WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights (24/07/26): Nikki Bella Returns, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk Clash, New SummerSlam Matches Confirmed
The road to SummerSlam became even more intense as WWE delivered an action-packed episode of Friday Night SmackDown on July 24 from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. With major returns, heated confrontations, and important match announcements, the blue brand continued to build momentum ahead of WWE’s biggest event of the summer.
Opening Segment : Gunther Lays Out Nick Aldis During Explosive SummerSlam Contract Signing
During the SummerSlam contract signing officiated by RAW General Manager Adam Pearce, tensions between Gunther and Nick Aldis quickly boiled over. Gunther took aim at Aldis with a series of personal insults, claiming that despite his accomplishments outside WWE, he never reached the level of success that The Ring General has achieved. Aldis responded without hesitation, and the heated war of words soon erupted into a physical confrontation. Just when it seemed Aldis had the upper hand, Gunther resorted to a ruthless low blow before driving the SmackDown General Manager through the contract-signing table, ending the segment in dominant fashion and sending a chilling message ahead of their SummerSlam clash.
Brie Bella vs Lainey Reed
The opening contest of the night featured WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella taking on the rising Lainey Reed in a competitive showdown. The match nearly swung in Reed’s favour after Fatal Influence members Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley attempted to interfere, but Paige neutralised the distraction, giving Brie the opening to steal the victory with a quick roll-up. The celebration was short-lived as Reed, Jayne, and Henley launched a brutal three-on-two assault after the bell. Just when the numbers game became overwhelming, Nikki Bella made her long-awaited return to a thunderous ovation, chasing off the attackers before announcing a blockbuster six-woman tag team match for SummerSlam, where she will join Brie and Paige to face Reed, Jayne, and Henley.
Chelsea Green vs Kiana James
The first Women’s Championship Ladder Match qualifying bout of the evening saw Chelsea Green square off against Kiana James in a hard-fought contest. Both competitors showcased their athleticism and determination, trading momentum throughout an evenly matched encounter. As the action reached its climax, Green capitalised on a brief opening, planting James with a perfectly executed Unprettier to secure the decisive three-count. With the victory, Chelsea Green officially punched her ticket to SummerSlam, moving one step closer to capturing championship gold in the high-stakes ladder match.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk Face to Face
One of the standout moments of the night saw Cody Rhodes and Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk engage in an emotionally charged war of words ahead of their highly anticipated SummerSlam clash. Rhodes opened the segment by confronting Punk, even mocking the champion with a staged microphone drop before revealing years of frustration over constantly being compared to him despite forging his own path. Punk responded by acknowledging Rhodes’ journey but argued that Cody creates personal enemies to overcome the pressure of facing those he truly respects. The exchange grew increasingly personal as both men referenced their pasts, traded sharp verbal shots, and confidently declared themselves the superior competitor. With Rhodes vowing to capture his fourth WWE Championship and Punk insisting that no one could match him on the microphone or inside the ring, the explosive confrontation perfectly intensified the rivalry and left fans even more eager for their SummerSlam showdown.
Charlotte Flair vs Nia Jax
The second Women’s Championship Ladder Match qualifier featured a physical showdown between Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax, with both superstars battling fiercely for a coveted spot at SummerSlam. The contest remained evenly contested as the two powerhouses exchanged momentum in a hard-hitting encounter. Just as Flair appeared to be closing in on victory, Jade Cargill stormed to the ring and attacked The Queen, causing a disqualification. Although Flair was declared the winner by DQ, the stipulation meant she officially qualified for the Women’s Championship Ladder Match at SummerSlam, while Cargill’s shocking interference added another layer of intrigue to the growing rivalry.
Final Segment: Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor vs. Royce Keys vs. Trick Williams
The night’s main event featured a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match, with the winner earning the right to challenge Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. The four competitors delivered a fast-paced and chaotic battle, with momentum shifting repeatedly as each superstar came within moments of victory. In the closing stages, Finn Bálor brilliantly countered Damian Priest’s finishing move before connecting with a Sling Blade and his signature shotgun dropkick. Bálor then climbed to the top rope and sealed the victory with a devastating Coup de Grâce, securing the three-count and officially booking his place in the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.
Other Notable Moments from the show
– Later in the show, Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green discussed their SummerSlam plans before Green exited the scene. Blake Monroe then confronted Stratton, expressing her admiration while confidently declaring that she would emerge victorious in the Women’s Championship Ladder Match. Monroe ended the exchange with a bold warning, promising that everyone would be looking up at her after SummerSlam.
– Backstage, Finn Bálor reflected on his decade-long journey back into the world title picture, saying he had fought relentlessly to earn another championship opportunity. The interview was interrupted by Gunther, who asserted that he was next in line for the title, leading to a tense face-off between the two. The brief but intense exchange hinted at a potential blockbuster rivalry that could unfold after SummerSlam.
– Backstage, Sami Zayn interrupted Cathy Kelley’s interview to express his frustration over being left off the SummerSlam card, taking shots at Cody Rhodes and CM Punk before confronting RAW General Manager Adam Pearce. Rather than granting him an immediate title match, Pearce announced a Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match later that night, with the winner earning a championship opportunity at SummerSlam. Zayn accepted the challenge, but his frustration remained evident.
– Fatal Influence vs Brie Bella, Nikki Bella & Paige is official for SummerSlam Minnesota
– Finn Balor vs Sami Zayn in No. 1 Contender Match for Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam
