WWE SmackDown delivered a blockbuster episode from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Friday, July 10. The show featured CM Punk’s first appearance on the blue brand as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, the official announcement of his SummerSlam clash against Cody Rhodes, Baron Corbin’s shocking return, and Gunther laying out General Manager Nick Aldis.
Here’s everything that happened on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown.
CM Punk Accepts Cody Rhodes’ SummerSlam Challenge
Nick Aldis made his return from administrative leave to open the show and introduced the new Undisputed WWE Champion, CM Punk.
Punk vowed to be a fighting champion who would defend his title regularly, mentioning potential challengers including Sami Zayn, Gunther, Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Trick Williams.
Cody Rhodes interrupted the celebration and reminded Punk of their conversation following WrestleMania. The American Nightmare asked for a championship opportunity, and Punk accepted without hesitation. Aldis then made it official, confirming CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
Finn Balor Defeats Tama Tonga
Winner: Finn Balor via pinfall
Finn Balor kicked off the night’s in-ring action against Tama Tonga in a fast-paced encounter. Despite Tama receiving support from ringside, Balor weathered the interference and rallied behind the Oklahoma City crowd.
After countering Tama’s offense, Balor connected with a Shotgun Dropkick before finishing the match with the Coup de Grace to secure the victory.
Jimmy Uso Defeats Royce Keys; Jacob Fatu Warns Solo Sikoa
Winner: Jimmy Uso via pinfall
Jimmy Uso battled Royce Keys after Keys confronted Jimmy and Jacob Fatu regarding their ongoing family rivalry.
Keys used his power advantage to dominate much of the contest before Solo Sikoa appeared at ringside. Jacob Fatu quickly intervened to stop Solo from attacking Jimmy.
The distraction allowed Jimmy to hit a Spear on Keys for the victory. Following the match, Fatu attacked Solo and looked ready to strike him with a steel chair before stopping himself. He warned Solo to listen carefully, making it clear that their family feud is far from over.
Jade Cargill Defeats Alexa Bliss
Winner: Jade Cargill via pinfall
Alexa Bliss entered the match alongside Charlotte Flair, while Jade Cargill was accompanied by B-Fab and Michin.
Bliss relied on her speed and nearly pulled off the upset after landing Natural Selection. However, ringside interference shifted the momentum in Jade’s favour.
After Bliss neutralised B-Fab, Jade responded with a Pump Kick before delivering Jaded to score the three-count.
Following the match, Jade, B-Fab and Michin assaulted Bliss and Flair. Jade targeted Bliss’s injured arm with a steel chair before Charlotte escorted her to the trainer’s room, leaving doubts over Bliss’s condition heading into the coming weeks.
Baron Corbin Returns During Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes
Result: No Contest
United States Champion Trick Williams faced Carmelo Hayes in the night’s main event, with rapper Lil Yachty accompanying Trick to the ring. Before the match, Yachty presented Trick with a custom white-fur “Legacy” version of the United States Championship.
The contest remained evenly matched, with both stars exchanging near falls. Just as Hayes prepared to hit Nothing But Net, Baron Corbin made a shocking return to WWE, knocking Hayes off the top rope.
The referee immediately called for the bell before Corbin planted both Hayes and Trick Williams with End of Days, sending a strong message to the United States Championship picture.
Gunther Chokes Out Nick Aldis
Gunther confronted Nick Aldis and demanded to be added to the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.
Instead, Aldis announced a blockbuster tag team match for Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden, where Gunther and Sami Zayn will face CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. He also confirmed that Punk vs. Rhodes would remain the SummerSlam main event.
An enraged Gunther attacked Aldis and repeatedly applied a sleeper hold until Cody Rhodes rushed to the ring to make the save. The show ended with tensions escalating ahead of both Saturday Night’s Main Event and SummerSlam.
WWE SmackDown Results (July 10, 2026)
- Finn Balor defeated Tama Tonga via pinfall.
- Jimmy Uso defeated Royce Keys via pinfall.
- Jade Cargill defeated Alexa Bliss via pinfall.
- Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a no contest after Baron Corbin returned and attacked both competitors.
WWE SmackDown Highlights and Reaction
The biggest takeaway from SmackDown was the official confirmation of CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, setting the stage for one of WWE’s biggest main events of the year.
Elsewhere, Finn Balor picked up an important victory over Tama Tonga, while Jade Cargill’s brutal post-match attack on Alexa Bliss appears set to intensify her rivalry with Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Baron Corbin’s surprise return instantly reshaped the United States Championship landscape, and Gunther’s attack on Nick Aldis further heightened the tension surrounding the world title picture heading into SummerSlam.
