General Manager Nick Aldis kicked off Smackdown in the middle of the ring. He introduced our newly crowned WWE Champion, CM Punk. Punk promised to be a fighting champion, laying out an open challenge to the locker room, specifically calling out Gunther, Finn Balor, and Sami Zayn.
Cody Rhodes comes down to the ring and reminds Punk of their shared history and unfinished business. The champion didn’t back down from the challenge, making it official: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam!
Finn Balor vs. Tama Tonga
After taking out Talla with a spectacular dive to the outside Balor nailed the Coup de Grace on Tama Tonga for the decisive 1-2-3 victory.
Winner: Finn Balor
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes says he will beat Trick Williams tonight and take back the U.S. Championship.
Erik and Ivar challenged R-Truth and Damian Priest again while The Bloodline searched for Solo Sikoa.
Gunther demands that Aldis fix his mistakes by granting him a title shot.
CM Punk offers advice to Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Fatal Influence challenged Paige and Brie for the tag belts.
Jimmy Uso vs. Royce Keys
Solo approaches Jimmy. He wants a truce. Solo punches Jimmy and then readies the Samoan Spike.
Fatu comes out gives Solo the Tongan Death Grip over the barricade.
Jimmy hits the spear for the three count.
Winner: Jimmy Uso
Jade Cargill vs. Alexa Bliss
Cargill pinned Bliss with Jaded. As Cargill’s minions held Charlotte in a corner. Cargill snapped Alexa’s arm with a steel chair, using her double jointed skill we have seen before.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams
Baron Corbin returns giving both Carmelo and Trick End of Days and posing with the U.S. championship.
Winner: Match thrown out.
Gunther snaps on Aldis in the middle of the ring. He puts the sleeper on him numerous times. Cody Rhodes makes the save.
