WWE SmackDown recap, reactions (July 24, 2026): Where’s the heat?

Key Points:

• WWE SmackDown's men's storylines, particularly involving Gunther and the National Treasure, feel repetitive and may be holding back Gunther's main event potential, despite serving to build tension for upcoming matches like SummerSlam.
• Sami Zayn continues to maintain relevance in the main event scene through well-integrated character work, while the Bloodline storyline and associated factions add depth to the midcard and build anticipation for SummerSlam.
• The women’s division received significantly more match time than the men this week, continuing ongoing feuds such as Fatal Attraction vs. Women’s Tag champions, and setting up a six-woman tag match, though some matches and storylines felt underdeveloped or abrupt.
• Chelsea Green’s victory in a qualifier for the interim WWE Women’s Championship ladder match and the introduction of Blake Monroe hint at new dynamics in the women's division, while the Jade Cargill/Charlotte Flair rivalry remains somewhat one-dimensional.
• Overall, the episode was viewed as solid but disappointing for a two-night major event build-up, earning a low grade (D+), with praise mainly reserved for the main event and anticipation for SummerSlam matches.