WWE SmackDown Results September 4: CM Punk Retains Title As Johnny Gargano Returns, Nia Jax Earns Championship Shot

The September 4 episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed drama right from the opening segment as top contenders Gunther, Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, and Kevin Owens jockeyed for position around Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk. The excitement skyrocketed when Johnny Gargano miraculously emerged from his storyline comatose state to accept an impromptu world title shot against Punk, while chaos erupted elsewhere with Nia Jax confronting a newly cleared Chelsea Green, Blake Monroe and Giulia’s hostilities boiling over, and Shinsuke Nakamura debuting his new tag team partner Kyoki alongside partner-in-crime action.

Sami Zayn Spells Chaos: “Nobody Gets Theirs Until I Get MINE!”

Sami Zayn opened the show by demanding another shot at CM Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship. He said, “Nobody gets theirs until I get MINE!” and vowed to keep causing trouble until he gets what he believes he deserves.

Gunther, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens then confronted Zayn, leading to a tense standoff over who should get the next title opportunity.

“Nobody gets theirs until I get MINE!”@SamiZayn promises to keep ruining SmackDown until he gets another shot at the WWE Championship… 😅 pic.twitter.com/psgya9Trce

— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

CM Punk Retains Against a Risen Johnny Gargano

The main event saw Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk defend his title against Johnny Gargano, who shocked the WWE Universe by finally getting up off the backstage floor to accept Punk’s challenge.

Sami Zayn can’t help himself. He got involved in the main event but so did Kevin Owens, Gunther, Candice and Finn Balor. CM Punk still beat Johnny Gargano. CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn is set for next week. | #WWE #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/3dVqIlMp9O

— Ringside News: WWE & AEW Wrestling News (@ringsidenews_) September 5, 2026

With top contenders like Gunther, Finn Balor, and Kevin Owens prowling around ringside, the pressure was immense. Despite Gargano’s valiant efforts in his shocking return to action, Punk managed to put him away to retain the gold. Following the bell, Punk turned his sights to the future, sending a bold message to Sami Zayn by challenging him to an upcoming title match in Mexico City.

Chelsea Green Cleared as Nia Jax Stakes Her Claim

WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green joined General Manager Nick Aldis in the ring alongside a doctor, who declared her medically cleared to return to competition under the stipulation that she wears a protective mask. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Nia Jax and Lash Legend interrupted the segment.

The mind games continue… 😬

NIA JAX and CHELSEA GREEN will get their hands on one another NEXT WEEK in Mexico City! 👊 pic.twitter.com/8rA07q8cUu

— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

Jax immediately demanded a championship opportunity, leading Aldis to officially book a Women’s Championship match between Green and Jax for next week’s show. In other women’s division action, Nia Jax also secured a dominant pinfall victory over Tiffany Stratton, while Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley picked up a non-title tag team win against Fatal Influence.

A message sent ahead of Sunday Night’s Main Event… 😳@Jade_Cargill | @MiaYim | @TheVibeBri pic.twitter.com/rJYFbpa71Y

— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

Bakusai Debuts and Chaos Erupts in the Midcard

The tag team division saw the official in-ring debut of the duo known as Bakusai, featuring Shinsuke Nakamura and Kyoki.

The newly formed pairing went toe-to-toe with The Miz and Kit Wilson, capturing a statement victory before the reigning WWE Tag Team Champions, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga of the MFT, made their presence felt to escalate the brewing rivalry.

MFT 👀 Bakusai

The chaos is imminent. pic.twitter.com/KMZjEh6hkg

— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

Meanwhile, the animosity between Blake Monroe and Giulia boiled over before the opening bell of their scheduled match could even ring, as Giulia exacted early revenge after weeks of mutual blind-side attacks.