WWE SmackDown Before SummerSlam Preview: Cody Rhodes May Turn Heel; Change to Title Match? (7/31/2026)

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Here’s a full preview of the go-home edition of WWE SmackDown:

#5. Giulia battles Lash Legend for the final spot

SummerSlam will see a blockbuster five-woman Ladder Match for the interim WWE Women’s Championship. While four women have already qualified for that bout, one spot remains empty. Tonight, Giulia and Lash Legend will collide in a huge singles match for the final spot, with both superstars looking to punch their tickets to The Biggest Party of the Summer.

It is set to be a clash between raw power and agility as both bring distinct in-ring styles. There is a good possibility that Giulia could defeat Lash Legend and secure her spot in the ladder match. The Beautiful Madness has recently undergone a character change on SmackDown and therefore there’s a good chance WWE puts her on the SummerSlam 2026 card.

#4. Nick Aldis fires back at Gunther on SmackDown

Nick Aldis is set to battle Gunther in a high-voltage clash at SummerSlam, marking his long-awaited in-ring return at the annual spectacle. The two stars were involved in an explosive contract signing last week on SmackDown. Things escalated when both got physical in the ring, with The Ring General ultimately slamming Aldis onto the table.

However, the former SmackDown GM could look for revenge tonight after what happened. He could call out Gunther and send a huge ultimate to the latter ahead of their blockbuster clash. WWE may pull out all stops to showcase Nick Aldis as a legitimate threat to Gunther. Therefore, the two superstars may get involved in a huge brawl tonight with Aldis getting the last laugh.

#3. United States Title match may see a major change

Trick Williams is set to defend the United States Championship against Baron Corbin at SummerSlam. This match became official after The Lone Wolf attacked the champ last week after SmackDown went off air. However, the one name who has been snubbed from the title picture is Carmelo Hayes. Fans could therefore see a major change in the US Title match tonight.

Hayes could interrupt Williams and demand his inclusion in the championship match at SummerSlam. The 31-year-old could talk about how he is always the one to be left out. This could eventually lead to a three-man brawl with Corbin getting involved. As a result, WWE could officially add Carmelo Hayes into the United States Championship bout, making it a Triple Threat Match.

#2. WWE Tag Team Championship will be on the line

The go-home episode of SmackDown will see a major title match as Damian Priest and R-Truth will put the WWE Tag Team Championship on the line. They are set to face The War Raiders in a hard-hitting tag team showdown. This match has been in the works for the past several weeks as both teams have had numerous backstage segments on SmackDown.

They will finally collide tonight and it will be a battle for supremacy. Don’t be surprised if Triple H pulls off a title change, as Hunter has a reputation for delivering shockers when fans least expect it. There is a possibility that Erik and Ivar walk out of Green Bay as the new WWE Tag Team Champions. It could truly be one of the biggest suprises of the night.

#1. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face off one last time

Cody Rhodes and CM Punk will collide in a high-profile match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. The two superstars will be under the same roof tonight ahead of the marquee clash. However, fans could witness a massive jolt tonight that may leave the arena in somber silence. Rhodes could shock the world by turning heel just a night ahead of SummerSlam.

He could unleash a barbaric attack on Punk, shedding his babyface nature and officially embracing his dark side. This could give rise to one of the biggest twists in recent times, adding a new layer to the Undisputed WWE Championship match. Fans could witness an absolute pandemonium on SmackDown as Cody Rhodes may wreak havoc on CM Punk ahead of his big match.