SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS
JULY 17, 2026
ALBANY, N.Y. AT MVP ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY ERIC CORBRIDGE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 6,928 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 17,500 spectators when configured for concerts.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Eric Corbridge to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with a video recap of recent headlines including the CM Punk win over Sami Zayn for the WWE Title, the Cody Rhodes challenge for Summerslam that Punk accepted, and then the incidents with GM Nick Aldis and Gunther.
-Gunther made his ring entrance as Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett introduced the show. They hyped the Saturday Night’s Main Event tag match with Cody Rhodes & CM Punk vs. Gunther & Sami Zayn. Fans booed as Gunther scowled. “Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?” he said. He said during his entire career, he has prided himself on being an outstanding professional, but since joining Smackdown, he has been mistreated. He said he should be WWE Champion right now and the fans know it. More boos rang out. He said teaming him with Sami is a punk it is beneath him and “enough is enough and I won’t stand for it.”
Acting Smackdown GM Adam Pearce walked out and said he’s heard enough. He told Gunther to “feel how you want.” He said when it comes to Aldis, what he should be saying is “thank you.” Gunther asked for what. Pearce said Aldis saved his job. He said he kicked Cody’s head in a car door, cost him a title match in Chicago, and then put his hands on Aldis who is his boss and choked him out. He said if it were up to him and this had happened on Raw, “you would be fired!” He said the decision was made well above both of them for reasons he doesn’t yet understand. He said Aldis made sure his title match goes on as scheduled tomorrow night, including the stipulation. Pearce said if he hadn’t choked out Aldis last week, he would have told him that if he and Sami win the SNME tag match, they’re added to Summerslam’s WWE Title match and it becomes a Fatal 4-Way. Cody’s music then played and he walked out.
Cody played to the crowd as his pyro blasted and then he chaged to the ring and tackled Gunther and punched away at him. As Gunther retreated to ringside, Cody asked where the logic was in the stipulation. He yelled that Gunther couldn’t expect anything other than him whipping his ass on sight after what he did last week. He said he has no chance to win tomorrow night. He said he is ready and he challenged him to a one-on-one match tonight. He said he just needs Pearce to “give it the okay.” Pearce said it is official. Cody let out a roar as Gunther protested at ringside.
(Keller’s Analysis: I really appreciate them addressing potential massive logic holes here. They established that the tag match stipulations were made before Gunther attacked Cody, Pearce made it clear he’d have fired Gunther, and he said the decision not to fire Gunther came from higher up for reasons he didn’t understand. Cody stormed out, understandably raging at Gunther for taking him out of his rematch against Sami in Chicago, and demanded getting his hands on Gunther tonight. Pearce, of course, granted it since he is siding with Cody and is outraged at Gunther’s actions last week. This all makes as much sense as it could, with the only mystery being who the higher-up is who rationalized not firing Gunther. But at least the storyline accounts for the idea that what Gunther did last week would deserve more ramifications if Pearce had his way. Cody, Gunther, and Pearce were all really good here. I do not expect Sami & Gunther to win and turn it into a Fatal 4-Way at Summerslam, but I’m not entirely ruling it out if they want to save Cody-Punk one-on-one for another show and then also save Aldis vs. Gunther for another time.)
-A pre-taped statement with Adam Pearce aired. He addressed Rhea Ripley’s injury, a torn meniscus. He said she is close to returning, but due to the tricky nature of the injury, she won’t be able to compete at Summerslam. He said due to the uncertainty of her timetable, there will be a ladder match at Summerslam to determine the new champion. He said there will qualifying matches.
(Keller’s Analysis: These first two announcements explain why WWE didn’t release much in the way of matches scheduled for the show tonight, as it was better to reveal them live on Smackdown.)
-Tessitore announced Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton vs. Jacy Jayne.
-Finn Balor began his ring entrance. [c]
-They showed an aerial view of Albany, NY.
(1) FINN BALOR vs. TALLA TONGA
Talla’s ring entrance aired. The bell rang 21 minutes into the hour. Talla towered over Balor, which the announcers noted. Talla overpowered Balor against the ropes. When he charged, Balor ducked and Talla tumbled over the top rope. Talla attempted to chokeslam Balor on the ring apron. Balor blocked it, but Talla clotheslined him. As Talla gloated to the crowd, they cut to a break. [c]
Balor rallied after the break and pumped his fist to the crowd. When he turned back to Talla, Talla lifted him onto his shoulders and gave him a Samoan Drop. Balor made a comeback and climbed to the top rope. Talla grabbed him for a chokeslam, but Balor countered with a DDT. When he charged at Talla, Talla gave him a big boot. (Tessitore said, “That could be it,” with a tone of resignation, which is the right way to cover a near fall rather than saying “That’s it!” definitively, which is code for “he’s about to kick out.”)
Tama Tonga came out and the ref turned to him. Talla crotched the top rope and Balor yanked on the top rope. Balor then gave a charging Tama a Sling Blade at ringside. Balor delivered a shotgun dropkick on Talla back in the ring and followed with a Coup de Grace. He delivered a second one and then scored a three count.
