WWE Friday Night SmackDown July 17, 2026 Results & Recap: GUNTHER and Sami Zayn Get a SummerSlam Lifeline, Interim Women’s Title Ladder Match Takes Shape

Tonight’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown entered Albany, New York, without much of an advertised card, but left MVP Arena having significantly altered the road to Saturday Night’s Main Event and SummerSlam. GUNTHER learned that attacking Nick Aldis somehow earned him another route into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, Cody Rhodes allowed his anger to drag him into another fight with The Ring General, and Sami Zayn returned to remind everyone that he remains an essential part of the championship story. The larger development came in the women’s division, where WWE refused to strip the injured Rhea Ripley and instead announced a five-woman ladder match at SummerSlam to crown an interim WWE Women’s Champion. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill became the first two qualifiers, although placing the reigning Women’s United States Champion into another championship match created as many questions as excitement. Tonight advanced several important stories, but the actual wrestling was inconsistent outside of one excellent tag-team match and a physical main event that ended exactly how everyone expected: in complete chaos.

Here are the full results

• Finn Bálor defeated Talla Tonga
• WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton defeated Jacy Jayne (Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier)
• Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax via disqualification (Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier)
• AAA World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders defeated Fraxiom
• Cody Rhodes vs GUNTHER ended in an No Contest after Sami Zayn attacked Cody and triggered brawl

Breakdowns & Reactions

GUNTHER Is Rewarded Instead of Punished

GUNTHER opened tonight by doing what he has done since arriving on SmackDown: blaming everyone except himself. He claimed that he had spent his career behaving like an outstanding professional, only for SmackDown management to mistreat him, deny him the championship and force him to team with someone he considers beneath him in Sami Zayn.

Adam Pearce quickly interrupted and explained that GUNTHER should be thanking Nick Aldis rather than condemning him. After GUNTHER attacked Cody Rhodes with a car door and choked Aldis unconscious, Pearce said he would have fired him had the situation occurred under his authority on Raw. Aldis instead personally requested that tomorrow’s tag-team match remain intact.

Then came the twist.

Should GUNTHER and Sami defeat Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event, both men will be added to the SummerSlam championship match, transforming Punk versus Cody into a Fatal 4-Way.

GUNTHER celebrated because WWE had effectively rewarded his violence. That is the unavoidable flaw in the logic. He assaulted management and potentially endangered Cody’s career, yet those actions indirectly placed him closer to the championship he wanted. Pearce attempted to frame it as Aldis showing restraint, but GUNTHER saw it as confirmation that creating chaos gets results.

Cody stormed the ring, tackled GUNTHER and demanded a match for later tonight. That reaction made complete sense. Cody had watched GUNTHER receive another opportunity after repeatedly attacking him, and he was no longer interested in speeches, management decisions or patience.

The segment gave tomorrow’s tag-team match desperately needed stakes. What had been another “can they coexist?” attraction now has the power to rewrite the SummerSlam main event. WWE’s social coverage immediately centered the new stipulation, while the online reaction was divided between fans welcoming actual consequences and those who did not want Punk versus Cody diluted into another multi-man match.

Grade: B+

What worked:

• GUNTHER’s entitlement remained consistent with his increasingly unstable character.
• Cody attacked immediately rather than waiting through another long verbal exchange.
• The stipulation gave tomorrow’s tag match meaningful consequences.
• Sami Zayn was restored to the championship conversation without being handed an automatic rematch.

What didn’t work:

• GUNTHER being rewarded after attacking Aldis makes WWE management look powerless.
• Pearce’s threat to fire GUNTHER meant little because no meaningful punishment followed.
• Adding two more challengers risks taking focus away from Punk versus Cody.

WWE Announces an Interim WWE Women’s Championship

Pearce announced that Rhea Ripley remains unable to compete because of her torn meniscus and will miss SummerSlam. Rather than forcing Ripley to relinquish the WWE Women’s Championship, WWE will crown an interim champion in a five-woman ladder match.

The concept has obvious advantages. Ripley remains recognized as champion, SmackDown receives an active titleholder during her recovery and WWE automatically has a major unification match when she returns. Whoever captures the interim championship can claim she carried the division while Ripley was gone, while Ripley can truthfully say she was never defeated.

The problem is WWE’s inconsistent handling of injured champions. Some wrestlers are stripped almost immediately. Others disappear for months while retaining their titles. Now WWE is introducing an interim championship without clearly explaining what separates Ripley’s situation from previous injuries.

