Sami Zayn survives Kevin Owens;.
Money in the Bank picture takes shape
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — WWE SmackDown delivered a major night of championship drama as Sami Zayn defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in the main event, just one week after Zayn shocked the WWE Universe by defeating CM Punk for the title. The show also featured two Money in the Bank qualifying matches and continued the escalating Cody Rhodes–Randy Orton rivalry.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens —
Undisputed WWE Championship
Zayn opened the show celebrating his return to the top of WWE. He described winning the championship from Punk as a form of justice.
That celebration quickly became complicated when Johnny Gargano reminded Zayn that he expected the championship opportunity he believed he had earned.
Kevin Owens then became involved, and General Manager Nick Aldis ultimately made the blockbuster announcement: Owens would challenge Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship that night.
Main Event
Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship
The former best friends turned bitter rivals produced a physical main event, with Owens attempting to derail Zayn’s second championship reign immediately.
Zayn survived the challenge and walked out of Corpus Christi still champion, keeping the championship picture crowded with potential challengers including Owens, CM Punk, Gunther, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Gargano.
Money in the Bank Qualifier — Men’s
Trick Williams def. Randy Orton and Rey Fenix
The triple-threat qualifier was fast-paced, with all three competitors getting opportunities to advance.
Trick Williams emerged victorious, earning his place in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
The victory also keeps Williams involved in two major championship-related storylines as he continues to carry the United States Championship.
Money in the Bank Qualifier — Women’s
Jacy Jayne def. Alexa Bliss and Jade Cargill
Jacy Jayne, Alexa Bliss and Jade Cargill collided in another triple-threat qualifier.
Cargill used her power to dominate portions of the match, but Jayne capitalized on an opportunity and stole the deciding fall, punching her ticket to Money in the Bank.
Jayne now joins the growing women’s Money in the Bank field alongside previously qualified competitors including Sol Ruca and Lola Vice.
MFTs vs. Bakusai
MFTs vs. Bakusai — Ends in disqualification
WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga faced Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki in a non-title encounter.
The match broke down when the MFTs attacked their opponents, resulting in a disqualification. The post-match assault further intensified the tension surrounding the WWE Tag Team
Cody Rhodes Addresses Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes also appeared for an interview following his recent loss to Randy Orton.
Rhodes discussed the betrayal and tensions surrounding his relationship with former allies, while the continuing conflict with Orton remained one of SmackDown’s major unresolved stories. WWE had advertised Rhodes’ interview as a key part of the night’s program.
Key Developments
Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens.
Trick Williams qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Jacy Jayne qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
The MFTs and Bakusai’s match ended in disqualification.
Cody Rhodes addressed his increasingly complicated rivalry with Randy Orton.
The championship picture around Zayn remains crowded, with Owens, Punk, Gunther, Orton, Rhodes and Gargano all connected to the title story.
What’s Next
The road to Money in the Bank continues, with additional qualifying matches already announced for next week’s SmackDown.
For Sami Zayn, the immediate issue is whether his second Undisputed WWE Championship reign can survive the growing list of challengers.
Kevin Owens has now failed to take the title, but the rivalry and the wider championship picture remain far from settled.