WINNER: Balor in 10:00.
-Punk told Pearce backstage that he didn’t like the chance of the match becoming a Fatal 4-Way. “I hate it,” he said. “I’m not chicken, I’m more old school, I like one-on-one.” Pearce said he doesn’t like it either, but the decision is made. Punk sid he knows Gunther is going to try to hurt Cody tonight. Pearce said Cody wants his receipt and tonight is his chance. Punk said he was going to go talk to Cody. When Punk turned around, Damien Priest was standing there. He told Punk he appreciated him mentioning him last week. He said if Punk beats Cody at Summerslam, he’s waiting for his turn. Punk said if he and Cody win, they might go after Priest and Truth and their tag titles. They fist-bumped and smiled. When Punk turned to leave, R-Truth showed up and startled Priest. Truth asked Priest what he was talking about. Priest asked if he was there the whole time. Then they cut away.
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m glad Punk protested the potential of having three challengers at Summerslam instead of one, framing it as more of a case of him being a traditionalist than being “chicken.” I’m also glad we didn’t get “WWE Math” where he said his chances to win went from 50 percent to 25 percent.)
-A vignette aired with Jade Cargill speaking about her chance to win the title Rhea has been stripped of. Then Nia Jax said she’s not feeling pressure tonight; she said the other women should feel pressure being in the ring with her. She said she’s been on top before and she’s feeling it’s time for her to be on top again. Jayne said Fatal Influence shook things up when they arrived and now they’re going to show everyone who they are. Tiffany talked about wanting to win in Minnesota and said something about Tiffy Two Belts sounding good.
-Tiffany made her entrance. [c]
(2) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. JACY JAYNE (w/Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) – Summerslam Ladder Match Qualifier
Tiffany fended off Henley and Reid. Barrett this was technically legal since the bell hadn’t rung yet. Brie Bella and Paige ran out for the save. They yanked Henleuy and Reid out of the ring. They brawled to the back. The ref checked on Tiffany and Tiffany said she was ready, so the ref called for the bell 44 minutes into the hour. Tessitore explained the title will have an “interim” label because Ripley might be back sooner than expected. They cut to an early break with Tiffany in control. [c]
Jayne was in control after the break. Tiffany made a comeback until Jayne landed a neckbreaker out of the corner for a two count at 7:00. Tiffany countered a Rolling Encore, but Tiffany countered with a Rolling Senton and then a quick Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
WINNER: Stratton in 8:00 to advance to Summerslam ladder match.
-They went to Barrett and Tessitore at ringside. Barrett sent best wishes to Ripley. He said they aren’t sure if it will be a few weeks or a few months before she is cleared to return.
-A vignette aired with Baron Corbin saying he’s been watching the shows and he has seen some wrestlers thinking they are tough. He said their world is going to come crashing down. He said Trick Williams is the first on his list, and Carmelo Hayes was collateral damage. He told Trick to smile while he can and enjoy what he has “because I am coming for it all.”
-Jackie Redmond interviewed Trick backstage. He said Corbin is “a big, bald-headed bitch.” Hayes interrutped and Redmond walked away. (Magically, we could still hear the wrestlers despite her taking the hand-held mic with her.) Hayes accused Trick of finding a loophole and avoiding defending against him. He told Trick that he nows he isn’t better than him. Trick asked how long Hayes has been on Smackdown compared to him. He said he became the hottest thing on Smackdown right away and he needs to take notes. He told Hayes to write down, “I will mind my business while grown folk talk!” Hayes smiled and put his sunglasses on as Trick walked away. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
-A video package aired on the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar angle on Raw on Monday.
-They showed Matthew Rhys from “Widow’s Bay” at ringside with his son holding a replica WWE Title belt.
(3) NIA JAX vs. JADE CARGILL (w/Michin, B-Fab) – Summerslam Ladder Match Qualifier
Jax was in the ring after the break. They replayed the Alexa Bliss arm injury angle lsat week. The bell rang 6 minutes into the hour. Jade landed an early spinebuster. Charlotte Flair showed up at ringside and attacked B-Fab and Michin. Tessitore said she was irate after what happened to Alexa. Charlotte gave Jade a big boot. The ref called for the bell, DQ’ing Jax. Barrett said Jax will be furious.
WINNER: Jade via DQ in 1:00.
-Charlotte put Jade’s arm in a chair, but Jade’s cohorts pulled her to safety. Jax was indeed furious and splashed Charlotte against the turnbuckles and then stormed off. Jade gave Charlotte her Jaded finisher and then stood over with B-Fab and Michin.
