Top storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown (July 10, 2026): CM Punk's SummerSlam plans; Saturday Night's Main Event build-up & more
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The newly crowned Undisputed Champion will arrive on SmackDown in Oklahoma.
This week’s highly anticipated show of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The June 10 show will feature the appearance of the newly crowned Undisputed Champion CM Punk.
On the other hand, United States Champion Trick Williams will battle Carmelo Hayes in a non-title match. Meanwhile, Finn Balor takes on Tama Tonga after an attack by Tama and Talla Tonga backstage last week.
With Saturday Night’s Main Event 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 attack on Giulia & Kiana James
Blake Monroe, after her initial attack two weeks ago, continued her antics, once again ambushing Giulia backstage. However, this time around, she also didn’t spare Giulia’s former manager, Kiana James, attacking both women during their argument.
Fans are now waiting to see what more WWE has planned for the Glamour on the Blue brand, especially with two major events right around the corner.
3. Saturday Night’s Main Event
As noted, the July 18 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event is approaching. The 45th edition will take place on July 18 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
With only two matches announced for the major event in the world’s most famous arena, fans are waiting to hear more major matches, especially since WWE didn’t announce any on this week’s Raw and next week’s episode of SmackDown, and Raw will be the final show before SNME.
2. United States & WWE Women’s title
Among the ongoing storylines, the United States Champion Trick Williams will take on Carmelo Hayes in singles action this Friday. As noted by Lil Yachty, the title will not be on the line for the clash. However, this is likely going to be used to set up a showdown between the two NXT allies at SummerSlam.
On the other hand, WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is still out of action due to injury. With SummerSlam approaching, WWE will have to decide either to strip her of the title and announce a match for the vacant title or if Rhea is back in time, set up a major match in Minneapolis.
1. CM Punk’s SummerSlam plans
The newly crowned Champion CM Punk is confirmed to appear on SmackDown. This will likely be Punk’s official move to the Blue brand, especially since he is now the champion and face of the brand. With reports of his SummerSlam showdown with Cody Rhodes, the appearance is going to be a chaotic affair.
Additionally, Sami Zayn has let his thoughts be heard after losing the title, while Gunther’s presence still looms large, especially since taking out the number one contender for the Undisputed title, Cody Rhodes, on Raw and making the path clear for Punk.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The upcoming July 10, 2026, edition of SmackDown will air live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
When and where will SummerSlam 2026 take place?
The 39th edition will air as a two-night spectacle on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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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.