WWE SmackDown Results: CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Clash in Oakland

WWE SmackDown Highlights: July 17, 2026

WWE SmackDown took place last night at the Oakland Arena, showcasing a thrilling night of wrestling action. The event kicked off with a significant confrontation between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, who emerged victorious in their previous match against Gunther and Sami Zayn during Saturday Night’s Main Event.

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in the Spotlight

The anticipation was palpable as CM Punk and Cody Rhodes took center stage for a showdown following their tag team victory. Punk and Rhodes, both fan favorites, exchanged intense words, setting the tone for their rivalry as they prepare for future encounters.

Nick Aldis Addresses the Audience

Adding to the excitement, WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made a special appearance. Aldis, who is famously known for his wrestling career, announced his return from retirement to face Gunther in a highly anticipated match at SummerSlam. The audience reacted enthusiastically to this surprise revelation, thrilled at the thought of Aldis stepping back into the ring.

Women’s Title Qualifiers Announced

WWE also announced two qualifying matches for the Interim WWE Women’s Title, heightening the stakes for female competitors. Charlotte Flair is set to face Nia Jax, while Chelsea Green will compete against Kiana James. These matches are bound to generate significant interest as they lead to the upcoming SummerSlam event.

Match Results

• CM Punk and Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther and Sami Zayn - Punk and Rhodes secured the win, highlighting their chemistry as a tag team.
• Nick Aldis addressed Gunther, setting the stage for their match at SummerSlam.
• Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax - This match was announced as a qualifier for the Interim Women's Title.
• Chelsea Green vs. Kiana James - Another crucial qualifier for the women's title was revealed.

Viewership and Ratings

The event drew an impressive 1.243 million viewers, reflecting a slight increase from the previous week's 1.212 million. This upward trend in viewership indicates strong fan engagement leading up to SummerSlam.

Upcoming WWE SmackDown Details

• Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
• Start Time: 5:00 PM PST (8:00 PM EST)
• Location: Oakland Arena (Oakland, California)
• Where to Watch: USA Network

Fans are encouraged to tune in for the next installment of WWE SmackDown, promising more thrilling matchups and unexpected twists as WWE builds momentum towards SummerSlam.