SmackDown Closes MITB Field with Surprises and Attacks

The October 2 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, broadcast live from Denver, Colorado, concluded the qualification matches for the 2026 Money in the Bank ladder matches. Tiffany Stratton earned the final women's spot by defeating Candice LeRae and Tatum Paxley. In a dramatic turn, Randy Orton interfered in the main event, attacking Cody Rhodes and allowing Kevin Owens to secure the last men's qualifying spot.

Blake Monroe made her much-anticipated in-ring debut on the main roster, securing a victory against Giulia. This marked Monroe's first official match after previous cancellations.

The show also featured segments involving various WWE Superstars. Nikki Bella confronted Chelsea Green, leading to Paige challenging Nikki to a match in two weeks. A six-man tag match saw Ricky Saints and the War Raiders defeat Rey Fenix and Fraxiom. Promos from Cody Rhodes, Trick Williams, and Damian Priest also aired, hyping future encounters.

WWE Champion Sami Zayn's promo was interrupted by Je'Von Evans and Penta, followed by an appearance from Trick Williams. The segment escalated when Finn Balor attacked Zayn, only to be laid out by Gunther. The show also teased a tag team title match for Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley.

Money in the Bank 2026 is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The men's match will include CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Je'Von Evans, Trick Williams, Penta, and Kevin Owens. The women's match features Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Jacy Jayne, Roxanne Perez, Lash Legend, and Tiffany Stratton.