appropriate to wear in this dump known as Toronto. Cathy understands that Blake is upset, but she feels like whatever she chooses to wear, she’ll look great in it. Blake says that Cathy is right, she will look great. And even when they give Blake nothing, she’ll do what she does best, and make everybody talk about The Glamour.

Second Match: Blake Monroe vs. Giulia 

Monroe attacks Giulia from behind during her entrance. Monroe with clubbing blows to Giulia’s back. Monroe removes Giulia’s ring jacket. Monroe is putting the boots to Giulia. Monroe slams Giulia’s head on the ring apron. Monroe drives Giulia face first into the steel ring steps. Monroe rolls Giulia back into the ring. Monroe tells Giulia to bring it. Monroe HeadButts Giulia. Monroe drops Giulia with a sharp knee strike. Monroe poses for the crowd. Monroe hits The Neutralizer. Monroe walks out of the ring. This match is being ruled a no-contest. After the match, Monroe says that she’s championship material.

Match Result: No-Contest 

– We see Charlotte Flair talking to Alexa Bliss in the back. Charlotte apologizes for being super busy lately, but she’s really excited for Alexa’s upcoming Birthday Brunch. Charlotte says it’s just going to be her, Alexa and Lilly at this brunch, but that’s not the case, because Tatum Paxley will be joining them as well. Tatum is really excited to hang out with Charlotte and Alexa. Tatum asks, who’s Mary, and is she bringing the blood or will Tatum have to? Charlotte wants Alexa to tell her what’s happening. Jade Cargill appears with The Baddies. Jade says that Charlotte needed this little freak show to bail her out of their match. Tatum introduces herself. Will Jade and The Baddies be joining them at Alexa’s Birthday Brunch? Tatum says that she needs their blood. Charlotte says that Tatum may be strange, but no concept of personal space, this freakshow handled The Baddies, just like that. Michin challenges Tatum to her first match on SmackDown next week. Tatum accepts the challenge and she’s supper giddy about it. Jade continues to stare at Charlotte as she walks away. Tatum is grateful that Charlotte defended her and gave her a big hug.

Trick Williams, Lil Yachty, Baron Corbin Segment 

Trick Williams: Hey, yo, cut the music. Hey, yo, first things first, I know it’s been a minute, but I got my dog back, Lil Yachty. But I don’t have my title back. One thing is for sure, two things for certain, that big bald-headed bum, Baron Corbin does not want to see Trick Williams, one-on-one, without taking a shortcut or cheating. So, I’ll tell you what, Baron, since you walk around backstage looking like a cueball, how about you come out here, so you can get hit with this Trick Shot, and I can get my title back, let’s talk about it. Hey, Cueball, I’m the one you’re looking for, I’m the one you cheated out of that title. Me, Trick Williams, Trick Willy Wonka, Mr. Whoop That, Mr. Lemon Pepper Stepper. How about you stop ducking me? Stop dodging me and give the people what they want. I say, you versus me, right here, right now, in Toronto for that title, wherever it is?

Baron Corbin: You want a shot at the title? That title right now is getting a pretty little haircut. You’re not getting another shot at that title, Trick. Let me make this perfectly clear. We had a title match, you lost. We had a rematch, and you lost, again. So, why would I give you a shot, you got nothing to offer me? I beat you every single time we’ve stepped in this ring. So, get this through your thick skull, it ain’t happening, not tonight, not anywhere. So, you can take your coat carrying friend and get the hell out of my face. We are done. This is over.

Lil Yachty starts attacking Corbin with The Trick Stick. Trick clotheslines Corbin over the top rope.

Baron Corbin: Okay, you want to do this? This is how you want to do this? Fine, how about this. Sunday Night’s Main Event. Atlanta, Georgia. Yeah, I said it, y’all not worth it. But first, I want him. I want Yachty in his hometown. Five minutes in that very ring. If he lives, you get your title shot. If I beat him, we are done, and we are done for good, do you understand. So, Yachty, look at me, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is?

Lil Yachty: You’re on.

Baron Corbin: Good. Yachty, this is gonna be the longest five minutes of your life.

