The SmackDown Report SLAM!
THE ONLY BLVD WHERE WE KEEP THE SUMMER PARTY HOT
Welcome to the July 31st live rendition of Friday Night SmackDown from the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. It’s getting warm in here as we are now at the official go-home show to the hottest party of the summer, the 2026 SummerSlam, which begins tomorrow with a two-night extravaganza. On the sheet for tonight we have the final Qualifier match with Giulia taking on Lash Legend in order to join Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair and Chelsea Green in the Interim WWE Women’s Title Ladder Match at SummerSlam. After accepting a challenge several weeks ago from AAA Tag Team Champions War Raiders, the WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest & R-Truth are set to clash against Erik and Ivar in a winner-take-all Title for Title Tag Team Unification Match. As for segments, after being attacked by Baron Corbin after the show went off the air last week on SmackDown, Trick Williams will address his challenger for the United States Championship at SummerSlam. And CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will come face to face one final time before their blockbuster Undisputed WWE Championship Match this weekend at the hottest party of the summer.
The party’s getting warm and there’s more to come – so let’s heat up the SLAM and grill up some!
We start with our typical entrances of the superstars for the show including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill with Michin and B-Fab, Lash Legend and Nia Jax, Giulia, R-Truth and Damian Priest, and The War Raiders.
Live in the arena, Finn Balor’s music starts the show as he comes down to the ring to talk about his Undisputed #1 Contender’s Match against Sami Zayn at SummerSlam on Sunday, August 2nd. He said that whenever they get to SummerSlam season, he can’t help but think about 2016. His first SummerSlam, the best and the worst night of his career where he went from the highs of winning the championship, to the lows of being told he had to relinquish the same title due to injury. Here we are in 2026 as he’s spend ten years scratching and clawing trying to get back the glory of that night. And now it’s the eve of SummerSlam and they’re in Green Bay, Wisconsin (cheap pop cheers). He’s got The Balor Club behind him and they’re so close go getting back to where they were.
“Worlds Apart” interrupts and here comes Sami Zayn. Zayn said he understands it’s an emotional time for him. But there are some things he needs to get off his chest (he seems to say that almost every week now). He said this #1 Contender’s Match shouldn’t be happening to begin with. The main event of SummerSlam should be a triple-threat between CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and the man who, four weeks ago, was still the WWE Champion. But everyone’s got their marquee match now one-on-one Punk versus Rhodes. And everyone’s wondering who’s going to win. Zayn said he’s got a little skin in the game, and he would love to see Rhodes as the WWE Champion again because he already beat Rhodes in the ring clean to become the WWE Champion. And he knows for a fact he can do it again. Zayn said there’s also a big part of him that wants to see Punk retained the championship. The biggest fraud, biggest hypocrite, biggest piece of trash in the company bar none. The guy who sat on the stage all those years ago with his pipe bomb, crying because his face wasn’t on the collectible cups. He offers his congrats to Punk that he’s ascended to corporate poster boy number two. Zayn said it would be a treat for him to take the title back from the man who stole it from him to begin with. Zayn said for Balor to understand he’s got a lot of respect for him.
Balor said for Zayn to have some respect, grow some balls, come down to the ring, and say whatever he wants to say to his face. Zayn said that’s fair play and he owes Balor that while he comes down the ramp and gets in the ring. Zayn said the truth Is he does have a lot of respect for him. Everyone here watching over the last ten years knows exactly how great Balor is. Balor should have been a WWE Champion four or five times by now. Zayn said Balor needs to take his pulse of this moment and to understand the moment, and this moment belongs to him. Zayn said Balor had his time, now it’s his time. Because him taking the WWE Championship bac k is bigger than the championship, bigger than Balor or himself. He shouts that it’s about justice! #JUSTICEFORSAMI!
Balor said what about justice for him. He’s spent that last ten years trying to get back to this moment and this is his moment. Sami said if it took Balor ten years and he didn’t even come close, maybe he should just take the hint. Balor said it took Zayn ten years to even get a smell of that championship and Zayn never gave up. So why should he? Besides, he held the title for one day before he had to relinquish it due to injury. Zayn held the title for nine days, but not because he got injured or screwed, but simply because he lost.
Zayn said that almost sounds like fighting words, and if he didn’t respect Balor and if Balor were anyone else he would drop him where he stood. But he won’t because he is a good guy. He said he’s the last real good guy left around here so he’s going to do the right thing and walk away. And he’ll see Balor at SummerSlam.
