WWE SmackDown Results 9/4/26
Rocket Arena
Cleveland, Ohio

You can follow me on Twitter @TheHootsPodcast

Commentators: (Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett)

Ring Announcer: Mark Nash

Transcription by Josh Lopez

GUNTHER, Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, Kevin Owens Segment 

GUNTHER: I’ve been looking for Sami Zayn all day. I know he’s here. I know he’s hiding. This show will not go forward as long as Sami Zayn doesn’t bring his ass down here, in this ring.

Sami Zayn: Hey, GUNTHER. Hey, you want to call me out, I’m right here. I’m right here, pal. You don’t need to hold the show hostage. You got something to say, go ahead and say it. I’m going to keep a little bit of distance, because I still got a broken hand I’m dealing with here. You seem to be pretty mad at me, huh? It seems to me like lately everyone is so mad at me. Let’s all take a breath, okay? Let’s get a little perspective around, because you’re talking like you’re the victim. GUNTHER, let me make something clear to you. You are not the victim here, I am. I am the one who was robbed. I am the one who should still be WWE Champion. The WWE Champion should be a good guy. Should be The Last Real Good Guy left around here. But instead, our WWE Champion is the biggest fraud, hypocrite, piece of trash, snake in the grass, shouldn’t be breathing the same air as me, CM Punk. You’re so delusional. You got the real deal here, the real working class hero, and you want to cheer for him?

It’s fine, I’m not asking for the world, I’m not asking for much, all I want is the opportunity to get back what was stolen from me, my WWE Championship. That’s it. And yet, week in, week out, I’m made to jump through obstacles, I’m kept out. You were in the Triple Threat last week, to be the number one contender. I wasn’t even included. So, if you’re not happy about what happened last week, here’s my advice to you, GUNTHER. Buckle Up. Get real comfortable, because that is the future of SmackDown from here on out. No number one contender matches, no easy ride for anybody. I don’t care if it’s you, GUNTHER. I don’t care if it’s Finn Balor. I don’t care if it’s my oldest friend in the world, Kevin Owens. If I don’t sleep, no one sleeps. If I don’t eat, no one eats. Nobody gets theirs until I get mine. No justice, no peace.

GUNTHER: You know what, Sami? I heard enough. If you don’t want to come down here, I’m gonna go down and drag your ass into that ring.

Sami Zayn: Hey, hey, hey, hey, stand right where you are. Stand right where you are, GUNTHER, I’m not cleared. I can’t fight with a broken hand.

Finn Balor: Woah, woah, woah, hold your horses, I still got a bone to pick with you. Hey, Sami Zayn, you’re out here looking for justice? Well, after what happened last week, I’m out here for Justice For Finn, and I’m going to take it, right now.

Sami starts running away from GUNTHER and Finn Balor. Kevin Owens music hits. Sami runs around the entire ringside area. Kevin chases Sami through the crowd to close this segment.

– We see CM Punk talking to Nick Aldis in the back. Nick says that we can’t keep doing this, we need a new number one contender. Punk agrees. Every time Nick tries to provide a number one contender, Sami Zayn finds a way to sabotage it. Punk wants to get his hands on Sami, but he shouldn’t be rewarded for bad behavior. Punk finds Johnny Gargano planking on a production crate. Punk asks Gargano if he fought his way to WWE just to sit on a crate or to become champion? Candice tells Punk that she’s been trying to fix this situation for months and it’s going nowhere. Punk says that he has some tricks up his sleeve. Punk says that Johnny Wrestling lurks somewhere inside of Gargano. He mentions that Gargano was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Punk proceeds to challenge Gargano to a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, tonight. Punk tells Gargano to think about it. Before Punk and Aldis starts walking away, Candice is begging them to wait a minute or two. Gargano finally gets back on his feet. Gargano accepts Punk’s challenge. Johnny Wrestling lives.