– Cathy Kelley had a backstage interview with Kevin Owens. How poetic it is to have a WWE Championship Match after being out of action for 17 months? Obviously, it feels great. Finn Balor joins the conversation. Finn just wanted to say that he was so glad to see Kevin Owens return at SummerSlam, but as his friend, a little heads up before joining his match would’ve been nice. Nobody knew that Kevin was coming back. Kevin says that’s a fair point. Kevin gets interrupted by GUNTHER. Gunther says that Kevin has a lot of pressure on him tonight, he has the opportunity to get his hands on somebody he’s despised for 20 years, he’s got to make the best of it, and become WWE Champion. Gunther wants to take some pressure off Kevin’s shoulders, because he doesn’t have to worry about Finn Balor, he’s a shadow of himself. So, if Kevin wins tonight, what he’ll have to worry about is Gunther. Gunther laughs and walks away. Kevin asks Finn if Gunther was upset or was that just his accent? Finn says it’s not Gunther’s accent; he’s always upset. Finn says that Kevin just needs to worry about tonight. As his friend, he’s giving a heads up, he’ll be waiting for him on the other side of this WWE Championship Match. Kevin says that it will be an honor and gives Finn a fist bump.

Third Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend w/Nia Jax 

Stratton dropkicks the left knee of Legend after the bell rings. Stratton with a basement dropkick. Tiffy Time. Legend drops Stratton with a Running Uppercut. Legend drives her knee into Stratton’s ribs. Legend with Muay Thai Knee Strikes. Legend bodyslams Stratton for a two count. Legend applies The Bear Hug. Legend repeatedly drives Stratton back first into the turnbuckles. Legend blocks The Sunset Flip. Legend launches Stratton across the ring. Stratton dodges The Pump Kick. Stratton delivers a chop block. Stratton with a Backstabber that sends Legend to the floor. Legend catches Stratton in mid-air. Legend drives Stratton back first into the steel ring post. Legend slams Stratton on the apron. Legend poses for the crowd. Legend has complete control of the match during the commercial break. Stratton with forearm shivers. Legend shoves Stratton. Legend rocks Stratton with a forearm smash. Legend with a Vertical Suplex. Legend pops back on her feet.

Legend goes for a Running Elbow Drop, but Stratton ducks out of the way. Stratton side steps Legend into the turnbuckles. Stratton with two short-arm lariats. Stratton ducks a clothesline from Legend. Legend blocks The Cartwheel Alabama Slam. Legend goes for a PowerBomb, but Stratton counters with a Hurricanrana. Stratton drops Legend with The Handspring Stunner. Stratton goes for The Swanton Bomb, but Legend ducks out of the way. Stratton dodges another Pump Kick. Stratton with The Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Legend denies The PME. Legend drags Stratton off the turnbuckles. Legend connects with The Lash Extension to pickup the victory. After the match, Nia Jax delivers a Running Leg Drop. Legend applies The Bear Hug. Jax levels Stratton with The Body Avalanche. Chelsea Green storms into the ring to make the save. Green attacks The Irresistible Forces with a kendo stick.

Winner: Lash Legend via Pinfall 

– CM Punk/Kevin Owens Video Package.

Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki Promo 

Shinsuke Nakamura: MFT. For weeks, I have warned you, but you haven’t been listening. Well, what is in the dark, has finally come to light.

Kyoki: I am Kyoki. After spending years competing around the world, finally, I have arrived to WWE. Champions, legends, monsters, I don’t care. The stronger they are, the more fun I have.

Shinsuke Nakamura: He does not fear chaos, he enjoys it.

Kyoki: More fights. More gold. More madness.

Shinsuke Nakamura: MFT, you have the championships, for now. When Strong Style and Madness collide, there will be an explosion. The clock is ticking.

Kyoki: Bakusai

Fourth Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Kevin Owens For The Undisputed WWE Championship

Rockers Punches. Owens kicks Punk in the gut. Owens with rapid fire haymakers in the corner. Punk reverses out of the irish whip from Owens. Owens clotheslines Punk. Owens clotheslines Punk over the top rope. Owens chases Punk out on the floor. Punk repeatedly stomps on Owens chest. Owens blocks The Vertical Suplex. Owens dumps Punk ribs first on the top rope. Owens knocks Punk off the ring apron with a straight right hand. Owens unloads two knife edge chops. Owens with a big right hand. Owens clears the announce table. Punk with two toe kicks. Punk rolls Owens back into the ring. Punk returns the hood of the announce desk. Owens blocks a boot from Punk. Owens kicks the right hamstring of Punk. Owens pulls Punk down to the mat. Owens with a Senton Splash. Owens poses for the crowd. Owens goes for The Stunner, but Punk counters with a NeckBreaker.

