Whatever happens on SmackDown tonight, it’s unlikely to result in a lengthy CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens Undisputed WWE Championship feud.
Our Bryan Alvarez notes that, as of a few days ago, the plan was for Punk and Owens’ match to be a one-and-done. Owens has been listed as the betting favorite, but that designation does not necessarily mean he’s favored to win the title from Punk. A disqualification or countout victory for Owens would still mean he was technically the victor.
Kevin Owens is apparently the betting favorite tonight — this doesn’t mean the title is changing, it could be a DQ win or something. One way or another, whatever the finish ends up being, as of a few days ago the idea was that this match is a one- and-done.
Owens, after spending 15 months on the sidelines due to neck surgery, made his return at SummerSlam and won a number one contender’s match to get this title shot. The match is happening in his home country of Canada at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
WWE SmackDown lineup —
At one point today, WWE removed Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga vs. Damian Priest & R-Truth and Blake Monroe vs. Giulia from the preview for SmackDown. Those matches are once again listed among the lineup:
Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk defends against Kevin Owens
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton continue the build to their Sunday Night’s Main Event match
WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga defend against Damian Priest & R-Truth
Blake Monroe vs. Giulia
Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated’s wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.