The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/05/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, King & Queen of the Ring 4-Way qualifying matches, and more.
It’s another afternoon episode of WWE SmackDown for me on Netflix since this show takes place in Bologna, Italy, just five days after the Clash in Italy PLE in Torino. There was controversy at WWE Clash in Italy when Cody Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther. Cody pinned Gunther to win, but Gunther’s foot was under the bottom rope, which the referee didn’t see. Gunther complained, but the referee’s decision is final, and there was no follow-up to it at Clash in Italy. I’m assuming it leads to a rematch at Night of Champions on June 28th, or perhaps sooner.
From Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy, this is SmackDown for episode #1398. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed some highlights from Clash in Italy.
There was some superstar walking shown featuring King and Queen of the Ring tournament competitors.
It was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary. Cole is filling in for Joe Tessitore, who is doing some Zuffa Boxing this weekend.
Let’s Hear from Gunther
Gunther showed up at ringside and destroyed the Italian commentator’s table and stood on the English commentary table.
Gunther said that he wants justice for what happened to him at Clash in Italy. Gunther said he has ring awareness like nobody else, and with his foot under the rope, the pinfall can not be counted. Gunther said that it means Cody didn’t bet him. Gunther said that Cody took advantage of it and cheated. Gunther complained about not being the WWE Champion, while Golden Boy can carry on and kiss everybody’s butt around here.
The music of the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes hit as Cody made his entrance to a big ovation. The fans were singing Cody’s song as usual.
Cody Rhodes was in the ring while Gunther was on the commentary table. Cody said Gunther was right as the fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for the champ. Cody said that Gunther is a 20-year pro, and you’ve never had a controversial ending? Cody said Gunther is a student of this game. Cody said that they need to do this formally. Cody said that he only needs to make one phone call, and he doesn’t think he needs to make it. Cody suggests they do it right here in Bologna.
Sami Zayn joined the promo party with the fans singing along with his song, even though Zayn is more of a heel now. Zayn said that’s the respect he’s been looking for, and he appreciates it. Zayn said he was trying to stand back there without getting involved, but he couldn’t hear any more. Zayn claimed he knew about getting robbed of a championship opportunity. Zayn referred to Cody as “Golden Boy” who wants to fight. Zayn said that both of you did him wrong.
Gunther told Zayn this doesn’t involve him, so he should shut up and get out of the ring. Zayn said he may not know about the WWE Championship, but he knows a thing or two about beating Gunther for a title. Cody said he doesn’t know what Zayn he’s getting now – the last good guy or the guy who left when Cody was getting choked out. Cody said that he’s a little busy right now. Zayn said that for the last few months, Cody has always been blowing him off. Zayn suggested that maybe he is the biggest threat to Cody’s championship. Cody questioned that. Zayn said that Cody beat Gunther, so when does he want to teach Zayn a lesson?
Gunther went into the ring and shoved Cody into Sami, who bumped out of the ring. Gunther choked out Cody with a Sleeper, but this time Zayn saved Cody. Cody tripped up Gunther and punched Gunther, so then Gunther came back with punches. Zayn pulled Gunther out of the ring, so Cody hit a suicide dive on Zayn because Gunther got out of the way. Cody felt bad for diving onto Zayn like that. Cody tried to help Zayn up, but Zayn got up on his own instead. Zayn left.
Analysis: It seems like they are building to a triple threat match at Night of Champions, but Zayn lost to Cody clean a few weeks ago, so I’m not sure if Zayn is going to be getting a title match. It’s just that Night of Champions is in Saudi Arabia and Zayn is very popular there, so it makes sense to have him involved. Anyway, I did like how Gunther started the show, complaining about what happened at Clash in Italy because he was robbed of the win. There should be plenty more to the story.
The Miz was talking to Kit Wilson on the phone, saying he couldn’t believe that customs didn’t let Kit in again. Miz claimed Kit had too much moisturizer. Miz mentioned some Cleveland sports things that went wrong recently (as an LA Rams fan, I certainly don’t mind the Myles Garrett trade), and Kit said enough of that. Miz found Danhausen’s experiment area, so Miz almost uncovered something on a table, but Danhausen told him not to. Miz wrecked some things in the room. Miz grabbed a wire and acted like he was electrocuted. Danhausen found some food and left.
Analysis: It was more of the same silliness between Danhausen and Miz. The “feud” has been going on for a long time.
Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance for her Queen of the Ring match. The Women’s World Champion, Liv Morgan, was with her, but went to the back.
A Club WWE commercial aired.
