Overview
- Sami Zayn, who won the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions on June 27, made his first SmackDown appearance on the July 3 taped show and delivered a title address that drew challengers.
- Acting SmackDown general manager Adam Pearce booked Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso on the July 3 show with the winner earning an immediate title shot against Zayn on Monday Night Raw in Chicago.
- Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso on the July 3 SmackDown to become the No. 1 contender and will challenge Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Title on July 6.
- SmackDown also advanced secondary storylines with Rey Fenix retaining the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo and Jade Cargill, B‑Fab and Michin beating Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green.
- Nick Aldis has been placed on leave after an incident with GUNTHER and Pearce is serving as acting GM, a change that has sped up booking decisions and shapes the short-term road to SummerSlam.