The SmackDown Live Report for 10/16/26

The SmackDown Live Report

THE ONLY BLVD!

It’s Friday night so it’s SmackDown tonight live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA. The fallout from last weekend’s Money in the Bank continues on tonight’s show. We’ve also got ourselves a AAA Cruiserweight Title Match as Rey Fenix puts his title on the line against Ricky Saints, R-Truth goes head-to-head with former friend Damian Priest, Paige clashes with Nikki Bella, and “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes will come face-to-face with “The Viper” Randy Orton.

We got plenty in store for the show tonight – So let’s start the SLAM and light the lights!

Vic Joseph replaces Michael Cole on play-by-play, Corey Graves is our analyst, Kathy Kelley reports backstage, and Mark Nash is the ring announcer.

We begin with showing the earlier arrivals of the superstars for the evening. Then, live in the arena the Undisputed WWE Champ Sami Zayn comes out, alongside Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae as they high-five each other.

Zayn asks Sacramento who’s here to ride or die. He says every vulture at Money in the Bank got what they deserved. He congratulations Penta and tells him to focus on Roman Reigns. He says in a few weeks he’ll face Reigns at Crown Jewel.

Here comes Trick Williams. Zayn tells them to cut his music and say what he has to say. Williams calls Zayn “gingivitis”. They don’t like each other. But every time Zayn sees Williams, he sees the fans turn on him, he sees WrestleMania, he sees what happened at Backlash, and a real superstar. And he’s going to beat his ass.

Zayn says Williams had the WWE Champ a foot away from him saying he won’t tolerate disrespect. He calls Williams a joke and Williams needs to learn how to survive. Williams gets mad and asks if he looks like he’s joking. He dares Zayn to take a swing and see what happens.

Gargano intervenes that Williams is disrespecting the Champion and disrespecting them. He says he’s just been handed opportunities. He has everything but the WWE title. And until he does, Williams will show “them” (Gargano and Zayn) the respect they deserve. Gargano says they call him Johnny “Freaking” Wrestling. Williams asks for a match with Gargano tonight. Gargano says he’s on as Williams asks for a ref and we begin the show with an impromptu match after our first break of the night.

Trick Williams vs Johnny Gargano:

After the break the match is in progress with Zayn on commentary as Williams puts Gargano in a hold. Williams throws him to the ropes and gives him a knee to the gut. Williams throws Gargano hard to the corner as Gargano’s momentum flips him up and over the ring post. Chops to Gargano, but Gargano comes back with shots to William’s left knee, apparently the one he injured at MitB. But Williams lifts Gargano way up, holds him there over his head for like half a minute, then Suplexes him down. Williams wanted a Trick Shot, but Gargano rolled to the outside. Williams goes out and slams Gargano’s head a few times on the announce desk. Then he gets in Zayn’s face. As Williams tries to get back in the ring LeRae provides a distraction as Gargano grabs his left leg and tweaks it against the ropes. Gargano with a kick on the ring apron, then a suicide dive sending Williams over the announce desk.

Gargano takes control for a little while, but Williams gets back in control soon after. Williams try for another Trick Shot but another distraction by LeRae gives Gargano the advantage for a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” while holding the tights, bot only gets a close two. Gargano gets back control. Gargano tried for Zayn’s patented Helluvakick but missed. Then went for the Slingshot from the middle rope but got caught with a Trick Shot by Williams. A bookend by Williams is the finisher and the win.

WINNER: Trick Williams

We then get a video package of last weekend’s Women’s MitB ladder match. Tiffany Stratton grabs the briefcase and it’s Tiffy Time again.

Backstage, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis confronts Blake Monroe over her recent actions and announces that she will face Giulia in a Street Fight next week.

Monroe expresses her displeasure before Chelsea Green arrives, allowing Monroe to leave the conversation. Green asks Aldis about a get-well basket sent to Tiffany Stratton as she recovers from her injuries. Their conversation shifts from there.

They discuss Green’s recent dealings with Judgment Day on Raw and Roxanne Perez’s upcoming WWE Women’s Championship opportunity. Nikki Bella approaches and takes issue with the discussion, making several remarks about the champion before walking away.

We then return live where Paige makes her entrance for her upcoming match against Nikki Bella. Paige makes her way to the ring as we head to a commercial ahead of the match. We return from the break, and Nikki makes her entrance for the next match.

Paige vs Nikki Bella:

Nikki immediately goes on the attack, connecting with several strikes before sending Paige to the outside. Nikki follows and drives Paige into the barricade, but Paige fights back by sending Nikki into the opposite barricade before returning to the ring. Nikki rolls back outside to create some distance, but Paige follows and brings her back into the action. Nikki manages to send Paige to the floor, only to get caught in the ring apron, allowing Paige to connect with several strikes. Paige brings Nikki back inside. She then positions her against the ropes for a series of knee strikes. Nikki counters by catching Paige on the middle rope and sending her crashing to the floor as we head into a mid-match ‘mercial as the action continues.

