Money in the Bank qualifying
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens battle for final Money in the Bank spot
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WWE SmackDown aired live from Ball Arena in Denver on October 2, 2026, featuring final qualifying matches for the Money in the Bank ladder matches. CBS Sports reported that Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Johnny Gargano competed for the last men's spot, while Tiffany Stratton, Tatum Paxley, and Candice LeRae battled for the final women's slot. CM Punk and Lash Legend had already secured their ladder match spots the previous week.
The Race for Money in the Bank Spots
The October 2 episode marked the final chance for wrestlers to grab ladder match positions. Wrestling Attitude noted that five men and five women had already qualified for their respective matches. Tonight's winners would complete the ten-person fields. The Money in the Bank contract guarantees a world title shot within one year—the ultimate power move in WWE.
Cody Rhodes Faces Fierce Triple Threat Competition
The American Nightmare took on Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano in a three-way sprint to earn his ladder match entry. Post Wrestling covered the intense men's qualifier, noting that all three competitors regularly compete at main-event level. Rhodes has been chasing world title contention after recent setbacks. Owens remains in the thick of championship discussions. Gargano's sudden placement in this high-stakes match represented a significant push into the spotlight.
Candice LeRae Battles for Women's Ladder Spot
Candice LeRae competed against Tiffany Stratton and Tatum Paxley for the final women's Money in the Bank slot. Khel Now reported that LeRae's husband, Johnny Gargano, fought in the men's qualifier the same night. The husband-and-wife duo presented a unique power-couple scenario if both secured their ladder match spots. Stratton brought main-event experience. Paxley represented a rising underdog threat seeking higher-card placement.
Blake Monroe's Debut Ends Long Feud with Giulia
Blake Monroe finally stepped into the ring against rival Giulia after weeks of backstage attacks derailed their previous attempts to compete. AOL described the long-anticipated in-ring match as a payoff to their heated rivalry. Multiple pre-match brawls had forced cancellations, making October 2 crucial for both wrestlers. Monroe's official debut marked a turning point in their personal war inside the squared circle.
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