ANALYSIS:
Suddenly, Gunther sneaks up behind Balor and shoves him into Zayn, taking both men down. Gunther picks them back up one by one and Clotheslines them back down. Gunther talked about how they’re out here talking about who’s the #1 contender. They’re both a joke. The rightful #1 contender is standing in the ring right now.
Acting SmackDown GM Adam Pearce came out with some security. Gunther gets out of the ring and heads towards Pearce, saying he’s the right guy he needs to talk to. Since Pearce runs the place now, Gunther asked him what he had to do. What does he have to do to get what’s rightfully his. Suddenly, from behind, Balor attacks Gunther knocking him down. Zayn throws Balor out of the way and begins punching Gunther. Balor and Zayn are now fighting and punching each other. Gunther runs up to them and hits a Double Clothesline. He throws Zayn against the steel crowd barricade, then throws Balor against the other barricade. Nick Aldis runs from the back and punches Gunther back and throws him into the ring. Now in the ring Gunther tries to Powerbomb Aldis, but Aldis reverses it into a Texas Cloverleaf as officials finally run in to stop him. Both Aldis and Gunther are being held back by officials when Gunther hits a big boot to Aldis. Aldis is being escorted to the back as Gunther is being held back. Time for our first commercial break while we try to restore some order.
ANALYSIS:
Back from break, we’re shown an instant replay of what happened with Gunther attacking Balor and Zayn, both in and out of the ring. Then Aldis running out and applying the submission hold on Gunther as security officials surround the ring.
Tonight, as usual, Joe Tessitore is doing play x play, Wade Barrett is our analyst, Kathy Kelley is the backstage reporter, and Mark Nash is our ring announcer.
We’re live again as Chelsea Green and United States Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton are already in the ring bouncing around like the BFF’s they are ready for their tag team match. Then, B-Fab and Michin come out accompanied by Jade Cargill. They show that Cargill, Stratton, and Green are all in the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match along with Charlotte Flair. The final Qualifier Match between Giulia and Lash Legend is later tonight. But for now, let’s have an impromptu tag team match.
Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green vs B-Fab & Michin (w/ Jade Cargill):
Stratton and B-Fab start things off. B-Fab starts off strong with punches and kicks, sending Stratton into the corner for a Roundhouse Kick. B-Fab throws Stratton out of the corner and hits the ropes trying for a running kick but Stratton moves, hitting a Standing Dropkick. B-Fab is hanging on the middle rope as Michin tags herself in. Michin charges but Stratton trips her up onto the middle rope as well. Stratton tags in Green. They both BFF bounce before they run to each side of the ropes and squash B-Fab and Michin. With B-Fab and Michin dazed in the middle of the ring, Green grabs both their necks and double slams them both to the mat. Green celebrates as we get a mid-match commercial break.
Back from break, B-Fab is beating down on Green. They go back and forth until Green tries for a tag to Stratton. B-Fab stops it by hanging onto Green until Green breaks free, Stratton on the apron ducks an attack, and Green nails an Enzuigiri on B-Fab. B-Fab tags in Michin and Green gets the hot tag on Stratton. Multiple Clotheslines on Michin by Stratton. Dropkick on B-Fab taking her off the apron. Stratton hits the ropes as Michin tries to grab her, but Stratton cartwheels through and puts Michin upside down on her back for an Alabama Slam. Stratton goes up top for a Swanton Bomb and a close call. Stratton picks Michin up but she slips out the back and shoves Stratton into her corner where Green tags in. Stratton double kicks Michin away but B-Fab pulls her to the outside. B-Fab tried to shove Stratton into the steel steps, but Stratton leaped onto the steps and Stratton drove B-Fab to the floor. Green is legal and is going to the top rope, but as the red Is distracted by Michin, Cargill comes from behind Stratton and slams her into the steel steps. Michin stops Green’s ascent and punches away but Green hits a Headbutt, sending Michin down to the mat. Missile Dropkick by Green onto Michin. Michin lands into her corner as B-Fab tags in and charges. Green grabs B-Fab and looks for an Unpretty-Her, but Michin Superkicks Green as the double-team hits the BTA for the win.
WINNERS: B-Fab & Michin (7 minutes)
ANALYSIS: ** ¾
It was just your standard women’s tag team match that sort of told a story for SummerSlam instead of being an actual match. The numbers game eventually getting one over on the team that’s going to be a part of the ladder match, and that Cargill, who will also be there, will be a force to be reckoned with as well.
