Tonight we will once again enjoy a new live broadcast of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be live from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. The show will feature several attractions, including two new qualifying matches for the Ladder Match that will determine the Interim WWE Champion at SummerSlam.
In addition, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will be present on the show after their tense weekend. Similarly, Gunther will react to the announcement of his match against Nick Aldis at the biggest event of the summer. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Brie Bella, Paige, and Fatal Influence in full force.
The show begins with Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce in the ring around a table. Pearce welcomes the fans before announcing that tonight he will make official the match that will pit his colleague Aldis against Gunther at SummerSlam. The Raw General Manager wants to make some points very clear before both men sign the contract for the match. With that said, he calls for the presence of the Austrian.
"The Ring General" makes his entrance into the ring to take a seat in front of Aldis. Pearce informs Nick that his contract as WWE General Manager prohibits him from competing in the ring. That's why, once he signs the document, he will have to resign from that position. At that moment, Adam will assume all his responsibilities. Additionally, Aldis must also consider that the company will not be responsible for what may happen once the bell rings and he faces Gunther. "I know exactly what I'm signing", says Nick. He makes it clear that he never wanted this situation to reach this point. It has been Gunther who has provoked everything. "As Triple H said, every man has a limit. Congratulations, you have found mine", says to the Austrian. Aldis is ready to face the consequences of his actions. "And if that means resigning from my executive responsibilities, so be it", he says before signing.
Gunther speaks up to ensure that the SummerSlam match will be the most important in Aldis' career. The Austrian wants to make it clear that this whole situation is clearly beneath his level. He should be competing at SummerSlam for the Undisputed WWE Championship, but that won't happen for one reason: because Nick has not performed his job as General Manager correctly. Gunther reminds Aldis that he was the NWA World Champion, but the truth is that he was never able to stand out. That's why, when he arrived at WWE, he couldn't help but feel envious of the Austrian. He advises the Brit to finally accept that he is not good enough. Gunther signs the document before promising him that his name will go down in history. "In fact, I'm going to make you a legend. Because I'm going to add you to a list of very emblematic legends like Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena. All of them legends stupid enough to step into the ring against The Ring General while looking for one more moment. So here you go, Nick. Enjoy it, because I'm going to end your career before it even starts," says Gunther before throwing the contract at the Brit.
Gunther tries to leave, at which point Aldis speaks up again. Nick believes that Gunther is lying to himself. In fact, the Austrian doesn't believe his own words. Otherwise, he wouldn't repeat them over and over again. If he does, it's because he hopes Aldis will believe them. And it's because Gunther never thought all this would end this way. The Austrian thought his attacks on Nick would result in a fine and he could continue with his life as if nothing had happened. But last weekend, when the Brit hit him and Triple H announced this match, he could see it clearly in his eyes. He could see that Gunther didn't want to face him. "Because you're the one who has gotten yourself into a situation you can't get out of. You're the one putting your career on the line, because you talk about Goldberg, John Cena, AJ Styles. I haven't had a match in three years. I have nothing to lose. But when I defeat you at SummerSlam, you'll go from being The Career Killer to the man your boss turned into a bitch," says Aldis.
Furious, the Austrian tries to hit Nick. He stops the attack to unleash a flurry of punches while leading the European to one of the corners. Pearce tries to stop his colleague, a moment that Gunther takes advantage of to push the latter. Aldis collides with Adam, a moment that the Austrian takes to kick the former with a low blow. After that, Gunther applies a powerbomb on him, which leaves the table shattered. Several officials appear on the scene to separate the Austrian from his victim. And so we reach the end of the first segment of the night.
Sami Zayn interrupts Cathy Kelley to express his frustrations in front of the camera. The Canadian directly accuses WWE management of being responsible for losing the Undisputed WWE Championship just nine days after winning it. And all so that his golden boy, Cody Rhodes, could regain it. However, when he was out of the picture, they hurried to bring back CM Punk, who was fresh as a daisy. And now, they finally have what they want: a match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. A fight that fits perfectly on the event poster. Zayn points out that even Nick Aldis and Gunther will have a match at the event. But he won't. The man who 18 days ago held the company's top gold is forced to watch the show from home. How is that possible?
