The final SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered major storyline developments, high-profile matches, and significant SummerSlam implications from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York.
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther Ends in Chaos
The night’s main event featured Cody Rhodes taking on Gunther, but the match never reached a decisive finish. The bout was ruled a no contest after outside interference and a wild brawl involving CM Punk. The three rivals fought around the ringside area, intensifying the road to SummerSlam
SummerSlam Stakes Raised
General Manager announced that if Gunther and Sami Zayn defeat CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event, they will be added to the SummerSlam Tag Team Championship match, raising the stakes considerably.
Interim Women’s Championship
Tournament Begins
With Rhea Ripley temporarily sidelined by injury but expected to return, WWE announced an Interim Women’s Championship Ladder Match for SummerSlam.
Qualifying match winners:
Tiffany Stratton defeated Jacy Jayne to qualify.
Jade Cargill advanced after defeating Nia Jax via disqualification following interference from Charlotte Flair, leading to a post-match fight between Cargill and Flair.
Other Results
Finn Bálor defeated Talla Tonga in singles competition.
The War Raiders defeated Fraxiom in an exciting tag team match.
Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and the returning Baron Corbin continued their heated rivalry with a tense confrontation.
