CM Punk appeared live as the new champion and more on the July 10 edition of WWE SmackDown.
Returning for the first time since the Raw after WrestleMania, CM Punk received a hero’s welcome when he walked out in front of the Chicago crowd. Ending the night on a high, Punk defeated Sami Zayn to bring Zayn’s reign as WWE Champion to an end at just 9 days. It was later announced that Punk would appear live on SmackDown to celebrate his big win.
Also announced ahead of time, US Champion Trick Williams faced former rival Carmelo Hayes in a non-title match.
WWE SmackDown Results July 10:
- Nick Aldis opened the show. Aldis stated that he took responsibility for what happened at Night of Champions and had been reinstated as the General Manager of SmackDown. Aldis introduced new champion CM Punk. Punk said that he missed the crowd and would be defending the belt regularly to prove he is the best in the world. Cody Rhodes interrupted. Rhodes reminded Punk of their previous conversation about a title match. When Punk asked when, Rhodes responded, SummerSlam.
- Finn Balor defeated Tama Tonga.
- The War Raiders told R-Truth they wanted a shot at the tag titles.
- Nick Aldis was seen talking to Sami Zayn, who was on a “mental health break.” Gunther demanded a title match, which Aldis said he would take under consideration.
- Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu called out Solo Sikoa, but instead they got Royce Keys. Keys said that Bloodline business was affecting everyone on SmackDown, including him. Fatu wanted to keep things good between him and Keys, bur brought up Roman Reigns. Fatu warned Keys not to go there and Jimmy said Keys was not part of the family. Fatu walked out on Uso, setting up the next match.
- Jimmy Uso defeated Royce Keys. Solo Sikoa tried to interfere, but was ran off by Fatu. Fatu attacked Sikoa after the bell, but Keys interjected.
- Jade Cargill defeated Alexa Bliss. The Baddies beat up Bliss after the bell.
- Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a no contest when Baron Corbin made his return and attacked both men.
- Nick Aldis answered Gunther’s ultimatum. Aldis said that Gunther will team with Sami Zayn to take on Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Gunther attacked Aldis with the sleeper to close out the show.
Featured image: WWE