First Match: Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley w/Alexa Bliss vs. Fatal Influence w/Jacy Jayne

Tatum Paxley and Fallon Henley will start things off. Henley tags out to Reid. Reid kicks Paxley in the gut. Reid punches Paxley in the back. Reid slams Paxley’s head on the top turnbuckle pad. Paxley kicks Reid in the face. Paxley takes a swipe at Henley. Paxley goes for a Sunset Flip, but Reid tagged out to Henley. Henley stomps on Paxley’s back. Henley drives her knee into the midsection of Paxley. Reid with a Double Underhook Shoulder Breaker. Jayne starts dancing on the outside. Henley hooks the outside leg for a two count. Henley yells at the referee. Fatal Influence has complete control of the match during the commercial break. Henley takes a swipe at Charlotte. Paxley with a Roundhouse Kick. Paxley tags in Charlotte.

Charlotte with a Flying Double Crossbody Block. Charlotte unloads a series of knife edge chops. Charlotte scores the elbow knockdown. Charlotte whips Reid across the ring. Charlotte drops Reid with The Walk Over Lariat. Charlotte is fired up. Reid decks Charlotte with a back elbow smash. Charlotte with a Step Up Enzuigiri. Reid reverses out of the irish whip from Charlotte. Charlotte with a shoulder block from the ring apron. Charlotte boots Henley off the apron. Charlotte with The Slingshot Rollup for a two count. Charlotte with a single leg takedown. Reid blocks The Figure Eight. Charlotte catches Henley in mid-air. Charlotte with The Fallaway Slam. Charlotte pops back on her feet. Reid SuperKicks Charlotte. Charlotte responds with The Natural Selection.

Charlotte tags in Paxley. Paxley with The Flying Crossbody Block to the outside. Paxley rolls Reid back into the ring. Paxley with a double leg takedown. Paxley goes for The Figure Eight, but Jayne runs interference. Paxley takes a swipe at Jayne. Bliss drives Jayne face first into the steel ring post. Charlotte blasts Henley with The PK. Reid attacks Paxley from behind. Reid goes for a Belly to Back Suplex, but Paxley lands back on her feet. Standing Switch Exchange. Reid with The O’Connor Roll for a two count. Charlotte delivers The Queen’s Boot behind the referee’s back. Paxley connects with The Cemetery Drive to pickup the victory. After the match, Charlotte, Bliss and Paxley gets laid out by Fatal Influence, Jade Cargill and The Baddies. The Baddies hits The BTA on Paxley. Cargill plants Charlotte with The Jaded.

Winner: Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley via Pinfall 

– Cathy Kelley had a backstage interview with Nikki Bella. What is her response to people saying that she’s taking things too far with Paige? You know what she took, too far? Her trust in Paige was too far. She failed The Bella Brand, and she’s nothing, but a D-Grade Skank. Nikki says that Paige has more passion behind closed the doors than she does wrestling. Paige is the reason why Brie Bella is injured and why Nikki’s big return got ruined. Paige joins the conversation. Paige loves how uneasy she makes Nikki. You know what Paige realized, Nikki hasn’t liked her since day one. Not just WrestleMania, but back in the day, Nikki has never liked Paige, because she built her career on Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. And Nikki, she just slept with it. Next week, in Mexico City, Nikki better bring it, because if not, Paige is going to end her career quicker than her last relationship.

– We see GUNTHER talking to Nick Aldis in his office. Gunther has been thinking about the decisions Nick has been making as of late. Even with Gunther having to kick off the show tonight to call out Sami Zayn, because he got put into a position he should never been in the first place. Let’s not talk about the Ghost of Finn Balor, he should be in no-line of any title contention. And cherry on the top, Nick gives Johnny Gargano a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. Gunther figured something out, Nick stepped into the ring with him at SummerSlam, and he found the limelight, and now he’s addicted to it. Gunther says that Nick continues to make crazy decisions, so that the attention can stay on him. Gunther is very worried; he’s worried about this business and his career. Gunther tells Nick to get his stuff together and run this place properly. Nick appreciates the concern, doctor. As far as Johnny Gargano is concerned, Gunther can take that up with CM Punk. And as far as Sami Zayn, and all the other business is concerned, that’s gonna have to wait, because he has some important business to handle with the WWE Women’s Championship. Nick walks away. Danhausen appears. Danhausen puts his hand on Gunther’s shoulder. Danhausen tells Gooner that it’s gonna be okay. Gunther gives Danhausen a stern warning to never touch him again. Danhausen puts a picture of himself on Nick Aldis Desk that reads, Employee Of The Month.

