WWE SmackDown lineup for September 25, 2026: CM Punk, Gunther to compete; Trick Williams in Steel Cage vs Baron Corbin

WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown on September 25, 2026 will be held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and features CM Punk and Gunther among the announced performers as the promotion continues Money in the Bank 2026 qualifiers. The show will also include a United States title Steel Cage match between Trick Williams and Baron Corbin.

With less than three weeks until Money in the Bank 2026, WWE will stage further men’s and women’s MITB Qualifiers on this week’s SmackDown; four spots for the ladder matches have already been filled and a World Heavyweight title showdown is confirmed for the show. In the men’s qualifier, Finn Balor, CM Punk and Gunther will compete for the fifth spot, while Giulia, Charlotte Flair and Lash Legend will face off in the women’s qualifying match for their fifth spot. The fourth spot was confirmed on this past Monday’s Raw in San Antonio.

CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Gunther and Trick Williams are listed as featured superstars for the September 25 broadcast, and fans are expecting additional match announcements on the Blue brand edition of SmackDown, with world title showdowns among the matches anticipated to be revealed for Money in the Bank.

Trick Williams will put the United States title on the line against Baron Corbin inside a Steel Cage; the rivalry began with Corbin’s attack on his return and has developed into a long-running feud. Corbin defeated Williams to capture the title at SummerSlam, and Williams regained the belt at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. The September 25 encounter represents the fourth meeting between the two and the first time their latest clash will take place inside a cage.

No major returns are expected for this edition of SmackDown, with several stars missing from the roster listed as out of action due to injury and not expected to return soon. Only Drew McIntyre is singled out as absent because of a lack of creative after returning from completing his movie commitments, and WWE will likely save McIntyre’s return for a major show.

Money in the Bank 2026 is scheduled for October 10, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, and this Friday’s qualifiers will move WWE one step closer to finalizing the men’s and women’s ladder-match lineups.