Smackdown – 08.28.26

We watch so you can read! AAA | Raw | NXT | Evolve | Main Event | Impact

Last week on Smackdown – Sami Zayn wrecks the main event!

Smackdown was recorded after Raw this week and comes to the USA/Netflix airwaves from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The announcing team for tonight’s show consists of Michael Cole and Corey Graves on match calls and analysis, Jackie Redmond and Byron Saxton on interviews and news, and Alicia Taylor on ring introductions. Let’s watch some wrestling!

Here’s Kevin Owens out to start the show and the welcome from the Canadian crowd brings a small smile to his face. Owens mentions having a fair amount of losses in title matches but none of them felt as bad as last Friday in Toronto. Owens says that after 17 months out he got ready in nine days to be in the Summerslam number one contenders match, and he had Toronto on his mind because his parents could be there. Owens reminds the crowd of telling the WWE UNIVERSE that his mother wasn’t doing well health-wise in Toronto a few years ago and after recovery, she and his entire family were able to drive to the show to see him fight Punk. Owens says there’s a lot of things that he and Sami Zayn have done to each other over 20 years of being in the business together but he cannot forgive him for this one. Owens tells the WWE UNIVERSE that he beat CM Punk and that he was better than Punk that night. Owens: “If you think we’re done, you’re dead wrong, bitch.” Here’s WWE Undisputed Men’s Champion CM Punk out without entrance music telling Owens that he didn’t need Sami Zayn’s help and he’ll send Owens packing from Ottawa like his last name was Tkachuk. Smackdown GM Nick Aldis has sprinted out to stand between Punk and Owens, and to make things even more fun, here’s GUNTHER out with a mic. GUNTHER is tired of Punk and Owens carping at each other, and his theory is that when Punk and Owens look at each other they see the worst parts of each other. GUNTHER doesn’t care about the 20 year old problems between Owens and Punk, and while he’s glad Owens mom survived by “kicking out”, Owens couldn’t do it. Here’s Finn Balor out to call GUNTHER a “whiny little prick” and everyone is tired of his act. Balor says if there’s a line for title shots, it starts with him. Aldis has heard enough and makes a triple threat for the number one contendership in the main event tonight between Owens, Balor, and GUNTHER.

Here’s WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green backstage holding her sparkly face mask, and here’s Tiffany Stratton in to ask her if she’s sure that she’s good to go tonight because of the thirty day rule that she must defend her title. Green says after what they’ve been through with Nia Jax and Lash Legend she’s ready to go. Green sends Stratton off and takes a very deep breath.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) make their entrance as we go to break.

Tiffany Stratton and WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green vs The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend)

Highlights of Legend beating Stratton last week are shown, and Green subsequently fended off Jax and Legend’s post-match attack by sprinting out with a kendo stick. It’s Legend and Stratton to start and Stratton whiffs on a dropkick. Legend ragdolls Stratton around and Stratton slips out and kicks Legend from behind before wandering into a Legend backbreaker that gets two. Green gets a blind tag as Stratton nails Legend with a back handspring stunner. Legend falls back into a Green neckbreaker and she and Stratton celebrate briefly as Jax gets a tag. Jax gets nailed with a double dropkick and Green follows with a Meteora. Jax gets caught with an enziguri and Green wants Unpretty-her, so Jax breaks it up with a headbutt directly onto Green’s face. Stratton gets a tag and we go to commercials.

Legend hits a one-armed chokeslam on Stratton when the show returns with Green charging in to break up the subsequent cover at two. Jax flies and mashes Green’s face off of her knee and Green screams for Medical after tumbling to the floor. Two medical dudes check on Green as Stratton is yanked into a Legend bear hug. Stratton tries to fight out of things and gets mashed by a Legend right hand that gets two. Jax tags in and crushes Stratton with a corner splash. Stratton fires up briefly but runs right into a Jax clothesline that gets two. Legend tags in and goes back to the bear hug as Jax tags in. Legend holds Stratton prone but she manages to slip the Jax legdrop attempt. The Medical dudes are trying to remove Green but she breaks away from them and takes a tag. Green hits a missile dropkick on Jax and dropkicks her to the floor. Green ascends and crushes Jax with a cross-body to the floor. Green pushes Jax back in and wants Unpretty-her. Jax escapes and as that happens Legend destroys Stratton on the floor by slamming her into the barricade. Jax wallops Green down to the mat and ascends for the Annihilator which ends things quickly.