Chelsea Green & Nick Aldis Segment 

Nick Aldis: Ladies and gentlemen, accompanying me here tonight is Dr. Woodruf. He is out here to discuss the Chelsea Green Injury Situation in public, in the interest of full transparency. So, with that in mind, and without further ado, please welcome the WWE Women’s Champion, Chelsea Green.

Chelsea Green: Look, doc, with all due respect, I don’t care what you have to say. Nick, we have already done this before. I’m not gonna beg and plead to and cry, we have played this game. Cleveland, tonight, you’re not getting waterworks, what you’re getting is an extremely pissed off WWE Women’s Champion. Yeah, because here’s a reminder, Nick, I still am the WWE Women’s Champion. In fact, it was you that said I could be a fighting champion, so don’t you dare take that away from me. Before you say what I know you’re going to say, I realize that I have a bullseye on my face for every single woman in that locker room, okay, I get that. But I have waited 13 goddamn years for this title. So, if those women in that locker room think it’s that easy to take this off of me, let them. Let them try, Nick, because I don’t need protection. I’m not concerned about my safety, I am concerned about my legacy.

Nick Aldis: Look, I get all that, I respect that, and I respect you, you know that. You might not be concerned about your safety, but I am, because it’s my job to be. And look, it really boils down to this, it’s not up to me anymore. So, Doc, over to you.

WWE Doctor Woodruf: Chelsea, as we discussed, you have a fractured orbital bone that is not fully healed. But it is healing. It is my medical opinion, as long as you wear the face mask at all times, you’re cleared to compete.

Nia Jax: Finally, that’s exactly what I was waiting to hear. I thought you would never shut up, Chelsea. Let’s stop playing games, because you know I want that WWE Women’s Championship. So, either you give me a match right now or I’ll break your other orbital bone, because we all know you’re made of glass.

Nick Aldis: Okay, you know what, Nia, you’re right. We’re done waiting. You can get your championship match with Chelsea Green next week in Mexico City. But, it looks to me like Tiffany Stratton is ready to compete right now. So, we can do Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton, right here tonight in Cleveland, and we can start it right now.

Second Match: Tiffany Stratton w/Chelsea Green vs. Nia Jax w/Lash Legend 

This impromptu match started during the commercial break. Jax applies The Cobra Clutch. Stratton gets back to a vertical base. Stratton with elbows to the midsection of Jax. Stratton with a SitOut JawBreaker. Stratton side steps Jax into the turnbuckles. Stratton with a Hurricanrana. Stratton with a Running Basement Dropkick for a two count. Jax catches Stratton in mid-air. Jax dumps Stratton ribs first on the top rope. Jax whips Stratton across the ring. Jax with The Pop Up HeadButt for a two count. Jax drags Stratton to the corner. Jax prepares for The Annihilator.

Stratton kicks Jax off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Stratton with clubbing blows to Jax’s back. Jax shrugs off two running clotheslines. Stratton with Two Stunners. Stratton ducks a clothesline from Jax. Stratton hits The Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Stratton drags Jax to the corner. Legend runs interference. Stratton dropkicks Legend off the ring apron. Jax delivers The Samoan Drop. Jax drags Stratton to the corner. Jax connects with The Annihilator to pickup the victory. After the match, Jax rips off Green’s protective face mask. Green is pissed. Green slides back into the ring. Green talks smack to Jax. Jax throws the face mask out of the ring. Green checks on Stratton in the corner.