Adam Pearce is about to enter the medical room when Zayn approaches him. The Canadian wants the General Manager to solve this problem, hoping that his name will be added to the SummerSlam title match and that it will become a triple threat. Pearce understands Sami's frustration. That's why he will have his desired match at PLE. A match that will determine the next challenger for the top championship. Zayn will face the winner of the fatal four-way match that will take place tonight. A match in which all the men CM Punk mentioned last week will participate. "Earn your place again," says Adam. Sami doesn't understand. CM Punk names several talents and they will compete for an opportunity? Cody just had to stand in front of "The Best in the World" and ask for that opportunity for SummerSlam for it to be granted? CM Punk waited three months at home for an opportunity to fall from the sky? And he, the former holder of the championship, must earn his place again? "Sami, I've heard you. I've given you an option. Take it or leave it," says the General Manager. Zayn takes it, but hopes there are no more surprises. Pearce enters the medical room to check on Nick Aldis' condition. Furious, Sami pounds on the door as the segment comes to an end.
Fatal Influence make their entrance to address the ring, where Brie Bella and Paige are. But before that, they have something to say. Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley boast about their title victory at Saturday Night's Main Event. Lainey points out that that night was supposed to be the most important of their careers. However, those who will remember it the most are Paige and Brie. Fallon is proud to have ended two legends as soon as they arrived on the main roster. And that's something that should keep Brie and Paige up at night. Jacy Jayne speaks up to regret being the only member of Fatal Influence without gold around her waist. Because if she had it, the faction would be a "perfect pack." Jacy directly accuses Paige and Brie of costing her her qualifying match last week against Tiffany Stratton, which will prevent her from competing at SummerSlam for the WWE Interim Championship. However, that won't stop her in her aspirations, as she has found a perfect solution. "Tiffany, that United States Championship you have will be MINE... in due time", she says. Meanwhile, tonight, Lainey will take care of humiliating Brie as she did with Paige on Saturday. Reid lunges at Bella with the aim of surprising her, but the champion ends up being expelled from the ring with a right hook. Paige and Brie approach Fallon and Jacy, challenging them to enter the ring. Lainey takes advantage to grab Bella's legs and pull her out of the ring. However, once again, Brie reverses the situation. Bella smashes Reid's face against the metal stairs to bring her back into the ring, where the match begins.
Brie Bella (with Paige) vs. Lainey Reid (with Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne)
Brie dodges an attack from Lainey to respond with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Bella knees Reid in the face before throwing her against one of the corners. Lainey recovers in the opposite corner to hit Bella's face against the turnbuckle pads. After that, she kicks her before finishing her off with a springboard cutter. Reid approaches Paige to taunt her with the "DX" gesture.
Lainey continues to dominate the match. Reid knocks down her opponent with an armdrag before hitting her directly in the face. Lainey performs a back senton on Bella. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champion prepares to kick her again, but this time Bella blocks the kick to start a counterattack. Brie applies a Russian Leg Sweep to Reid. 1..2..NO. Bella dodges an elbowdrop to respond with a rain of direct chest kicks. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" the fans chant with each impact. Brie finishes off her opponent with a running knee strike. 1..2..NO.
Bella hits Reid in one of the corners before executing a bulldog. Bella seeks height in one of the corners, a moment when Fallon and Jacy decide to intervene by climbing onto the apron. Brie gets rid of Henley. Meanwhile, Paige makes Jayne fall. The distraction allows Lainey to surprise Bella as she was looking for a sunset flip. Reid covers her opponent while leaning on the ropes. The referee notices the situation and interrupts the count. Brie takes advantage to respond with a roll-up. 1..2..3.
Winner: Brie Bella
Fatal Influence launch an assault on Brie and Paige, who can do nothing in numerical inferiority. Suddenly...
Nikki Bella appears on the scene!
