According to reports from Uncrowned, WWE SmackDown emanated from Green Bay, Wisconsin on Friday, July 31, setting the stage for SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The final weekly show before the major event featured a major world title contender opening, tag team action, and a quick-fire women’s division qualifier that left fans and analysts talking.
Finn Balor and Sami Zayn Open SmackDown With SummerSlam Intensity
According to Uncrowned, the show kicked off with Finn Balor delivering a memorable opening segment reflecting on winning the Universal Title a decade prior at his first SummerSlam—only to vacate it the next day due to injury. Balor was soon interrupted by Sami Zayn, who cut an unfiltered promo criticizing the corporate nature of top stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes while demanding a triple threat match.
The tension between Balor and Zayn escalated until Gunther made a surprise appearance, expressing frustration over his absence from the title picture and threatening general manager Adam Pearce. According to Uncrowned, Pearce intervened physically by applying his first Texas Cloverleaf submission in three years to Gunther, drawing a massive live reaction before security separated the brawling roster members.
Lash Legend Defeats Giulia in Interim Women’s Championship Qualifier
According to Uncrowned’s live results, the Interim WWE Women’s Championship ladder match qualifier saw Lash Legend face off against Giulia. Despite Giulia locking in an octopus hold and landing an Arrividerci Knee, Legend countered with a slam and pin following a Lash Extension in roughly three minutes.
According to Uncrowned, the swift finish drew criticism as a severe setback for Giulia on the main roster, while positioning Lash Legend back into the singles title scene following her run alongside Nia Jax.
Rey Fenix Defends AAA Cruiserweight Title Against JD McDonagh
According to Uncrowned, Rey Fenix successfully defended the AAA Cruiserweight Championship against JD McDonagh in an impromptu match. Dominik Mysterio attempted to interfere on behalf of McDonagh, but Danhausen arrived to eject Dominik from ringside. The distraction allowed Fenix to hit double kicks and secure the victory with a Mexican Musclebuster.
CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Close the Show With a Massive Go-Home Brawl
According to Uncrowned, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes closed out SmackDown by addressing the mind games and business-versus-personal dynamics of their rivalry. Both men paused their promos mid-segment to deliver signature catchphrases, a choice that commentators noted leaned heavily into corporate branding.
The segment quickly turned physical when Punk laid down his title and dared Rhodes to strike first. According to Uncrowned, Rhodes obliged, sparking a chaotic ringside brawl across the announce table without security intervention until the show went off the air.
Pro Tip: Tracking SummerSlam Build
Keep an eye on how temporary alliances and surprise physical altercations—like Adam Pearce’s submission hold on Gunther—shift the landscape heading into premium live events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was WWE SmackDown held before SummerSlam?
According to Uncrowned, SmackDown took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, leading directly into SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Who won the women’s qualifier match on SmackDown?
According to Uncrowned’s live coverage, Lash Legend defeated Giulia in a short singles match to secure her spot.
How did SmackDown end?
According to Uncrowned, the broadcast ended with a massive, uncontained brawl between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes around the announce table.
Want more professional wrestling analysis and live event coverage? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our latest recaps to stay updated on all the action leading into the biggest weekends of the year.
d, without any additional comments or text.
[/gpt3]
Related reading