WWE SmackDown Results July 31: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes & SummerSlam Build-up

As WWE heads toward SummerSlam 2026, the July 31 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered high-stakes confrontations, highlighted by a face-to-face meeting between Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, according to official WWE reports. The final-stretch edition of the blue brand set the stage for major title clashes, intensifying the ongoing rivalries across the roster just days before the premium live event.

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Face Off Ahead of SummerSlam

The main event scene for SummerSlam 2026 crystallized on July 31 when Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes shared the ring on SmackDown, as detailed by WWE.

Tag Team Championship Dynamics and Tournament Action

The division for the WWE Tag Team Championship saw intense action on the July 31 broadcast, with Cageside Seats noting that multiple contenders vied for position ahead of the PLE. Bleacher Report’s live grades highlighted the physical toll of the matches, as teams jockeyed for momentum. The competitive landscape on SmackDown reflected a division primed for a volatile multi-team or high-profile title defense at SummerSlam, driven by urgency from the locker room’s top tag combinations.

Match Results and Live Grades Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is WWE SummerSlam 2026 taking place?

WWE SummerSlam 2026 follows the final build established on the July 31 episode of SmackDown, setting up the major championship matches for the event.

Who confronted CM Punk on the July 31 episode of SmackDown?

According to WWE, Cody Rhodes stepped into the ring to confront Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk in a face-to-face segment right before SummerSlam.

Where can I watch WWE SmackDown?