Baron Corbin’s resurrection narrative hits a pressure point tonight as he challenges Trick Williams for the US Championship inside a steel cage—the kind of stipulation that either validates the entire “Bishop Dyer to main event player” arc or exposes it as premature. Meanwhile, WWE’s Money in the Bank qualifying rounds kick off, and with the tournament scattered across multiple brands, SmackDown needs to make a statement about who’s next in line for a title shot.
Trick Williams vs. Baron Corbin – WWE US Championship Steel Cage Match
Corbin’s been the story of 2026, and WWE’s committed to the push. Williams is a credible champ but hasn’t had the TV time to build a counternarrative strong enough to derail momentum that Triple H himself greenlit. Steel cage takes away the run-ins Trick might’ve leaned on in a standard defense.
WAW Pick: Corbin wins via escape, reclaiming the US title and validating his comeback bid.
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match (Details TBA)
At least one—likely two—qualifying bouts on tonight’s card. SmackDown’s gate-keepers are fighting for a briefcase spot in a tournament that’s already stretched across WWE, NXT, and AAA. Expect the usual “emerging challenger” booking with one surprise name or fresh pairing to justify tuning in beyond nostalgia.
WAW Pick: Storytelling takes priority over shock results; whoever wins gets positioned for the next round without overshadowing Williams/Corbin.
Thekla appears or is referenced in a capacity beyond her STARDOM holdings. With Julia Hart and Skye Blue juggling multiple promotions and the Women’s division in flux, WWE could float her name as a SmackDown depth piece—especially if AEW truly has their eyes on Kairi Sane.
