By Jake Barnett, ProWrestling.net Co-Senior Staffer (@jakebarnett)
WWE SmackDown (Episode 1,415)
Denver, Colorado, at Ball Arena
Simulcast live on October 2, 2026, on USA Network and streamed internationally on Netflix
Footage of last week’s main event between Gunther, CM Punk, and Finn Balor was shown. It focused on Finn Balor’s disappointment after CM Punk stole the pin. The participants on tonight’s final Money in the Bank qualifiers were shown walking into the building. In the arena, Tiffany Stratton made her ring entrance for the first match. She was followed by Candice LeRae and Tatum Paxley.
1. Tatum Paxley vs. Candice LeRae vs. Tiffany Stratton in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: LeRae took Paxley to the floor early and tossed her into the ring apron. Back in the ring, Stratton landed a spinebuster on LeRae. Tatum Paxley returned and all three women traded rapid fire pinfalls, but they were always broken up by the third member. Paxley delivered a cross body in the corner, followed by a facebuster. She then splashed both women on the floor with a moonsault from the apron…[c]
Tatux landed a combo arm twist and kick combo to both LeRae and Stratton. She then delivered a release German Suplex to LeRae. Stratton re-entered the match and landed a springboard stunner on both opponents that didn’t quite connect properly. She followed up with an Alabama Slam and Swanton to LeRae, but Paxley quickly delivered a kick and covered her with a two count. Candice landed a unique looking codebreaker combo on both opponents. Paxley managed to land Cemetary Drive on Stratton, but LeRae tossed her outside immediately after.
LeRae made a cover but Paxley rushed back in to break it up. Stratton landed a forward roll slam on LeRae, and Paxton quickly delivered a 450. Stratton landed a Prettiest Moonsault Ever on both women and got the win.
Tiffany Stratton qualified for Money in the Bank at 9:48
After the match, Chelsea Green was asked about the Money in the Bank briefcase backstage. She said all of the women were qualified, and would be a threat, but she was banking on Tiffany winning. Nikki Bella walked up and told her that she didn’t have to worry about Money in the Bank because she would take her title first. Paige walked up and said she’s not special anymore and didn’t get title shots just because she shows up. She told Nikki she’d give her two weeks to prepare for their rematch, and slapped her in the face. Green quipped that the slap was for her too before walking away.
In the arena, Rey Fenix made his entrance for the next match…[c]
My Take: A very entertaining opening match. All three women looked good, but Paxley continues to shine the brightest and look sharpest in her Smackdown TV matches.