As Cargill and The Baddies celebrate in the ring, Charlotte Flair comes out. She will be the other participant in the ladder match at SummerSlam. As she made her entrance, Stratton and Green pulled out B-Fab and Michin and attacked them through the timekeeper area and through the crowd. Flair takes off her coat and stares down Cargill. She gets into the ring with Cargill and they start battling back and forth. Cargill shoves Flair to the ropes and Flair came back and Superkicked Cargill, Cargill bounces off the ropes, and Flair nails another Superkick knocking Cargill down. Cargill backs up the ramp as they stare down each other.
ANALYSIS: Flair has so much animosity towards Cargill for what she did to Alexa Bliss that I believe they’re going to take each other out in the ladder match with a huge spot of some sort. We should also expect some assistance from The Baddies during the match, which Stratton and Green will take care of.
As much as I like Tiffy “Two-Belt” Stratton, Out of these four women I believe Green will win, giving both BFF’s a title.
Now, somewhere backstage, we see Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer) and Rey Fenix talking when JD McDonagh and Dom Mysterio come up to them. They ask what they’re doing here. McDonagh said they’re The Judgment Day, so they do what they want. Second, they’re looking for Danhausen. Fenix said they hadn’t seen him. Dom asked how he would know as he’s been hiding down in Mexico. Fenix said he’s been training in Mexico and now he’s back and ready to fight. Dom said The Judgment Day has been collecting titles, and his AAA Cruiserweight Title would look good on his boy, McDonagh. Fenix said something in Spanish to McDonagh and said in English he can have it. McDonagh asked Dom what Fenix just called him, and Dom said Fenix said “yes”. McDonagh said he’s going to Pearce’s office and make it official. It’s about time he brought some singles gold for The Judgment Day.
ANALYSIS: Even though The Judgment Day are RAW guys, it is still nice to see these AAA titles get defended on WWE TV shows. I would like to see Dom defend his AAA Mega Championship more often, even though he has a title defense in Mexico City at Triplemania 34 on September 13th.
Next we cut to a backstage promo where Tama and Talla Tonga talk about how they forgot who they are and why they’re here. Tama said it was the right move to leave Solo Sikoa. Talla said they were too busy fighting his battles. They lost sight of chasing gold. From now on, they put their family first.
Suddenly, someone appeared with a cane and said that these are the sons he needs. It’s Haku! He said in Samoan, “Don’t forget who you are.” They are the sons of Haku. And then he said something that was bleeped out. Haku told them to go now and make them fear us again.
ANALYSIS: It’s great to see the legendary Samoan bad-ass Haku again after all this time. Getting the Tonga twins all psyched up like that is not a good sign for any team in the locker room. Watch out, WWE tag team division.
It’s time for a title for title match. First out are the WWE Tag Tem Champions. Damian Priest makes his entrance first. Then R-Truth comes out to his “What’s Up~!” music wearing a Green Bay Packers jersey and a cheesehead. This match is next after this cheesy break.
When we come back, The War Raiders are already coming down the ramp.
WWE & AAA Title-for-Title Tag Team Championships: R-Truth & Damian Priest vs The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar:
This is for both the WWE Tag Team Championship and the AAA Campeon De Parejas.
Erik and Priest start things off as Erik is pounding on Priest. Priest then grabs Erik, tossing him into Priest’s corner and starts pounding on him, giving him a nice Uppercut. R-Truth tags in as Priest holds Erik. Truth bounces off the ropes and hits a Running Forearm. Truth does his What’s Up splits with Erik in the corner and charges, splashing him. Ivar tried to interfere on the apron, but Truth punched him off the apron to the floor. Erik punches Truth from behind, knocking Truth to the floor. Erik then shoves Priest off of the apron. Erik tags in Ivar as Erik gives a Running Knee on the floor. Priest went for a Flying Double Clothesline off of the steel steps, but he got caught by both War Raiders. They take him and shove him into the fan barricade. Erik takes Ivar and rams him into Truth, then into Priest. Cut to a break.
Back from break and Priest and Ivar are in the ring. Ivar and Priest are up top in the corner while Erik tags himself in. Priest hits a Top Rope Hurricanrana on Ivar and then as Erik came in and missed a swing as Priest smacked him with Bell Clap and a right forearm. Priest hit the ropes but got caught by Erik, who sent Priest into the air leading to Ivar hitting a powerslam and a cover, but Truth came in foe the save. Truth gets double-teamed attacked in the corner. Referee Charles Robinson tried to get Eric back into his corner because Ivar was the only legal man, but the ref gets shoved away to the ropes. Priest gets involved and tried to attack the War Raiders in the corner. The ref tried to stop him, and Priest shoved the ref down to the mat, causing the DQ.
