Top storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (July 24, 2026) - Gunther vs Nick Aldis; Interim Women’s title Qualifying match & more

SmackDown emanates post-SNME from Oakland.

Following last weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, WWE will deliver the July 24 edition of Friday Night SmackDown from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California.

Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, CM Punk, Gunther, and Trick Williams are listed as featured superstars for the show. On the other hand, Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax will collide in the third qualifying match for the Interim WWE Women’s title ladder match at SummerSlam.

With SNME in the books and SummerSlam on the horizon, let us take a look at the top four storylines that are likely to unravel on this week’s WWE SmackDown.

4. Blake Monroe’s attacks

‘The Glamour’ Blake Monroe continued targeting stars in the division last week. After attacks on Giulia, Kiana James and Chelsea Green, she attacked Candice LeRae backstage during last week’s show.

With SummerSlam approaching, it’s unclear what role these attacks will play for Monroe or whether WWE opts to delay her in-ring debut post-SummerSlam.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (July 24, 2026) – Preview, start time & where to watch

3. SummerSlam build & SNME aftermath

As noted, this week’s SmackDown will serve as the fallout show for SNME and will address the aftermath of the show, which saw new Women’s Tag Team Champions as Fatal Influence defeated Paige and Brie Bella to capture their first titles on the main roster.

On the other hand, Cody Rhodes has taken issue with CM Punk accidentally hitting him during the tag team match against Gunther and Sami Zayn. This argument has thrown the decorum out the window for Punk and Cody, who almost butted heads during the kick-off show. Fans are now waiting to see how this feud builds up in the remaining two weeks.

2. Interim WWE Women’s title qualifiers

Last week, acting GM Adam Pearce announced a ladder match for the Interim WWE Women’s Champion at SummerSlam as WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley remains out of action due to an injury. Two qualifying matches for the match have already concluded last week, and now a third will take place in Oakland.

In the third match, Charlotte Flair will take on Nia Jax after the former cost Jax the second qualifying match against Jade Cargill. With reports of a showdown between Flair and Cargill, which picked up more steam after Cargill & Co. attacked and injured Alexa Bliss, fans are speculating if the two will partake in the qualifying match or will they decide to settle the score in Minneapolis.

1. Gunther vs Nick Aldis

After General Manager Nick Aldis attacked Gunther, costing him the tag team match and SummerSlam opportunity, the two butted heads during the kickoff show, where Triple H announced a grudge match between the two for SummerSlam.

The match will mark Aldis’ WWE in-ring debut, and fans are waiting to see how this feud plays out, especially how the SmackDown GM fares on the mic and in the ring against the ‘Career Killer’ Gunther.

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