Tonight, WWE is gearing up for an electrifying edition of SmackDown (August 21) as the company moves towards Sunday Night’s Main Event and the 2026 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.
The blue brand promises storylines with unexpected twists. This week’s Friday Night SmackDown features a packed card, headlined by CM Punk defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. Owens secured his No. 1 Contender’s spot at SummerSlam 2026 by winning a Fatal Four-Way match against Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, and Gunther.
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Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are also set to appear, continuing their intense rivalry as tensions reach a boiling point.
Blake Monroe will make her SmackDown debut, facing off against Giulia, a former two-time WWE Women’s United States Champion, in a singles match.
Another exciting matchup on the August 21 episode will see MFT defending the WWE Tag Team Championship against R-Truth and Damian Priest.
The anticipated main event will feature CM Punk versus Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The show’s conclusion could take several dramatic turns, leaving fans amazed. Here are four potential endings for tonight’s blue brand episode:
CM Punk makes a clean WWE Title defense
Known as The Best in the World, CM Punk is one of the toughest WWE Superstars. Fresh off a significant victory over Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026, Punk enters the match with a psychological edge, given Rhodes’ multiple victories over Kevin Owens. Having captured the title in July, Punk is a significant attraction and is unlikely to lose the championship tonight. A clean victory over Owens would solidify his status as a dominant champion and provide a fitting conclusion to the show.
Sami Zayn could cost Kevin Owens
CM Punk won the title on July 6 by defeating Sami Zayn on Monday Night Raw in Chicago, stepping in last-minute for Cody Rhodes, who was attacked backstage by Gunther. Since losing his title after just nine days, Zayn has been eager to reclaim his spot in the championship race. However, Kevin Owens thwarted his plans by making a surprise return at SummerSlam, defeating Zayn to earn the No. 1 Contender’s spot. In tonight’s main event, Owens might be on the verge of victory when a mysterious black-hooded figure distracts him, allowing Punk to capitalize and win. This hooded man could be revealed as Sami Zayn, setting up a thrilling cliffhanger ending for SmackDown.
The underdog shocks the world and turns heel
As the underdog in his title match against CM Punk, many doubt Kevin Owens’ chances of winning the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, under Triple H’s creative direction, unexpected moments frequently occur. Both Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre captured titles this year against the odds. In a turn of events, Zayn might come out to distract Punk, allowing Owens to seize the opportunity and claim victory. Following this, Owens could shockingly betray Punk by attacking him, aligning with Zayn. This twist would deliver a powerful conclusion to the show, signaling Owens’ determination.
WWE icon chooses a darker path
The clash between Punk and Owens will be a highlight for wrestling enthusiasts, known for their technical prowess. The match could take a darker tone if Punk shifts his tactics, targeting Owens’ neck and employing heel tactics. After a clean win, Punk could further attack Owens, signaling a heel turn. This would send a strong message to critics and refresh Punk’s title reign and character on SmackDown.
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Edited by Steffi
