Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing September 18, 2026, promises an action-packed night live from the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The show sees Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn make his return after getting justice by defeating “The Best In The World” CM Punk to become the new champion. Plus, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes will have his first exclusive interview with Michael Cole following his loss to “The Viper” Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event.
The show kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network and is available for international fans on streaming platforms like Netflix. Ringside News will provide live, match-by-match updates and highlights throughout the night. Stay tuned to this page, refresh for the latest results as the action unfolds, and join the conversation in the comments below!
Matches & Key Moments Scheduled for WWE SmackDown on September 18, 2026
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss vs. “The Storm” Jade Cargill vs. Fatal Influence’s WWE Women’s United States Champion Jacy Jayne
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: “The Viper” Randy Orton vs. WWE United States Champion Trick Williams vs. AAA World Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix
- Non-Title Match: WWE Tag Team Champions MFT (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) vs. BAKUSAI (Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki)
- Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn make his return after getting justice by defeating “The Best In The World” CM Punk to become the new champion
- “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes will have his first exclusive interview with Michael Cole following his loss to “The Viper” Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event
WWE SmackDown Results (9/18/26): Live Match Updates and Highlights
The show opens up with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcoming us as we get a video package recapping last week’s Undisputed WWE Championship Match between CM Punk and Sami Zayn.
We then get the pre-show arrivals of Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Tatum Paxley, Jade Cargill, B-Fab, Michin, Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid, Trick Williams, Lil Yachty, Rey Fenix and Randy Orton.
We then see SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis in the ring and he talks about dealing with the people who rub him the wrong way, but that he has to be professional. Aldis then welcomes new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn and Zayn receives a chorus of boos as he makes his way down to the ring. Zayn then grabs a mic and starts off by saying it must be killing Nick Aldis to introduce him like that. Zayn then says he’s a little surprised by the reaction here tonight. Zayn then says justice for “Sami” was about justice for all. Zayn then says he was fighting for the WWE Universe. Zayn then says the justice has been served and he poses with the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Zayn then tells Aldis he strongly believes in equality. Zayn then says Aldis was a thorn in his side. Johnny Gargano’s music then hits and he makes his way down to the ring with Candice LeRae. Zayn then welcomes Johnny Gargano. Zayn then says he wouldn’t have been the Undisputed WWE Champion without him. Gargano then reminds Zayn that they had a deal last week. Gargano then says he wants a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. Zayn then clarifies that they never made a deal. Zayn then says he said he would take care of Gargano. Gargano then says he’s first in line for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Gargano then says he wants his title shot tonight.
Nick Aldis then tells Johnny Gargano that he had an Undisputed WWE Championship match a few weeks ago. Aldis then says CM Punk is next in line for a title shot, but he’s not here tonight. Kevin Owens’ music then hits and Owens makes his way down to the ring. Owens then stakes his claim on the Undisputed WWE Championship. Candice LeRae then tries to argue with him, but Kevin Owens hits Gargano with a Stunner. Aldis then says he won’t reward bad behaviour after what Owens did last week. Owens then says Zayn screwed up multiple main events to get a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
