Philadelphia delivered a major post-SummerSlam edition of SmackDown, with Kevin Owens returning, Randy Orton escalating his feud with Cody Rhodes, and a surprise Alexa Bliss appearance highlighting the closing moments. The show took place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Kevin Owens returns
The biggest development of the night was Kevin Owens’ return. After winning the No. 1 contender match at SummerSlam, Owens confronted Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk.
Owens made his intentions crystal clear, challenging Punk to a championship match in Toronto on August 21. Punk and Owens traded heated words, with the confrontation nearly becoming physical.
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes was still furious about SummerSlam, where Randy Orton interfered in Cody’s championship match against Punk.
Orton admitted that his attack was deliberate and made it clear that he intends to prevent Rhodes from becoming WWE Champion. Cody, meanwhile, appears determined to settle the issue personally.
Baron Corbin retains
Baron Corbin defeated Trick Williams to retain the United States Championship.
Corbin used questionable tactics to survive, but his victory immediately created another problem: Carmelo Hayes stepped up as a challenger.
Women’s Tag Team Championship
Fatal Influence retained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton.
The aftermath was just as important as the match itself, with Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacking, adding another layer to the women’s division.
Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill
Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill continued their rivalry in a highly anticipated main event.
Cargill avoided defeat after outside interference from Michin and B-Fab disrupted Flair’s attempt to lock in the Figure Eight. The match then turned into a major angle when Alexa Bliss returned.
Bliss appeared alongside Lilly, while Tatum Paxley made her main-roster debut and helped take the fight to Michin and B-Fab. The show ended with Bliss, Flair and Paxley together in the ring, creating immediate speculation about a new alliance.
Other major developments
Chelsea Green celebrated becoming Interim Women’s Champion and now has Nia Jax in her sights.
A three-way tag-team title match involving War Raiders, The Tongans and Priest/Truth was announced.
WWE also paid tribute to legendary wrestler Dory Funk Jr. during the broadcast.