Nia and Lash continue to be a fun hoss team. I thought this was decent for the story they were trying to tell in that Green’s obvious injury is really putting her and Stratton at risk because of Green’s refusal to give up on her title run. Simple stories are often the best ones in wrestling, you know? Jax and Legend being monster heels adds to the intrigue of how Green is going to get through this 30 day storyline that they’ve concocted, and I’d imagine we’re getting close to the denouement of that soon. 2.75*

Winners – Jax/Legend (Annihilator on Green)

Here’s Nick Aldis’s phone call being interrupted by Danhausen who wants to be Employee of the Month on Smackdown. Here’s GUNTHER in and he completely blows off Danhausen’s attempt to shake his hand since this is the first time they’re meeting. (Danhausen calls him “Gooner” here and I die) GUNTHER seems perturbed about being made to jump through hoops with a triple threat. Aldis promises no additions or funny business and after staring a hole through Danhausen, GUNTHER leaves. Danhausen tries and fails to be added to the match, and he also exits.

Paige makes her entrance as we go to break.

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Jacy Jayne (C) vs Paige

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid are out with Jayne. Jayne consults with Reid and Henley after the bell rings and then yanks Paige down by her hair after she charges. Jayne hits a senton and barks at the crowd. Jayne misses a second senton attempt and gets mashed by a Paige headbutt. Paige lifts a bunch of knees into Jayne’s face and she tumbles to the floor. Paige flies out and crushes Jayne with a rolling tackle before running Jayne back in. As the ref checks on Jayne, Paige turns right into a Reid high boot as Fatal gather to celebrate. We go to commercials.

Jayne is working a rear chinlock when the show returns. Paige escapes and they crash into each other with simultaneous lariat attempts. They slug it out and Jayne hits a series of kicks to win the skirmish. Jayne runs into a Paige clothesline before getting yanked into Fisherman’s and German suplexes. Paige hoists Jayne up for the Paige Turnah and that gets the longest of twos. Jayne fires up with a superkick and Paige shakes that off to try a PTO. Jayne gets rolled up for two and Paige fires off a headbutt. Reid comes on to the apron to prevent a RamPaige, so Paige drives Jayne into the ropes to bring Reid in the hard way. Paige disposes of Henley with a kick and Jayne yanks Paige into a small package that gets three.

I don’t mind a banana peel finish here but there was some wonky chemistry at work in this one. Paige’s singles offense is kind of all over the place but she got through this well enough, I guess. Jayne usually works at a slightly faster pace than this (all the NXT kids work at a faster pace than this) but she and Paige managed to cobble this together into something watchable. Nothing to go out of your way to seek out or anything but I think Paige needs to go back to working with vets again. 2.5*

Winner AND STILL WWE Women’s US Champion – Jacy Jayne (inside cradle)

Post-match sees Nikki Bella fly in from behind to attack Paige. Bella stomps away on Paige before yanking her up for the Rack Attack. Bella puts the bad-mouth on Paige before leaving.

Graves and Cole discuss the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton feud and throw to some highlights sponsored by TWISTED TEA. Rhodes and Orton promise each other ass-whoopings in Atlanta. Rhodes made a pretty pointed Paul Heyman reference on last week’s show to wrap up the interaction.

Here’s Cody Rhodes being greeted by Finn Balor, and Rhodes asks Balor for advice about what he should do. Balor advises Rhodes to not do anything he can’t come back from. Balor promises to be the champ when Rhodes comes out of this feud and will see him on the other side. We go to a break.

Here’s Trick Williams telling Lil Yachty that his thing with Baron Corbin at Sunday Night’s Main Event is a big deal and he needs Yachty locked in. Yachty tells Trick that he’s through with Corbin’s disrespect and promises to do the impossible at SNME. They fire up a handshake and Yachty leaves for a gym session. Trick turns around and here’s WWE Men’s US Champion Baron Corbin in to say Trick won’t ever see another title shot after Sunday Night’s Main Event.

Here’s Cody Rhodes out to a decent pop. Rhodes says as much as he’d like to beat Randy Orton senseless right now it might not actually solve the “who kills the Legend Killer” problem. Rhodes knows that Orton wants to get to number fifteen when it comes to world title reigns, but Orton manages to screw up his shots every time he gets them lately. Rhodes says that it’s never Orton’s fault when it comes to backstage stuff, because Rhodes saw people get turfed out of WWE while Orton kept getting do-overs. Rhodes says Orton has screwed up again by getting in Rhodes way as he pursues the most prestigious title in wrestling. “Voices” hits and here’s Randy Orton out to join Rhodes. Orton tells Rhodes that he did make bad decisions when he was younger as Rhodes drove him from town to town as his bitch-boy. Orton tells Rhodes if he was him he’d punch Orton dead in the face and invites him to do just that. Orton says he knows how much the title means to both of them and he decided to come back to assure that Rhodes wouldn’t win the title at Summerslam. Orton goads Rhodes by mentioning Pharoah passing away and Rhodes takes off his jacket in a rage. Orton promises to kick Rhodes in the face again like he did at Wrestlemania and wonders if Rhodes trailer-park trash mother will be ringside. Orton wonders if “trashy ass” Brandi will be there as well, and offers up his jaw for Rhodes. Rhodes says he knew that Orton would go this route because he knows he can’t win at SNME. Rhodes says he’s counting the days because he wants to know if Orton is actually a once-in-a-lifetime talent like Dusty Rhodes was, or if Orton is actually a first-class screw-up like Cowboy Bob was. (Dusty mention = DRINK) Rhodes tosses the mic down as Orton seethes.

