WWE SmackDown results, grades (July 17): Cody Rhodes, Gunther set the stage for Saturday Night's Main Event
WWE SmackDown featured a chaotic lead-up to the Saturday Night's Main Event, with storylines involving Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and CM Punk. The episode was marked by controversial booking decisions and high-stakes match announcements for SummerSlam.
Why it matters
Professional wrestling remains a significant cultural and entertainment product with a massive global audience and complex narrative structures.
"WWE SmackDown" was in Albany, New York on Friday — July 17 — to prepare for tomorrow's Saturday Night's Main Event in Madison Square Garden. All eyes were on CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, who now have to attempt to keep their match between just them, as Gunther and Sami Zayn loom.Logic out the windowThis needs to be made abundantly clear right off the bat — tonight's "SmackDown" was the definition of WWE "just doing [expletive]." Almost every portion of this show had a "WTF" reaction somewhere in its shuffle.To start things off, Gunther appeared. You know, the guy who should probably be fired within kayfabe for assaulting the "SmackDown" general manager last week. Instead, there's no suspension. No repercussion.
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