The final WWE SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event took place on July 17.
24 hours before the special is set to emanate from Madison Square Garden in New York, SmackDown presented the final build while also continuing the hype for SummerSlam in August. On the show, the future of the Women’s Championship was addressed. With RheaRipley out of action until further notice, a ladder match will take place at SummerSlam to crown an interim champion. The interim champion will be determined via a ladder match. Qualifying matches took place on the show.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were on commentary for the show.
WWE SmackDown Results July 17:
- Following a recap of the CM Punk and Cody Rhodes segments from the previous week, Gunther opened the show. Gunter continued to complain about being mistreated until he was interrupted by Adam Pearce, who was filling in for Nick Aldis. Pearce said that he had had enough of Gunther’s complaining. Pearce also added that if Gunther and Sami Zayn win at Saturday Night’s Main Event, they would be added to the WWE title match at SummerSlam. Cody Rhodes interrupted and brawled with Gunther.
- Finn Balor defeated Talla Tonga.
- Tiffany Stratton defeated Jacy Jayne to qualify for the Women’s Championship ladder match.
- Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax to qualify for the Women’s Championship ladder match. Cargill won via DQ when she was attacked by Charlotte Flair.
- The War Raiders defeated Fraxiom.
- Danhausen spoke from his lab. He has a cat for his secret weapon against JD McDonagh.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther ended in a no contest when CM Punk and Sami Zayn got involved. A brawl ended the show.
Featured image: WWE