(Commercial)
Gunther was backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Gunther complained that Aldis doesn’t treat him right and that he’s tired of the disrespect. Aldis said he’s treating him the way Gunther deserves based on his behavior on SmackDown. Gunther threatened Aldis with a lawsuit unless he made things right.
The entrances of Bayley, Jacy Jayne, and Kiana James took place.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Quarterfinals: Bayley vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Kiana James (w/Giulia)
There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a Fatal 4-Way match. The winner faces Iyo Sky in the Queen of the Ring tournament semifinals.
Bayley clotheslined Raquel out of the ring early on. Bayley sent James out of the ring, and Bayley hit Bayley to Belly on Jayne for a two count. James and Bayley exchanged some pin attempts, and then Jayne pinned both women for two counts. Raquel was back in with a cross body to knock three women down. They went on a break for some fans there and I’ll take a break too.
The match continued with Bayley, James, and Jayne sending Raquel into the steel steps. Jayne jumped off the apron onto Bayley and James on the floor. Jayne hit a neckbreaker and stomped on Bayley with kicks against the turnbuckle. Jayne hit a senton splash on Bayley for two. Jayne hit a running back elbow to knock James down. James hit shoulder tackles on Jayne and Bayley. Jayne hit cannonballs on James and Bayley. Raquel was back in with a shoulder tackle on Jayne. Raquel splashed Bayley and James against the turnbuckle. Raquel hit a corkscrew splash on Bayley and James for two. Jayne superkicked Raquel. Jayne hit a hurricanrana on Bayley. Raquel gave Bayley a Powerbomb into Jayne. Raquel hit a double Chokeslam on Jayne and Bayley, but James broke up the pin at two. They went on another break there, too.
Bayley got a nearfall after hitting a sunset flip on Jayne into the turnbuckle. Raquel hit a lefty clothesline on James and Jayne hit a running knee on Raquel. Bayley hit a knee on Jayne near the ropes. Bayley went up top and hit an elbow drop for two on Jayne and James broke up the pin. James hit a Dealbreaker double knee, superkick and standing moonsault for two. Jayne knocked Giulia down on the floor. Giulia went for a pin attempt with her feet on the rope and Jayne shoved Giulia’s feet off. James thought it was Giulia who did it. Bayley hit a Roseplant on James, Jayne hit a Rolling Encore, Raquel hit a boot on Jayne and Raquel hit a Tejana Bomb on James for the pinfall win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez
Analysis: ***1/2 An entertaining match as usual in these 4-ways. They are repetitive a bit in terms of nearfalls and pin breakups, but I thought it was booked well. The key spot was James thinking that Giulia was trying to screw her out of the win, and James was wrong about that. That led to some big moves from the ladies and Raquel hitting her finisher to win.
The win means that Raquel Rodriguez faces Iyo Sky in the Semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
After the match, Giulia picked up Kiana James, and James told Giulia to get away from her. James claimed she was going to win. James said that everything is about Giulia and never about herself. James told Giulia they were done, so Giulia tackled James and hit some punches. Giulia kicked James, who bumped out of the ring.
Analysis: That’s the end of the Giulia-James alliance. It has been brewing for the past few months, so now it’s time to move on. I think Giulia will be better as a face anyway.
Sami Zayn was walking backstage, and he spoke to Johnny Gagano, who was lying on a box backstage. Zayn complained about Cody Rhodes leaving him lying again. Zayn said he gets the short end of the stick. GM Nick Aldis approached Zayn and told Zayn to stay out of Cody and Gunther’s business. Zayn complained about that. Aldis said you made a bad situation worse. Aldis claimed he had somebody else to talk to. It was Chad Gable who stared at Zayn. The fans cheered at Gable. Aldis thanked Gable for coming, and they went to talk in Nick’s office.
Analysis: It looks like a possible SmackDown move for Chad Gable. That’s cool. I just want him to be used right. As for Zayn, it’s more of the same, where he complains about being disrespected.
A Royce Keys-Talla Tonga match was up next.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 & 2.
(Commercial)
Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) vs. Royce Keys
Keys tried a body slam early on, but wasn’t able to lift the big guy. Talla hit a headbutt and an uppercut. Keys hit a clothesline and another clothesline to send Talla over the top to the floor. They went on a break there as the match continued. Talla tackled Keys into the ring apron and slammed Talla onto the commentary table. It didn’t break the table. Talla remained in control for a few minutes.