Nikki runs into the ring to pounce on Jayne, on whom she unleashes a flurry of punches. Fallon and Lainey try to help their teammate but end up being hit by the former Divas champion. Brie expels Henley from the ring while her sister applies a Rack Attack 2.0 on Jayne. " I'm back, bitches!" she exclaims. The members of Fatal Influence regroup on the entrance ramp. Nikki takes a microphone to address them. "Hey, bitches. So you think you can come from the minor leagues, steal my sisters, and get away with it. No, no, no, no. We are the reason you're here. So it's time for a wake-up call. The three of us will take care of you three in a tag team match at SummerSlam," she says. The Bella Twins and Paige celebrate in the ring as the segment comes to an end.
Cathy Kelley interviews Finn Bálor backstage. The Irishman recalls the 2016 edition of SummerSlam. Finn describes it as the best and worst night of his career. The following ten years he has spent working hard with the goal of reaching the top once again. And it all starts tonight... Gunther interrupts the scene to make it clear to Bálor that his plans will collide directly with him, as he will take what belongs to him, no matter who he has to take it from. "Ten years... that's a long time," adds the Austrian mockingly before leaving.
Solo Sikoa approaches Royce Keys to encourage him for his match tonight. Sikoa has no doubt that his partner will win tonight, allowing him to compete twice at SummerSlam. Royce wants to make one thing clear. Tonight he is fully focused on his fatal four-way match, but he has not forgotten about The Bloodline, although the faction doesn't really worry him. LA Knight appears on the scene to warn Keys that he should never stop worrying about The Bloodline, as they can attack at any time. "I'm a grown man, so you shouldn't worry about me," says Royce. Sikoa reminds them that The Bloodline is the enemy. One that knows how to take advantage of their opponents' weaknesses. But they won't find it there because the three are on the same page. Solo praises his teammates in an upbeat tone before leaving. A surprised LA Knight wonders if Sikoa was serious. That said, he asks Royce to take care of his business tonight. After that, he leaves the place to end this segment.
Tiffany Stratton cheers on Chelsea Green before her qualifying match tonight. Chelsea imagines both of them competing in the Ladder Match at SummerSlam as "BFFFF" (Best Friends Forever Fighting Forever). Tiffany recalls the last time they faced each other in a match of this kind (a memory that is not too pleasant for the Canadian). Green hopes the result will be different this time. That way, she can win the WWE Interim Championship, as Stratton has her own title and it's very pretty. "You know what else would be very nice? Tiffy 2 Titles", Tiffany responds. Chelsea doesn't want to jump the gun, as she must first win her qualifying match tonight. After that, they can celebrate. Green heads to the ring, a moment when a finger lands on Stratton's shoulder. She turns to find Blake Monroe. "The Glamour" assures the United States Champion that she won't attack her, as she likes her (unlike the rest of the women on the roster). However, Stratton should worry less about Green and more about her belt. "Shine it, admire it. Because the higher you climb, the more people will be looking up. At what you have. But you already knew that," says the Brit before leaving.
Qualifying Match for the Ladder Match for the WWE Interim Women's Championship
Chelsea Green vs. Kiana James
Both women grapple. Kiana quickly knocks down Chelsea, who responds with a slap. Furious, James charges at the Canadian but ends up being expelled from the ring with a dropkick. Green tries to dive with a suicide dive, but Kiana stops her with a right hook. James unleashes a series of knee strikes to Chelsea's stomach before dropping her on the audience barrier. Kiana kicks her with a superkick before bringing her back into the ring.
Green recovers to unleash a counterattack. Chelsea knocks down James with a Russian Leg Sweep before applying a Rough Ryder. 1..2..NO. Now it's Kiana who surprises Green with a superkick before executing a Falcon Arrow. 1..2..NO. Chelsea dodges a superkick to respond with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. James regains control after applying a facebreaker. After that, she carries Green on her shoulders for her next attack. However, Chelsea frees herself to respond with an Unprettier. 1..2..3.