WINNERS: NO CONTEST (6 minutes)
ANALYSIS: **
A very short, very sloppy, very cheap finish for it being hyped as a title-for-title winner-take-all type match. It may lead to something better down the line. I’m not sure. But for now, everybody keeps their titles and it’s as if it never happened.
After the match, the War Raiders toss Priest and Truth outside the ring and a fight breaks out. Priest and Truth are throwing Erik and Ivar into everything near the announce table ad the fight goes through the timekeeper’s area and into the crowd. Truth gets pounded down in the crowd as Erik and Ivar are now both attacking Priest. But Truth appears on top of the electrician’s railing and leaps onto all three men taking everyone down onto the concrete floor. Erik and Ivar get up and walk away towards the ring barricade, but Priest charges and hits a Double Clothesline, sending them over.
Suddenly, Talla and Tama Tonga appear and boots both Eric and Ivar down. Truth tries to leap onto Talla, but he gets caught and thrown onto the steel post. Tama pounds on Priest. Erik and Ivar are now being beaten down by Talla and Tama. Cutthroat in the middle of the ring by Tama onto Erik. Talla with a Chokeslam on Priest. Haku walks into the ring as the Tangaa Twins grab both pairs of championship titles. They pose together in the middle of the ring with their father, the legend Haku.
ANALYSIS: So that’s where this is going. No matter who you thought would win the unified titles tonight, rip up your bet sheet because this changes everything. I think there’s going to be possibly a six-man match for both titles. However this works out, possibly with Priest/Truth and The War Raiders possibly doing this title-for-title match again with the Tonga Twins in a six-man match, the Tonga Twins will likely win it with Haku by their side and their new attitude.
Next up, they showed a brief clip from a house show in Springfield, IL. At the end of CM Punk and Cody Rhodes’ tag team match, Rhodes handed Punk his title and patted him on the shoulder. Punk patted Rhodes on the waist and Rhodes gave him a back elbow, causing a fight between them to break out.
Now we’re backstage with Cathy Kelley interviewing Undisputed WWE Champion Punk. Kelly asks Punk how he will reconcile having to face Rhodes tomorrow at SummerSlam considering their friendship. Punk Said this is competition. They’ve been running from this match for some time, and they’re running from the fact that maybe they don’t have to be friends. Punk said Rhodes is not his friend now, he will absolutely not be his friend when the bell rings. It’s his job to take on all comers. Great if it’s somebody he hates, but a little unfortunate even if it’s somebody he breaks bread with. But at the end of the night, he will still be the Undisputed Champion.
In came Trick Williams. Williams said he’s let Punk know man to man, face-to-face. He should be glad that he lost the #1 contender’s match last week. Because one way or another, sooner or later, he’s coming for Punk’s championship.
Punk said he appreciates the confidence. Punk called him two-belt Trick. Punk said he’s actually upset that he lost that match, because he wanted him to win. He needs new faces and challengers. And when Williams does get on top of that mountain, he’s going to whoop that trick. Punk left as Williams looked on. Break.
ANALYSIS: Just another way to promote the love/hate relationship between frenemies Punk and Rhodes. It was interesting that they brought in the US Champ Williams, as he has a title defense at SummerSlam as well against Baron Corbin. It was still pretty cool that Punk said he’ll take on all challengers no matter where they come from once they reach the top and get their shot. That’s what makes me think Punk will retain at SummerSlam against Rhodes. He’s going to have a long, hopefully interesting tenure with that title.
Next for our pleasure, we get a video package featuring former SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. He said it was an honor to be the SmackDown GM. But his dream was to be a wrestler. He won championships (it shows his championship wins courtesy of TNA) and defended championships. Multiple different companies and countries. Against Hall of Famers, icons, legends of the industry. He said that all means something to him. But he was fully committed to being the best GM he could be. So that meant leaving the active full-time wrestler part behind. He said he was okay with that. Until Gunther. Because when Gunther put his hand on him, he pushed him too far. It became about being a man. And when a man is pushed too far, he is left with one choice. Lace them up tight. And face Gunther one-on-one like a man.
