What's Happening?
WWE SmackDown on July 24, 2026, featured several key developments as the organization gears up for the upcoming SummerSlam event. The show included a mix of matches and storyline progressions, with a focus on building anticipation for the major event. Notably,
Nick Aldis relinquished his role as WWE General Manager to face Gunther at SummerSlam, adding a personal rivalry to the card. The night also saw a four-way match to determine the number one contender for the WWE title, featuring Damian Priest, Royce Keys, Finn Balor, and Trick Williams. Finn Balor emerged victorious, setting up a future title shot against Sami Zayn. Additionally, the women's division saw significant action, with Nikki Bella returning from injury to set up a six-woman tag match for SummerSlam. The show aimed to build momentum and storylines leading into the two-night SummerSlam event.
Why It's Important?
The developments on WWE SmackDown are crucial as they set the stage for SummerSlam, one of WWE's biggest annual events. The matches and storylines introduced are designed to captivate the audience and ensure high viewership and attendance. The return of Nikki Bella and the setup of a six-woman tag match highlight WWE's focus on its women's division, aiming to provide equal spotlight and opportunities. The relinquishment of the General Manager role by Nick Aldis to face Gunther adds a layer of personal conflict, which is a classic wrestling narrative that can draw in viewers. The outcomes of these matches and storylines will have lasting impacts on the WWE universe, influencing future story arcs and character developments.
What's Next?
As SummerSlam approaches, WWE will continue to build on the storylines introduced during SmackDown. The focus will likely be on further developing the rivalries and ensuring that the audience is engaged and invested in the outcomes. The matches set for SummerSlam, including the title defenses and the newly announced six-woman tag match, will be pivotal in shaping the future of WWE's storylines. Fans can expect more promotional activities and possibly additional match announcements as WWE seeks to maximize interest and viewership for the event.
