Surprising Opening Match For WWE Money In The Bank 2026 Announced On Smackdown
Tomorrow night is the WWE Money in the Bank PLE, and while the card has filled out, we now know what match is kicking off the show.
During "WWE SmackDown," Michael Cole announced that Roman Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against LA Knight in the opening match, which will air on the ESPN app. The announcement contradicts reporting that Reigns vs. Knight was scheduled to main event.
The World Heavyweight Championship Match will START the show tomorrow night at #MITB!! 🔥
We are in for a treat when @WWERomanReigns defends against @RealLAKnight! pic.twitter.com/kdsQyWDDsy
— WWE (@WWE) October 10, 2026
Following "Raw" in Mexico, Knight dropped Reigns to get his attention. As he was walking to the back, Reigns offered Knight a title shot at Money in the Bank. The match was made official the following day. This past Monday, they were finally face-to-face in the ring. Reigns said Knight always had his attention and said he was just another egg in the omelet and he would break him on Saturday. Knight called Reigns a "manufactured corporate puppet, industry plant".
In addition to the men's world title match, Stephanie Vaquer will defend the Women's World Championship against Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan. Bronson Reed will go one-on-one with Oba Femi. In the women's MITB ladder match will be Roxanne Perez, Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, and Women's U.S. champion, Jacy Jayne. Men's U.S. Champion Trick Williams, one half of the WWE tag team champions, Bron Breakker, Penta, Je'Von Evans, Kevin Owens, and CM Punk will compete in the men's ladder match.