Winner: Nia Jax via Pinfall 

– Byron Saxton had a backstage interview with Kevin Owens. Byron says that Johnny Gargano finds himself in the same situation Kevin Owens was in a couple weeks ago, a WWE Championship Match in his hometown. Kevin says that he’s very happy for Gargano and that he’s getting this opportunity. But don’t think that CM Punk is doing this out of the kindness in his heart, he doesn’t do anything unless he benefits from it. Kevin says that Punk is taking this match, so that he can lure out Sami Zayn. Kevin almost respects the thought process, but he could never respect CM Punk on any level. If Punk is somehow correct, and Sami does indeed show up at ringside, he’s not going to be alone.

– Hip Hop Superstar & WWE Fan Quavo will be having a Live Performance at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event.

Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton Sit-Down Interview 

Corey Graves: Cody, thank you for the time, you’re ready?

Cody Rhodes: Yeah, I’m ready.

Corey Graves: Well, this coming Sunday, you go one-on-one with a man you considered one of your best friends for a long time in Randy Orton. We all witnessed his return at SummerSlam, but it seems like your relationship really started to go south in the lead up to WrestleMania. So, my question for you is this, how did we get here?

Randy Orton: How did we get here? How did we get here? Graves, that is an amazing question. What, you’re back here doing an interview without me? Do you mind if I squeeze in here? You don’t have to worry about us, we’re good. I don’t know if you saw SmackDown, hey, hey, hey, be careful, don’t touch me. Don’t touch me, remember the stip? Of course, you remember the stip, because last week on SmackDown, I got right in your face, and I said terrible things about your mother, I think I called her, Trailer Park Trash. Is that what I called your mom? And you did nothing about it. What kind of son is this guy, right here? Cody, what would your mother think, not defending her last week, when I called her Trailer Park Trash. You want to hit me? Do you want to hit me now? Here we are, a week removed, and I’m saying the same crap to your face, do you want to hit me, Cody, go ahead, hit me? No? Nothing? Really?

What about the wife? I had some pretty awful things to say about your wife, I think I called her Trashy. I even talked about your dog, it turns out he’s not even dead. He’s got a little ways to go, you’ll be burying him soon. No, but nothing? Isn’t that interesting. Nothing? I know what it is, you’re such a good guy, you respect the rules so much, you won’t lay a finger on me in honor of your family. It’s the World Championship, the Undisputed WWE Championship, you love it so much. That’s what it is, isn’t it? You’re an addict, you are a freaking addict, man. Look at you, you need help, you love the WWE Championship more than you love your own family, that is sick. People call me sick and twisted, the voices and what not. You are more sick than anybody.

Cody Rhodes: Sick? Maybe. Maybe I’m aware I’m sick. Everyone else seems to be. But if you’re right, that means, Sunday, you’re screwed.

– Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett runs down the card for WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event.

– We see Trick Williams talking to Lil Yachty in the locker room. They’re having a similar chat they had last week about Trick making sure that Yachty is focused on Sunday Night’s Main Event. Trick is sole focusing is getting another shot at the WWE United States Championship. Yachty shoves Trick a music video he made about Baron Corbin. We get footage of Yachty training at the WWE Performance Centre. Ace Steele made a cameo. Yachty repeatedly calls Baron Corbin boring during the video. Trick loves the workout video. Baron Corbin joins the conversation. Corbin is glad that Yachty is treating their match like a joke, because a lot of people consider his music to be a joke. Corbin plans on embarrassing Yachty in front of his friends and family. Trick calls Corbin, Mega Mind and Mr. Clean. Trick says that he’s going to get his title back. Corbin reminds Trick that he chances on getting another title shot lie at the hands of Yachty. Corbin says that he’s going to slaughter Yachty at Sunday Night’s Main Event. Yachty mocks Corbin after he walks away.

– Bakusai Vignette.

