A ladder match qualifier, a title match and more took place on the July 31 WWE SmackDown, which was also the final show before SummerSlam.
With SummerSlam set to take place in Minnesota on August 1 and 2, SmackDown heavily focused on the Premium Live Event. With one spot left in the ladder match to crown an interim Women’s Champion, Lash Legend faced Giulia to determine who would get the last spot. Additionally, WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Damian Priest faced AAA Tag Team Champions The War Raiders in a title-for-title match.
CM Punk and Cody Rhodes also went face to face prior to their SummerSlam match.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were on commentary for the show.
WWE SmackDown Results July 31:
- Finn Balor officially opened the show. Balor spoke about 10 years ago, when he won the Universal Title but relinquished it the next night. Balor said that he felt close to getting back to the top, but was interrupted by Sami Zayn. Zayn said that the number one contenders match shouldn’t be happening and he should be in the title match. Zayn said that Balor had his moment, but now it is his time. Zayn yelled that it was about justice. Following an exchange of insults, Gunther attacked both men. The brawl continued on the ramp and Nick Aldis also got involved.
- B-Fab and Michin defeated Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton. Jade Cargill interfered in the match until Charlotte Flair fought her off.
- Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. The War Raiders ended in a no-contest after the referee was shoved twice. Tama and Talla Tonga got involved in the brawl.
- Trick Williams called out Baron Corbin. There was no physicality.
- Rey Fenix defeated JD McDnagh to retain the AAA Cruiserweight Championship.
- Lash Legend defeated Giulia to qualify for the Women’s Title ladder match.
- CM Punk and Cody Rhodes met live in the main event. After retreading old ground with their history, a brawl ensued to close out the show.
The night before, WWE hosted a live event in Springfield, Illinois.
Featured image: WWE
