On August 28, WWE ran the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OH. to tape matches and segments for the episode of WWE SmackDown airing on USA Network and Netflix at 8/7c on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The following are complete WWE SmackDown spoilers from the 8/28 taping:
* Gunther, Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn all spoke to open the show.
* CM Punk talked to Nick Aldis backstage. This leads to Johnny Gargano coming out of his comatose state after Punk offered him a shot at the WWE Championship.
* Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley defeated Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid).
* Chelsea Green was speaking with Nick Aldis when Nia Jax interrupted.
* Nia Jax defeated Tiffany Stratton.
* Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton exchanged words.
* There was a Lil Yachty music video.
* Bakusai (Shinsuke Nakamura & Kyoki) defeated The Miz & Kit Wilson.
* Another match between Blake Monroe and Giulia never took place as Giulia attacked Monroe before the match started.
* CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano to retain the WWE Championship. After the match, Punk offered Zayn a title match in Mexico City on September 11.