Here’s Jackie Redmond with Tatum Paxley. Paxley is going up against Michin tonight, and she whispers to Redmond what the voices in her head have been telling her. A startled Redmond leaves and here’s Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in to say that the three of them will be fighting Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab at SNME. Flair puts her hand up to stop Paxley’s train of thought so Paxley high-fives her as Flair stares at her hand in disbelief. Flair wants Paxley to show everyone what she can do and Bliss promises she and Flair will be out to support Paxley. We go to a break.

Here’s a look at the upcoming finals of the “who gets to face Roman Reigns for the title in Mexico City” tournament between Penta and AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix. Kat gets the privilege of covering that match as it will happen on Raw this coming Monday. (Speaking of which, they are taping both Raw and Smackdown for next week so NO SPOILERS IN COMMENTS PLS). Here’s Byron Saxton calling in Rey Fenix for a chat. Fenix says he loves Penta but this is his moment. Here’s Ricky Saints in to say that this is a cute story but it’s time for Fenix to realize he can’t beat Penta and crawl back to Smackdown so Saints can take his title. Fenix says that’s cute but ACTUALLY what’s going to happen is that he’s going to beat Penta and then Reigns before coming to Smackdown to shut Saints up for good.

Michin vs Tatum Paxley

Jade Cargill and B-Fab are out with Michin, while Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are out with Paxley as promised. Michin tries to bully Paxley at the outset and grabs a go-behind. Paxley breaks out and grabs a front facelock. Paxley and Michin stand off after some rope running and Paxley misses a charge while tumbling to the floor. Michin blasts Paxley with a kick and goes to the floor to toss Paxley back in. Paxley fires up and sends Michin tumbling before crushing her with a moonsault. We go to a break. (There’s not a lot of energy in the announcers or the crowd at this point – not the fault of the performers but just a long night of wrestling.)

Michin is bullying Paxley along the ropes when the show returns. Paxley fires up with some forearms but eats a huge one in response as Michin covers for two. Michin puts the bad-mouth on Flair and Bliss before tying up Paxley’s legs for a surfboard. Paxley flips over and covers Michin for two. Michin misses a cannonball attempt and then gets rolled up by Paxley for two. Paxley catches Michin with a superkick and hits a series of forearms. Paxley hits an enziguri and gets dumped to the apron. Paxley nails Michin with a kaman giri and crawls back in. Michin yanks Paxley up for a powerbomb and wants a Styles Clash, but Paxley lofts her over in a back drop. Paxley hits a rolling kick and crushes Michin with the Cemetery Drive to finish things.

Tater wins her debut singles match on Smackdown and all is right with the world. I have a real soft spot for the folks who come through NXT to the main roster be they heel or face, so I’m very happy for Paxley here even though there wasn’t a lot to this. The Cemetery Drive is a cool finisher and I’m glad the crowd perked up a bit with a “Tatum” chant. All in all, a solid debut for the newcomer and we’ll move on to the big six-lady tag at SNME. 2.5*

Winner – Tatum Paxley (Cemetery Drive)

Post-match sees an irate Cargill charge in to berate the referee as Bliss and Flair raise Paxley’s hand on the floor.

Here’s a look at last week’s ill-fated “debut” of Blake Monroe where she kicked the crap out of Giulia before the bell ever rang. Here’s Jackie Redmond with Blake Monroe and Redmond wants to know why Monroe jeopardized her debut with the attack. Monroe claims that the match with Giulia was below her, and here’s Giulia in to start walloping on Monroe. Giulia gets yanked away by security as Monroe is left in a heap.

Here’s Kevin Owens running into Randy Orton backstage, and Orton tells Owens that he was right about Cody Rhodes. Orton says even that revelation doesn’t make them friends because he remembers Owens dropping him on his head. A grinning Owens says he knows that he was right about Rhodes but he has business to attend to and will call Orton. We go to a break.

