On the July 24 episode of WWE SmackDown from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, Nick Aldis signed the contract for his match against Gunther at SummerSlam. On-screen authority figure Adam Pearce explained that Aldis could not compete as an active WWE Superstar while serving as SmackDown General Manager, so Aldis relinquished the role upon signing. Pearce announced he is taking over as SmackDown General Manager.
After both men signed, the segment broke down into a brawl. Pearce tried to separate them but was knocked aside, and Gunther delivered a low blow before powerbombing Aldis through a table in the ring.
Elsewhere on the go-home show ahead of SummerSlam, the field for the Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match continued to fill out through qualifying matches involving Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, Chelsea Green and Kiana James. Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and challenger Cody Rhodes also appeared as tensions between them intensified before their title match.