The final WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam airs tonight, with one last opportunity to build momentum before the company's two-night SummerSlam on ESPN platforms. Friday's show features a face-to-face between Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, a championship match, and the final qualifier for the Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match.
Fans can also expect the rivalry between Gunther and Nick Aldis to remain in the spotlight, especially after Aldis' emotional appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet—in which he broke down in tears—went viral over the past 48 hours.
Here is everything announced for tonight's SmackDown.
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CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Meet Face-to-Face
With their Undisputed WWE Championship showdown set for Night One of SummerSlam, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will come face-to-face one final time.
The rivalry has intensified in recent weeks, and WWE is advertising one last confrontation between "The Best in the World" and "The American Nightmare" before they meet in one of SummerSlam's marquee main events.
WWE Tag Team Championship on the Line
Damian Priest and R-Truth will defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against Erik and Ivar of The War Raiders.
Frankly, there isn't much excitement surrounding this match. The odd pairing of Damian Priest and R-Truth has long since run its course, and the War Raiders have never felt like a compelling tag team. Maybe they'll surprise everyone, but this is about as uninteresting as it gets on paper.
Final Ladder Match Qualifier
The last spot in the Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match will be decided when Lash Legend takes on Giulia.
Lash looks to rebound after being denied an opportunity in recent weeks, while Giulia hopes to punch her ticket to SummerSlam by claiming the final available place in the championship match.
My money is on "The Bougie Bully" punching her ticket to SummerSlam, where her size and athleticism should make her a valuable addition to the Ladder Match.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown
- Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin
- TV: USA Network
- Streaming: Netflix (internationally)
