Top storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown after SummerSlam (August 7, 2026) - Randy Orton's attack on Cody Rhodes; CM Punk vs Kevin Owens & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
The fallout from SummerSlam will be addressed this Friday.
The upcoming August 7 edition of SmackDown will emanate live from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, CM Punk, Gunther and Trick Williams are listed as featured superstars for the show.
The show will address the developments from SummerSlam, which featured title changes and two major returns. WWE has also announced a major grudge match between Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill for this Friday’s show.
With SummerSlam in the rearview mirror, let us take a look at the top four storylines that are likely to unravel on this week’s WWE SmackDown.
4. SummerSlam fallout
As mentioned, the two-night SummerSlam saw multiple major developments, such as Baron Corbin defeating Trick Williams to become the new United States Champion. WWE will also likely tease new feuds on the show.
Additionally, more returns are also expected for the show, similar to how the fallout show of Raw featured multiple returns and new storylines being teased.
3. Chelsea Green’s title win
Chelsea Green defied the odds at SummerSlam to win the ladder match and become the new Interim WWE Women’s Champion to kick off her first World title reign. WWE opted to crown an Interim Champion in the absence of the reigning Champion Rhea Ripley, who remains out of action due to a knee injury.
With a Champion crowned, stars will likely start to stake claim to the Championship with Green at the center of it. It will be interesting to see what feuds WWE has planned for her.
2. Randy Orton-Cody Rhodes
‘The Viper’ Randy Orton returned for the first time since WrestleMania to attack Cody Rhodes and cost him the Undisputed title match against CM Punk in the co-main event of Night 1 of SummerSlam. The attack reignited their feud, as fans are now waiting to see how Cody responds.
The attack will also help Rhodes, who, after a long time, will be in a feud where the World title is not at stake. This will help his persona that has become stale with similar feuds featuring the World title.
1. CM Punk vs Kevin Owens
Another major return at SummerSlam saw Kevin Owens win the fatal four-way match featuring Gunther, Finn Balor and Gunther to become the number one contender for the Undisputed title. The win grants him a title shot against the reigning Champion CM Punk.
The prospect of CM Punk vs Kevin Owens has excited fans who are now waiting to see a promo battle between the two, which might transpire on the fallout show this Friday.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The August 7 edition of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What is the next PLE after WWE SummerSlam 2026?
Money in the Bank is the next PLE after SummerSlam 2026.
When and where will Money in the Bank 2026 take place?
The 2026 edition of Money in the Bank is set for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.