WWE Smackdown 25/9: CM Punk Vs Gunther And The Money In The Bank

CM Punk punched his ticket to third career Money in the Bank opportunity on Friday's SmackDown.

He achieved this by surviving a chaotic Triple Threat Qualifier against Gunther and Finn Balor inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Punk stole the pinball moments after Balor connected with a second Coup de Grace on Gunther, sneaking away with the win before either rival could capitalise.

That victory carries genuine weight heading into next month's pay-per-view in New Orleans. Punk now joins Bron Breakker, Je'Von Evans, Trick Williams and Penta in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, leaving just one spot remaining, which Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano will fight over next week.

World wide wrestling fans following the build toward Money in the Bank got a genuinely satisfying main event to close out Friday's show.

Elsewhere, Trick Williams survived a brutal Steel Cage war, Lash Legend advanced on the women's side, and Randy Orton continued turning up the heat on Cody Rhodes ahead of their own eventual collision. Here's everything worth knowing from Indianapolis.

 

Punk Steals The Show To Qualify For Money In The Bank

Gunther controlled long stretches of the match with his trademark chops and a suffocating sleeper hold, while Balor added chaos by trading double team submissions alongside Punk whenever the opportunity arose. The Ring General looked close to victory late, locking in another sleeper before Balor broke it up with a Coup de Grace to Gunther's spine.

That interruption proved costly. Rather than following up himself, Balor watched helplessly as Punk rolled straight into the cover, stealing the pinball and the qualification spot in the process.

• Punk qualified for his third career Money in the Bank Ladder Match
• Balor's second Coup de Grace of the night, this time on Gunther, set up Punk's winning pin
• One final men's spot will be decided next week between Rhodes, Owens and Gargano in Denver

 

Trick Williams Survives A Brutal Steel Cage War

Williams defended his United States Championship against long-time rival Baron Corbin inside a Steel Cage, continuing a rivalry that has already changed hands twice since SummerSlam. Corbin somehow became the first man ever to kick out of the Trick Shot, then followed up with a perplex off the top of the cage that had the Indianapolis crowd fully believing in another title change.

Williams eventually found his rhythm again, countering an End of Days attempt before connecting with three consecutive Book Ends to finally put Corbin away. That victory extends Williams' hold on the title and continues building his credibility as one of SmackDown's most reliable champions.

 Also Read: WWE Raw Results: Roman Reigns Retains World Title On 14 September 2026

The Rest Of The Card Sets Up Big Stories Ahead

Lash Legend punched her own ticket to New Orleans, capitalising on a Giulia and Charlotte Flair collision by hitting Giulia with the Lash Extension moments after Giulia had eliminated Flair. That result also sparked a backstage brawl between Giulia and Blake Monroe, with SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis quickly booking the pair for next week.

• Lash Legend qualified for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
• Fatal Influence defeated Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton and Paige after Nikki Bella's interference
• Tatum Paxley, Stratton and Candice LeRae will fight for the final women's MITB spot next week

Randy Orton's sit-down interview added further fuel to his brewing rivalry with Rhodes, as The Viper pushed Michael Cole to admit doubts about Rhodes ever following through on his promises. Rhodes responded later with his own fiery promo, vowing once again to “kick Orton's head off his shoulders” while declaring himself the king of unwinnable situations. Backstage, Johnny Gargano also pressed Sami Zayn about his long-promised title opportunity, only to learn a Money in the Bank qualifier was the best compromise Zayn could secure from Aldis.

 

Money In The Bank Field Nears Completion Ahead Of New Orleans

With most of the ladder match participants now locked in, next week's remaining qualifiers in Denver carry enormous weight for both divisions. Rhodes, Owens and Gargano will battle for the final men's spot, while Paxley, Stratton and LeRae do the same on the women's side.

Punk, meanwhile, enters New Orleans with a genuine chance at becoming a three-time Money in the Bank winner, a milestone that would further cement his already legendary resume. Whatever happens next, SmackDown's road toward its biggest ladder match of the year is shaping up nicely.