WWE wasted no time setting the table for next week during the October 2, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, and the October 9 show already has a couple of major attractions locked in. CM Punk is set to return, while Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley will get a shot at Fatal Influence and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
The tag team title match came together after Paxley came up short in the Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match. Backstage, Charlotte Flair told Paxley that there was no time to sit around feeling sorry for herself because the two of them had championship business waiting next week. That means Fatal Influence will have to deal with a pretty unusual pairing. Flair brings all the experience in the world, while Paxley is coming into the match looking to erase the sting of missing out on Money in the Bank.
CM Punk is also returning on the October 9 episode, giving WWE another big name for the show. No match was announced for Punk, but his return alone adds another major piece to the card.
The October 9 SmackDown will take place in Lafayette, Louisiana, and WWE has already started giving fans a reason to circle the date.
As things stand, the following has been announced for next week:
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Fatal Influence vs. Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley
- CM Punk returns
That gives next week’s SmackDown both championship stakes and a major return right out of the gate. WWE still has time to add more to the show, but the October 9 card is already starting to take shape.
What do you think about Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley getting a title shot, and what do you expect from CM Punk when he returns? Let us know in the comments.
