WWE SmackDown is building toward a busy stretch, with championship defenses scheduled for next week and a personal rivalry reaching boiling point with a major match announcement.

The October 23 episode confirmed fresh challenges for Sami Zayn and Chelsea Green. Meanwhile, CM Punk and Kevin Owens are also preparing to settle their differences inside the ring.

With Crown Jewel approaching on November 7, the upcoming matches could have important consequences for the champions heading into the premium live event.

Sami Zayn and Chelsea Green Set for WWE SmackDown Title Defenses

Zayn will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Trick Williams on the October 30 episode of SmackDown. Williams announced his challenge after interrupting Zayn during a segment involving Rey Fenix, setting up an opportunity to capture championship gold.

The timing leaves Zayn with little room for error. The WWE Champion is scheduled to face Roman Reigns for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship at Crown Jewel. Losing the Undisputed WWE Championship beforehand would change the picture heading into that event.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Green will put the WWE Women’s Championship on the line against Nikki Bella. Green retained her title against Roxanne Perez on the October 23 broadcast. However, another challenger is already waiting to take her shot.

Rey Fenix is also scheduled to defend the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints on October 30, provided he remains champion after Héroes Inmortales.

Elsewhere, WWE has confirmed that CM Punk will face Kevin Owens on the November 6 episode of SmackDown in Brooklyn, New York. The match was announced during a video segment featuring both men and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.

CM Punk blamed Owens for costing him the Undisputed WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Kevin Owens argued that Punk’s actions had prevented him from holding the title. Their exchange grew personal as both men refused to accept responsibility for their current situations.

The match will give them a chance to settle their dispute in the ring, just one day before Crown Jewel. With multiple title defenses and a grudge match now on the schedule, SmackDown has plenty of unfinished business to address over the coming weeks.