SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS
AUGUST 28, 2026
OTTAWA, ONTARIO AT CANADIAN TIRE CENTRE
AIRED ON USA NETWORK (RECORDED 8/24)
BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports today that 5,885 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 7,074. The arena has a capacity of 19,000 spectators when configured for basketball.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Derrick Hubbard to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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[HOUR ONE]
-A video recap aired of Sami Zayn’s bashing Kevin Owens in the head with the title belt, helping CM Punk retain the WWE Title, then attacking Punk afterward.
-Owens made his entrance as his theme played. He had a serious look. Michael Cole said he has to be irate after what they witnessed last week. He said in the last 12 year he has lost a lot of matches for WWE championships, but none felt as bad as losing last Friday in Toronto. He said everything was perfect last Friday. He said he spent 17 months not knowing if he would ever return to the ring, and when he did, he wanted to be at Summerslam in the no. 1 contendership match so he could go to Toronto. He said he wanted to win in front of other Canadians, but also in front of his mother. He talked about her scary medical situation two years ago. He said “she kicked out,” but traveling has become more difficult. He said she and his dad drove from Montreal to Toronto to see him win, but Sami made sure that didn’t happen.
He said he and Sami have done a lot of messed up stuff in their careers, and he’s perpetrated a lot, but he can’t forgive Sami for this one. He said he especially wanted to beat Punk. He said he had him beat. “I was better than the best in the world,” he said. “But you got lucky and capitalized on Sami Zayn’s actions.” He said they’re not done. He said they’re just getting started and he won’t stop until he takes the title from him.
Punk interrupted. He walked out and said no one asked his opinion on whether they are done. He marched to the ring and said he doesn’t need Sami’s help. GM Nick Aldis ran past Punk to try to prevent a fight. Gunther’s music then played and walked out, looking serious. Gunther said his ears would start to bleed if he heard more of that. He said he has figured out why Punk and KO hate each other so much. He said when they look at each other, they see another version of their arrogant, obnoxious, opinionated self. He said while they were out there arguing about stuff that happened 20 years ago, he is there to remind them about what matters now. Punk yelled at KO at ringside. KO yelled back. Gunther said he’s glad his mom kicked out, but too bad that on Friday he didn’t. Finn Balor’s music played and he walked out.
Balor said they’re all forgetting about someone. Gunther interrupted Balor and said, “The ghost of Finn Balor came out here.” Balor said, “Shut your mouth, you whiny little prick.” He said they’re all getting tired of him. He said neither Punk nor KO have defeated him, so if there’s a line for a shot at the WWE Title, it starts behind him. Aldis said the three of them can face each other in a no. 1 contendership match later.
-Tiffany Stratton approached Chelsea Green if she’s sure she should go out there tonight. She said she has 30 days to defend her title and she doesn’t want her to risk her recovery time. Green assured her she’d be okay and she’d see her out there by her side. Cole said, “Apparently Chelsea has been cleared.”
-Nia Jax and Lash Legend made their ring entrance. [c]
(1) LASH LEGEND & NIA JAX vs. TIFFANY STRATTON & CHELSEA GREEN
The bell rang 20 minutes into the hour. Cole said Green has to defend her title within two weeks or lose it. Tiffany got in some offense in the opening seconds, but Lash cut her off and landed a backbreaker for an early soft two count. Chelsea blind-tagged in and slammed Lash. Chelsea and Tiffany danced in celebration, then fended off Jax when she entered the ring. Jax caught Chelsea mid-air and set up a slam, but Chelsea escaped. Jax head-butted Chelsea in her face. Chelsea was “screaming in agony,” according to Cole. Graves said she might’ve rebroken the orbital. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/eb]
Tiffany made a comeback, but hesitated to tag in Chelsea even as she reached out. Jax then stayed in control. Jax kneed Chelsea when she entered the ring. Two men at ringside checked on Green. Lash, meanwhile, lifted Tiffany into a bearhug and shook her. She knocked her down hard and scored a two count. Tiffany avoided a legdrop off the ropes by Jax and then crawled over to tag out. Meanwhile, Chelsea was being led away. Chelsea broke free and ran back to the ring and tagged in. She rallied with a flurry of offense including a top rope crossbody onto Jax at ringside. Fans chanted “Chelsea! Chelsea!” She set up an Unpretty Her, but Jax blocked it. Tiffany recovered and leaped at Lash at ringside. Lash caught Tiffany by her legs and swung her into the ringside barricade. Jax then gave Chelsea a Samaon Drop and an Annihilator for the win.
Cole said he was giving Chelsea credit for her guts, “but at what cost?”
WINNERS: Jax & Legend in 10:00.
-Danhausen walked up to Aldis as he was on the phone. Danhausen said it was great to ahve him back. He said he wanted to be the Employee of the Month. Gunther then interrupted. Danhausen said he’s been waiting forever to meet him. He offered a handshake. Gunther blew him off. Gunther told Aldis he’s happy to be in the Triple Threat, but he doesn’t like that he has to prove himself against Owens and “the ghost of Finn Balor.” He then eyed Danhausen with mild disgust and left. Danhausen asked Aldis if he’d add him to the match. Aldis said no. He also explained that “ghost” is a figure of speech.
