Randy Orton Attacks Cody Rhodes as Kevin Owens and Tiffany Stratton Qualify on SmackDown in Denver
Randy Orton attacked Cody Rhodes during the October 2, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, while Kevin Owens and Tiffany Stratton won qualifying matches for next weekend’s Money in the Bank ladder matches. The show also featured Blake Monroe making her in-ring debut with a victory over Giulia.
The October 2 edition of the Blue brand concluded the lineup for both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches, with the final qualifying bouts on the card closing out the fields for next weekend’s event. The men’s ladder match roster will include CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Penta, and Kevin Owens. The women’s ladder match will feature Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Jacy Jayne, Roxanne Perez, Lash Legend, and Tiffany Stratton.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Paxley and LeRae in a triple threat to earn a place in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The official result was listed as "Tiffany Stratton def. Paxley & LeRae – MITB Qualifiers." Her victory completed the set of competitors for the women’s ladder match announced on the show.
Kevin Owens emerged victorious in a triple threat that also involved Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano, with the result recorded as "Kevin Owens def. Cody & Gargano – MITB Qualifiers." Randy Orton interfered in that contest, attacking Cody Rhodes and costing him the match. Owens’s win secured his spot in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Other segments and matches on the card included Blake Monroe making her in-ring debut and defeating Giulia. Ricky Saints and the War Raiders defeated Rey Fenix and Fraxiom in a tag-team contest. The episode also featured appearances by Je’Von Evans and Penta.
Money in the Bank 2026 is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the men’s and women’s ladder matches involving the listed competitors will take place. Kevin Owens and Tiffany Stratton are now confirmed participants in their respective ladder matches at that event.