ANALYSIS: It was exciting to see all that footage of Aldis as a wrestler. They showed his championships in his time as a wrestler in TNA and around the world, wrestling legends like Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam. I’m glad they’re giving him a chance to come out of retirement to have another wrestling match.
I’m sure Aldis will put on a great match at SummerSlam against Gunther, even though Gunther will likely win. It would be cool if some of the legends Gunther mentioned he retired during their contract signing (Goldberg, AJ Styles, John Cena) were to come out to distract Gunther and help Aldis get a win for his first wrestling match in a while. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Now we’re live in the arena as we “Whoop That Trick ~!” while the United States Champion Trick Williams comes down to the ring, sans Lil’ Yachty. As Williams makes his way down the ramp we’re shown a replay of last week of the brutal attack by Baron Corbin on Williams, including the digital exclusive where he challenged Corbin to a match at SummerSlam.
Williams said to cut the music. Reporting live, the sexiest and most entertaining champion alive, Trick Williams has finally arrived. He’s got a lot on his chest so let’s get straight to business. He said over the past month, the big, bald-headed Baron Corbin decided to come back to SmackDown just so he can hate on Williams. So Corbin woke up one morning, got out of that Alaskan king mattress, shaved your head and polished it real nice looking like a big ass Tommy Pickles and think he’s going to hate on Williams. Hate on Mr. Lemon Pepper Stepper, hate on the anointed one. Baron makes him sick. He said this is what we’re going to do. No more waiting, no more sneaking nobody, right here in Wisconsin. He calls out Corbin to come out with his cheese head so he can trick slap him all the way to Minnesota.
Corbin comes out to some random music. Corbin said that Williams loves hearing the sound of his own voice. While he was away he learned some very valuable lessons. Corbin said one of those was about patience. Something Williams knows nothing about because when he arrived, they sent him straight to the top. Corbin said they gave Williams entrance music that made everybody believe he is more important than he actually is. He wants everything right now, and that will be his downfall. Corbin said he’ll feel like he’s in quicksand, suffocating, and it will hurt. And as the panic starts to set in he’ll wrap his arms around his neck…
Williams tells Corbin to shut up. They both know he isn’t going to do nothing. He’s tired of him acting like he’s badder now than he was the first time he was here. Williams asked what this is all really about: collect a cheque, a pension so he can get that new summer house in Barcelona? The only thing he’s collecting is this size 15 lemon pepper stepper.
Corbin got on the apron and asked if he wanted to do it right here, right now. In front of all these people giving them a little preview of Sunday. That’s not gonna happen. Corbin said he doesn’t care what anyone wants because Williams is just a dumb rookie that doesn’t understand.
Williams charged at him, so Corbin jumped off the apron and backed away. Corbin said that’s the lesson about patience. He said on Sunday, he’s taking that title, and there’s legitimately nothing in this world he can do about it.
As Corbin was walking back up the ramp, Williams said that on Sunday there won’t be no title taking. It’ll be 35,000 people all on one accord chanting the same thing. He tells Wisconsin to tell him what we gonna do: “WHOOP THAT TRICK~!”
ANALYSIS: It was a textbook-style promo exchange getting readt for their US title clash at SummerSlam. Williams playing the confident champ, while Corbin playing the veteran heel that was also doing the psychological warfare tonight of not giving everyone what they wanted to see.
I think Williams should retain his US title. He just got his custom made white faux fur one. It’s too soon for him to lose it, and too soon for Corbin to win the championship. Let Corbin chase it some more.
And now, we get another video package for Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi entitled “ACT III: Vendetta”. Deception. Fury. Hope. Rage. Power. Vengeance. At the titan’s second clash, the great beast rose once more. A storm of seven F-5’s brought the destroyer to his knees. And the conqueror reclaimed his mantel.
In defeat, he sought a new goal. A pursuit not of mind, but of mind. Seeking to reclaim the crown. As the titans of old were once cast down, these monstrosities drag each other to the underworld. Turning the biggest event of the summer into the hour of judgement. Locked together until there is one victor. It is their final descent into the inferno.
ANALYSIS: This promo video was full of all sorts of crazy stuff. Everything that’s happened over the last several months from their first match at WrestleMania 42 all the way up to last Monday’s RAW all jumbled up. Still a nice video. This match has been super hyped.
Again, I’m still sticking with Femi here. Lesnar ca still look strong and take the loss before he leaves again. Femi can use this victory as Lesnar giving him the nod and continuing his strong first rookie year by going for the WHC title next, which he earned at King of the Ring.
