WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights (17/07/26): Gunther, Cody Rhodes & more
WWE SmackDown made its way to the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, on July 17, delivering an action-packed final stop before Saturday Night’s Main Event. With SummerSlam fast approaching, tensions reached a boiling point across the blue brand as rivalries intensified and championship ambitions took center stage. Gunther attempted to defend his recent actions in a fiery opening segment, but Cody Rhodes quickly confronted him, setting the stage for another explosive clash that ultimately ended in complete chaos with no clear winner. Elsewhere, the Women’s Championship scene took a significant turn, bringing long-awaited developments that could reshape the title picture heading into WWE’s biggest event of the summer.
Gunther and Cody Rhodes set the tone before the bell even rang
Gunther opened SmackDown to a wave of boos, claiming he had been treated unfairly since joining the blue brand and accusing Nick Aldis of targeting him. Acting General Manager Adam Pearce quickly shut him down, reminding Gunther that Aldis was the reason he still had a job after attacking the SmackDown General Manager. Pearce then announced that if Gunther and Sami Zayn defeat Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Gunther will be added to the World Championship match at SummerSlam, making it a Fatal 4-Way.
Moments later, Cody Rhodes rushed to the ring and sent Gunther retreating to the outside before demanding a one-on-one match. Pearce wasted no time making the bout official, setting up a blockbuster showdown later in the night.
Finn Balor vs. Talla Tonga
The night’s in-ring action began with Finn Bálor going head-to-head with Talla Tonga, while Tama Tonga watched closely from ringside. Talla relied on his overwhelming strength to dominate large portions of the match, but Bálor answered with his trademark speed, precision, and hard-hitting offense to stay in the fight.
As the closing moments unfolded, Talla came close to victory with a thunderous big boot, only for Bálor to shift the momentum in spectacular fashion. After taking Tama Tonga out at ringside with a Sling Blade, Bálor returned to the ring and sealed the victory with two devastating Coup de Grâce finishers, picking up an impressive win to kick off SmackDown.
Interim Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jacy Jayne
The Women’s Championship match got off to a chaotic start as Fatal Influence ambushed Tiffany Stratton before the opening bell. Their assault was short-lived, however, as the Women’s Tag Team Champions raced to the ring and chased the group away, allowing the title bout to begin on even terms.
Once the action officially started, Stratton and Jacy Jayne delivered a competitive back-and-forth contest filled with momentum swings. Jayne impressed with a hanging neckbreaker and matched Stratton in a simultaneous crossbody exchange, but the champion responded with a perfectly timed rope-assisted cutter before putting the match away with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever (PME) to retain her title.
Interim Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax
Jade Cargill’s match against Nia Jax quickly descended into chaos after Charlotte Flair stormed the ring, attacking Michin before targeting Cargill’s arm with a steel chair. Michin and B-Fab rushed in to make the save, while Jax blindsided Flair from behind. Cargill had the final word, dropping Flair with a thunderous Jaded. Following the chaotic encounter, WWE confirmed that Flair and Jax will face off in a ladder match qualifier on next week’s SmackDown.
AAA World Tag Team Champions War Raiders vs. Fraxiom
Fraxiom and The War Raiders delivered a fast-paced tag team battle that kept the Albany crowd engaged from start to finish. Axiom and Nathan Frazer dazzled with their high-flying offense, including a picture-perfect moonsault and a breathtaking Phoenix Splash that nearly secured the victory. However, the veteran duo weathered the storm, regained control in the closing moments, and wore Axiom down before Ivar scored the decisive pinfall to give The War Raiders a hard-fought win.
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther
The main event erupted before the opening bell as Cody Rhodes ambushed Gunther during his entrance, igniting an all-out fight from the very start. Once the match settled, Gunther used his brutal striking game and submission offense to slow Rhodes down, but The American Nightmare battled back with a dragon screw and a Figure Four Leg Lock to swing the momentum in his favor.
The contest eventually broke down into complete chaos when Sami Zayn attacked CM Punk at ringside, triggering a massive brawl involving all four competitors. With punches flying everywhere, WWE officials rushed to the ring to restore order, forcing the referee to throw the match out. The explosive scene served as a fitting final statement before Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Other Notable Moments from the show
– Adam Pearce also delivered a major update on the Women’s Championship, revealing that Rhea Ripley will be unable to compete at SummerSlam after suffering a torn meniscus. With the reigning champion sidelined, WWE announced that a series of ladder match qualifying bouts will determine the competitors who will battle to crown an Interim Women’s Champion at the premium live event.
– Blake Monroe made an unforgettable statement by blindsiding Candice LeRae in a shocking surprise attack. After leaving LeRae laid out, Monroe confidently introduced herself to the WWE Universe before adding one final insult, telling a stunned Johnny Gargano that it was time for him to get a haircut.
– A pre-recorded promo from Baron Corbin aired one week after his shocking return, with Corbin warning Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes that he was back to take everything. The segment quickly shifted to a heated confrontation between Williams and Hayes, whose ongoing rivalry continued to boil over, hinting that their growing tension could play right into Corbin’s hands.
