[REVISION HISTORY]

WWE roster changes and SmackDown programming

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-12 01:21 UTC → 2026-09-12 02:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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~~ faced 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~~ Zayn for the Undisputed WWE ~~Women’s United States~~ Championship. ~~During~~ Prior to the ~~event,~~ match, Randy Orton issued a warning to the ~~competitors in the Punk versus Zayn championship match. Seeking his 15th world title, Orton stated~~ competitors, stating he would not hesitate to eliminate anyone in his path ~~and announced~~ as he seeks his ~~intention to be the next challenger regardless of the match outcome.~~ 15th world title. Orton also mocked Cody Rhodes’ catchphrase following a victory over him at Sunday Night’s Main ~~Event. In response,~~ Event; Bully Ray suggested Rhodes should adopt a more ~~aggressive, unhinged~~ aggressive persona to counter ~~Orton’s tactics.~~ Orton. During the championship match, both competitors dealt with injuries, with Punk struggling with a left knee injury and Zayn managing a left wrist issue. The match ended in chaos following interference from Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, and an accidental strike to Punk by Kevin Owens with the championship belt. Zayn capitalized on the confusion, delivering a Helluva Kick to Punk to secure the pinfall and begin his second reign as champion.

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