WWE SmackDown preview (Aug. 7, 2026): WWE is shaking things up on SmackDown now that Kevin Owens is back

SmackDown airs tonight with a live show emanating from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is the first episode of SmackDown during the nine week build to Money in the Bank, which takes place on October 10. WWE is shaking things up on SmackDown now that Kevin Owens is back The biggest surprise of SummerSlam weekend had to be the return of Kevin Owens, who is now the number one contender for the WWE championship after being added to Sami Zayn and Finn Balor’s match. WWE’s official preview for tonight’s show says Owens’ return will shake things up on the blue brand. He’ll get his first chance to turn SmackDown back into The KO Show tonight when he shares the ring with WWE Champion CM Punk for a highly anticipated promo battle. This could be the most compelling promo segment of the year, given Owens’ longtime grudge against Punk that is related to his close relationship with AEW stars Colt Cabana and the Young Bucks. As these guys tear each other apart on the mic, h