DID YOU KNOW that Haku was part of the Colossal Connection with Andre the Giant and they were tag team champions? Here’s WWE Men’s Tag Team Champions The MFT’s putting out some negative words about Shinsuke Nakamura and KYOKI. Haku says that Nakamura and KYOKI will be destroyed by the MOTHEREFFIN TONGANS.

Here’s R-Truth and Damian Priest with Priest telling Truth its time for them to move on because he wants to focus on singles. Priest promises to have Truth’s back forever, and here’s AAA Tag Team Champions The War Raiders in to start some beef. Truth wants a tag title shot in Mexico and a reluctant Priest doesn’t seem too excited. Truth begs for one more ride and Priest finally agrees to it.

Here’s Nia Jax and Lash Legend invading Nick Aldis’s office to yell about Jax wanting a title match. Aldis says Chelsea Green needs to be re-evaluated and Jax says if Green can’t go she’ll take Green’s title by force. Jax and Legend leave and here’s The Miz and Kit Wilson in to ask for some new opportunities. Wilson says Aldis is TOXIC for allowing Wilson and Miz to become science experiments. Aldis says if Miz and Wilson want opportunities they can face Nakamura and KYOKI next week.

After that barrage of chatter, here’s Kevin Owens making his entrance for the main event as we go to a break.

WWE Men’s Undisputed Championship Triple Threat Match: Kevin Owens vs GUNTHER vs Finn Balor

GUNTHER whales on Balor during his corner pose and the bell sounds. Owens flies in and he and GUNTHER slug it out. Owens stomps GUNTHER down and runs into a high boot when he charges. Balor re-enters and tries a sunset flip on GUNTHER for one. Balor eats an Owens superkick and Owens follows with a senton on GUNTHER. Owens hits a swanton on GUNTHER and Balor breaks up the cover at two. Balor nails Owens with a basement dropkick and is immediately murdered by a GUNTHER chop. GUNTHER kicks Owens away as he tries to return to the ring and Balor grabs a roll up on GUNTHER for two. GUNTHER charges and topples over the top rope. Owens distracts Balor as he goes to fly, and when Balor gathers himself he runs right into a recovered GUNTHER’s sleeper hold. Balor dumps GUNTHER to the floor and then nails him with a tope con hilo. We go to commercials.

Owens and GUNTHER are slugging it out and Balor joins things. Owens superkicks GUNTHER and Balor, and Balor nails Owens with a Pele kick. We reset with everyone down and Balor goes to the apron to pull himself up. Balor shoulders GUNTHER and nails him with a kaman giri. Balor ascends and misses his jump, and Owens fires up. Balor nails Owens with a sling blade and a shotgun dropkick. Balor ascends and Owens prevents him from getting to the top with a bunch of rights. Owens wants a superplex but GUNTHER drags him down before murdering both Owens and Balor with chops. GUNTHER puts Owens in a sleeper and Balor nails Owens with the Coup de Grace to break everything up. Balor drops GUNTHER with a sling blade before nailing him with a shotgun dropkick. Balor ascends again and crushes GUNTHER with the Coup de Grace, and Sami Zayn breaks up the cover at two by yanking Balor to the floor. Zayn nails the ref with a right and tosses Balor over the announce desk. Owens nails GUNTHER with a stunner and another referee finally charges out only to get dropped by a Zayn right. Here’s CM Punk out to charge down and battle with Zayn in the aisle. Punk rams Zayn into the barricade and pounds away. Punk yanks up his title belt and Zayn escapes into the ring. Owens and Punk start a hockey fight and Owens clobbers Punk with a lariat. Zayn crushes Owens with a belt shot and then follows with another one on Balor. GUNTHER tries a sleeper and gets a belt shot for his trouble. Zayn nails a charging Punk with the belt and there’s bodies everywhere. Zayn is left standing with the title belt as the credits roll and we’re out.

So we’ll just do the match and show post-mortem right here. In terms of the main, it was a full on sprint with very little selling at all. Presumably everyone was told to get their shit in as quickly as they could so that when Zayn showed up they could have things be ready for his shenanigans. I’m not going to rate this because there was no finish or final bell, but it was trending towards 3* prior to the wildly overbooked finish. In terms of the show itself, it was nice to see the women get a lot of focus tonight and the division feels much better than it did than even just a few months ago. You can say what you want about Fatal Influence but at least there’s some new folks around to cause havoc, and I’m also impressed with the ongoing thing with Jax/Legend and Stratton/Green at least from a story-telling perspective. For a taped show, they managed to cobble together something fairly watchable and we’ll move on to another taped show next week – again, PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY SPOILERS in comments or Danhausen will do his thing, PAL.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your weekend.