Back
The October 30 SmackDown episode was a special Halloween-themed edition with Danhausen hosting the action. The King of the Merch Game was going to reveal his creation on the night just before the Crown Jewel 2026 PLE.
The night had top wrestlers from the men’s division like Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Rey Fenix, and Cody Rhodes putting on a strong show. The women’s division also had Chelsea Green, Nikki Bella, Jade Cargill, and Tatum Paxley in action.
The event took place at the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia. Get to know everything that happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 10/30 episode of WWE SmackDown.
Cody Rhodes opened the October 16 episode of SmackDown following a Halloween-themed segment featuring Danhausen. The American Nightmare addressed his upcoming Crown Jewel clash with Randy Orton, apologizing to The Viper’s family for promising to punt him in the face. He also revisited their brutal WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42, showing a photograph of his bloodied face after nearly losing an eye despite winning the contest.
"The last man standing will be the only man punting and that is ME!"@CodyRhodes is FIRED UP for Crown Jewel 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ikajLFRhzH
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
The American Nightmare mentioned that he will be the ‘Last man standing’ at Crown Jewel and already has his eyes set on Sami Zayn’s Undisputed Championship. Rhodes wrapped up his promo by intensifying the build towards his Last Man Standing Match against his former mentor at Crown Jewel.
Grade: B-
Chelsea Green continued her mind games ahead of her Crown Jewel showdown by entering the October 30 episode of SmackDown dressed like her challenger, Nikki Bella. Bella initially controlled the contest but struggled to put the champion away despite hitting the Fearless Lock and Rack Attack. Green survived the offence and secured an unexpected victory, rolling over Bella for a pinfall.
.@ImChelseaGreen is STILL your WWE Women's Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/QmKeEsfnhp
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
Following the match, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan confronted Green, claiming to be the real champion ahead of their Crown Jewel clash. Tiffany Stratton then teased a potential cash-in but was attacked by Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez. Iyo Sky eventually arrived to make the save and clear the ring.
.@tiffstrattonwwe was this close 🤏 pic.twitter.com/iLhu35S5g8
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
Grade: B-
Insights & Backstage Moments:
Paige had to give @BlakeMonroeWWE a reality check 🤭 pic.twitter.com/kZd65VTfF9
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
Rey Fenix continued his impressive championship run by defeating Ricky Saints on the October 30 episode of SmackDown to retain the AAA Cruiserweight Championship. Saints attempted to end Fenix’s successful title defences and even targeted his mask while controlling the early exchanges. However, the champion fought back with a powerful kick, although it was not enough to secure the victory.
Saints responded with a Death Valley Driver, but Fenix managed to kick out, drawing loud reactions from the crowd. The challenger later attempted to hit the Revolution, but Fenix escaped. After countering a top-rope exchange, the champion quickly recovered and delivered the Mexican Muscle Buster to pick up the decisive three-count.
HOW did @ReyFenixMx do that?! 😱 pic.twitter.com/A3XEgHnJi1
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
The victory further strengthened Fenix’s position as champion, while Saints was left frustrated after failing to capitalise on several promising opportunities during the highly competitive contest.
Grade: B+
Jade Cargill defeated Tatum Paxley on the October 30 episode of SmackDown, continuing her dominance after costing Paxley and Alexa Bliss their Women’s Tag Team Championship. Cargill controlled much of the contest, stunning her opponent with a big knee. However, Paxley mounted a comeback after the show returned, landing multiple forearms and a step-up enzuigiri.
.@TatumPaxley is turning this match around! 🔄 pic.twitter.com/KGh8krTs2q
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
The closing moments saw Michin and B-Fab interfere in the proceedings, distracting Paxley and allowing Cargill to regain control. The former Women’s Champion capitalised on the opening, connecting with a pump kick to secure the victory. The result further intensified the tension surrounding Cargill and the other women on the SmackDown roster.
Grade: C+
After months of backstage experiments, Danhausen attempted to unveil his latest creation on SmackDown, but Gunther interrupted the segment with a brutal attack. The Ring General assaulted the face-painted entertainer and quickly overpowered the Minihausens when they arrived to make the save, driving them through two tables. Gunther then put Danhausen down with a sleeper hold, but the latter managed to deliver a curse before being taken out.
The surprise revealed Finn Balor as The Demon, triggering a massive reaction from the crowd. Balor immediately attacked Gunther with a series of kicks and even shrugged off a chop from the former world champion.
.@Gunther_AU woke THE DEMON! 😈 pic.twitter.com/Hxxjx8P6dR
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
He continued the assault by driving Gunther through a table before finishing the segment with a devastating Coup de Grace from a ladder through the announcer’s table. There were rumors about the possible match between two superstars at Crown Jewel PLE, and this could just be the beginning of it.
Grade: A
Insights & Backstage Moments:
Sami Zayn successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Trick Williams in a chaotic main event on SmackDown. Zayn initially controlled the contest, attempting to prove that Williams was not ready to become the top star on Friday nights. However, the challenger fought back and came close to winning after hitting the Book End.
Johnny Gargano’s interference initially resulted in a disqualification, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis restarted the contest as a No Disqualification match after removing the outside parties. Both competitors then exchanged brutal attacks involving a kendo stick and steel chairs. Williams connected with the Trick Shot, but Zayn managed to survive.
RESTART THE MATCH?! NO DISQUALIFICATION?! 👀 pic.twitter.com/mnTqMtbhiS
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
The champion eventually used referee Charles Robinson as a shield before delivering a low blow and striking Williams with the championship belt to secure the victory and retain his title.
.@SamiZayn is absolutely reckless 😤 pic.twitter.com/3xcmfr6WTJ
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2026
Grade: B+
#WWE SmackDown Results 10/30
— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) October 31, 2026
· WWE Women’s Championship: Chelsea Green (c) def. Nikki Bella
· AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix (c) def. Ricky Saints
· Jade Cargill def. Tatum Paxley
· Undisputed championship: Sami Zayn (c) def. Trick Williams#WWESmackDown #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/949hOMprdS
The Crown Jewel 2026 PLE will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 7.
In the main event, Sami Zayn defended his undisputed championship in a no-disqualification match against Trick Williams.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.