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9 clusters · 50 sources · 32 days · First seen · Last updated

WWE roster changes and SmackDown programming

Overview

WWE is reportedly planning to rebalance its rosters between the RAW and SmackDown brands within the next month. This follows the addition of Tatum Paxley to SmackDown and the anticipated move of Lola Vice from NXT.

During the September 4, 2026, SmackDown in Cleveland, CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. Following the match, Punk announced Sami Zayn would receive a title shot in Mexico City. Zayn, who is managing a broken hand, has expressed frustration toward Punk regarding his status as a former champion. In women’s action, Nia Jax defeated Tiffany Stratton, and Charlotte Flair teamed with Tatum Paxley to defeat the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid, in a non-title match. Following that victory, Flair, Bliss, and Paxley were attacked by Fatal Influence, Jade Cargill, and B-Faby Michin.

On the September 11, 2026, episode of SmackDown, broadcasting live from Arena CDMX in Mexico City, CM Punk was scheduled for an Undisputed WWE Championship rematch against Sami Zayn. Chelsea Green, who has been medically cleared to compete with a protective face mask, was set to defend her championship against Nia Jax. The broadcast also featured the introduction of the WWE Women’s United States Championship.

During the event, Randy Orton issued a warning to the competitors in the Punk versus Zayn championship match. Seeking his 15th world title, Orton stated he would not hesitate to eliminate anyone in his path and announced his intention to be the next challenger regardless of the match outcome. Orton also mocked Cody Rhodes’ catchphrase following a victory over him at Sunday Night’s Main Event. In response, Bully Ray suggested Rhodes should adopt a more aggressive, unhinged persona to counter Orton’s tactics.

Entities

WWE · CM Punk · TD Garden · Chelsea Green · Sami Zayn

Timeline

  1. about 7 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Randy Orton issues warning during WWE SmackDown in Mexico City

    Randy Orton issued a warning to CM Punk and Sami Zayn during WWE SmackDown in Mexico City, announcing his intent to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship following his recent victory over Cody Rhodes.

  2. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    WWE prepares for SmackDown in Mexico City and Cleveland updates

    WWE prepares for a high-stakes SmackDown in Mexico City featuring Nikki Bella vs. Paige, while Sami Zayn remains embroiled in conflict with Gunther and CM Punk following recent events in Cleveland.

  3. 7 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    WWE announces Women’s United States Championship and SmackDown updates

    WWE announces a new Women’s United States Championship and confirms Chelsea Green will defend her title on the September 11 SmackDown, alongside a return to in-ring action for CM Punk.

  4. 7 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    WWE SmackDown: Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley defeat Henley and Reid

    Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley defeated Women's Tag Team Champions Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid on WWE SmackDown, followed by a post-match attack on Flair, Paxley, and Alexa Bliss.

  5. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 31 sources
    CM Punk retains WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano on SmackDown

    CM Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano on SmackDown in Cleveland, subsequently challenging Sami Zayn to a title match in Mexico City.

  6. 28 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Tiffany Stratton set for Women’s U.S. Championship match at WWE SmackDown

    Tiffany Stratton will face Jacy Jayne for the Women’s U.S. Championship at WWE SmackDown in Boston. Stratton also recently revealed her real name is Jessica Woynilkopic.

  7. 29 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    WWE SmackDown features multiple championship changes in Boston

    WWE SmackDown in Boston saw Jacy Jayne win the Women's United States Championship and The MFTs capture the WWE Tag Team Titles. Shinsuke Nakamura also teased a major partner's return.

  8. 30 days ago

    [SPORTS] 37 sources
    WWE SmackDown: Jacy Jayne wins US Title and Chelsea Green faces injury setback

    WWE SmackDown featured Jacy Jayne winning the Women’s US Title, Chelsea Green facing a 30-day deadline to reclaim her interim championship after an injury, and an intense CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens confrontation.

  9. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    WWE to rebalance RAW and SmackDown rosters

    WWE is expected to rebalance its RAW and SmackDown rosters within a month, while a major dark match featuring Cody Rhodes and Bron Breakker is set for the upcoming SmackDown in Boston.

Sources

24-ore.com · alternativo.mx · caffarelli.com · cagesideseats.com · catch-arena.com · diva-dirt.com · ewrestling.com · f4wonline.com · fightful.com · foodfrenzy.com · foxnews.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · khelnow.com · lehighvalleylive.com · lenn.nl · memesita.com · mLive.com · newsx.com · nnn.ng · nodq.com · postwrestling.com · prwrestling.com · pwmania.com · rajah.com · rajahwwf.com · ringsidenews.com · si.com · slamwrestling.net · spaziowrestling.it · sportskeeda.com · superluchas.com · superluchas.com.mx · syracuse.com · time.news · timesng.com · tuttowrestling.com · voxcatch.fr · world-today-news.com · wrestleview.com · wrestlezone.com · wrestling-infos.de · wrestling-point.de · wrestling-radio.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · wrestlingInc.com · wrestlinginc.com · wrestlingitalia.it

This summary has been updated 17 times: see revision history