Winner: Chelsea Green
R-Truth approaches Damian Priest, who is warming up for his match later tonight. R-Truth is glad his partner is taking tonight's title defense against The War Raiders so seriously. Priest reminds him that match is scheduled for next week. Tonight, he'll be competing on his own in a Fatal 4-Way Match for a SummerSlam title opportunity. R-Truth doesn't understand how it can be a singles match (because he's on his own) and at the same time a Fatal 4-Way Match. R-Truth figures his partner is confused, probably because he's still frazzled after R-Truth used his credit card to buy hot dogs on the Fourth of July. "They were free," the Puerto Rican replies. Cody Rhodes walks in to greet R-Truth. Rhodes says he heard what CM Punk said last week, hinting that once SummerSlam is over, the two of them could go after the WWE Tag Team Championships. "You're both confused," R-Truth says before walking away. Cody then turns to Damian and tells him he'll be the one holding the Undisputed WWE Championship. So if the Puerto Rican earns that opportunity, he'll have to face him. Priest isn't surprised to hear that. Damian makes it clear that he respects both Rhodes and CM Punk, but like a lot of guys in the locker room, he's tired of seeing the same people being the face of SmackDown. "I'm going to become the number one contender. Whether it's you or CM Punk, it doesn't matter who walks out of SummerSlam as champion, because they'll end up lying flat on the mat. End of story," Priest says. "Coming from someone who used to be one of those guys—which, by the way, shouldn't matter to you at all—you might be surprised to hear me say this. I like that attitude. Good luck," Cody says before walking away. Priest goes back to warming up as the segment comes to an end.
Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring. "The American Nightmare" receives a thunderous ovation. "Oakland, California! What do you guys want to talk about?" he asks. Rhodes wants to get straight to the point, so he introduces his SummerSlam opponent, CM Punk.
"The Best in the World" makes his entrance. CM Punk greets the fans in the front row as he heads toward the ring. CM Punk reaches out for Cody to hand him a microphone, but it slips and falls to the canvas. "It was an accident," Rhodes says. CM Punk removes his jacket and steps up to Cody. He bends down to pick up the microphone, but instead decides to walk over to the ropes and ask for another one without taking his eyes off Rhodes. CM Punk admits he has to do it that way because he can't be sure his friend didn't set the whole thing up just to kick him in the face. He apologizes if he sounds a little paranoid, but he's not the only one. Cody cuts him off to assure him he's not paranoid. It was simply a misunderstanding caused by a series of accidents. That said, he wants to make one thing clear: his goal is to beat him because he's carrying the most important championship in this company. "I'm going to explain why I need to beat you for me," he says. CM Punk says he never wanted the championship to come between them. But it seems Rhodes doesn't care about that. So if there's another reason, he'd love to hear it.
Cody says he respects CM Punk. However, he doesn't like him. Rhodes recalls CM Punk's 2011 Pipe Bomb. That promo inspired him to carve out his own path in this business—a path that allowed him to drop his own bomb on the wrestling industry. Even so, he always knew the fans wished CM Punk had been that man instead. "I've lived with that, and I've accepted it," Rhodes says. He brings up his conversation with Damian Priest earlier tonight and how so many people are tired of seeing the same faces leading this company. Still, he won't apologize for reaching the top because he worked hard to get there. "I know there's a reason why (Jimmy) Fallon called me. There's a reason I was on ESPN on Thursday. I went from being the guy making the calls to being the guy who gets the calls. And that's a list with only one name, my friend," he says. Cody recalls facing the very best talent WWE has to offer, something he'll always be grateful to Nick Khan and Triple H for. But he wants to be honest. "I'm not worried about any of them. Just you," he says. Cody knows full well the love the fans show CM Punk every time he walks out. And carrying that kind of support is a burden similar to carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship. "I can love you. I can respect you. I can tell you I don't like you. For this story to have the proper ending, I owe it to myself to say that I have to beat you at SummerSlam."
