New SummerSlam qualifying match set for WWE SmackDown
WWE has added another SummerSlam qualifying match to the lineup for SmackDown tonight.
The August 1-2 PLE will see an interim WWE Women’s Champion crowned as Rhea Ripley remains out of action with a knee injury. Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton have already qualified for the interim title ladder match, and two more competitors will be confirmed tonight with Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax and Chelsea Green vs. Kiana James both taking place on SmackDown.
Green vs. James is a new addition to the lineup, while Flair vs. Jax had already been announced after an angle that took place last week.
Ripley, the current WWE Women’s Champion, has a meniscus injury, and WWE has decided to crown an interim champion in a five-way ladder match at SummerSlam so that Ripley can take the time she needs to fully recover from her injury.
Along with the Green vs. James bout, WWE has added a couple of segments to the SmackDown lineup for tonight. Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will continue the build to their SummerSlam title bout, while Gunther will discuss his SummerSlam matchup against SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
Tonight’s show is taking place from Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. The updated lineup can be seen below:
WWE SmackDown (Friday, July 24) —
- Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes react after their Saturday Night’s Main Event confrontation
- Gunther discusses SummerSlam match against Nick Aldis
- SummerSlam qualifying match: Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
- SummerSlam qualifying match: Chelsea Green vs. Kiana James
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.