WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights (31/07/26): Cody Rhodes & CM Punk face off and more
The final WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam 2026 delivered a memorable night from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, setting the stage for one of WWE’s biggest premium live events of the year. The episode featured a surprise appearance from a WWE legend that left the WWE Universe buzzing, high-stakes action that determined another SummerSlam competitor, and nonstop chaos from the opening moments. The night reached its explosive conclusion as Cody Rhodes and CM Punk engaged in a wild brawl, adding even more intensity to their highly anticipated showdown at SummerSlam.
Opening Segment
WWE SmackDown wasted no time turning up the intensity as Finn Bálor and Sami Zayn opened the show with a tense face-to-face confrontation ahead of their high-stakes SummerSlam clash. With the winner set to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship, both superstars traded sharp verbal jabs and made it clear they were determined to leave SummerSlam with a future title opportunity.
Before the confrontation could reach its natural conclusion, World Heavyweight Champion Gunther stormed the ring and blindsided both Bálor and Zayn, sending the opening segment into complete chaos. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis quickly stepped in to confront “The Ring General,” but the situation escalated into a physical altercation between the two. As the brawl spiraled out of control, WWE officials and security personnel rushed to the ring, eventually separating the rivals and restoring order after an explosive start to the final SmackDown before SummerSlam.
Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green vs. Michin & B-Fab
The first match of the evening featured an action-packed tag team contest, with both teams delivering a competitive back-and-forth battle from start to finish. Momentum shifted several times as neither side was willing to give an inch, keeping the WWE Universe engaged throughout the contest.
As the match entered its closing moments, the action spilled beyond the ring when Jade Cargill made a surprise appearance and pulled Tiffany Stratton to the outside, creating a crucial distraction. With Stratton neutralized, Michin and B-Fab capitalized on the opportunity by connecting with a perfectly executed double-team finisher on Chelsea Green to secure the victory.
The drama didn’t end with the bell. Charlotte Flair emerged moments later and immediately confronted Jade Cargill, leading to a heated physical exchange between the two rivals. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green retaliated by attacking Michin and B-Fab, leaving the women’s division in complete chaos as tensions continued to rise heading into SummerSlam.
R-Truth & Damian Priest vs. The War Raiders
The WWE Tag Team Championship was on the line as Damian Priest and R-Truth defended their titles against The War Raiders’ Erik and Ivar in a hard-hitting contest. Both teams brought an aggressive approach, trading powerful offense throughout the match as neither duo looked willing to back down with championship gold at stake.
However, the title bout descended into complete chaos before a definitive winner could be crowned. The intense action broke down into an uncontrollable brawl, leaving the referee with no choice but to call for the bell as both teams continued fighting despite repeated warnings.
The mayhem escalated even further after the match when Talla and Tama Tonga stormed the ring and dismantled both teams with a dominant assault. The shocking moment reached another level when WWE legend Haku made a surprise appearance, joining his sons inside the ring. The trio stood tall together, sending a powerful message to the entire tag team division and adding another intriguing chapter to SmackDown’s explosive go-home episode before SummerSlam.
Rey Fenix vs. JD McDonagh
The AAA World Cruiserweight Championship was defended in an exciting showdown as Rey Fénix put his title on the line against JD McDonagh in a fast-paced, highly competitive contest. Both superstars showcased their in-ring skills throughout the match, but the action took an unexpected turn when Dominik Mysterio attempted to interfere, only to get into a confrontation with Danhausen that resulted in WWE officials sending him to the back. With the distraction eliminated, Fénix seized the opportunity, delivering a crushing running knee followed by a devastating Muscle Buster to pin McDonagh and successfully retain the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship.
Giulia vs Lash Legend
The night’s final qualifying match determined the fifth and last entrant in the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match at SummerSlam, with Lash Legend taking on Giulia. The contest turned out to be a one-sided affair, as Lash used her overwhelming strength and athleticism to dominate from the opening bell, giving Giulia little opportunity to mount any meaningful offense. After staying in complete control throughout the match, Lash sealed the emphatic victory by connecting with her devastating Lash Extension finisher, officially punching her ticket to the high-stakes championship ladder match at SummerSlam.
Final Segment
The final segment of SmackDown featured an intense face-to-face confrontation between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk just one night before their highly anticipated SummerSlam showdown. The two rivals traded personal insults and fiery verbal shots, with Rhodes accusing Punk of stealing his spotlight during the recent episode of RAW in Chicago, while Punk confidently declared that Cody’s SummerSlam dreams would come crashing down. As emotions reached a boiling point, the war of words erupted into an all-out brawl that spilled around the ringside area, forcing security and WWE officials to intervene. Despite their efforts, neither man was willing to back down, and the chaotic fight served as the perfect final image of SmackDown, leaving the WWE Universe even more excited for their blockbuster clash at SummerSlam.
Other Notable Moments from the show
– During a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley, CM Punk reflected on his upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, stating that while they may have once been friends, that means nothing once the match begins. The interview was interrupted by United States Champion Trick Williams, who claimed he would have been in the title picture had he won last week. Punk fired back by saying he wished Trick had won before warning him to keep climbing the ranks because, when they eventually meet, he plans to “whoop that Trick.”
– In a pre-recorded video package, former SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis reflected on his journey, admitting that while he enjoyed leading the blue brand, his true passion has always been competing inside the ring. WWE then highlighted Aldis’ successful run in TNA Wrestling, showcasing his accomplishments as a world champion. Looking ahead to SummerSlam, Aldis declared that Gunther’s recent attack pushed him to his limit, leaving him with no choice but to step back into action. He vowed to defeat “The Ring General” in his first official WWE match and settle the score after the brutal assault he suffered just weeks ago.
– United States Champion Trick Williams delivered a fiery promo aimed at his SummerSlam challenger, Baron Corbin, mocking his appearance before calling him out to the ring. Corbin responded with confidence, explaining that he had no intention of fighting early and instead promised to dismantle Williams when they meet at SummerSlam. Williams fired back by claiming Corbin was no more dangerous than he was during his previous WWE run and challenged him to a fight on the spot. Corbin declined, labeling the champion a “dumb rookie” who still had plenty to learn. The heated exchange ended with both men trading verbal shots, but it was Williams who had the final say as tensions continued to rise ahead of their championship clash.