Live fan reaction reflected that confusion. Some viewers loved the idea of a SummerSlam ladder match and the eventual champion-versus-champion confrontation. Others questioned why WWE did not simply vacate the title or declare the winner the full champion, especially when Ripley’s return timetable remains uncertain.

The decision can work, but only if WWE treats the interim champion as a legitimate titleholder. She cannot spend the entire reign being presented as someone keeping Ripley’s belt warm.

Grade: B-

What worked:

• Ripley does not have to rush back from a serious knee injury.
• SmackDown’s women’s division receives a major SummerSlam match.
• The eventual unification match already has a natural story.
• The ladder format allows WWE to protect several wrestlers.

What didn’t work:

• WWE’s rules for injured champions remain inconsistent.
• “Interim champion” can easily become another way of saying temporary placeholder.
• The announcement needed a clearer explanation of what happens when Ripley returns.

Finn Bálor vs. Talla Tonga

Talla Tonga immediately used his size to control Finn Bálor, throwing him into the corner, crushing him with a shoulder block and launching him chest-first into the turnbuckles. Finn answered by attacking the legs, refusing to remain stationary and forcing Talla to repeatedly reset.

Talla caught Finn by the throat when he attempted to climb, but Bálor countered into a DDT. Tama Tonga attempted to interfere, only for Finn to drop him with a Sling Blade on the floor. Talla then became tangled in the ropes, allowing Finn to connect with a shotgun dropkick.

One Coup de Grace was not enough. Finn climbed again, hit a second and finally kept Talla down.

The match followed a simple David-versus-Goliath structure. Finn could not overpower Talla, so he attacked the legs, created openings and used his experience. Requiring two Coup de Grace attacks protected Talla, but the match never developed enough drama to feel like anything beyond another step in Finn’s rebuilding process.

Post-show analysis was largely consistent: the match was competent and logical, but predictable and missing the aura that should accompany someone presented as Talla’s size.

Grade: C+

What worked:

• Finn wrestled intelligently rather than trying to match Talla’s power.
• Two Coup de Grace attacks protected Talla in defeat.
• Finn neutralized Tama’s interference without outside help.

What didn’t work:

• Talla still does not feel like an unstoppable giant.
• The result was obvious from the opening bell.
• Finn remains without a clear SummerSlam direction.

CM Punk Crosses Paths with Damian Priest and Ron Killings

Punk confirmed tomorrow’s stipulation with Pearce and expressed concern that GUNTHER intended to injure Cody before they could team together. Pearce reminded Punk that Cody had personally demanded the match.

Punk then crossed paths with WWE Tag Team Champion Damian Priest. Priest told Punk that if he remained champion after SummerSlam, he would be coming for him. Punk responded that if Priest remained tag-team champion, he and Cody might continue teaming and pursue Priest and Ron Killings.

Killings suddenly appeared and confused Priest by apparently having listened to the entire conversation.

The exchange was short, but it quietly planted two future programs. Priest remains connected to the world-title scene, while Punk and Cody challenging for tag-team gold is now a possibility if their relationship survives SummerSlam.

Grade: B-

What worked:

• Priest reminded everyone that holding tag-team gold has not ended his world-title ambitions.
• Punk’s concern for Cody added another layer to their uneasy partnership.
• Killings provided comedy without derailing the conversation.

What didn’t work:

• Priest’s challenge may disappear once the current SummerSlam program ends.
• Punk and Cody teasing a tag-title pursuit felt premature before their championship match.

WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Jacy Jayne

Fatal Influence attacked Tiffany before the opening bell, but Paige and Brie Bella rushed out to neutralize Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid ahead of tomorrow’s WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

Once the bell rang, Tiffany controlled the early exchanges with a running hip attack and basement dropkick. Jacy slowed her down, caught her on the top rope and nearly capitalized, but wasted time taunting. Tiffany avoided the Rolling Encore, hit the rolling senton and followed with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to qualify for the SummerSlam ladder match.

The match was short, occasionally awkward and clearly secondary to the surrounding angle. Tiffany and Jacy had a few good exchanges, but they never found a sustained rhythm before the finish.

The bigger issue is Tiffany’s inclusion.

Tiffany is already the Women’s United States Champion. Instead of giving her a meaningful SummerSlam defense in her home state of Minnesota, WWE placed her into a ladder match for another championship. Yes, hometown representation matters, but her existing title should have been the reason she was featured at SummerSlam—not an inconvenience WWE ignored while chasing another double-champion story.

