WWE just gave the July 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown a shot in the arm by adding a new match and two major segments to the go-home show before Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The biggest addition is Finn Balor stepping into the ring against Talla Tonga. WWE also announced that Cody Rhodes will react to teaming with CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody and Punk are set to join forces against Sami Zayn and GUNTHER, even though Punk is also scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes at SummerSlam. That makes the partnership awkward as hell.
Cody and Punk have to survive on the same side first, but both men know a championship fight is waiting for them. SmackDown should give fans a better idea of whether they can keep things together—or whether the SummerSlam tension starts boiling over early.
The show will also deal with the fallout from GUNTHER’s attack on Nick Aldis. GUNTHER choked Aldis out, forcing Adam Pearce to return as acting SmackDown General Manager. Pearce now has to walk into a mess created by one of WWE’s most dangerous stars, and fans will be watching to see whether he hands down punishment or gets dragged into the chaos himself.
CM Punk is still scheduled to appear, while Sami Zayn will return after stepping away following the end of his Undisputed WWE Championship reign.
The updated lineup for WWE SmackDown on July 17, 2026 includes:
- Finn Balor vs. Talla Tonga
- Cody Rhodes reacts to teaming with CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event
- Fallout from GUNTHER’s attack on Nick Aldis
- CM Punk appearance
- Sami Zayn returns
- Adam Pearce serves as acting SmackDown General Manager
SmackDown will air live from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, at 8 PM ET on USA Network. International viewers can watch through Netflix where available. Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage over in our SmackDown results section.
Which new SmackDown addition are you most interested in seeing? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
