CM Punk is riding high as Undisputed Champion after dispatching Kevin Owens last week, but the real question is what’s next on the blue brand’s horizon. We’re in that awkward late-August holding pattern where WWE’s typically spinning its wheels before the fall push really kicks in—which means tonight could either deliver something compelling or feel like filler before the next big angle drops.
CM Punk Segment/Appearance
Punk’s been the focal point of SmackDown’s main event picture. Expect him to cut a promo, call someone out, or get involved in whatever the night’s biggest setup is—because let’s face it, he’s not sitting in the back on a Friday night.
WAW Pick: Punk addresses his next challenger and probably gets interrupted by someone looking to make their name.
Rhea Ripley’s injury timeline has been quietly suspicious. With her new silver-and-black look and the persistent Hall of Famer chatter, don’t be shocked if she returns tonight in some capacity—even if it’s just a segment laying out her comeback plan. WWE loves a Friday night surprise.