Keys was able to get some offense going with clotheslines after Talla was dominating the action. Keys hit a running clothesline that didn’t knock Talla down. Keys tried a body slam, but couldn’t do it. Talla went for a splash, Keys moved and Talla hit the turnbuckle. Keys hit a running shoulder tackle. Keys finally picked up Talla and hit a powerslam. Solo went on the apron, the referee was distracted, Tama Tonga tripped up Keys and Keys left the ring. Keys punched Tama on the floor. Talla hit a boot to the face and a Talla T-Bomb (Chokeslam) finished it. It went about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Talla Tonga
Analysis: **1/2 It was just an average match with the numbers game coming into play, with Talla benefiting from the distractions from Solo and Tama. Keys was all alone, so it wasn’t a shock to see him get beaten up since he was alone. Talla matches aren’t that exciting to watch. Just saying.
The MFTs attacked Keys, so R-Truth ran out to the ring to make the save, but that failed. Damian Priest made the save and got Truth out of there. Priest told Truth that every week it’s the same thing. Priest left with Truth through the crowd. Keys was still alone and Tama hit a Cutthroat elbow on Keys. Solo told Keys it didn’t have to be like this. Solo told Keys to join the family, or it will continue.
Analysis: Poor Royce Keys doesn’t have any allies at this point, so it could lead to Keys going heel and joining the MFTs since nobody is watching his back.
The Judgment Day celebrated Raquel Rodriguez’s win in a stairwell. Liv Morgan talked about how if she and Raquel each win, they can meet in the finals. Liv talked about Dominik being King of the Ring, and they could be King & Queen of the Ring. Raquel said she thought Liv claimed Raquel could be Queen of the Ring. Liv tried to talk her way out of that.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Finn Balor coming to SmackDown.
Next Friday on SmackDown has a King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4-Way: Jey Uso vs. LA Knight vs. Royce Keys vs. Finn Balor.
Damian Priest was backstage talking to R-Truth, who asked Priest why didn’t he want to help? Priest said helping Truth is all that matters. Priest said he doesn’t trust Keys. Priest said he’s focused on King of the Ring and SummerSlam. Priest claimed Truth isn’t a doctor who can help Keys, so Truth said his brother is a doctor – the Dr. of Thuganomics, referencing John Cena. Priest left frustrated. Erik & Ivar, aka The War Raiders, walked in with the AAA Tag Team Titles and told Truth they are coming for the WWE Tag Team Titles. Truth said he’s never seen them before in his life and left.
Analysis: More R-Truth comedy. He’s so good at it.
Next Friday on SmackDown has a Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4-Way: Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill.
Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley
The WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a huge ovation. Ripley had a bit of a limp with her right leg. Ripley said she finally put the Jade Cargill chapter behind her. Ripley mentioned the brace on her right knee and said she’s a little banged up. Ripley said that Jade had a game plan to try to take Ripley out and use the numbers against Ripley. Ripley said Jade failed to take her out because Ripley is still the WWE Women’s Champion. Ripley said she had an unexpected friend help her out of the situation, as the fans chanted “Woo,” and that brought out Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance in wrestling gear. Flair said she knows Ripley didn’t ask for her help. Flair said she understands not asking for help. Flair said she had Ripley’s back because she respects her and had fun teaming with Ripley. Flair said that she even had fun getting a tattoo after Clash in Italy and has enjoyed being around Ripley because of their history. Flair reminded us she’s The Queen and the 14-time Women’s Champion. Flair said as much fun as she’s had alongside Ripley at SummerSlam, it’s going to be Flair standing in front of Ripley because Ripley has what Flair wants.
It’s Tiffy Time as the Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton joined the promo party featuring babyface women. Stratton was also in wrestling gear. Stratton walked out to the ring and said that apologizing to Flair would be crazy. Stratton said she was there for Ripley. Stratton said she looks good with the Women’s US Title, but she wants the Women’s Title.
Jade Cargill was next with Michin and B-Fab. Jade said the three of them look stupid together. Jade said Flair didn’t just save Ripley, but she put herself next in line. Jade trashed Flair and told her to think about her stupid friend Alexa. Jade said she suggests Tiffany learn her lesson and stay out of grown folks’ business. Jade told Ripley to enjoy her title while she can because Jade is coming now for what is hers.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, showed up for the interruption. Aldis said Ripley is in no condition to compete tonight. Flair said that because her best friend is not here, she has an idea, so Flair suggested that she team with Stratton against Jade and one of her backup dancers. Aldis approved the idea. That led to a break.
