WWE SmackDown July 10: Nick Aldis Returns, Jade Cargill Defeats Alexa Bliss

Nick Aldis returned to WWE SmackDown after reinstatement, while Jade Cargill beat and attacked Alexa Bliss.

Nick Aldis was back on WWE SmackDown on July 10, 2026, reinstated by WWE following his physical altercation with Gunther at Night of Champions. Aldis had a prominent role on the episode, with his return tied to a SummerSlam match being officially announced. Elsewhere on the show, Jade Cargill — the former AEW star now competing in WWE's SmackDown women's division — defeated Alexa Bliss in a singles match. Cargill did not stop at the pin, following up with a post-match attack on Bliss that heightened the rivalry between the two. The July 10 episode appears to have served as a significant go-home-style show building toward SummerSlam, with multiple storylines advanced and at least one marquee match formalized for the pay-per-view.

Why it matters

SmackDown's July 10 episode set key SummerSlam matchups, meaning the card for one of WWE's biggest annual events is now taking clearer shape. The Cargill–Bliss feud and Aldis's return are among the prominent storylines heading into the premium live event.

What's next

SummerSlam is the next major milestone to watch, with at least one match now officially set following the July 10 episode.

Key facts

• Nick Aldis was reinstated by WWE after a physical altercation with Gunther at Night of Champions
• Aldis returned to SmackDown on July 10, 2026
• A SummerSlam match was officially announced during the episode
• Jade Cargill defeated Alexa Bliss in a SmackDown women's division match
• Cargill followed her victory with a post-match attack on Bliss
• Cargill previously competed in AEW before joining WWE

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are from the same outlet (Sportskeeda), limiting independent corroboration. The first source uses vague, hype-driven language ('shocking return,' 'major match') while the second is more descriptive about the Cargill-Bliss segment. Neither source conflicts on facts, but the lack of a second independent outlet keeps confidence moderate.

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