Secondary championships are supposed to create more opportunities. They become pointless when their champions are repeatedly inserted into world-title programs instead of defending them. Tiffany could have faced Jacy, Chelsea Green, Lash Legend, Giulia or another credible opponent for the Women’s United States Championship. That would have added another women’s match to SummerSlam and given the title its own spotlight.

Instead, Tiffany’s championship now feels like an accessory she can carry into a match for a more important belt.

Fans immediately questioned whether Tiffany would defend her title at SummerSlam at all, while others argued Jacy needed the ladder-match opportunity more. The frustration was not directed at Tiffany being talented enough to qualify. It was directed at WWE treating a current champion like she needed another championship match to justify her place on the card.

Grade: C

What worked:

• Paige and Brie’s save directly advanced tomorrow’s title defense.
• Tiffany winning in Minnesota’s SummerSlam build makes sense from a hometown-star perspective.
• Jacy’s arrogance cost her at the right moment.

What didn’t work:

• The match was rushed and contained visible timing problems.
• Jacy was removed from the ladder match too quickly.
• Tiffany should be defending the Women’s United States Championship at SummerSlam.
• Inserting an existing champion weakens the purpose of WWE’s secondary women’s title.

Baron Corbin Targets WWE United States Champion Trick Williams as Carmelo Hayes Refuses to Leave

Baron Corbin explained that wrestlers who believe they are tough will soon have reality brought crashing down around them. He named United States Champion Trick Williams as the first target on a longer list and dismissed Carmelo Hayes as collateral damage.

Trick responded by mocking Corbin’s bald head and claiming Corbin was jealous because the United States Championship had more hair than he did.

Carmelo then confronted Trick and refused to apologize for his actions toward Lil Yachty. More importantly, Melo pointed out that Corbin’s attack allowed Trick to escape another championship defense.

This now has the structure of a three-way United States Championship program. Corbin wants to reclaim his position by targeting the champion. Carmelo believes Trick keeps benefiting from interruptions. Trick is using their hostility to remain just out of reach.

The verbal work was entertaining, but WWE needs to stop delaying the actual championship direction. Trick has escaped enough. Either Carmelo receives another match, Corbin receives one, or WWE books the obvious Triple Threat at SummerSlam.

Grade: B-

What worked:

• Corbin was presented seriously rather than leaning into comedy.
• Trick and Carmelo’s chemistry remains natural.
• Carmelo correctly identified that Trick keeps escaping title defenses.

What didn’t work:

• Another week passed without a clear United States Championship match.
• Corbin needs an in-ring performance to support the new presentation.
• Trick’s reign risks becoming defined by non-finishes and interruptions.

Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

Jade and Nia barely had time to establish their powerhouse dynamic. Nia connected with two leg drops and attempted a seated senton from the ropes, but Jade moved and answered with a spinebuster.

Charlotte Flair then attacked B-Fab and Michin before entering the ring and kicking Jade, causing the disqualification. Her attempt to Pillmanize Jade’s arm failed when The Baddies pulled Jade to safety.

Nia, furious that Charlotte had cost her a place in the ladder match, attacked Flair. Jade then returned and planted Charlotte with Jaded.

The angle created movement, but the match itself was disposable. Jade versus Nia should feel like a major collision between two of the division’s strongest wrestlers. Instead, it existed only long enough for Charlotte to interfere.

Charlotte also looked foolish. She wanted revenge on Jade, but attacking her during the qualifier automatically handed Jade a SummerSlam championship opportunity. Waiting another minute would have allowed Charlotte to attack an exhausted Jade without helping her qualify.

The online and post-show response was overwhelmingly negative toward the match’s length and finish. Even those interested in Jade versus Nia recognized that WWE threw away the qualifier to manufacture another interference angle.

Grade: D-

What worked:

• Jade officially qualified without Nia having to take a pinfall.
• Nia had a logical reason to attack Charlotte.
• Jade versus Charlotte remains heated.

What didn’t work:

• The match lasted barely long enough to begin.
• Charlotte’s plan made no sense.
• Another women’s match ended through interference.
• Nia and Jade’s potentially interesting physical matchup was wasted.

Nia Jax Gets Another Opportunity Against Charlotte Flair

Nia and Lash Legend confronted Pearce over the finish, leading him to grant Nia another qualifying opportunity against Charlotte next week.

This was the correct follow-up. Charlotte directly cost Nia a place in the ladder match, so Nia should have the opportunity to take Charlotte’s spot.