Now back live, The AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix comes out to the ring for his title defense. That’s after the breakity-break.
Back from breaking, JD McDonagh is already in the ring alongside Dom Mysterio.
AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. JD McDonagh (w/ Dominik Mysterio):
They started things off with a lockup, but McDonagh kicked Fenix in the gut to get his shoulders down to the mat but couldn’t keep them there long enough for a count. Fenix bridges back up and flips McDonagh over him,m still not letting go. Both men’s shoulders were down now as the ref counted so they both had to bridge out. Once they get up, McDonagh kicks Fenix again and they finally release one hand in their grip. Fenix smacks McDonagh across the face with his free hand. Fenix, still holding onto McDonagh’s hand, bounces off of the ropes in the corner and sends McDonagh flying with a rope-assisted Armdrag. Fenix misses with a kick and McDonagh hits a punch on him. McDonagh throws Fenix to the ropes, Fenix flips off of them, even though McDonagh catches him Fenix used the ropes again to flip him over for a Sunset Flip into a pin attempt for only a two. McDonagh tried to flip onto Fenix, but Fenix kept on moving. McDonagh decided to take a breather on the outside. Rey is trying to fan McDonagh as the ref counts. Both back in the ring again, but this time Dom tries to distract Fenix by tripping him up right in front of the ref. This allows McDonagh to attack Fenix from behind. McDonagh throws Fenix into the corner turnbuckle and starts choking him out with his boot. McDonagh throws Fenix to the other corner, but Fenix reversed It, McDonagh hitting the corner as Fenix charged. McDonagh got out onto the apron and Fenix put on the brakes. They both start punching each other, but Fenix bounced off the rope and hit McDonagh with a Springboard Kick, knocking McDonagh to the floor. Fenix went for a Suicide Dive but just stopped it as McDonagh moved. Fenix tried a Springboard Dive to the floor but again, McDonagh ducked under it to the apron as Fenix landed on his feet. McDonagh launches with a Moonsault and hits Fenix as they both go down outside the ring. Time for a mid-match commercial.
We’re back as both men are back in the ring. The middle of the match went back and forth well.
McDonagh made the mistake of sending Fenix to the ropes, as Fenix swings around them and nails McDonagh with a nice Roundhouse Kick, nearly knocking McDonagh out. Fenix climbed the corner, but Dom jumped on the apron right in front of the ref. As Dom and he ref are arguing, McDonagh manages to get to the top rope, knocking Fenix down. The ref sees this and has had it with Dom, so he ejects Dom out. Suddenly, all the lights go out and here domes Danhausen. He tried to curse Dom, but Dom punches him down before he can. All the MiniHausens come out and attack Dom and chase him to the back.
Meanwhile, McDonagh was watching all this from the ropes, when Fenix, still on the top rope in the corner, recovered and hit the Adios Amigo. McDonagh stammered to the corner, but Fenix charged and nailed him with a double knees. Fenix lifts him up in the corner and hits the Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the win.
WINNER: Rey Fenix (11 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ½
This was a surprisingly great match with lots of fast-paced action and tons of moves/countermoves that showed off both of their skills. Fenix is a great high-flyer that can keep up with the best of them, while McDonagh is a talented heel that was really given a chance to show off his amazing skills. The interference from Dom at the end didn’t hurt much as he got himself ejected, just to be confronted by Danhausen and the Minis. That was just to promote their “Human Monie$ on a pole” match at SummerSlam. Since it was the finish of the match anyways it didn’t hurt McDonagh that much. Great job by both guys. Let’s feature some more of the AAA championship matches on WWE TV.
Next we get yet another video package to hype the hyped-up rivalry between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Rollins said they came in here with one goal in mind. Reigns said they were committed to the cause and took over. We go over all that was previously said before these last few weeks as we go over some important events over the years. How Rollins cashed in on Reigns’ championship match at WrestleMania 31 and sent his whole family back home in tears (true story). We saw their last one-on-one match from several years ago. Then when Rollins took Paul Heyman from Reigns to form The Vision.
ANALYSIS: Our final, lengthy hype vid to hype all the hype that’s been hyped already. They’re really making this match feel like something of a WrestleMania main event rather than SummerSlam, but not that I’m complaining. They should do this more often with their big four PLE’s. Let’s hope the match lives up to all this major hype. I think it will.
