Overview
- Sami Zayn opened the taped July 3 SmackDown as the Undisputed WWE Champion and was interrupted on the mic by Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes.
- Adam Pearce is serving as acting SmackDown general manager while Nick Aldis is on leave and he made Jey Uso vs. Cody Rhodes the show’s main event.
- Spoilers from the taping reported that Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso to become the No. 1 contender and will challenge Sami for the title on the July 6 Raw in Chicago.
- The taped show also returned wins for Jade Cargill, B‑Fab and Michin over Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green and saw Rey Fenix retain the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship over El Hijo del Vikingo.
- Sami’s unexpected Night of Champions victory has forced quick creative shifts backstage and the upcoming Raw rematch will shape who carries WWE’s top title into the SummerSlam era.