Lafayette also hosts a Women’s Tag Team Championship defense
Summary
– CM Punk will return on the October 9 SmackDown ahead of Money in the Bank
– Fatal Influence will defend the Women’s Tag Team titles against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley
– Kevin Owens secured his ladder match spot after Randy Orton prevented Cody Rhodes from breaking up the pin
CM Punk will appear on the October 9 episode of SmackDown in Lafayette, Louisiana, the final show before Money in the Bank. WWE announced his return during Friday’s broadcast.
Punk already secured his place in the men’s ladder match by defeating Gunther and Finn Balor the previous week. His upcoming appearance brings him back to SmackDown ahead of the briefcase showdown.
Kevin Owens joined the field during the latest episode, winning a triple threat qualifier against Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano. Owens pinned Gargano after delivering a pop-up powerbomb.
Rhodes tried to interrupt the count, but Randy Orton held him back. The interference prevented Rhodes from saving the match and allowed Owens to claim the qualifying spot.
Punk’s most recent appearance came at Worlds Collide, where he teamed with Rey Mysterio and El Grande Americano. The trio defeated Dominik Mysterio, Omos, and JD McDonagh.
The October 9 lineup also includes a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid will defend against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley.
Flair revealed the opportunity while encouraging Paxley after her unsuccessful women’s Money in the Bank qualifier. Although Paxley missed out on the ladder match, she now has a championship opportunity alongside Flair.
Punk’s return and the tag title defense give the Lafayette show two announced attractions as WWE completes its build toward Money in the Bank.