Analysis: This show is 3 hours long, so they have a lot of time to fill with these promos that lead to the very obvious tag team match between the four women who were dressed to have a match. The promos were fine, but it dragged on a bit too much.
(Commercial)
Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill & Michin (w/B-Fab)
Michin started off with a headscissors on Flair. Flair came back with a knee and the flipping headscissors across the ring. Flair wanted Jade to fight, so Michin hit a German Suplex on Flair. Stratton tagged in, sent Michin into the ropes, hit a splash against the ropes and a running dropkick. Jade tagged in with a fallaway slam on Stratton Jade hit a running back elbow and a spinebuster for two. The fans sing after every two count. Stratton hit a clothesline, Flair made a blind tag and a top rope cross body block. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline on Michin and a crotch chop to Jade. Flair hit a jumping kick, along with kicks for Jade and B-Fab. Flair jumped onto Jade and B-Fab on the floor. Michin hit a suicide dive on Flair on the floor. That led to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break there.
Flair was isolated for a few minutes and then she hit a belly-to-back suplex. Flair went after Jade on the apron, but Jade hit a punch. Michin got a hold of Flair, leading to a Styles Clash for a two count because Stratton made the save. Michin is a buddy of AJ Styles, so that’s why she used it. Michin teased a Figure Four Leglock, but Flair countered into a pin attempt for two. Michin charged, Flair avoided her and Michin hit the turnbuckle. Stratton got the hot tag with a clothesline and a back elbow. Stratton hit an Alabama Slam on Michin. Stratton went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Michin for two. Michin hit a Pele Kick to break free. Jade was back in as Stratton bounced off the ropes with a Stunner for two because Michin made the save. Flair and Michin kicked eachother at the same time. Jade got a hold of Stratton and hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Michin pulled Flair off the apron and Flair tossed Michin into the ring post. B-Fab kicked Flair to knock her down on the floor. The referee never saw it. Jade hit a pump kick on Stratton. Stratton countered Jaded into a pin attempt for two. Stratton hit a rolling senton on Jade, but Jade was back up to stop a top rope move. Jade hit Jaded for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Jade Cargill & Michin
Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good tag team match where the dreaded “numbers game” was a factor in the finish since B-Fab kicked Flair on the floor to stop Flair from being able to tag in. That isolated Stratton and Jade was able to get the win. That could lead to Jade going after the Women’s US Title held by Stratton.
Jacy Jayne was backstage with Fatal Influence for an interview with Cathy Kelley. Jayne complained about losing her match earlier and said she was on a different level from the other women. Jayne approached Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige. Brie mentioned Jayne suffered a big loss. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid attacked Brie and Paige. Reid and Henley held up the Women’s Tag Team Titles and then tossed them on the champions.
Analysis: It sets up a feud between Brie & Paige against Fatal Influence, who will earn a title shot just by doing a cheap attack.
The Carmelo Hayes-Ricky Saints match was next.
(Commercial)
Royce Keys was backstage with R-Truth. Keys said it felt like he had been jumped. Keys said he appreciated everything Truth was doing for him. Truth said that once you get to know DP (Damian Priest), you are gonna love DP…and he doesn’t know PG. Keys said that Damian Priest doesn’t care about him, and Keys feels the same way about him. Keys said he’s good with Truth, but if Priest wants an issue, then an issue is what he’s going to get.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
They had a match last week that ended in a double countout. Ricky attacked Melo before the bell. Melo sent Ricky out of the ring and hit a somersault dive over the top onto Ricky. Back in the ring, Melo hit a Frog Splash off the top for a two count. Melo hit a springboard clothesline and a clothesline that sent Ricky out of the ring. That led to a break in the action, and I’ll take a break too.
Ricky was in control with a knee to the ribs. Ricky hit a running elbow smash against the turnbuckle, and a bulldog followed for a two count. Ricky caught a leaping Melo and hit a Northern Lights Suplex. Melo came back with a jumping DDT. Melo and Ricky exchanged strikes, but then Melo came back with a leaping attack onto the back into a facebuster called Dirty Diana for a two count. Melo went for First 48, Ricky went for a jackknife cover and they each got two counts. Ricky was able to hit the Revolution DDT off the ropes for a two count. Melo countered a move and hit the First 48 double knee attack for a two count. Melo went to the turnbuckle, so Ricky tripped him up. They left the ring with Ricky sending Melo over the barricade. Melo jumped off the barricade and Ricky hit him with a strike to the throat. Ricky stomped on Melo, Ricky argued with the referee and Melo got a rollup for two. Melo rolled through for a pin attempt, but Ricky sat on top and held onto Melo’s tights for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricky Saints
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a great match that was very competitive. Both guys hit big moves for two counts and it was evenly matched the whole way. The heel Ricky found a way to get the win with the tights grab. Melo beat Ricky in a match last month, too, so it’s even, along with their countout match. I enjoyed this.