I’m still picking Reigns to retain. He’s planned to stick around for a bit longer, so I think they’re going to give him a good run with the WHC title.
Now live, it’s time for our, um… main event match of the night? Lash Legend comes out to the ring for the last of the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifiers. Let’s go on a break before Giulia comes out.
Back now as Giulia is in the ring for their qualifier match.
Interim WWE Women’s Title Ladder Match Qualifier: Giulia vs. Lash Legend:
Legend goes for a kick right off the bell, but Giulia rolls out of the way. Giulia immediately starts kicking away at he back of Legend’s left leg trying to chop the big woman down. This only gets Legend mad as she grabs Giulia and shoves her into the corner. Legend charges, but Giulia gets out of the way as Legend hits the turnbuckles. Giulia hits the ropes and ties herself up around Legend in a modified Octopus hold. After trying to get out of it, Legend rakes Giulia’s head across the ropes, then finally drops on top of her to the mat for a two-count. Giulia rolls Legend into another submission move, but Legend is able to roll it into another pin attempt. Giulia hits the ropes and strikes Legend with the Arrivederci Knee for a close call. Giulia tries to get Legend up, but she can’t. Legend pounds on Giulia’s back and throws her to the ropes. Giulia ducks a Clothesline, hits the other ropes, and as Legend tried to grab her Giulia locks in the Guillotine submission. Legend dropped to one knee but then powered out of it and gave Giulia a Headbutt. Legend swings her around to hit the Lash Extension and the Win.
WINNER: Lash Legend (yup, 3 minutes)
ANALYSIS: * ½
Another painfully short qualifier match that we already knew who was going to win anyways. And the crowd was completely dead for it. What’s the purpose of having these qualifier matches if they’re all just going to be around 1-3 minutes long? Give them time to show off how much they want to qualify and stop using them to tell a story that has nothing to do with the ladder match. Nothing but painfully short matches, DQ finishers in less than a minute, etc. By the end of the year if we’re going to be voting for the best, and the worst, matches of the year, these will definitely be some good contenders for the latter.
I still figured Legend was going to be the last person to qualify. They needed a powerhouse in the match to even things out. And Nia Jax really was not the right person to perform in a real ladder match. She’s too big of a Samoan. The only ladder match she ever took part in in her career was the 2020 Women’s Money in the Bank Cinematic Ladder Match during the pandemic era, which was carefully choreographed and not in front of a live audience. But Legend is powerful and she’s also much more agile than Jax, which makes her the better choice for an actual ladder match.
Next we’re shown an, um…. unusual promo for Rhodes as Guile in the new rebooted Street Fighter movie. Rhodes is in the locker room as some dog tags are shown in front of us. We’re given a replay of Punk saying at SummerSlam he’s going to break Rhodes’ heart. Then, Rhodes looks over at the dog tags and grabs them. The “Guile” stage theme from the video game “Street Fighter 2” is played in the background. Once Rhodes walked away we cut to black when the game announcer said “FIGHT!”
ANALYSIS: That was a weird promo, but I guess it lets you know Rhodes is playing Guile in the new Street Fighter movie. “Street Fighter 2” ate up all of my hard-earned quarters back in the days, alongside “Mortal Kombat 2”.
I remember the original Street Fighter movie they tried in 1994 with Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile. I still have sickening nightmares about it. We’ll see how this one goes.
It’s time for our main event segment of the evening! Punk vs Rhodes Face-to-Face: Part II.
Back from what will likely be our last commercial break, we’re treated to “Kingdom” as Rhodes makes his way out. Jut as Rhodes gets to his knees on the ramp to pay his respects as he always does, “Cult of Personality” interrupts his theme and out walks Punk with the Undisputed WWE Championship Title around his waist. Punk pats Rhodes on the head as he walks by and gets in the ring. Rhodes follows.
Once Rhodes gets in the ring, Punk said to cut his music and told Rhodes it doesn’t feel great, does it? That’s where they’re at now, Rhodes putting an elbow in his face?
Rhodes yelled back that that’s where they’re at. Rhodes said they were there long before Punk whipped the title in his face on accident. Cody said Punk has been watching him since he was twenty years old. Punk knows him and he can’t be fraudulent with him. He has to be real with him. But what they don’t talk about is Rhodes knows Punk, and he sees through Punk and his mind games. Punk had to know they were already on this path. He said Punk had to know when he showed up in Chicago and a title match just fell into his lap, knowing how much that meant to Rhodes. That they weren’t running away from each other anymore, they were running towards each other.