The match now has both championship stakes and a personal issue. Charlotte needs to qualify to continue pursuing Jade, while Nia wants revenge for having her opportunity stolen.

Grade: B

What worked:

• Pearce corrected an obvious injustice.
• Next week’s qualifier has a ready-made story.
• Either result directly affects Jade.

What didn’t work:

• Nia receiving another opportunity does not repair tonight’s wasted match.
• Charlotte is likely to qualify, making the outcome feel predictable.

GUNTHER Rejects Candice LeRae Before Blake Monroe Strikes

GUNTHER continued dismissing Sami Zayn, claiming he only cared about winning tomorrow and entering the SummerSlam championship match.

Candice LeRae warned him not to do anything that could cost “them” Sami’s opportunity. GUNTHER rejected the idea that any partnership existed and told her to stay out of his business.

Blake Monroe then blindsided Candice, beat her down and introduced herself as “the new girl” before insulting the unresponsive Johnny Gargano.

The first half reinforced the central flaw in GUNTHER and Sami’s partnership. GUNTHER sees Sami as a tool rather than an equal, despite Sami already defeating him to win the WWE Championship.

Blake’s attack was effective because she did not wait for WWE to carefully introduce her. She selected an established target and forced herself into another story.

Grade: B-

What worked:

• GUNTHER remained dismissive of the partner he needs tomorrow.
• Candice showed loyalty to Sami without appearing submissive to GUNTHER.
• Blake Monroe immediately established another rivalry.

What didn’t work:

• Johnny Gargano remaining motionless during the attack looked unintentionally strange.
• Blake’s motivations remain underdeveloped.

AAA World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders vs. Fraxiom

Fraxiom and the War Raiders delivered the best wrestling of tonight.

Nathan Frazer and Axiom used their speed to keep Erik and Ivar moving, but the Raiders quickly established control through size, short tags and violent double-team offense. Fraxiom’s dives temporarily turned the match, only for Erik and Ivar to begin catching them rather than chasing them.

Ivar powerslammed Axiom, crushed Frazer with a seated senton and attempted a moonsault. After he missed, Fraxiom fired back with superkicks, Axiom’s Sick Kick and Frazer’s springboard 450 splash.

Ivar survived.

Fraxiom later superplexed Ivar before Frazer hit the Phoenix Splash, but Erik broke the pin with a knee. That save changed everything. Erik blasted Axiom with a half-nelson knee, Ivar powerslammed Frazer and the Raiders finished Axiom with Ragnarok.

The match succeeded because both teams were allowed to wrestle according to their identities. Fraxiom were fast, precise and fearless. The War Raiders were bigger, stronger and increasingly violent. The result was predictable, but the journey made the result feel earned.

Immediate post-show analysis almost unanimously identified this as tonight’s best match and another reminder that WWE has badly underused Erik and Ivar.

Grade: A-

What worked:

• The size-versus-speed formula was executed perfectly.
• Fraxiom created several believable near-falls.
• Erik’s knee breaking up the Phoenix Splash pin was excellent.
• The War Raiders finally looked like serious tag-title contenders.

What didn’t work:

• Neither team has received enough television time leading into tonight.
• WWE has not officially connected the Raiders to Priest and Killings.

LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys Address The Bloodline

LA Knight stood beside Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys and promised that their team would defeat Jacob Fatu and The Usos at SummerSlam.

The underlying story remains more interesting than the promo. Roman Reigns’ Bloodline defines family through blood, obedience and acknowledgment. Solo has rejected that system. Royce may not be considered family by Jimmy and Jey, but his history with Solo and Fatu is real. Knight has no blood connection but has chosen to stand beside them.

That gives Knight, Solo and Royce a potentially stronger voluntary bond than the reunited Bloodline, especially when Jacob Fatu only joined Roman’s group after losing Tribal Combat.

Tonight’s promo maintained the rivalry but did little to escalate it. The six men need a major confrontation before SummerSlam.

Grade: C+

What worked:

• Knight gave the trio a clear voice.
• Solo and Royce represent an alternative definition of family.
• The SummerSlam match remains easy to understand.

What didn’t work:

• The segment was too brief to add anything new.
• Jacob Fatu’s forced place in The Bloodline should be receiving more attention.

Cody Rhodes Rejects CM Punk’s Protection

Punk attempted to convince Cody that facing GUNTHER was a bad idea. Cody agreed but refused to back down.

Punk promised to watch Cody’s back. Cody told him to remain near the monitor and allow him to handle GUNTHER alone.

