5 Things WWE subtly told us on the go-home episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam 2026

The ultimate episode of WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam concluded with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes engaging in a massive brawl. Besides this, the show also witnessed Haku’s return to the sports entertainment juggernaut.

Additionally, several notable developments occurred heading into SummerSlam 2026. In this article, let’s take a look at five things WWE subtly told us in the final edition of the blue brand before the Biggest Party of the Summer.

#5. WWE may have lost faith in Giulia

Giulia and Lash Legend locked horns in an Interim Women’s Championship qualifying match on the blue brand. Though fans were rooting for the Japanese star, Legend dominated and defeated her in barely two minutes.

The WWE Universe was largely disappointed with the outcome and expressed frustration over Giulia’s booking. However, suffering such a loss subtly suggests that WWE may have lost faith in Giulia, making it unlikely that she will receive a major singles push on the blue brand anytime soon.

#4. CM Punk vs. Trick Williams teased

When CM Punk was being interviewed backstage, Trick Williams confronted him. The United States champion asserted that sooner or later, he was coming for the Undisputed Title.

In response, the Second City Saint claimed that he needed challengers and would be ready to face Trick Williams in the near future. Before leaving, Punk promised to knock Trick down when he reached the top of the mountain.

This interesting conversation subtly teases a potential feud between Punk and Williams in World Wrestling Entertainment. If the Voice of the Voiceless retains the title at SummerSlam, a match between the two could likely unfold in the coming months.

#3. Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga could dethrone Damian Priest and R-Truth

Haku appears to be the new manager of Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga on SmackDown. The veteran star returned to the blue brand this week and motivated the former MFT members. Later in the night, Tama and Talla stood tall by destroying Damian Priest, R-Truth, and The War Raiders.

The return of Haku and Tama & Talla’s destruction could be a hint that WWE is planning to push them as a major tag team. This subtly suggests that they could eventually dethrone Damian Priest and R-Truth to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions.

#2. Charlotte Flair losing at SummerSlam

Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill were involved in a brawl on SmackDown. Additionally, Adam Pearce has announced a match between them for next week’s episode of the blue brand.

For those unaware, Flair and Cargill will compete in the Interim Women’s Title Ladder Match at SummerSlam. Traditionally, the superstar who stands tall on the go-home episode before a premium live event often ends up losing at the event itself.

With the Queen standing tall over the Storm on SmackDown, it could be a subtle hint that she might fall short in the Interim Women’s title ladder match at the Biggest Party of the Summer.

#1. Cody Rhodes foreshadowing heel turn

Night 1 of SummerSlam will feature Cody Rhodes and CM Punk facing off for the Undisputed Title. During their final confrontation before the two-night PLE, fans noticed an interesting detail.

During SmackDown, the American Nightmare wore a black suit, something he rarely does on WWE television. This quickly drew comparisons to his AEW heel run, where he wore a black suit.

As a result, many fans believe the SmackDown segment subtly foreshadowed a potential heel turn for Cody. At the Biggest Party of the Summer, the Prodigal Son could finally show his true colors by turning on The Best in the World.