WWE SmackDown results, grades (July 17): Cody Rhodes, Gunther set the stage for Saturday Night's Main Event
WWE SmackDown featured a chaotic episode setting up a high-stakes tag team match for Saturday Night's Main Event. The outcome of the match between Cody Rhodes/CM Punk and Gunther/Sami Zayn will determine if the latter pair earns a spot in the SummerSlam title match.
Why it matters
This event highlights the ongoing narrative shifts in professional wrestling as major promotions attempt to build momentum for marquee summer pay-per-view events.
"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 window This 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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