WWE SmackDown Preview (July 10): CM Punk Invades the Blue Brand as Undisputed Champion
The landscape of WWE shifted on its axis this past Monday on RAW, and the fallout is spilling directly into Oklahoma City. With a newly crowned, polarizing Undisputed WWE Champion crossing enemy lines and a highly anticipated rivalry hitting the ring, the Paycom Center is in for a massive night.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, along with my predictions.
The Headliner: The Champ is Here (And He's On the Wrong Show?)
The biggest story in the industry right now is CM Punk.
After being sidelined since the RAW after WrestleMania, Punk shocked the world on "Championship Monday" by stepping into a main event slot, defeating Sami Zayn, and walking out with the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Because WWE’s top prize belongs to the blue brand, Punk is officially bringing the gold home to SmackDown this Friday.
Expect a hostile environment. Punk didn't just take Zayn's title; he took a spot originally meant for Cody Rhodes. How will the locker room react to the ultimate insider capturing the ultimate prize?
Confirmed Match Card & Segments
Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes (Non-Title)
The tension between these two former friends has reached a boiling point. Hayes has been relentlessly chasing Trick’s United States Championship, and while General Manager Nick Aldis hasn't granted him a title shot just yet, they will finally lock up in singles action.
The X-Factor: Look out for Lil Yachty, who is locked in to be in Trick’s corner to neutralize any underhanded tactics from Melo.
Finn Bálor vs. Tama Tonga
Bálor is out for pure, unadulterated vengeance. After being victims of a brutal 2-on-1 ambush by The Bloodline last week, the Judgment Day anchor gets a chance to isolate Tama Tonga in the ring.
This won't be a technical wrestling clinic—it's going to be a fight.
The Fallout: Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn
The medical status of Cody Rhodes hangs over this entire show. Gunther’s horrific backstage assault—smashing Cody's head in a car door—changed the entire trajectory of the WWE Title picture. We are advertised to get an official update on "The American Nightmare" this Friday.
Meanwhile, former champion Sami Zayn will look to address losing his title, and we await the presence of Nick Aldis, who remains a massive wild card while on administrative leave.
SmackDown Predictions
CM Punk celebrates with his title but Cody Rhodes interrupts and states that he will challenge him at WWE SummerSlam 2026 with Gunther banned from ringside and then it's official.
Finn Balor defeats Tama Tonga and then Finn Balor uses the Bullet Club shirt and lays it down onto Tama Tonga's body.
Non-Title: Trick Williams defeats Carmelo Hayes with the help of Rusev and then Chad Gable supports Carmelo and Trick.
Nick Aldis will fight Gunther at WWE SummerSlam and after that, Nick Aldis will be able to announces matches again at Smackdown after SummerSlam 2026 PPV.
Jade Cargill defeats Charlotte Flair with the help of Becky Lynch.
Jacob Fatu tells Sami Zayn to get over it and then Zayn takes the fight to Fatu.
Main Event: AAA World Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix defeats Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE SmackDown is one of WWE's flagship weekly programs, showcasing the biggest Superstars on the SmackDown brand in explosive matches, heated rivalries, intense promos, and major storyline advancements that shape the future of WWE.
SD airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network (in the US), with episodes also available on demand shortly after the live broadcast on Peacock (in the US) and on WWE Network or Netflix internationally (depending on the region).