-Paige made her entrance. [c]
(2) JACY JAYNE vs. PAIGE (Laney Reid, Falon Henley) – United States Title match
The bell rang 40 minutes into the hour. Cole noted it is Jayne’s first title defense. Graves said Jayne is resourceful and finds a way to capitalize on the smallest mistakes. Paige rolled out of the path of an early senton splash. Paige yelled, “This is my house!” after knock Jayne down at ringside with a leaping cannonball. Reid kicked Paige from behind. They cut to an early break. [c]
Paige made a comeback with a clothesline and then landed a Paige Turner for a near fall at 6:00. Reid distracted Paige as she set up a Rampaige. Paige then fended off Henley. Jayne then caught Paige with a small package for the three count. Cole said Paige has to be disappointed as she was closing in on a win before Jayne’s partners created distractions.
WINNER: Jayne in 7:00 to retain the US Title.
-Nikki Bella attacked Paige in the ring, targeting her neck. She landed a Rack Attack 2.0 and then her music played.
-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. who threw to a video package on Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, ending with Cody’s line that it’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler.
-Balor walked up to Cody who was lost in thoughts backstage. Cody asked for advice. Balor said Orton is trying to lure him down a dark path, but don’t do anything he can’t come back from. He said if Cody handles his business and handles his, he will see him on the other side as champion. They shook hands. [c]
-Backstage, Trick Williams asked Lil’ Yachty if he’s ready for Baron Corbin. Yachty said he’s had bigger fish in his frying pan, and he disrespected him. He said he put him through a table at Summerslam on ESPN. He said at SNME, he’ll last the five minutes and then Trick will walk to the ring and get the title back. Trick liked what he heard. When Yachty left, Corbin showed up and said he’ll whoop that trick. Trick said he’s heard that before. Corbin said, “I don’t have to be entertaining; I’m the champ.”
-Cody Rhodes made his ring entrance to his theme.
[HOUR TWO]
-Cody entered the ring and said a lot of discussion revolved around the number 15. He said 18 is the record, but that’s not in the cards anymore for Orton. He said every time Orton approached a crossroads, he goes the wrong way. He said people backstage “that’s Randy being Randy,” but those are excuses. He said Orton got slapped on the wrist and got do-overs when others were shown the door. He said Orton has screwed up again by getting between him and the biggest title in WWE. He said at SNME, “it won’t be Randy beating Randy, it’ll be Cody killing…” at which point Orton’s music played.
Orton walked out. Cole noted they cannot touch each other because whoever strikes first will never get a shot at the WWE Title again. Orton said earlier in his career, he didn’t have accountability and he made bad decisions. He said Cody was his driver, babysitter, and “my bitch.” He said Cody raised his arm and made sure he got tucked in at night. He asked if he resents that. He said, “If I were you, I’d punch me right in the face.” Cody stared at Orton as he told him to take a swing. Orton said after his 100 day vacation, he decided to come back and target him at Summerslam and make sure he didn’t beat Punk for the title. He again asked him if he wanted to take a swing. “What’s the matter, Cody?” he said. “Cat got your tongue? No, no, you’re more of a dog person.” He brought up his dog and then asked if he his dog died. “Did your daughters have to bury that dog deep in your backyard?” He asked if Cody’s friends and family would be there in his hometown watching him kick his ass. Orton asked if his “trailer park mother” would be in the front row. Cody was seething. “What about that trash-ass wife of yours?” he asked. “Is she going to be there?” Orton told Cody to punch him again.
Cody said he knows what he is doing and he knew that was what he was going to do. He said he’ll do anything to get out of facing him at SNME. Orton dated him. Cody said he is counting the days until SNME when they find out if he really is this “once in a lifetime generational superstar like my dad was, or are you a first-class screw-up like yours was?” Orton got in Cody’s face as Cody asked if he wanted to hit him. Orton said he took it too far. Cody said he’d see him in Atlanta. He turned around and threw the mic. Cole and Graves said both sides showed incredible restraint.
(Keller’s Analysis: Orton was an unredeemable ass there, but then fans don’t take much of anything in WWE seriously – they’re trained not to – so Orton will still get “legacy pops” for “creating moments.” Cody was good here with delivering his message, but man the crowd just doesn’t really didn’t seem invested in taking side here or rooting for a certain outcome in this match.)
-Jackie Remond interviewed Tatum Paxley, who was acting zany and crazy backstage. Paxley said she had a secret. Redmond laughed uncomfortably and then left. Chalotte Flair and Alexa Bliss walked up to her. Paxley said she had a great time at brunch with them. Bliss said they were just told by Aldis that the three of them are teaming against Jade, Michin, and B-Fab at SNME. Charlotte told Paxley, “Please, don’t make me regret sticking up for you.” Paxley hugged them and said she knew they’d be the best of friends.