Third Match: Bakusai vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson 

Kyoki and Kit Wilson will start things off. Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Wilson backs Kyoki into the turnbuckles. The referee calls for a clean break. Wilson throws his t-shirt at Kyoki. Wilson starts flexing his muscles. Kyoki with Two Running Crossbody Blocks. Kyoki with a corner clothesline. Following a snap mare takeover, Kyoki with a Running Basement Dropkick. Kyoki is playing mind games with Wilson. Miz tags himself in. Miz signals for the test of strength. Kyoki stomps on the left foot of Miz. Miz catches Kyoki in mid-air. Miz goes for a Bodyslam, but Kyoki lands back on his feet. Miz with a knife edge chop. Kyoki wants more punishment. Chop Exchange. Nakamura tags himself in. Kyoki with a Corner Clothesline. Nakamura with a Running Knee Strike in the corner for a two count. Miz shoves Nakamura. Nakamura ducks a clothesline from Miz. Nakamura struts around the ring.

Nakamura tells Miz to bring it. Nakamura dodges The Awesome Clothesline. Nakamura with The Sliding German Suplex. Nakamura gets distracted by Wilson. Miz delivers a low blow behind the referee’s back. Wilson with a Diving Uppercut on the floor. Miz and Wilson have complete control of the match during the commercial break. Miz taunts Kyoki. Miz applies a front face lock. Nakamura with heavy bodyshots. Nakamura is finger tips away from Kyoki. Miz drives his knee into the midsection of Nakamura. Miz sends Nakamura to the corner. Nakamura is displaying his fighting spirit. Miz with a NeckBreaker onto the knee. Miz goes for The Hangman’s NeckBreaker, but Nakamura rolls him over for a two count.

Miz grabs the right ankle of Nakamura. Nakamura drops Miz with a Spinning Heel Kick. Kyoki and Wilson are tagged in. Kyoki with forearm shivers. Wilson reverses out of the irish whip from Kyoki. Kyoki with a Running Headscissors Takeover. Kyoki ducks a clothesline from Miz. Meeting Of The Minds. Assisted Hurricanrana that sends Miz out to the floor. Kyoki with another Hurricanrana to Wilson. Kyoki follows that with a Diving Senton Bomb to the outside. Kyoki rolls Wilson back into the ring. Kyoki hits The Falcon Arrow for a two count. Miz transitions into a ground and pound attack. Nakamura with combo forearms. Miz dumps Nakamura out of the ring. Kyoki denies The Skull Crushing Finale. Kyoki with a Deep Arm-Drag. Nakamura delivers The Kinshasa. Wilson rolls Kyoki over for a two count. Kyoki connects with The Reverse Stunner to pickup the victory. After the match, The MFT’s come out to the stage with Haku to stare a hole through Bakusai.

Winner: Bakusai via Pinfall 

– The War Raiders, Damian Priest, R-Truth Video Package.

– Next week on SmackDown from Mexico City, The War Raiders will be putting their AAA World Tag Team Titles on the line against Damian Priest & R-Truth. Paige collides with Nikki Bella. Plus, Chelsea Green puts her WWE Women’s Championship on the line against Nia Jax.

– WWE Crown Jewel 2026 will take place on November 7th from Riyadh Season Stadium.

– Cathy Kelley is having an interview with Blake Monroe in Gorilla Position. Blake is preparing to have another match with Giulia. What’s changed her mind on accepting this match after calling it beneath her last week? It’s still not up to her standards; she deserves a grander opponent and entrance. Giulia attacks Blake from behind. Giulia and Blake start brawling in front of the stage. Giulia throws Blake into the LED Titantron. All hell is breaking loose in Cleveland. Both ladies had to be separated. Giulia drops Blake with The Arrivederci. This scheduled match is not happening after all.

