WWE SmackDown was taped following the live July 30 edition of Raw from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, ahead of Friday night's Fourth of July broadcast.
In the opening segment of the taping, Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn returned to the heel persona he has embraced in recent weeks, blaming the fans for turning on him after his championship victory. Cody Rhodes interrupted to congratulate Zayn before Jey Uso made a surprise appearance.
Jey said he needed the WWE Championship for his family, prompting Raw General Manager Adam Pearce to announce a No. 1 Contender's Match between Rhodes and Uso for the main event. The winner would earn a WWE Championship match against Zayn on the July 6 edition of Raw in Chicago.
Rhodes defeated Uso in the night's main event, officially securing the championship opportunity.
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Why Is Cody Rhodes Facing Sami Zayn in Chicago?
The decision to hold the title match in Chicago is notable. WWE has frequently used Chicago to advance its biggest storylines, particularly during the build to major events. As the company's second-biggest event of the year approaches, brand exclusivity often becomes less rigid as top stars appear across both Raw and SmackDown.
The outcome of Monday's title match could significantly shape the SummerSlam card. While Rhodes has earned another opportunity at the championship, a title change less than two weeks after Sami Zayn's victory would be an unexpected creative decision.
Another factor to watch is CM Punk. Chicago is Punk's hometown, and he has not appeared on WWE programming since the Raw after WrestleMania 42. During that appearance, Punk confronted Cody Rhodes and made it clear he intended to pursue the WWE Championship.
If Punk returns on Monday, WWE would have a natural path toward a marquee championship program heading into SummerSlam or the July 18 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event from Madison Square Garden. That remains speculative, but Chicago has historically been the home of major CM Punk appearances.