Punk asks to deviate course and ask a question. He asks the crowd if it’s great to be alive on a Friday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, or what! (cheap pop) Punk said he knew he was going to ruffle some feathers and was counting on hurting some feelings. What was he supposed to do, be a crybaby in the back saying the same four people are always champion? Or Sami Zayn talking like a starter when he’s a bench player? Was he supposed to say no? He’s CM Punk. If he gets asked to show up in Chicago for a title shot he’s going to show up, and he hopes it pisses people off. He hopes people get angry. Punk said ruffling feathers is what he’s done for twenty-plus years in this company. And for ten of them, he was gone (UFC & AEW). The mere mention of his name sent shivers down men’s spine. He said he knew it was going to set them on a path. Punk said to stop talking about being friends and start talking about what it’s about. It’s about the championship. He doesn’t have to be Rhodes’ friend now, he certainly isn’t going to be his friend tomorrow, but at the end of the night tomorrow it’s up to him if they’re still pals. Punk said he’s got to know who the better wrestler is between the two of them, for business purposes.
Rhodes questioned for business purposes, then he said he wanted to ask a question. Green Bay, Wisconsin! What do you want to talk about?! (cheap pop #2) Rhodes said he believed Punk said for business purposes. It sounded a little like Punk double-talk which he knows all too well. He points to the title around Punk’s waist and said that isn’t business. Punk talks about those guys in the back and points to the title again saying that is personal. Punk already knew how personal it was to him, and he knows how personal it is to Punk. It’s personal to everyone who ever won the WWE Championship and to everyone who hasn’t ever won it. That means you are the best in the world, that’s the crown, you walk around as the king and call the shots. Rhodes said Punk was the one who said he’s not here to make friends. He’s here to make money.
Punk said he didn’t come back to make friends. He also didn’t come back to lose friends. But if it comes down to losing a friend or a title? Tomorrow isn’t going to be Rhodes’ night.
Rhodes said there’s a word that’s really bothering him. It’s tomorrow. He said Punk has made it clear what he’s prepared to do at SummerSlam tomorrow. He already asked Gren Bay what do they want to talk about. He should ask Punk what does he want to do about it tonight.
Punk took off his title and put it down, then took his jacket off. Punk was ready for a fight and dared Rhodes to throw the first punch, so Rhodes tossed his jacket into the crowd. They both stared each other down, until Rhodes finally threw the first punch.
They punched back and forth until Punk pushed Rhodes into the ropes and threw him across the ring. Rhodes bounced off the ropes, dodging a Clothesline from Punk, and nailed a Clothesline of his own on Punk. Rhodes Clotheslined Punk over the top rope to the outside. Rhodes slammed Punk against the wooden bar on the announce desk, then against the ring apron. Rhodes clears the announce desk, but Punk kicks him in the gut, then throws Rhodes over the announce desk. As Punk taunted the Green Bay crowd, Rhodes tripped up Punk on the announce table. Then Rhodes taunted the crowd, and Punk tripped him up on the table.
They go back to brawling back and forth. Officials finally arrive to try to separate them. Punk gets back up on the announce table and Rhodes gets away and charges at Punk. Now they’re trading right hands back and forth on top of the table. They get away again as Rhods tackles Punk into the front row barricade as we get the end credits. End show.
video © WWE
That that’s the SLAM, my grillers! The hottest party of the summer, 2026 SummerSlam, starts tomorrow, August 1st and August 2nd, from the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MI. Here’s the card:
Saturday, Night 1 on August 1st:
- Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs Cody Rhodes
- Hell in a Cell Match: Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar
- Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs Iyo Sky
- Gunther vs Nick Aldis
- LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa vs The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) & Jacob Fatu
- The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella) & Paige vs Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Sunday, Night 2 on August 2nd:
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs Seth Rollins
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Sami Zayn vs Finn Balor
- Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs Chad Gable
- Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match: Tiffany Stratton vs Jade Cargill vs Chelsea Green vs Charlotte Flair vs Lash Legend
- United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs Baron Corbin
- Human Monie$ on a Pole Match: Danhausen vs Dominik Mysterio
Next week, Monday night Raw on August 3rd takes place at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines, IA. Other than the fallout of SummerSlam, the show will feature the long-anticipated return of Big Cass.
Friday night Smackdown on August 7th comes from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. It will feature the complete meltdown of SummerSlam.
So stay safe, stay cool, and se y’all along the BLVD!
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