– We see Sami Zayn talking to Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae in the back. Sami is happy to see Gargano back on his feet. He has a big match coming up next. Gargano knows that Sami wants a shot at the WWE Championship. Sami tells Gargano to not worry about it, tonight is all about him, this is justice, it’s justice for guys like them. Sami tells Gargano that even if he’s not out there at ringside with him, he’s still there to have his back. If an opportunity falls into Gargano’s lap, take it, don’t be like Kevin Owens was in Toronto. Gargano understands what Sami is saying. Sami tells Gargano that he’s getting the first title shot if Gargano is able to take the WWE Title away from CM Punk.

Fourth Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Johnny Gargano w/Candice LeRae For The Undisputed WWE Championship

Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Punk with Two Bodyslams. Punk goes for a third, but Gargano lands back on his feet. Gargano is throwing haymakers at Punk. Punk applies a side headlock. Gargano whips Punk across the ring. Punk drops Gargano with a shoulder tackle. Gargano drops down on the canvas. Punk goes for a Counter Hip Toss, but Gargano sends Punk across the ring. Gargano with a running chop. Gargano with southpaw haymakers in the corner. Gargano transitions into a corner mount. Gargano with a shoulder block from the ring apron. Punk catches Gargano in mid-air. Punk goes for The GTS, but Gargano counters with The Hurricanrana. Gargano with a Step Up Enzuigiri. Gargano with The Slingshot Pescado. Gargano is fired up. Punk regains control of the match during the commercial break. Punk applies a rear chin lock. Gargano with heavy bodyshots. Gargano ducks a clothesline from Punk. Punk with a Leaping Calf Kick. Punk with a Running High Knee. Punk follows that with a short-arm clothesline.

Punk ascends to the top turnbuckle. Punk is looking for Sami Zayn. Gargano with a flurry of haymakers. Punk rocks Gargano with a forearm smash. Punk shoves Gargano back into the canvas. Punk goes for The Flying Crossbody Block, but Gargano rolls him over for a two count. Punk goes for The GTS, but Gargano rolls him over for a two count. Punk kicks Gargano in the chest. Gargano avoids The Roundhouse Kick. Gargano SuperKicks Punk for a two count. Punk and Gargano are trading back and forth shots. Gargano goes for The Rolling Elbow, but Punk counters with The Roundhouse Kick for a two count. Punk is putting the boots to Gargano. Punk with forearm shivers. Gargano answers with The Apron Enzuigiri. Gargano hits The Slingshot Spear for a two count. Gargano mocks Punk. Punk denies Meeting In The Middle. Punk with The Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Punk calls for The GTS.

Sami Zayn arrives at ringside. Punk kicks Zayn in the gut. Punk is throwing haymakers at Zayn. Zayn runs back into the ring. The referee admonishes Zayn. Candice LeRae with a Flying Hurricanrana. Gargano lands The Suicide Dive. Gargano rolls Punk back into the ring. Gargano delivers The One Final Beat for a two count. Zayn grabs the WWE Championship. Kevin Owens attacks Zayn from behind. Owens tees off on Zayn. Owens goes for The Apron PowerBomb, but GUNTHER counters with The Big Boot. Gunther starts yelling at Zayn. Gunther goes for a PowerBomb, but Finn Balor counters with The SlingBlade on the floor. Zayn clocks Balor, Gunther and Owens with the WWE Championship. Punk connects with The GTS. The referee is distracted by LeRae. Zayn drops Punk with the running belt shot. Gargano goes into the lateral press for a two count. Zayn whispers something into LeRae’s ear. Nick Aldis finally appears and tells Zayn to leave the ringside area. Punk plants Gargano with The GTS to pickup the victory.

CM Punk: Hey! Hey! Nick Aldis, I’ve got some juice around here, I can call a shot when I want to. I gleefully step into enemy territory, and get booed when I know I’m going to, but I still love you, Cleveland. Listen, Sami Zayn, you don’t want this title half as bad as I want to break your face for constantly sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. You want a title shot? You little bitch, you got one. Next week, Mexico City, Punk versus Zayn. It’s time for you to go to sleep.

Winner: Still Undisputed WWE Champion, CM Punk via Pinfall 

Checkout Episode 23 of The SUR Files