The final SmackDown before SummerSlam intensified several major rivalries, featuring heated confrontations, championship implications, and the surprise return of a WWE Hall of Famer.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk collide
The show’s biggest segment saw Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes come face-to-face. Their tense verbal exchange continued the bad blood stemming from Saturday Night’s Main Event, with both men making it clear they are ready to settle the score at SummerSlam.
Gunther and Nick Aldis make it official
Gunther and Nick Aldis signed the contract for their SummerSlam showdown. The signing ended without a major brawl but confirmed that Aldis will step away from his General Manager duties for the highly anticipated match.
WWE
Finn Bálor earns a title opportunity
A Fatal Four-Way Match featuring Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Trick Williams, and Royce Keys ended with Bálor scoring the victory. He now earns a future WWE Championship opportunity against Sami Zayn, although Bloodline interference once again played a role in the night’s events.
Nikki Bella returns
The biggest surprise of the evening came when Nikki Bella returned from injury to help Brie Bella fend off an attack after Brie’s victory. Nikki then issued a major challenge for SummerSlam, adding another marquee attraction to WWE’s biggest event of the summer.
Women’s division
Chelsea Green advanced in SummerSlam qualifying action.
Charlotte Flair defeated Nia Jax in a controversial finish as her rivalry with Jade Cargill continued to escalate.
Multiple women’s storylines received significant focus heading into SummerSlam.
Final Thoughts
SmackDown successfully built anticipation for SummerSlam, with the Punk-Rhodes rivalry taking center stage, Finn Bálor earning a major opportunity, and Nikki Bella’s return providing the night’s biggest surprise. While the in-ring action was solid, the primary focus was setting the stage for next weekend’s premium live event.