CM Punk knows he casts a very long shadow. So long, in fact, that those who step into it struggle to escape it, as is the case with Rhodes. "The Best in the World" says he's glad Cody learned from him and that it allowed him to accomplish great things. But to claim he's done greater things than CM Punk? Well, that's for the fans to decide. That said, CM Punk admits Cody showed him the road back to the company. In fact, they've been chasing each other ever since. But it all ends at SummerSlam. CM Punk points out that Rhodes is lying to himself when he talks about him because he can't handle the pressure of taking the title from someone he genuinely cares about, someone he considers his equal. That's why he has to paint himself as the victim, turning everyone else into his enemies. "Well, if Kevin Owens is your enemy, if Randy Orton is your enemy, if John Cena is your enemy, do you know what that makes me, Cody? Your only friend," he says. "I promised you years ago. I'm not going to stab you in the back. I'm going to stab you in the front. And that's exactly what I'm going to do at SummerSlam. You think the only way this story can end is with you beating me? Well, at SummerSlam, I'm going to break your heart."
Rhodes believes they've said everything there is to say, so now he wants to give Punk an apology gift when he kicks his ass in the SummerSlam main event. CM Punk says he has a gift for Cody as well, but he'll give it to him in Minneapolis: a monumental beating wrapped in a lesson called "defeat." "The lesson is that I'm CM Punk. I'm the Best in the World. In this ring. On this microphone. Nobody can touch me. Not even Dusty's kid," CM Punk says before heading to the apron. Cody tells production to cut Punk's music, making it clear things aren't ending like this. "Dusty's kid? Fine. Hit Kingdom in a second because I want you to hear the music that'll be playing at SummerSlam when you're lying on the mat and I've won the Undisputed WWE Championship for the fourth time! Hit it!" "The American Nightmare" shouts. Cody and CM Punk continue arguing as "Kingdom" echoes throughout the arena.
Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair in the Gorilla Position. Kelley brings up what happened last week when Flair attacked Jade Cargill, costing Nia Jax—her opponent tonight—the match. "The Queen" has no regrets. "The Storm" intentionally attacked and injured her best friend, Alexa Bliss, a woman who has done so much for her over the last year. Charlotte has no problem dealing with Jade, but she won't let her hurt her friend. "And if I have to go through Nia Jax tonight to get Jade Cargill at SummerSlam and become the biggest obstacle in her way, then she'll quickly learn that revenge is... well, you know the rest. Woooo!" Charlotte exclaims before making her entrance.
Women's Interim WWE Championship Ladder Match Qualifying Match
Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
The two women size each other up before locking up. Nia drives a knee into Charlotte's midsection before following up with a series of corner spears. Flair catches Jax off guard with a hurricanrana before getting payback with several of her own corner spears. Charlotte kicks Jax before connecting with a diving crossbody. 1..2..NO. Jax stops Charlotte's charge and answers with a sit-out powerbomb. 1..2..NO.
Jax mocks her opponent while delivering a chop in the corner. Flair tries to fight back, but Nia levels her with a clothesline. 1..2..NO. "The Irresistible Force" traps Charlotte in a grounded headlock. "The Queen" tries to fight free, but she's taken back down to the mat. Nia cinches in another hold. Flair escapes with a jawbreaker, only to fall right back into her opponent's grasp.
Nia heads to the second rope. Charlotte catches her with a headscissors takedown. 1..2..NO. "How long can you keep this up, Nia? Because I can do this all night!" "The Queen" shouts. Flair unleashes a barrage of offense on her opponent before flooring her with a handspring clothesline. Charlotte heads up top, but Jax grabs her legs and brings her crashing down. Jax connects with a diving leg drop from the second rope. 1..2..NO.
Nia drags Charlotte into the corner, preparing for the Annihilator, but Flair counters with a powerbomb. 1..2..NO. Charlotte now heads up top, but Jade Cargill and her allies make their way to ringside. Nia sends a distracted Flair to the outside before warning Cargill to stay out of her business. The two women exchange words and threats, drawing the referee's attention.
Meanwhile, Flair takes out B-Fab and Michin at ringside before they can attack her. Charlotte catches Nia with a Rope Guillotine before getting back into the ring. She then knocks Cargill off the apron with a punch. Flair charges at Jax with a big boot, sending "The Irresistible Force" to the floor. Suddenly, Cargill storms into the ring and drops Flair with a right hand.
