WWE SmackDown is live tonight from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with the final two spots in the 2026 Money in the Bank Ladder Matches up for grabs.
With Money in the Bank just eight days away, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano will collide for the final men’s spot, while Tiffany Stratton, Tatum Paxley and Candice LeRae compete to complete the women’s field.
In my opinion, SmackDown has been significantly better than Raw in recent months, and the stacked group of men’s wrestlers circling the main event scene has only made the show more interesting.
Here is a full preview of tonight’s show.
Getty Images
WWE SmackDown Card Tonight
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens vs. Johnny Gargano
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Tiffany Stratton vs. Tatum Paxley vs. Candice LeRae
Singles Match
Giulia vs. Blake Monroe
What Else to Expect on SmackDown
It was interesting that Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens had reduced roles on last week’s SmackDown following the botch involving the two men one week earlier. I expect Zayn to get some in-ring mic time tonight, while Owens’ brewing conflict with CM Punk should become a bigger part of the show.
Randy Orton getting involved in the men’s Triple Threat also feels like a possibility given his unresolved issues with Rhodes. That could open the door for Gargano to qualify, which would be a welcome addition to a Money in the Bank field that already includes Je’Von Evans, Penta, Trick Williams, Bron Breakker and CM Punk.
Carmelo Hayes also needs to appear tonight. SmackDown has one of WWE’s deepest collections of men’s talent, and Hayes is too good to disappear from the show while so many stories are developing around the main event picture.
The tag team division needs attention as well. The MFTs need fresh challengers, and SmackDown remains thin on established teams. The ongoing Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic provides WWE with an obvious opportunity to eventually move or call up another team to Friday nights. Otherwise, it may be time to consider merging the tag team championships and allowing the titles to be defended across WWE’s brands.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown
- Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- TV: USA Network
- Location: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
