Top storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (July 17, 2026): Gunther's attack; Cody Rhodes & CM Punk team up & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
The SNME go-home show of SmackDown airs tonight at 8 PM ET.
Before the trip to the world’s most famous arena in New York City for Saturday Night’s Main Event tomorrow, WWE will arrive in Albany tonight for the July 17 go-home edition of Friday Night SmackDown, which will air live from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York.
Tonight’s SNME go-home show is also expected to continue the build towards SummerSlam, potentially announcing new matches.
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. The attack on Alexa Bliss
Last week, Jade Cargill, after defeating Alexa Bliss, launched a brutal attack targeting Bliss’ left arm as Michin and B-Fab held down Charlotte Flair. The angle will likely be used to write Bliss off television as she has been stopped wearing an arm brace.
Notably, reports have already hinted at plans for Flair vs Cargill at SummerSlam, and last week’s angle might be used to further set up this showdown. The promotion will likely announce the match tonight.
Also Read: WWE SmackDown (July 17, 2026): Preview, start time & where to watch
3. Baron Corbin’s return
Baron Corbin returned last week during the non-title match between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes, attacking both men and ending the match in a disqualification.
The return came after rumors and reports suggested his return to the promotion. Fans are now waiting to listen to what Corbin has to say after the attack in his return.
2. CM Punk & Cody Rhodes tag team
As announced by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, Undisputed Champion CM Punk, before defending the title against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, will team up with Rhodes to take on Sami Zayn and Gunther in a tag team match at SNME.
Fans are now waiting to see how the two react to the announcement and whether they can stay on the same page. Additionally, the show is also expected to feature segments hyping up fans for SNME.
1. Gunther’s attack on the GM
Speaking of GM Nick Aldis, Gunther attacked him after the tag team match announcement, locking in the sleeper hold, until Cody Rhodes arrived. Acting General Manager Adam Pearce has now revealed that he will be taking over the duties of the Blue brand tonight.
Pearce also announced that he has a lot to address on the July 17 show, and he will do just that on the broadcast tonight. With reports of a SummerSlam showdown, Pearce could announce a match between Aldis and Gunther tonight.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The upcoming July 17, 2026, edition of Raw will air live from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York.
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.
When and where will the upcoming edition of SNME take place?
The 45th edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place on July 18 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
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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.