Mistakes WWE Made on SmackDown in Indianapolis on September 25, 2026

WWE SmackDown from Indianapolis featured several important developments as the company continued building toward Money in the Bank. The episode included a high-profile triple threat between CM Punk, Gunther and Finn Balor, while other storylines involving Randy Orton, Nikki Bella, Chelsea Green and Damian Priest also moved forward.

However, not every booking decision received the same level of attention. Some segments appeared to leave important championship divisions and established performers without enough momentum.

4. WWE Tag Team Champions Were Barely Mentioned

One of the biggest issues on the show was the lack of attention given to the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Bron Breakker and Austin Theory currently hold the World Tag Team Titles, yet both were involved in Money in the Bank qualifying action rather than defending or actively building their championship storyline.

The problem extends beyond one episode. The tag team division on both RAW and SmackDown has received comparatively limited storyline development, making it difficult for the championships to feel like a major part of the weekly product.

Last week’s confrontation involving the MFTs, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki was also not followed up with a meaningful segment on this week’s show.

Even with Money in the Bank taking priority, WWE could have used a short backstage segment, promo or confrontation to remind viewers that the tag team titles remain an important part of SmackDown.

3. Paige Suffered Another Loss

Paige’s return to WWE at WrestleMania 42 was one of the more notable moments of the year. She later captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Brie Bella.

However, her momentum has changed significantly since losing those titles.

According to the supplied report, Paige entered SmackDown having lost her previous five matches and had been pinned in her last four contests.

Her latest defeat came after Nikki Bella interfered in the match. Nikki had already used the ropes for leverage during a previous pin attempt before tripping Paige and creating an opening for Jacy Jayne to secure the victory.

Repeated losses can be used to build an eventual comeback storyline, but Paige’s current booking risks making her look less competitive than her established status would suggest.

2. Baron Corbin Has Lost His Momentum

Baron Corbin returned to WWE earlier this summer and quickly targeted United States Champion Trick Williams.

Corbin eventually defeated Williams for the United States Championship at SummerSlam and later picked up another victory over him. However, the rivalry has taken a different direction following a series of losses for Corbin.

Corbin recently suffered two defeats during Sunday Night’s Main Event before losing to Williams again on SmackDown.

This time, the former United States Champion was defeated inside a steel cage.

The repeated interference and uneven match results have also affected the presentation of the rivalry. Corbin was introduced as a major threat to Trick Williams, but consecutive losses have reduced the sense of danger surrounding his character.

For a wrestler presented as “The Lone Wolf,” the current booking has made it increasingly difficult to maintain that intimidating image.

1. Did CM Punk Need to Qualify for Money in the Bank?

The biggest booking question from the episode involved CM Punk, Finn Balor and Gunther competing for a place in next month’s Money in the Bank match.

Punk ultimately secured the qualification spot, adding another major opportunity to an already eventful year for the former world champion.

Punk has already held both the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship during 2026. He has also remained involved in major storylines surrounding the Undisputed Championship.

From a storyline perspective, this creates an interesting question about how WWE should distribute major opportunities among its roster.

Finn Balor has not received a recent singles world championship opportunity on SmackDown, while Gunther has also remained an important part of the main-event scene.

Allowing either Balor or Gunther to qualify could have created a fresh direction for the Money in the Bank storyline while giving another established star an opportunity to compete for the briefcase.

CM Punk, Gunther and Finn Balor Deliver in the Main Event

Despite the criticism surrounding the qualification decision, the triple threat itself provided one of the strongest parts of the episode.

CM Punk, Gunther and Finn Balor brought three different wrestling styles and character dynamics into the match.

Punk’s experience, Gunther’s physical approach and Balor’s speed helped create a competitive main event that gave the Money in the Bank qualifier considerable importance.

The result also continued Punk’s momentum heading into another major opportunity.

Other SmackDown Storylines Move Forward

The episode also featured developments outside the Money in the Bank picture.

Randy Orton demanded an interview with Michael Cole after Cody Rhodes had received a similar opportunity the previous week. The segment continued to build interest around Orton and his ongoing storyline.

Nikki Bella also remained involved with WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green. After confronting Green over a potential title opportunity, Nikki later influenced Green’s match.

Meanwhile, Damian Priest’s recent attack on R-Truth at the Performance Center added another development to their ongoing story.

What WWE Can Improve Going Forward

The issues from this episode are primarily connected to maintaining momentum across the entire roster.

Major programs such as Money in the Bank naturally receive significant television time, but championship divisions and established performers also require consistent development.

The tag team champions need meaningful stories, while Paige’s character could benefit from a clear explanation for her string of losses. Similarly, Corbin needs stronger victories if WWE wants to restore him as a credible threat.

Balancing these stories alongside major names such as CM Punk, Gunther and Randy Orton could make future episodes feel more complete.

Final Takeaway

WWE SmackDown from Indianapolis had several strong moments, particularly the triple threat involving CM Punk, Gunther and Finn Balor. However, the episode also exposed some booking problems involving the tag team championships, Paige, Baron Corbin and the distribution of Money in the Bank opportunities.

With the Money in the Bank match approaching, WWE has an opportunity to give more attention to underdeveloped storylines while continuing to build its biggest stars. How those decisions are handled in the coming weeks will shape several important SmackDown storylines heading into the next major event.