WWE SmackDown preview: multiple title matches and Chelsea Green injury headline Boston show

The August 14 edition of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts and will feature CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Trick Williams and Gunther. WWE has announced multiple title matches for the broadcast.

WWE has scheduled Tiffany Stratton to defend the Women’s US title against Jacy Jayne and US Champion Baron Corbin to defend against Carmelo Hayes, while WWE Tag Team Champions Wepa Up (R-Truth & Damian Priest) will defend in a triple threat against the War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) and The Tongans (Talla & Tama Tonga). The Tongans, accompanied by Haku, attacked the former two tag teams during their title vs title showdown two weeks ago. Shinsuke Nakamura responded last week, posting "I'm back, and this time, I will not be alone."

Randy Orton’s return at SummerSlam, where he cost Cody Rhodes the Undisputed title match, has renewed the rivalry that traces back to WrestleMania 42. Rhodes attempted to confront Orton last week but the Viper again eluded him. All signs currently point towards a rematch between the two, and now fans are waiting to see how the build unfolds in the coming weeks.

‘The Prizefighter’ Kevin Owens secured the number one contender spot for the Undisputed title and engaged in a fiery promo exchange with the champion CM Punk. Owens’ interactions with Sami Zayn have prompted speculation among fans over whether Zayn will play a role in the title picture.

Newly crowned Interim WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green suffered an injury during last week’s tag team match against Fatal Influence, where she teamed with Tiffany Stratton. Green has suffered a broken orbital bone around her right eye. With the reigning Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley already out of action due to injury, the status of the women’s division is now in flux.

The August 14 SmackDown will air live from the TD Garden in Boston, and Kevin Owens has asked GM Nick Aldis to book his Undisputed title match for the August 21 edition of SmackDown in Toronto, Canada. Money in the Bank is the next PLE after SummerSlam 2026 and is set for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.