The July 17 episode of WWE SmackDown took place at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, just one night before Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden.
WWE wasted no time getting the SummerSlam title picture moving. The company was forced to create an interim championship after Rhea Ripley suffered an injury that will keep her out through SummerSlam. Rather than leave the title scene on hold, WWE announced that an Interim WWE Women’s Champion will be crowned in a ladder match at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
To start filling the match, SmackDown brought fans two qualifying matches this week on SmackDown. Tiffany Stratton squared off against Jacy Jayne, while Jade Cargill met Nia Jax later in the evening.
Tiffany Stratton was the first Superstar to punch her ticket, defeating Jacy Jayne to earn a place in the ladder match. Later in the night, Jade Cargill and Nia Jax battled for another coveted spot, with the SummerSlam field continuing to take shape as WWE builds toward one of the biggest matches of the year. Jade Cargill won the match via DQ after Charlotte Flair jumped her. Nia Jax wasn’t happy about that at all, so she attacked Flair.
WWE SummerSlam will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the massive two-night premium live event returns on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026. With more qualifying matches still on the way, the battle and drama to become Interim WWE Women’s Champion is only just beginning.
What’s your take on how WWE is filling out this SummerSlam match? Who do you think will pull down the big win at SummerSlam? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
