WWE SmackDown Results: October 16, 2026 Review

The October 16, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown featured several developing rivalries, competitive matches and controversial decisions following Money in the Bank 2026. While the fallout from the premium live event continued to shape WWE storylines, the absence of both Money in the Bank briefcase winners left questions about what would happen next.

Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn opened the show alongside Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, while Trick Williams stepped up to challenge the champion’s attitude. Elsewhere, Nikki Bella continued her rivalry with Paige, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley celebrated their Women’s Tag Team Championship victory, and Rey Fenix faced Ricky Saints in a match that ended controversially.

The biggest talking point came during the closing segment involving Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Baron Corbin. What began as an anticipated face-to-face confrontation turned into a chaotic fight, with Rhodes displaying a more aggressive side. The show also featured a concerning moment during the R-Truth versus Damian Priest match when the referee threw up the medical “X” sign after Truth appeared to suffer an injury.

Here is the complete WWE SmackDown results and review for October 16, 2026, including match outcomes, grades and the most important moments from the show.

WWE SmackDown Results: October 16, 2026

• Trick Williams defeated Johnny Gargano after hitting the Bookend.
• Paige defeated Nikki Bella after reversing a roll-up and using the ropes for leverage.
• R-Truth vs. Damian Priest ended without a confirmed result after Truth appeared to suffer an injury and the referee signalled for medical attention.
• Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley addressed the WWE Universe as the new Women’s Tag Team Champions before being confronted by Fatal Influence.
• Rey Fenix vs. Ricky Saints ended in a disqualification after Saints pushed the referee into the ropes.
• Cody Rhodes confronted Baron Corbin and Randy Orton in a chaotic closing segment that saw Rhodes attack Corbin and deliver a punt kick.

#7. Sami Zayn Opens SmackDown as WWE Champion

Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn kicked off SmackDown with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae by his side. Zayn addressed the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match and suggested that the competitors who failed to win had received the outcome they deserved, particularly because Penta emerged victorious and captured the briefcase.

Zayn also touched on the possibility of facing Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. However, he chose to save his comments about the potential showdown for RAW, leaving fans waiting for further developments in that rivalry.

The segment took another turn when Trick Williams came out to confront the champion. Zayn reiterated that Williams had not taken either the champion or the Money in the Bank opportunity seriously enough before the match.

Williams appeared less interested in his usual playful persona after failing to win the briefcase. Although his confidence remained intact, he continued to show little respect for Zayn and the position he holds as WWE Champion.

Johnny Gargano eventually took the microphone and defended wrestlers who had worked for years to reach WWE. He contrasted their journeys with those of athletes who arrive from other sports, arguing that some competitors receive opportunities that others have had to fight hard to earn.

Gargano promised to remind Williams and the WWE Universe why he is known as Johnny Wrestling rather than Johnny Entrance. Williams accepted the challenge, setting up a match between the two.

#6. Johnny Gargano vs. Trick Williams

The match between Johnny Gargano and Trick Williams provided a competitive contest, with Gargano initially focusing his attack on Williams’ knee. Trick managed to fight back, but Gargano briefly left the ring, taking the action towards the announce desk.

Williams immediately confronted Sami Zayn, prompting the WWE Champion to tell him to keep his attention on the match. Gargano used the distraction to launch a suicide dive in front of the announce table.

After the commercial break, Williams began to take control. He connected with a kick and a knee before slowing down to prepare his signature slap. Gargano capitalised on the delay and fought back with an enzuigiri.

Williams responded with a spinning kick that nearly secured the victory. He later attempted to finish Gargano in the corner, but Candice LeRae interfered by grabbing his leg.

Gargano took advantage of the opening and rolled Williams up for a two-count. He followed with several kicks and a Tornado DDT from the top rope, but Williams managed to survive the near fall.

Williams eventually reversed Gargano’s offence and connected with the Bookend to secure the victory.

Winner: Trick Williams

Match Grade: B

Match Review

Gargano’s technical offence and Williams’ power created a competitive contrast throughout the match. The interference from Candice LeRae added another layer to the contest, but Williams ultimately found a way to overcome his opponent and claim the win.

The result also kept Williams moving forward after his disappointment at Money in the Bank. His ongoing friction with Sami Zayn could provide further opportunities for the rivalry to develop in the coming weeks.

#5. Paige vs. Nikki Bella

Paige and Nikki Bella continued their rivalry in a match that quickly became physical. The action spilled outside the ring early, with Bella attempting to leave before the Anti-Diva pulled her back into the fight.

