SmackDown recap & reactions (Sept. 18, 2026): CM Punk gets some revenge
Image from WWE’s X account
SmackDown kicked off tonight in Corpus Christi, Texas, with General Manager Nick Aldis introducing Sami Zayn for a promo.
As soon as the faux horns in the new Undisputed WWE Champion’s theme music died down, he was greeted with loud boos. He immediately went into the “Justice for Sami” shtick while holding a belt that still has CM Punk’s side plates.
Before long, Johnny Gargano and Candice LaRae made their way to the ring, and you can guess what Johnny Wrestling wants. (Yep, a shot at the title.)
To drive home the pointlessness of this altercation, Kevin Owens interrupted and Stunned Gargano. But the next face-off actually led somewhere with Aldis booking KO versus Zayn for the title tonight.
After announcing the main event, Nick pointed out Zayn’s last title reign lasted nine days and asked if he can make it past seven days this time.
LET'S GOOOO!!!
SAMI ZAYN vs. KEVIN OWENS.
WWE TITLE MATCH. 🏆
TONIGHT on SmackDown!! pic.twitter.com/0YWJaUTXvw
— WW
9/19/2026