WWE SmackDown Preview: CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn Live from Mexico City

The international broadcast opened a busy weekend of events for the promotion in Mexico. Fans watched the action live on the USA Network domestically and via Netflix internationally.

Undisputed WWE Championship Main Event Ends in Chaos

CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn in the night’s marquee matchup, as detailed by WrestleVoice. The championship bout ended in a no contest after Cody Rhodes interfered and attacked Zayn with a steel chair. Following the interference, CM Punk briefly restrained Cody Rhodes before retreating from Zayn.

Heavy noted that Sami Zayn earned his title opportunity after laying out reigning champion CM Punk, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, and Gunther over the preceding three weeks. Zayn had spent weeks expressing frustration over missed opportunities to reclaim the top championship.

Championship Matches and Controversial Finishes

The card featured several other title defenses with dramatic conclusions. Chelsea Green defended the Interim WWE Women’s Championship against Nia Jax, retaining her title via disqualification according to WrestleVoice. Heavy reported that Green entered the match still recovering from a broken orbital bone that required her to wear a facemask, with Tiffany Stratton supporting her in the corner while Lash Legend backed Nia Jax.

In tag team competition, Damian Priest and R-Truth captured the AAA World Tag Team Championship by defeating The War Raiders, according to WrestleVoice. The War Raiders entered the match defending titles they had held since August 30.

Rey Fenix defended the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints, with the bout ending in a disqualification victory for Fenix, as reported by WrestleVoice. Heavy noted that Fenix entered the match with strong momentum, having successfully defended the cruiserweight strap eight times since May.

Singles Action and Post-Match Fallout

Paige and Nikki Bella squared off in singles competition for the first time since October 20, 2015, with WrestleVoice reporting that Paige secured the victory. The match stemmed from ongoing tension following an attack by Nikki Bella at SummerSlam.

The post-match segment saw Brie Bella and Maxxine Dupri attack Paige before Becky Lynch made the save armed with a steel chair, according to WrestleVoice’s event coverage.

Cody Rhodes also addressed the crowd regarding his loss to Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event, rounding out a packed night of television that set the stage for upcoming events on the promotion’s Latin America tour.