SmackDown Fallout - Night of Champions 2026

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

 

Happy Independence Day Weekend! I know that comes with some very mixed emotions in the United States but I’ll just say this. This country is a living experiment in the concept of Freedom. Note how that is more nuanced than simply doing what one wants. The conflicts we face stem from some feeling what they desire is better than what others desire. Freedom ultimately comes down to what works for society. We should be free to live. Free to prosper. What ultimately matters is that the method is effective. Remember, that can take many different forms and that requires tolerance and civility. We are entitled to our preferences but when one’s preference must become imposed, the point of Freedom is lost. Endeavor to live freely with all the trappings and intricacies that can create if you want this experiment to prove successful.

 

As for the Wrestling World, things appear to be a lot simpler but there is a lot of speculation wafting through the air. More so than usual, I would say but how much of it bears true thought is another question. I won’t go too much into what’s circulating but I may touch on a point or 2. Let us discuss, shall we.

 

In the Realm of AEW, it is an interesting time. Let me just say that I made the overdue realization that Kenny Omega is essentially the current era’s Bret Hart. The difference being that Omega is still active. Yet, he is the figurehead of professional wrestling in its purest state. I feel because of this, there is no reason for him to ever wrestle in WWE. Perhaps someday, there can be some sort of crossover showcase that has dream matches that span the promotions but I think he can retire proudly for never working for WWE. That would taint his wrestling virtue.

 

That said, I find his role in AEW goings-on quite intriguing. He’s serving as the Angel to Jon Moxley’s Demon on Will Ospreay’s shoulders. The fallout from Forbidden Door is that Ospreay has been granted entry to the Riders of Death an now sports their emblem.

 

There appears to be a Push Campaign on-going for Ospreay at present for there is a 3-minute promo making the rounds introducing us to this hungry kid from Essex looking to establish himself within the upper echelons of Wrestling’s Greats and a Face for AEW. Omega has been making an effort to keep Ospreay real while we get the feeling that Moxley’s point of view is to help Ospreay “get real”. Which way will Ospreay go?

 

Well, that will essentially depend upon the Future and how it manifests. Currently, I can see the groundwork is being laid for the future in general. In those terms, I feel it’s best for Ospreay to side with Omega. He too may have no place in WWE and perhaps is better off doubling down on championing the unadulterated concept of professional wrestling as opposed to opting for sports entertainment.

 

If “Strike 1” goes down and given how MJF is going for it, it does appear to be a go, things will get dramatic quickly and the space for pro-wrestling will get lost or at least greatly diminish as the drama takes the attention. When that happens, that will really determine Ospreay’s direction.

 

Personally, I don’t see Ospreay hanging too long. He’s looking for glory and there’s a good chance Mox goes looking for “blood” and “revenge” and the split in viewpoint will become obvious.

 

However, I feel that with Omega serving as this era’s Bret Hart, there’s space for a “Screwjob”. We see the potential with MJF’s stipulation. With MJF and Don Callis in cahoots, they can certainly stack the game against Omega and create an “unwinnable” situation that will leave his position and future to hang in the balance. That could also pull at Ospreay’s sense of loyalty and otherwise decide his direction for him.

 

That’s what I’m seeing so far and I’m not mad at it. The Screwjob doesn’t have to happen now but I hope AEW considers the parallel at some point. Regardless, life will have to go on when the Future arrives and I appreciate that they’re thinking about it. All power to them and good luck. The Future Remains Bright.

 

Over in the WWE Universe, you could say it’s a bit of the same ole, same ole. There continues to be talk that there are some issues with CM Punk but I’m suspecting it’s probably just Punk pushing back on some half-assed creative pitches. I don’t blame him. Despite what some IWC commenters/posters feel, things are better creatively speaking but plenty still remains to be desired. I think most are feeling a bit bored with the content but I rather it be predictable than stupid and phoned in.

 

It will take time to build characters that make the storytelling more built in so, if they are really having that sort of issue, they should start with what they got. Not sure of the next move and a pissy CM Punk. So, let that pissy Punk dictate play. What would he like to do? And how feasible/entertaining would it be? Who has a “better idea”? Whoever is the proposed new opponent should essentially fight him for it.

 

Practically speaking, the endgame should be leading Punk to a respectable retirement. I think he wants to hang in there to at least 50 so, what hasn’t he done? Did he have the Heavyweight Championship last? If so, then he should be angling for the Undisputed Championship. If he hasn’t had the Intercontinental or US Championship, he should probably pick that up too and maybe a Tag Team Championship on his way out.

 

With things as they stand, it looks like Punk may insert himself into what would be a rematch between Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. If it’s the other way around and Punk had the Undisputed Championship last, well that would line him up with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, wouldn’t it. Very fitting given the history. Should Punk show up in this fight and remind them who “Big Brother” is?

 

On a side note, there’s been a mostly rebuffed rumor floating through the social medias that Mox/Dean Ambrose is set to interfere at Summer Slam but everyone who knows squashed that noise since he’s contracted with AEW through most of 2027 so…a bit early for that hope but you never know what the future holds 😉 All in all we shall see but don’t expect that. Not sure WWE cares to buy him out of a contract for it.

 

And so, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. Both AEW and WWE prerecorded their weekend shows so that performers can enjoy the holiday. Also, take note that it’s back to the 2-hour format as well so you can get started on the festivities early. As for this evening, we can expect to see Hijo del Vikingo make a guest appearance as he challenges Rey Fenix for the AAA Cruiserweight Championship. Brie Bella will proctor Lainey Reid’s summer mid-term. The Ladies will also offer up some Tag Team action as Charlotte Flair, Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton team up to take on the baddies in Jade Cargill and her crew. And Sami Zayn will celebrate being the Undisputed Champion for now. Many feel his days are shortly numbered but we’ll see if he’s scrappy enough to hold on for a few months.

 

I have to cook dinner tonight but the real time of it is in the prep so I should be good to go come showtime. Have fun and stay safe out there whether you’re in the States or not. Regardless, it is summertime for the Western Hemisphere so welcome the heat and sunshine. Autumn will be upon us soon enough. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)