The match winds down when Paige attempts a Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Nikki counters into an STF. Paige manages to reach the ropes to force the break before lifting Nikki onto her shoulders for an Attitude Adjustment (props to the GOAT for all these references). Bella kicks out at two and fights back, escaping a Suplex attempt before connecting with a clothesline and a hard forearm for a near-fall. Nikki takes a moment to taunt the crowd before pulling Paige back to her feet. Paige catches her with a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!”, using the ropes for additional leverage to secure the cheap victory.

WINNER: Paige

We’re now backstage with R-Truth. R-Truth addresses his upcoming match against Damian Priest, reflecting on their former friendship. He makes it clear that their friendship is over. He promises to get the better of Priest when they meet in the ring tonight. Truth walks off as we prepare for his match against Priest, which is next after the break.

We return to a video package looking back at the Men’s MitB Ladder Match, which saw Penta emerge victorious. Backstage, Kevin Owens is being examined in the trainer’s room when SmackDown GM Nick Aldis approaches to check on him. Owens admits he is banged up but says his neck is fine. He adds that while he didn’t win MitB, he is satisfyied knowing CM Punk didn’t win either. Punk enters the room and confronts Owens, leading to another heated exchange between the two. Aldis steps in and discusses the possibility of booking a match between them.

Owens expresses interest, but Aldis warns both men to save their issues for the ring and stay out of each other’s way. Owens tells Aldis to deliver that message to Punk, accusing Punk of following him around. He then walks away, tossing a crumpled paper towel in their direction.

Back live, R-Truth makes his entrance as we get a video recap of Priest turning on his former tag team partner last month. We also see footage of Priest attacking Fraxiom last week before Truth confronted him backstage. Then Priest makes his entrance.

R-Truth vs Damian Priest:

Truth immediately charges forward and catches Priest with a shoulder tackle that sends him to the floor. Truth remains inside the ring as Priest regroups and returns to officially begin the match.

Truth connects with another strike, but Priest takes control and sends him into the corner. Priest follows with a corner splash and a Falcon Arrow for a two-count. Priest continues working over Truth, driving his knee into his back before cutting off a comeback attempt with a snap-mare. Priest maintains control with another knee to the back.

Truth eventually fights to his feet and catches him with a kick off of the ropes. Truth attempts to set up a move only for Priest to knock him back to the mat. Truth retreats to the corner and avoids an incoming Priest with the splits. He then climbs to the top rope and connects with a missile dropkick, sending Priest across the ring. But something happened to Truth.  

Priest gets back to his feet as the referee checks on R-Truth, who appears unable to continue. After receiving little response from Truth, the referee calls for the bell. The ref awards the match to Priest via referee stoppage. Priest appears unhappy with the decision and exits the ring to retrieve a steel chair. The referee intervenes and prevents him from continuing the attack.

WINNER by REF STOPPAGE: Damian Priest

Next we’re treated to a video package about the ongoing issues between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton ahead of their scheduled face-to-face confrontation later tonight. We then head to another commercial break. We’re shown footage from the world premiere of Street Fighter with Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.

Now back, we see a video package of Gunther’s recent attack on Danhausen and Finn Balor’s involvement in the situation. Backstage, Gunther enters Aldis’ office and defends his actions against Danhausen, claiming he doesn’t belong in a WWE ring and that he did Danhausen a favor. Gunther also addresses Finn Balor, warning that what happened to him is the result of interfering in Gunther’s business. Danhausen suddenly turns around in Aldis’ chair and confronts Gunther about his actions. He reminds Gunther that he never actually pinned him during their previous encounter. Gunther responds by grabbing Danhausen and warning him that while he doesn’t celebrate Halloween, he intends to make it a special night for him.

Now back at ringside, the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley, make their entrance and head to the ring. They talk about winning the titles and how Charlotte Flair offered up her spot due to injury. They promise a special gift when she returns.

As they continue, they are interrupted by former tag team champions Fatal Influence. The group makes their way toward the ring while insulting the new champions, particularly Paxley, before attempting to launch an attack. Bliss and Paxley manage to fight off Fatal Influence, forcing them to retreat. The champions stand tall and raise their titles.

Now backstage, Rey Fenix discusses his upcoming AAA Cruiserweight Championship defense against Ricky Saints. He also begins congratulating his brother Penta on winning MitB before Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn approaches.

Zayn offers some words of encouragement before asking whether Fenix knows what Penta intends to do with his briefcase. Zayn brings up Penta’s recent loss to Roman Reigns in Mexico City and wonders whether his brother plans to target Reigns.

Fenix thanks Zayn but admits he has no idea whether Penta intends to cash in on Reigns or Zayn. He wishes Zayn good luck before walking away as we head to break.

