WWE SmackDown aired live on Friday, September 11, 2026, from Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico on USA Network. The show featured four championship defenses, headlined by CM Punk defending the WWE Championship against Sami Zayn in a rematch for the ages.
Sami Zayn def. CM Punk
WWE Championship Match
Zayn captured the WWE Championship for the second time in his career, defeating “The Best In The World” CM Punk in the main event. This was their first singles meeting since Punk initially won the title from Zayn.
π NEW CHAMPION: Sami Zayn
Chelsea Green def. Nia Jax
WWE Women’s Championship Match
Green successfully retained her WWE Women’s Championship against Nia Jax. The champion overcame a significant challenge from The Irresistible Force in Mexico City.
Randy Orton Appearance
WWE Legend Randy Orton made an appearance on the SmackDown broadcast, though specific details regarding the nature and context of his segment were not provided in available reports.
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Heel Turn
WWE posted highlights featuring a heel turn among the notable moments from the episode, though the specific performer(s) involved were not identified in available sources.
SmackDown delivered major championship implications from Mexico City with Zayn’s shocking title victory over Punk headlining a stacked card. The show continued WWE’s recent momentum in viewership under the new Nielsen ratings methodology.