Winner by disqualification: Charlotte Flair
B-Fab and Michin continue attacking Charlotte before Cargill finishes her off with Jaded. Meanwhile, a furious Nia destroys the announce table while screaming that she's been screwed over again.
SummerSlam Qualifying Fatal 4-Way Match
Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams vs. Royce Keys vs. Finn Bálor
Royce takes control as soon as the match begins. Keys clears the ring, sending all three opponents to the outside. Royce grabs Finn and hoists him onto his shoulder before running toward the ring and dropping him across the edge of the apron. At that moment, Damian uses the steel steps as a launch pad to dive onto Keys. Priest charges at Williams, but Trick sends him crashing onto the announce table.
Trick returns to the ring to square off with Bálor. Williams escapes a headlock and responds with a delayed Stalling Suplex. 1..2..NO. Finn avoids a corner splash and fires back with a flurry of offense. Bálor lights up the United States Champion with several chops, followed by a barrage of punches. Damian cuts him off and looks for a Razor's Edge. However, Bálor slips free from his former partner's grasp before taking him down and stomping away.
Trick charges back in, but Finn catches him with a dropkick to the face. Royce returns to stop Bálor from covering Williams, only to eat an inverted DDT from the Irishman. Priest gets back into the match and drops Finn with a big boot. Priest takes control. The Puerto Rican looks for a clothesline on Trick, but Williams ducks and answers with a neckbreaker.
Williams unloads with a flurry of kicks on Royce and Bálor in the corner. Damian surprises Trick with a superkick, only to be met with a backhand from the United States Champion. The Puerto Rican tumbles to ringside. Finn catches Williams from behind and sends him out of the ring. Royce charges at the Irishman, but he also gets dumped to the outside. Bálor then wipes out all of his opponents with a tope con hilo. "One more time!" the fans chant. Suddenly, Finn notices Solo Sikoa standing on the entrance ramp, watching the action unfold.
Royce gets back into the ring and surprises Damian with a scoop powerslam. Bálor then catches Keys with a kick. The action moves to the corner. Royce delivers a spinning powerslam to Bálor from the second rope. 1..2..NO. Williams breaks up the pin. Keys sends Trick to the outside. Damian kicks Royce.
The action spills to the top turnbuckle. Bálor and Priest join forces to deliver a double-team superplex on Royce. Williams quickly returns and sends both Finn and Damian out of the ring before planting a dazed Keys with an uranage. 1..2..NO. Solo places Royce's foot on the bottom rope, forcing the referee to stop the count. Suddenly...
The Usos rush to ringside and attack Solo!
Jimmy and Jey launch a two-on-one assault on their younger brother. At that moment...
LA Knight rushes to ringside to back up Sikoa!
Meanwhile, the action continues in the ring. Damian sets up for an Old School on Williams, but instead launches himself to the outside, crashing onto The Usos, Solo, and LA Knight! Finn catches Trick with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Bálor drops Williams with a slingblade before following up with a Shotgun Dropkick. Finn goes for the Coup de Grace, but Trick avoids it and answers with a Cyclone Boot. 1..2..NO. Meanwhile, the brawl at ringside spills into the backstage area.
Williams looks for the Trick Shot, but Priest cuts him off. Damian lands a superkick on Bálor before planting Trick with a chokeslam. Royce stops Priest from making the cover by drilling him with a spinebuster. 1..2..NO. Jacob Fatu comes out of nowhere and pulls Royce out of the ring, breaking up the pinfall! "The Samoan Werewolf" hurls Keys into the crowd barricade before crushing him with a Running Hip Attack, breaking the barricade on impact. Back in the ring, Finn catches Damian with a slingblade. The Irishman follows up with a Shotgun Dropkick before putting him away with a Coup de Grace. 1..2..3.
Winner: Finn Bálor
The Irishman celebrates his victory in the ring as this week's show comes to a close.
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