WWE SmackDown returns to Cajundome on October 9 with CM Punk appearance ahead of Money in the Bank
WWE SmackDown returns Friday, October 9, 2026, with its final episode before Money in the Bank, airing live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana. The broadcast will feature the return of CM Punk, championship action and appearances by every competitor in the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches.
The October 9 show is the final SmackDown before the Premium Live Event and is scheduled one night before Money in the Bank on October 10. Money in the Bank is set for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The edition is being presented as an important stop on the road to the PLE and will include matches and segments designed to set the scene for the ladder contests.
CM Punk will make an appearance on the October 9 broadcast after securing his place in the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match by defeating Gunther and Finn Balor in a Triple Threat qualifier. The Second City Saint may not be the favorite to win the Money in the Bank 2026 PLE, as per the odds, but he has made it clear he’s coming back with a vengeance. WWE has not announced a match for Punk on SmackDown, and his appearance could have major implications for the Money in the Bank contest.
WWE has confirmed the men’s Money in the Bank field includes Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Penta, CM Punk and Kevin Owens. The promotion describes that lineup as setting up an unpredictable ladder match in New Orleans. With those names confirmed, all men’s competitors are scheduled to appear on the October 9 SmackDown.
The women’s Money in the Bank bracket consists of Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Jacy Jayne, Roxanne Perez, Lash Legend and Tiffany Stratton. WWE has announced that every woman entered in the ladder match will be present on SmackDown, a setup that could produce confrontations before they meet in New Orleans. The company has signaled it may use the final Friday before the PLE to establish final rivalries and momentum heading into the ladder matches.
The only championship match currently advertised for the broadcast will see Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley. Charlotte and Tatum earned the opportunity after approaching SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis during the October 2 episode, and the pair previously faced Fatal Influence in September and came up short. For Fatal Influence, the match is an opportunity to enter Money in the Bank weekend with momentum; for Charlotte and Tatum, it represents a chance to reverse a prior defeat and capture the titles.
WWE is advertising a six-man dark match for next week’s SmackDown that lists Seth Rollins, LA Knight and Solo Sikoa vs. 946’s Royce Keys, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price. The Cajundome’s own promotion, however, advertises 946 vs The Usos and Jacob Fatu for the event, creating a discrepancy between the show’s advertised dark match and the local poster. It remains listed as a non-televised attraction surrounding the October 9 broadcast.
SmackDown will serve as the final televised stop before Money in the Bank, which is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.