-A commercial aired for NXT Heat Wave. [c]
-A vignette aired on Rey Fenix vs. Penta with soundbites from each and hyped the match happens on Raw on Monday.
-Byron Saxton interviewed Rey Fenix backstage about the match against Penta. Fenix said he loves his brother, but this is his moment and he will become World Champion. Ricky Saints showed up and said it’s such a cute little story. Saxton scurried away. Saints said after he loses to Penta, he wants a shot at his AAA Cruiserweight Title. Fenix predicted he’ll beat Penta and then Roman Reigns.
(3) TATUM PAXLEY (w/Charlotte, Alexa Bliss) vs. MICHIN (w/B-Fab, Jade Cargill)
The bell rang 21 minutes into the hour. Paxley leapfrogged Michin, but then Michin ducked a charging Paxley. Paxley tumbled to ringside. Michin kicked her from the ring apron and then threw her back into the ring. Cole said he’s not sure Charlotte has bought into the friendship. Graves said it’s a friendship of convenience. When Paxley made a comeback including a backflip off the ring apron onto Michin, she celebrated with Charlotte and Bliss at ringside. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Michin was in control after the break. When Michin set up a Styles Clash, Paxley backdropped out of it and then finished her with the Cemetary Drive.
WINNER: Paxley in 8:00.
-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. They commented on what happened last week between Blake Monroe and Giulia.
-Redmond asked why Blake chose to jeopardize her debut last week. Blake said the match was beneath her. She said when there’s an opponent up to her standards, she’ll wrestle. Giulia attacked Blake viciously until two officials pulled her off.
-Owens crossed paths with Orton backstage. Orton said he was right about Cody. KO said, “I know! How many times did I tell you.” Orton said he didn’t forget how he dropped him on his head, so it doesn’t mean they’re friends. Owens said he had a match, but he’d call him. He was excited Orton was being nice to him. [c]
-Graves hyped WrestlePalooza in Perth, Australia on December 12.
-A graphic noted that Haku was part of the Colossal Connection with Andre the Giant.
-A vignette aired with Haku, Talla Tonga, and Tama Tonga.
-R-Truth told Damien Priest they’re going to get their tag titles back. Priest said it’s been a great summer teaming with him, but since they don’t have the titles anymore, he’s taking it as a sign so he’s done teaming with him. Truth hugged him and begged him not to quit their team. Priest said he’s got his back still, but he’s going back to singles action and chasing gold. The Viking Raiders walked in and said The MFTs will take a beating that was headed their way. Truth said Priest wants gold, so they should put their AAA Tag Team Titles against them. Priest said that’s not what he meant. They agreed to wrestle in Mexico City. Priest said, “One more, alright.” Truth was all smiles.
-Jax and Lash walked up to Aldis backstage. Jax demanded a title match against Chelsea. Aldis said he is waiting for a medical update. Jax said if she doesn’t get a title match within two weeks, she’ll take it by force. In walked Miz and Kit Wilson. Aldis said it’s nice to see Miz talking in full sentences again. Wilson told Aldis he is toxic. Miz said he owes them. Aldis said he was booking them against Nakamura and his new partner Kyoki. Wilson took notes as Miz handed out advice.
-Owens made his ring entrance. [c]
(4) KEVIN OWENS vs. GUNTHER vs. FINN BALOR – No. 1 contendership match for the WWE Title
Gunther made his entrance. Balor made his entrance. The bell rang 49 minutes into the hour. Gunther attacked Balor before the bell. The ref rewarded the illegal pre-match attack by calling for the bell. KO then went after Gunther. Gunther caught him charging at him with a big boot. Balor rolled up Gunther for a two count. KO kiced Balor and then landed a senton on Gunther. He then leaped off the top rope with a swanton on Gunther. Balor broke up the cover at the 1 count. They cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
Balor rallied at 8:00 and landed a Coup de Grace on Gunther. Sami yanked Balor off of the cover by his boot and then tossed him over the announce desk. Cole said there are no DQs. Sami punched the ref. KO gave Gunther a Stunner. The ref was down. Fans counted to ten. As a second ref ran out, Sami knocked him down. “Not on my watch!” he said. Punk’s music played and he ran out. Cole said he has a score to settle with Sami as well after last week. Punk threw Sami into the barricade. Cole said, “This is absolute chaos!” Punk yelled, “Here’s your justice!” He wound up with the title belt. Sami ran into the ring. KO then went after Punk. They swung wildly at each other. KO knocked Punk down. Sami hit KO with the title belt. Then he hit Balor with the belt. Gunther put Sami in a sleeper. Fans cheered. Sami hit Gunther with the belt to break free. Sami then hit Punk with the belt. Cole said Sami is filled with anger, bitterness, and paranoia. He said if he can’t have the title, he won’t let anyone else have it. Sami held up the belt as the show ended.
WINNER: No contest in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Oh, goodie. Another main event, this one with specific high stakes, with no outcome.)
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Derrick Hubbard to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE
https://streamyard.com/jt2p5h24r6
Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
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