Word has come through that WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for the August 28, 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown.
Following the August 24 edition of WWE RAW, the company taped matches and segments for the August 28, 2026 installment of SmackDown.
The taping featured several major developments, including Nikki Bella’s reappearance, a WWE Women’s Two-person unit battle, continued tension between Cody Rhodes. Randy Orton, and a Triple Threat #1 Aspirant’s Match involving Gunther, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens.
The following took place during the taping:
Kevin Owens opened SmackDown with a verbal exchange before being interrupted by CM Punk. Gunther subsequently became part of the confrontation, followed by Finn Balor. Gunther and Balor being booked in a Triple Threat #1 Number one contender’s Bout, the portion resulted in Owens. The Irresistible Forces, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, bested Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green. Green was taken away by medical personnel throughout the match that said later returned and continued competing. In a separate but related matter, gunther interrupted a backstage meeting involving SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and Danhausen. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton had a heated in-ring verbal confrontation. With a “no-touch” policy preventing the two from getting physical, Orton attempted to provoke Rhodes into breaking the agreement by referring to Cody’s “trashy ass wife.” Jacy Jayne defeated Paige in singles competition. Following the match, Nikki Bella completed her highly anticipated resurgence and ambushed Paige — continuing the issues between the two after Nikki’s betrayal at SummerSlam. Blake Monroe emerged for a backstage interview before being attacked and beaten down by Giulia. Gunther, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens competed in the previously made known Triple Threat #1 Contender’s Match. However, the clash ended without a winner after Sami Zayn interfered. CM Punk emerged following the match, but Zayn ultimately stood tall after using the championship to lay out everyone involved, closing the segment on top.
Particularly around the gold picture, the taping sets up several significant developments moving forward. Gunther and Balor to determine a fresh #1 top contender instead descended into chaos involving Zayn and Punk — what began as a three-way battle between Owens.
Elsewhere, Nikki Bella’s re-emergence adds another chapter to her hostilities with Paige, while the tension between Rhodes and Orton continues to escalate despite the “no-touch” policy designed to keep the two apart.
The full airing airs Friday, August 28, 2026.