WWE SmackDown Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From September 18

WWE SmackDown emanated from Corpus Christi, Texas, with a show featuring the latest Money in the Bank Qualifying matches, the continuation of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton's heated rivalry, and an appearance from new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn.

What went down, how did each segment grade out, and why?

Find out in this recap of the September 18 broadcast.

Announced in advance of Friday's show were:

Men's Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Trick Williams vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Fenix

Women's Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill vs. Jacy Jayne

Nick Aldis Introduces Sami Zayn, Sets Up Championship Main Event

Last Time in Action: Sami Zayn defeated CM Punk (SmackDown, September 11)

SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis kicked off the show inside the squared circle and wasted no time introducing someone who "rubs him the wrong way," new WWE Champion Sami Zayn.

The Last Real Good Guy drew a chorus of boos as he made his way to the ring, overzealously rubbing his championship victory in the fans' faces.

Zayn claimed that justice had been served and if the fans do not understand that now, hopefully, they will one day.

Johnny Gargano hit the ring to stake his claim to a title opportunity while Aldis said he considers former champion CM Punk to be the real No. 1 contender. Kevin Owens arrived, voiced his desire for a title match, and cut off Candice LeRae's protestations with a stunner to Gargano.

KO pled his case, to great success, and Aldis awarded the Prizefighter a title opportunity. After reminding Zayn that he was champion for nine days last time, the authority figure warned, "Let's see if you can get past seven."

Hopefully, Gargano gets a chance at revenge on Owens, if only because he had momentum on his side of late and that stunner made him look like an afterthought in the title picture. Funny, yes. Productive? The jury is still out.

Zayn getting himself in trouble by putting his hands on Aldis, who resisted to level him like he did Gunther, was a great way to set up his title match as his own hubris and uncontrolled frustration cost him.

Aldis announced Punk is not there tonight, which almost certainly means he is.

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