Punk with a Running Boot. Punk repeatedly stomps on the back of Owens neck. Punk with The Mongolian Chop. Haymaker Exchange. Owens with a chop/haymaker combination. Owens with rapid fire bodyshots in the corner. Punk with a reverse hammer throw into the turnbuckles. Punk with a knee drop. Following a snap mare takeover, Punk chops the back of Owens neck. Punk with a Mid-Kick. Punk with a Running Knee Drop for a one count. Punk applies a front face lock. Punk bodyslams Owens for a two count. Punk applies a rear chin lock. Punk repeatedly drops his weight on Owens back. Punk flexes his muscles. Owens with two forearm smashes. Owens chops Punk. Punk goes for The GTS, but Owens lands back on his feet. Owens rolls Punk over for a two count. Punk with an Inside Out Lariat for a two count. Owen pie faces Punk. Punk repeatedly stomps on Owens face. Punk is choking Owens with his knee. The referee admonishes Punk. Punk slams Owens head on the top turnbuckle pad. Owens punches Punk in the ribs. Owens with another chop/haymaker combination. Owens whips Punk across the ring. Punk kicks Owens in the chest. Owens with a Falling Lariat. Owens with forearm shives. Owens follows that with a series of haymakers. Owens repeatedly stomps on Punk’s chest. Punk regroups on the outside. Owens with a running clothesline on the floor.

Owens rolls Punk back into the ring. Owens mocks Punk. Owens with The Running Cannonball Strike for a two count. Owens ascends to the top turnbuckle. Punk wisely exits the ring with a smirk on his face. Owens blows Punk a kiss. Owens SuperKicks Punk. Owens climbs up the ringside barricade. Owens delivers The Frog Splash through the announce table. Owens rolls Punk back into the ring. Owens with The Swanton Bomb for a two count. Owens tugs on Punk’s hair. Owens slaps Punk in the face. Owens whips Punk across the ring. Owens goes for The Pop Up PowerBomb, but Punk lands back on his feet. Punk thrust kicks the midsection of Owens. Punk kicks Owens in the chest. Punk with a Roundhouse Kick for a two count. Punk talks smack to the Maple Leaf Fans. Punk with a Running High Knee Strike. Punk with a short-arm clothesline. Punk mocks Owens. Punk follows that with The Flying Elbow Drop for a two count. Punk applies The Anaconda Vice. Owens rakes the eyes of Punk. Owens rolls Punk over for a two count. Punk with Two Swinging NeckBreakers. Punk with forearm shivers. Punk is raining down haymakers. Punk poses for the crowd. Punk goes for The GTS, but Owens counters with a back heel trip. Owens applies The Sharpshooter. Punk grabs the bottom rope which forces the break.

Owens kicks Punk in the chest. Punk slams Owens head on the top rope. Owens avoids The Roundhouse Kick. Owens kicks Punk in the gut. Punk blocks The Stunner. Punk inadvertently shoves Owens into the referee. Punk goes for The GTS, but Owens lands back on his feet. Owens shoves Punk into the referee. Owens hits The Stunner. Dan Engler is laid out on the floor. Owens calls for another referee. Punk nails Owens with The GTS. Punk transitions into a ground and pound attack. Punk is trying to drag Dan Engler back into the ring. Sami Zayn drives Punk face first into the steel ring post. Zayn rolls Punk back into the ring. Owens connects with The Stunner. Zayn rolls Engler back into the ring. Owens hooks the outside leg for a two count. Zayn is completely shocked on the outside. Zayn slides the WWE Championship into the ring. Owens refuses to hit Punk with the championship. Zayn clocks Owens with the championship instead. Punk plants Owens with The GTS to pickup the victory. After the match, Zayn viciously attacks both Punk and Owens with the WWE Championship. Zayn says that Punk stole the title from him. Zayn poses with the WWE Championship as the show goes off the air.

Winner: Still Undisputed WWE Champion, CM Punk via Pinfall 

Checkout Episode 23 of The SUR Files