Paige trapped Bella against the ring apron skirt and delivered several strikes. Bella eventually turned the tables by tripping Paige and pushing her onto the floor.

After the commercial break, Paige regained control with a Fisherman’s Suplex followed by a German Suplex. Bella responded by raking Paige’s eyes, but the former champion continued the attack with a belly-to-back suplex.

Paige attempted to follow up with the Five-Knuckle Shuffle, but Bella countered the move and locked in an STFU submission. Paige managed to escape before hitting an Attitude Adjustment for a near fall.

Bella responded with a series of strikes and mocked her opponent with a New Day-style clap. When she attempted another move, she pushed Paige into the referee’s path before trying to secure a roll-up.

Paige reversed the pinning attempt and picked up the victory by using the ropes for leverage.

Winner: Paige

Match Grade: C+

Match Review

The contest featured several momentum shifts, with both competitors using tactical manoeuvres and opportunistic counters. Paige’s ability to reverse Bella’s final pinning attempt proved decisive, although the use of the ropes added a controversial element to the finish.

The result gives Paige a victory in their ongoing rivalry, but Bella’s actions suggest that the conflict may not be over yet.

#4. R-Truth vs. Damian Priest Ends After an Injury Scare

The match between R-Truth and Damian Priest began with an aggressive attack before the opening bell. Truth wasted little time in striking Priest, but his decision to slow down after landing a kick allowed his opponent to recover.

Priest soon took control and struck his former partner with a boot before following up with a Flatliner. He attempted another move in the corner, but Truth managed to evade it.

Truth then connected with a dropkick from the top rope. However, he appeared to hurt himself while landing, prompting the referee to throw up the medical “X” sign.

The signal raised concern about Truth’s condition, and the match did not proceed normally. Priest rolled out of the ring and retrieved a chair, creating the possibility of further danger.

Fraxiom subsequently came out to prevent Priest from continuing the attack, bringing the immediate situation under control.

Result: No confirmed result due to the apparent injury scare

Match Grade: Incomplete

Match Review

The most important moment was Truth’s apparent injury following the top-rope dropkick. The referee’s medical signal suggested that the situation required attention, although the supplied report did not confirm a diagnosis or provide an official update on the extent of the injury.

Priest’s decision to retrieve a chair added tension to the segment, while Fraxiom’s intervention prevented the situation from escalating further. Fans will likely be waiting for an official update on Truth’s condition and whether the incident affects his immediate WWE plans.

#3. Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley Celebrate Their Women’s Tag Team Championship Victory

Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley appeared before the WWE Universe to celebrate becoming the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Both were delighted with their achievement and acknowledged Charlotte Flair, despite the circumstances that had kept The Queen out of the match.

Paxley thanked the mentors who had helped her along the way and revealed that she had a special gift planned for Flair when the former champion returned.

The heartfelt moment did not last long, as Fatal Influence interrupted the celebration. Jacy Jayne criticised the segment and claimed that Tiffany Stratton had stolen the Money in the Bank briefcase from her.

Lainey also questioned whether Flair could genuinely be happy about Bliss becoming a champion while she herself was no longer holding the title. Her comments attempted to create tension between the new champions and the absent Charlotte Flair.

Bliss and Paxley responded by challenging Fatal Influence to do something about their complaints. The group accepted the challenge and briefly attacked the champions, although the confrontation did not develop into an extended brawl.

Segment Review

The segment established that Bliss and Paxley are already facing challenges from potential rivals following their championship victory. Fatal Influence’s interruption also introduced questions about Tiffany Stratton’s Money in the Bank situation and Charlotte Flair’s eventual return.

With the Women’s Tag Team Championships now at the centre of the developing rivalry, a future confrontation between the champions and Fatal Influence could be an important storyline to watch.

#2. Rey Fenix vs. Ricky Saints Ends in Controversial Disqualification

Rey Fenix and Ricky Saints delivered an action-packed contest, with both competitors demonstrating athleticism and an ability to counter their opponent’s offence. Fenix started strongly by landing a headscissors manoeuvre, but his attempt to follow up outside the ring was interrupted by a lariat from Saints.

Saints added a crossbody to the outside before countering Fenix’s leap from the top rope into a powerbomb. The move nearly secured the victory, but Fenix managed to survive the pinning attempt.

The champion responded with a springboard cutter for a two-count and then connected with a Frog Splash. Saints continued to fight back, countering another move into a Death Valley Driver that also failed to produce a three-count.