Neither man was wrong.

Cody needed to confront the person who attacked him. Punk needed Cody healthy for tomorrow because losing the tag match could transform his SummerSlam defense into a Fatal 4-Way.

Their disagreement came from different priorities rather than manufactured hatred. Cody was protecting his pride. Punk was protecting their shared objective.

Grade: B+

What worked:

• Cody and Punk disagreed without forcing either man into a heel role.
• Punk showed concern that was both personal and strategic.
• The segment directly set up Punk ignoring Cody’s request later.

What didn’t work:

• Cody repeating the monitor instruction felt awkward.
• WWE continues relying heavily on the coexistence formula.

Danhausen Reveals His Secret Weapon

Danhausen appeared in his laboratory and revealed a black stuffed cat inside a birdcage as his secret weapon for tomorrow’s No Disqualification match against JD McDonagh.

When the computer began sparking, Danhausen declared that the cat had delivered a curse and fled.

The segment was ridiculous, but Danhausen is supposed to be ridiculous. The No Disqualification stipulation gives WWE the freedom to use the cat, the laboratory props and Judgment Day interference without pretending this will be a normal wrestling match.

Grade: C+

What worked:

• The segment matched Danhausen’s character.
• The black cat provides a payoff for tomorrow.
• WWE embraced the absurdity rather than explaining it.

What didn’t work:

• The segment will feel pointless unless the cat actually matters.
• The comedy risks overshadowing JD McDonagh completely.

Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER

Cody did not allow GUNTHER to complete his entrance. He attacked him on the stage, drove him down the aisle and repeatedly smashed him into the barricade, ring steps and announce desk before finally throwing him into the ring.

Once the bell rang, Cody continued throwing punches and attempted an early Cody Cutter. GUNTHER shoved him from the ropes and took control with chops, shoulder blocks and hammer-and-anvil elbows.

Cody escaped a suplex, connected with the Cody Cutter, hit a powerslam, Disaster Kick and second Cody Cutter. GUNTHER stopped the Cross Rhodes and immediately attacked Cody’s damaged leg, kicking the hamstring and calf before smashing the knee against the ring post.

Punk came to ringside despite Cody’s request.

GUNTHER mocked Punk by attempting the Go to Sleep, but Cody escaped. Cody later hit the Bionic Elbow and Pedigree, but his knee prevented him from capitalizing. GUNTHER hit a powerbomb and converted the kickout into a single-leg Boston crab.

Cody eventually escaped, trapped GUNTHER in the Figure Four and appeared to have control until Sami Zayn attacked Punk. Cody released the hold to help, but Sami pulled him outside and drove him into the ring post. The match dissolved into a four-man brawl as officials struggled to separate Punk, Cody, GUNTHER and Sami.

The lack of a decisive finish was predictable, but the match accomplished its purpose. GUNTHER damaged Cody’s knee before tomorrow. Punk ignored Cody’s request because he believed Cody was in danger. Sami returned to the center of the championship picture. All four men ended tonight fighting rather than talking.

Post-show coverage was divided on tonight overall but generally agreed that the main-event program felt important because every action connected directly to tomorrow’s stipulation.

Grade: B+

What worked:

• Cody’s immediate attack made the rivalry feel personal.
• GUNTHER’s leg work created consequences for tomorrow.
• Punk’s arrival paid off the earlier backstage conversation.
• Sami’s return completed the main-event picture.
• The closing brawl gave Saturday Night’s Main Event urgency.

What didn’t work:

• Another major television main event ended through interference.
• WWE never seriously convinced anyone that a clean finish was possible.
• Cody’s knee injury could become another short-lived angle that disappears tomorrow.

The Road to Saturday Night’s Main Event

Tomorrow’s tag-team main event now controls the shape of SummerSlam.

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are future opponents who respect one another but disagree on how far their partnership should extend. GUNTHER and Sami Zayn are former opponents who need one another but possess almost no mutual respect.

Should Punk and Cody win, their SummerSlam singles match remains intact.

Should GUNTHER and Sami win, both men enter the championship match and Punk will defend against Cody, GUNTHER and Sami in a Fatal 4-Way.

The stipulation heavily suggests something significant will happen. WWE did not add consequences this large less than 24 hours before the match merely to fill television time. Cody’s damaged knee gives GUNTHER and Sami a target, while Punk’s willingness to protect Cody could create accidental miscommunication.