We return to (yet another) video package revisiting SummerSlam and the ongoing issues between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton ahead of their confrontation later tonight.

Elsewhere backstage, Jade Cargill and The Baddies confront Fatal Influence, mocking the group for failing to take out the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. The two groups exchange words.

Rey Fenix makes his entrance for his latest AAA Cruiserweight Championship defense. Ricky Saints follows as the challenger makes his way to the ring.

AAA Cruiserweight Championship:
Rey Fenix (c) vs Ricky Saints

Saints immediately goes after the champion. Fenix counters with a head-scissors takedown before sending him onto the apron. Fenix follows with an Adios Amigo that knocks Saints to the floor. Fenix keeps the momentum going with a dive to the outside, taking out Saints at ringside as the action continues into a cool picture-in-picture commercial break.

During the picture-in-picture break, Saints takes control by attacking Fenix as he returns to the ring. Saints sends Fenix into the corner and connects with several right hands before launching him across the ring. Fenix fights back on the turnbuckles and knocks Saints to the canvas.

The finish begins when Saints manages to regain some control and begins pulling at Fenix’s mask. Fenix breaks free and catches Saints with a kick to the face before attempting a Mexican Muscle Buster. Ricky escapes, but Fenix takes him down with a Hurricanrana off the turnbuckles. Fenix heads back up top, only for Saints to shove the ref into the ropes, causing Fenix to lose his balance. Saints attempts a pinfall, but the referee refuses to count after being deliberately shoved into the ropes. Saints argues with the official and shoves him a second time, prompting the ref to call for the bell DQ’ing the challenger.

WINNER by DQ: Rey Fenix

After the match, Saints becomes furious with the decision and continues attacking Fenix. WWE officials rush to the ring to intervene and put a stop to the assault.

We then get a final video package looking back at last month’s Sunday Night Main Event, highlighting the escalating issues between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes ahead of their face-to-face confrontation.

Backstage again, Aldis approaches Rhodes ahead of his confrontation with Orton. Rhodes asks Aldis whether Orton is already waiting in the ring, but Aldis admits he hasn’t seen him. Rhodes tells Aldis that he understands the GM has done everything he can to handle the situation. Rhodes makes it clear that he intends to head to the ring and take matters into his own hands before he walks away. We head to another break.

When we come back, Rhodes makes his way to the ring for his scheduled face-to-face confrontation with Orton. He retrieves a steel chair from ringside before grabbing a microphone and addressing the Sacramento crowd. Rhodes says everyone was promised a confrontation tonight, and he intends to remain in the ring until Orton shows up.

But instead of Orton, Baron Corbin makes his entrance and heads toward the ring with a microphone. Corbin criticizes Rhodes, claiming he has never had what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He also takes issue with Rhodes’ emphasis on friendships, saying he intends to reclaim his position in WWE at Rhodes’ expense.

Rhodes responds by telling Corbin he has no patience for him tonight, but Corbin interrupts by attacking him. Rhodes fights back with several strikes and sends Corbin out of the ring before grabbing the microphone again. Rhodes calls for a referee and challenges Corbin to an immediate impromptu main event match. An official makes his way to the ring as we head into our final break.

Cody Rhodes vs Baron Corbin:

We return from break with the match already underway. Rhodes and Corbin exchange offense on the outside before returning to the ring, where Corbin takes control. He taunts the crowd before connecting with a right hand and a boot to Rhodes’ head. Corbin sends Rhodes into the corner and attempts to follow up, but Rhodes moves out of the way, causing Corbin to crash shoulder-first into the ring post. Rhodes capitalizes with a takedown before both competitors battle back to their feet. Rhodes fights his way out of the corner and connects with a Powerslam. Rhodes removes his shirt and follows up with a Bionic Elbow before connecting with a Disaster Kick.

Before Rhodes can continue, Randy Orton suddenly appears and pulls him out of the ring, launching an attack that forces the ref to call for the bell. What a main event match.

WINNER: Um… Cody Rhodes? No Contest?

Orton continues assaulting Rhodes at ringside, sending him into the announce table before driving him into the ring post. Orton brings Rhodes back inside and stands over him before retreating to the corner and preparing for a punt kick. Rhodes manages to avoid the punt and catches Orton with a Cody Cutter. Rhodes then gets back to his feet and heads to the corner, preparing to deliver a punt kick of his own to Orton. Before he can connect, Corbin intervenes, allowing Orton to escape the ring.

Corbin attempts End of Days, but Rhodes counters and climbs to the top rope before connecting with a Super Cody Cutter. Rhodes then turns his attention back to Orton, challenging him to return to the ring, but he refuses. Rhodes turns back toward Corbin and successfully delivers a punt kick to the head, sending a message to Orton.

The credits roll while Rhodes and Orton stare down each other from a distance as their rivalry is far from over.