Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill advanced to the ladder match for the interim WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam during the July 17 episode of SmackDown.
Adam Pearce announced before the show that an interim champion would be crowned at SummerSlam because of Rhea Ripley's injury and uncertain return timeline.
Stratton defeated Jacy Jayne in the first qualifier. Fatal Influence attacked Stratton before the bell, but Paige and Brie Bella cleared them from ringside. Stratton then hit a rolling senton and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall victory.
Cargill faced Nia Jax in the second qualifier. Charlotte Flair attacked Cargill's allies on the outside and interfered in the ring, causing a disqualification win for Cargill. Jax later struck Flair, and Cargill applied her Jaded finisher on Flair after the match.
Pearce announced that Jax will face Flair next week for the final spot in the ladder match.