-Redmond interviewed Gunther about the high stakes at SNME. Gunther said Cody earlier acted like a typical golden boy. “That guy solely acts on emotions,” he said. “So tonight I’m going to beat some rationale into the man.” Candice LeRae rolled Johnny Gargano in front of Gunther. She told Gunther not to do anything stupid tonight because Sami needs him fresh tomorrow. Gunther told LeRae to stay out of his way. When Gunther left, Blake Monroe attacked her from behind. “I’m the new girl and I’ll see you around,” she said. The walked past Gargano and told him, “You need a haircut.” [c]
-As they showed an aerial view of US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Tessitore plugged Summerslam tickets. Then Tessitore and Barrett confirmed that Jade had qualified for Summerslam’s ladder match in controversial fashion.
-Jax and Lash Legend complained to Pearce. Pearce said she’d give her another opportunity to earn her way into the ladder match next week on Smackdown against Charlotte. Jax was satisfied.
(4) FRAXIOM (Axiom & Nathan Fraser) vs. THE WAR RAIDERS
The bell rang 18 minutes into the hour. They cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
After some back and forth action, Ivar set up a top rope moonsault onto both Fraser and Axiom, but Fraser and Axiom rolled out of the way. Then they rallied and Fraser landed a 450 splash for a two count. When Erik powerslammed Axiom and made the cover, Fraser broke up the cover with a top rope double axe handle at 8:00.
Fraser tagged in and leaped through the ropes. He attempted to tackle Ivar, but barely grazed him and crashed into the announce desk. Yikes. Everyone gasped, but his hand blocked his impact. Axiom then dove onto Ivar. Back in the ring, Fraser landed a running flip dive onto Erik at ringside. Ivar then set up a top rope move, but Axiom popped up and kicked him off balance. Fraser then joined Axiom with a superplex of Ivar. Fraser followed with his Phoenix Splash. Erik broke up the cover by punt kicking Fraser in the chest, knocking him backwards. (Another strong break-up of a cover.) Tessitore toured the match and the crowd chanting “This is awesome!” as all four were down and slow to get up.
The Raiders eventually gave Fraser their lift-and-drop combo powerslam and then a dual chokeslam for the win. The ref (RIDICULOUSLY!) allowed Erik to push on Ivar’s back during the three count.
WINNERS: The War Raiders in 12:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: It’s just so stupid that the Raiders do that two-person-pin. It’s obviously illegal and it’s not worth the visual to do something so obviously illegal and unfair, forcing the ref to just go along with it. The action was good.)
-A clip aired of Royce Keys, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight at Fantastics Fest in New York City earlier in the day. Knight did some mic work on their match at SNME. More clips aired for Fanastics Fest including a Logan Paul-Tom Brady confrontation, Cody Rhodes laying to the crowd, Tyrese Haliburton interacting with Trick, Iyo Sky, and others.
-Punk approached Cody backstage to ask about the wisdom of facing Gunther one day before their high stakes SNME match. Cody said he must understand. Punk said he must agree it’s a bad idea. Cody conceded that. Punk said he’ll be at ringside since he has a stake in the happenings. Fans loudly chanted, “CM Punk!” [c]
-A video package aired on the Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins segment on Raw.
-Tessitore and Barrett ran through the SNME line-up.
-Backstage, Danhausen spoke to Redmond. He explained that he turned down an offer from Matt Cardona to watch his back because he had a secret weapon. Danhausen produced a stuffed toy cat in a cage. Danhausen said you can’t cross paths with a cat of else you’re cursed. Then smoke blasted in the room and Redmond left.
-Gunther made his ring entrance. Cody attacked him in the aisle. Fans chanted “Cody! Cody!” Cody rammed Gunther into the ringside steps and then the barricade and the announce desk.
(5) CODY RHODES vs. GUNTHER
Cody threw Gunther into the ring and the ref (RIDICULOUSLY) called for the bell 46 minutes into the hour, rewarding Cody’s illegal pre-match attack. They cut to a break seconds later after Gunther shoved Cody over the top rope as he was setting up a Cody Cutter. [c]
Gunther was in control after the break. Cody eventually came back with a Cody Cutter that didn’t quite land cleanly, which Barrett noted. Gunther fought back 6:00 and worked over Cody’s leg. When he yanked it against the ringpost, Punk made his way to ringside to his music. Tessitore said that was what Punk was worried about. Fans popped. Gunther dragged Cody into the ring as fans sang Punk’s theme song. Cody and Gunther collided with simultaneous clotheslines. With both down, they cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Back from the break, Gunther had Cody in a half-crab. Gunther shouted down to Punk. Cody came back and applied a figure-four leglock mid-ring. Sami charged to ringside and attacked Punk. He threw him over the announce desk. Gunther attempted to apply a sleeper to a distracted Cody, but Cody countered with his own sleeper attempt. Gunther avoided it. Cody ducked Gunther and dove through the ropes at Sami at ringside. Cody then climbed back onto the ring apron, but Sami yanked him down and threw him into the ringpost. The ref called for the bell.
WINNER: Cody via DQ in 13:00.
-Punk, Cody, Gunther, and Sami brawled at ringside. Referees and officials ran out as Tessitore said it was absolute madness as the show ended.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Eric Corbridge to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE
LINK TO BE A CALLER: https://streamyard.com/dpu5c5fvij
Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
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