Fatal Influence also enters tomorrow with increased hostility after Paige and Brie prevented their attack on Tiffany. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid now have an opportunity to turn their numerical aggression into the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.

Danhausen’s black cat should factor into his No Disqualification match with JD McDonagh, while Bayley and Lyra Valkyria finally settle the personal issue created by Lyra’s betrayal.

The Road to SummerSlam

SmackDown’s SummerSlam direction became much clearer tonight.

CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes remains official, but tomorrow could add GUNTHER and Sami Zayn.

Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill have qualified for the five-woman Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match. Three openings remain, with Charlotte Flair facing Nia Jax next week for one of them.

Charlotte qualifying would place her directly into Jade’s path. Nia qualifying would add another powerhouse and allow her to reclaim the opportunity Charlotte stole tonight.

The eventual interim champion must be treated as more than Ripley’s substitute. She needs defenses, meaningful stories and enough credibility to make the eventual unification match feel like two champions colliding.

The Bloodline’s six-man tag match is official, but tonight’s promo did not substantially move it forward. Trick Williams’ United States Championship program with Carmelo Hayes and Baron Corbin still has not been officially added, despite being one of SmackDown’s clearest remaining SummerSlam stories.

Finn Bálor and the War Raiders also left tonight with victories but without official SummerSlam matches.

Best Match and Segment of the Night

Best Match: The War Raiders vs. Fraxiom

Nothing else tonight matched its pace, physicality or escalating drama. Fraxiom created believable opportunities through their speed, while Erik and Ivar reminded everyone why they remain one of WWE’s best powerhouse teams.

Best Segment: GUNTHER, Adam Pearce and Cody Rhodes

The opening segment immediately established tonight’s main event, gave tomorrow’s tag match real stakes and positioned GUNTHER’s lack of punishment as both a storyline problem and a reason for Cody’s anger.

Worst Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

A potentially interesting powerhouse match was sacrificed after barely a minute for another predictable interference finish.

What Was Announced

Next Week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown

• Charlotte Flair vs Nia Jax (Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier)
• The fallout from Saturday Night’s Main Event will reshape the Undisputed WWE Championship SummerSlam Match.
• SmackDown takes place from Oakland Arena in Oakland, California.

Saturday Night’s Main Event Card

• Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER and Sami Zayn (If GUNTHER and Sami win, both will be added to the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.)
• Paige and Brie Bella (c) vs Fatal Influence (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship)
• Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria.
• Danhausen vs. JD McDonagh (No Disqualification Match)
• World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns appears alongside New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson at Madison Square Garden.

WWE SummerSlam Card

• CM Punk (c) vs Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Championship). GUNTHER and Sami Zayn will be added if they win tomorrow.
• Roman Reigns (c) vs Seth Rollins (World Heavyweight Championship)
• Liv Morgan (c) vs IYO SKY (Women’s World Championship)
• WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill have qualified; three positions remain (Interim WWE Women’s Championship Five-Woman Ladder Match)
• Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (Hell in a Cell Match)
• Penta (c) vs Chad Gable (Intercontinental Championship)
• LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys vs. Jacob Fatu and The Usos.

Final Thoughts

Tonight was more effective as a two-hour storyline bridge than as a complete wrestling show.

The War Raiders and Fraxiom delivered the only match that felt fully developed from beginning to end. Cody and GUNTHER produced a strong, physical main event, but the inevitable interference prevented it from becoming something more meaningful. Finn and Talla were acceptable, Tiffany and Jacy were rushed, and Jade versus Nia was barely a match.

The championship developments carried the episode. Tomorrow’s tag-team main event finally has consequences, Sami has been restored to the title picture and GUNTHER’s continued obsession has become the central thread connecting SmackDown to SummerSlam.

The interim WWE Women’s Championship creates possibilities, but WWE must prove it has a real plan beyond producing a ladder-match spectacle. Tiffany Stratton’s inclusion is especially frustrating because it sends the message that being Women’s United States Champion is not enough to earn a meaningful SummerSlam program. WWE had an opportunity to elevate two women’s championships and instead used one champion to fill a spot in a match for the other.

Tonight did enough to make Saturday Night’s Main Event more important than it was two hours earlier. That is a success. However, SmackDown still needs stronger wrestling, fewer interference finishes and clearer SummerSlam directions for several champions and contenders.

Overall Grade: C+

Make sure to subscribe to our Late Night Crew Wrestling YouTube Channel. Follow @yorkjavon, @kspowerwheels & @LateNightCrewYT on X.