Fenix then delivered a top-rope Hurricanrana, setting up another opportunity to finish the match. However, the closing sequence became controversial when Saints pushed the WWE referee into the ropes as Fenix prepared to attack from the top.

Saints followed up with Rochambeau, but the referee disqualified him because of the earlier push. The decision ended the match without a conventional pinfall victory for either competitor.

Result: Rey Fenix won by disqualification

Match Grade: B-

Decision Grade: C

Match Review

The match featured several impressive sequences and near falls, with both wrestlers coming close to securing the victory. Fenix’s aerial offence and Saints’ power-based counters kept the contest competitive throughout.

However, the disqualification finish was likely to leave fans divided. Although the referee’s decision followed Saints’ interference, the timing prevented the match from reaching a more definitive conclusion. The result could also provide grounds for a rematch if the rivalry continues.

#1. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton’s Confrontation Takes a Dark Turn

The closing segment of SmackDown centred on Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, but the anticipated face-to-face confrontation took an unexpected turn when Baron Corbin appeared instead of Orton.

Corbin questioned why people continued to invest in Rhodes, criticising the former champion for focusing on being the good guy rather than doing what he believed was necessary. He also accused Rhodes of repeatedly complaining in the ring, suggesting that his approach had become predictable.

Rhodes was not interested in entertaining the criticism for long, and the confrontation quickly led to an impromptu match between the two.

Rhodes took control early, hitting a powerslam and a Bionic Elbow before following up with the Disaster Kick. He appeared ready to continue his offence, but Orton intervened by pulling Rhodes out of the ring, causing the match to end in a disqualification.

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes Clash at Ringside

The action continued near the announce desk, where Rhodes and Orton exchanged attacks. Rhodes managed to move out of the way when Orton attempted a punt, avoiding the potentially devastating move.

Rhodes responded with a cutter and appeared ready to deliver a punt of his own. However, Corbin attacked him before he could complete the move.

Rhodes fought back against Corbin and connected with another cutter before delivering a punt kick. The closing moments showed a much more aggressive side of Rhodes, who appeared increasingly willing to use ruthless tactics against his opponents.

Has Cody Rhodes Finally Gone to the Dark Side?

The segment raised questions about whether Rhodes is moving towards a darker character. Known for presenting himself as a determined but principled competitor, Rhodes has often been positioned as a heroic figure. His actions against Corbin, particularly the punt kick, suggested that his patience may be wearing thin.

Orton’s involvement also added another layer to the developing storyline. Their confrontation remains unresolved, and the closing sequence suggested that the rivalry could become increasingly personal and physical.

Although the segment did not settle the issues between Rhodes and Orton, it created a strong closing moment and left viewers with questions about how far Rhodes is prepared to go to achieve his goals.

Segment Highlight: Cody Rhodes attacks Baron Corbin with a cutter and a punt kick after Randy Orton interrupts their impromptu match.

WWE SmackDown After Money in the Bank 2026: Overall Review

The October 16 episode of SmackDown continued several important storylines following Money in the Bank, with a mixture of competitive matches, championship developments and controversial finishes. While the show did not feature either of the briefcase winners, it moved several rivalries forward and provided fresh material for upcoming episodes.

Trick Williams’ victory over Johnny Gargano strengthened his position after the Money in the Bank disappointment. Paige’s win over Nikki Bella continued their rivalry, while the confrontation between Alexa Bliss, Tatum Paxley and Fatal Influence established a potential challenge for the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

The Rey Fenix versus Ricky Saints match delivered exciting action but ended with a disqualification that may not have satisfied every fan. Meanwhile, the R-Truth and Damian Priest segment was interrupted by an apparent injury scare, leaving questions about Truth’s condition.

The most significant development came at the end of the show, when Cody Rhodes displayed a more aggressive side during the confrontation involving Randy Orton and Baron Corbin. His actions could signal a change in character or simply reflect his growing frustration with his rivals.

Final Verdict

WWE SmackDown after Money in the Bank 2026 offered a solid episode with several storyline developments, although the controversial finishes and the absence of both briefcase winners may leave some viewers wanting more.

The biggest talking points were Cody Rhodes’ increasingly ruthless behaviour, the unresolved tension with Randy Orton, the new Women’s Tag Team Champions’ confrontation with Fatal Influence and the concerning moment involving R-Truth.

With several rivalries still developing, the October 16 episode laid the groundwork for future confrontations. Rhodes’ next move, an update on Truth’s condition and the direction of the championship storylines will be among the key developments to watch on upcoming episodes of WWE SmackDown.