Location: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
Friday Night SmackDown delivered a chaotic show highlighted by Sami Zayn once again inserting himself into the WWE Championship picture and leaving the night’s biggest match without a winner.
Kevin Owens, CM Punk and the WWE Championship
Kevin Owens opened the show addressing his controversial loss to Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk the previous week in Toronto. Owens made it clear that he has not forgiven Sami Zayn for interfering and costing him the championship.
Punk confronted Owens, while GUNTHER and Finn Bálor also demanded their opportunity at the title. General Manager Nick Aldis ultimately made a Triple Threat match between Owens, GUNTHER and Bálor to determine Punk’s next challenger.
Nia Jax & Lash Legend defeat Chelsea Green & Tiffany Stratton
The Irresistible Forces defeated Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton. Green, competing while wearing a protective mask, repeatedly took punishment from Nia Jax before Jax finished her with the Annihilator.
Jacy Jayne retains the Women’s United States Championship
Jacy Jayne defeated Paige to retain the Women’s United States Championship. Paige appeared close to winning, but interference from Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid allowed Jayne to score the victory.
Afterward, Nikki Bella attacked Paige, adding another layer to the women’s division storyline.
Tatum Paxley makes an impact
Tatum Paxley defeated Michin in her SmackDown in-ring debut. Paxley survived a powerbomb and eventually connected with the Cemetery Drive for the decisive pinfall.
Paxley is now scheduled to team with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss at the upcoming Sunday Night’s Main Event.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton intensify their rivalry
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton engaged in another extremely personal confrontation ahead of their upcoming match. Both men attempted to provoke the other while being bound by a stipulation that prevents either wrestler from physically attacking the other before their match.
Sami Zayn ruins the main event
The night’s biggest match ended in chaos.
Kevin Owens vs. GUNTHER vs. Finn Bálor was supposed to determine CM Punk’s next challenger. The match featured several near-falls and major exchanges before Sami Zayn stormed into the contest.
Zayn attacked Bálor and officials, then interfered again after Owens appeared poised to win. Punk eventually entered the fray, but Zayn attacked him as well. Zayn then used the Undisputed WWE Championship as a weapon, laying out the competitors and forcing the match to end in a no contest.
SmackDown ended with Zayn standing tall with Punk’s championship in his possession.
Final Results
Nia Jax & Lash Legend def. Chelsea Green & Tiffany Stratton
Jacy Jayne def. Paige — retained Women’s United States Championship
Tatum Paxley def. Michin
Kevin Owens vs. GUNTHER vs. Finn Bálor — no contest after Sami Zayn’s interference
