WWE taped the July 3 episode of SmackDown on June 29 at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, immediately following a live episode of Raw. The show airs in its regular Friday time slot but is pre-taped.
New Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn opened the show addressing his Night of Champions win. Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso interrupted, both with designs on Zayn’s title. Acting SmackDown GM Adam Pearce — filling in for a suspended Nick Aldis after a backstage confrontation with Gunther at Night of Champions — set up a number one contender’s match between Rhodes and Uso, with the stipulation that the winner would challenge Zayn for the title on the July 6 Raw in Chicago.
Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso to become the number one contender, capitalizing after Uso re-aggravated a knee injury but chose to continue the match. Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga attacked Finn Balor backstage after Balor wished Rhodes well ahead of the main event.
Also on the show: Rey Fenix retained the AAA Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo. Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab defeated Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green in six-woman action. Lainey Reid defeated Brie Bella. Blake Monroe attacked both Giulia and Kiana James in a backstage segment. Danhausen announced he will face JD McDonagh at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18 at Madison Square Garden. Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes were set up for a non-title match on the July 10 SmackDown.
Confirmed for the July 6 Raw in Chicago:
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Cody Rhodes