WWE SmackDown video highlights: Sheamus backs out of main event

By Joseph Currier
Published: 9 Jul 2022, 05:40

Last night’s SmackDown was supposed to feature a match with Undisputed WWE Universal Championship implications, but the originally advertised main event didn’t end up happening.

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus were set to face off on SmackDown last night, with the winner going on to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal title at Clash at the Castle this September. Instead, Sheamus claimed to be sick and backed out of the match.

Sheamus started coughing during a promo before the match. He said he hopes he doesn’t have “a dose of the ol’ COVID” and claimed that he couldn’t compete until he got tested. Sheamus said he had a backup plan, which was McIntyre facing Butch.

McIntyre defeated Butch and then laid out Ridge Holland when Holland tried to attack him after the match. Sheamus got on the apron and went face-to-face with an enraged McIntyre, who then cut the top ring rope with his sword.

Michael Cole said on commentary that the Undisputed WWE Universal title challenger for Clash at the Castle still hasn’t been determined.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Video package recaps Theory’s night at Money in the Bank