CM Punk earned a spot in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match on Friday's SmackDown, pinning Gunther in a triple threat match that also included Finn Balor. WWE.com and Fightful both reported the result from the September 25 show. The match served as a qualifier for the men's ladder match, with Punk, Gunther and Balor each competing for the spot.
WWE.com wrote that the finish came while Gunther had Punk locked in a sleeper hold in what it called an out-of-control triple threat. Balor leaped in and hit Gunther with the Coup de Grace. Punk recovered and pinned Gunther to secure the qualification.
The result sends Punk into the ladder match alongside the wrestlers who have already qualified. Fightful lists Bron Breakker, Je'Von Evans, Trick Williams and Penta as the other men who have earned spots. Trick Williams also appeared on the same show, where WWE.com reported he retained the United States Championship against Baron Corbin in a steel cage match.
The women's side also moved on SmackDown. WWE.com reported that Lash Legend defeated Charlotte Flair and Giulia in a women's Money in the Bank qualifier.
Fightful reported that one final men's qualifying spot remains to be filled next week. The date and location of the ladder match itself have not been announced.
What Balor's involvement means for his standing with Gunther is also unknown. WWE.com described his Coup de Grace as the move that broke up the sleeper, and no follow-up match has been announced.
For now, Punk has qualified for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match, and one men's spot is still open.