The US Champion Trick Williams was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Trick talked about being King of the Ring and he was going to move on to SummerSlam to become the WWE Champion. Bron Breakker, who is one-half of the World Tag Team Champions, approached Trick for a staredown. Bron told Trick he’ll see him out there.
Tiffany Stratton was walking backstage with the Women’s US Title when Chelsea Green approached to wonder why Stratton didn’t tell Green she was going out there. Green tried to get Stratton to help her during her match, but Stratton said she had to go to the trainer’s room, so Stratton wished Green good luck. Green looked worried.
Lash Legend made her entrance, joined by Nia Jax.
(Commercial)
The next Saturday Night’s Main Event is July 18th from New York City. Tickets are on sale now.
A video aired about SmackDown newcomer Blake Monroe, who spoke about Tiffany Stratton. Blake said when they meet, it will be a box office event that fans want to see. Blake said Tiffy Time will run on Monroe Minutes. Blake warned Tiffany that The Glamour is coming to SmackDown.
Chelsea Green vs. Lash Legend (w/Nia Jax)
Chelsea Green beat Nia Jax last week thanks to Tiffany Stratton’s help. The fans were behind Green, who hit a backhanded slap on Lash. Green hit a double knee attack, but then Lash came back with an uppercut. Lash applied a bearhug to wear down Green and Lash tossed Green out of the ring. Jax sent Green into the apron two times. Green tried a sunset flip on Lash, but Lash stopped that. Lash hit a pump kick for a two count. Lash went for a running splash, Green moved and Green hit a double knee attack. Green with two clotheslines, but Lash was still standing. Green kicked Jax and hit Lash with a neckbreaker across the top rope. Green sent Lash out of the ring, so Green hit a cross body block off the top onto Lash and Nia. Back in the ring, Green went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Lash avoided a move by Green and hit the Lash Extension for the pinfall win after about 5 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Lash Legend
Analysis: **1/4 It was okay for a shorter TV match to give Lash a big singles win. Green got plenty of offense in the match, but Lash was able to counter a move near the end and hit her finish to win easily. Poor Green is all alone.
A video package aired about Monday’s Raw when Jacob Fatu acknowledged the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. They posed together with The Usos.
Royce Keys was backstage icing his ribs when Solo Sikoa approached Keys. Solo wondered why Keys was being so difficult since Roman was making Jacob Fatu kneel like a dog. Solo said Jacob is gone, Damian Priest wants nothing to do with you and Solo said he’s the only family you have left. Keys said he busted his ass to get here, so do you think he wants to take orders? Solo mentioned Jacob, The Usos and Roman didn’t reach out to him. Solo said he called Keys. Solo said he brought Fatu, Talla and Tama here. Solo said that they need to get ready for war and he told Keys to think about what Solo was telling him. Solo said stop being so difficult or Solo will make it difficult.
Analysis: I don’t think Royce Keys is setting the world on fire as a face right now, so having him go heel to assist Solo makes sense for the storyline.
The main event, a 4-way match, is coming up.
It was a commercial break for some fans as Danhausen walked out to the ring, and a dude was throwing shirts into the crowd. Danhausen thinks he knows who put The Miz up to ruining Danhausen’s experiment. Danhausen claimed Wade Barrett put The Miz up to it and told the fans to boo Barrett. Danhausen called Cole a legend. The lights went out, then back on and Danhausen ran to the back.
Analysis: Riveting television. Some might say it was very nice and very evil.
A video package aired about the AAA Mask vs. Mask match that saw El Grande Americano beat Original El Grande Americano, who was revealed to be Chad Gable officially. It was an incredible match.
Rey Fenix was the new AAA Cruiserweight Champion, talking to Nathan Frazer and Axiom in the backstage area. Rey said he wants to defend this title against anybody around the world. Chad Gable showed up to talk to Rey about wrestling Fenix at WrestleMania last year. Gable said that the longer he wore the mask, it wasn’t some joke. Gable said you were taking on a responsibility to the people and Gable made a mockery of that. Gable said he’s sorry. Gable said he was asking Rey for forgiveness. Rey said that Gable understands the importance of lucha libre and losing the mask is painful enough, so he forgives him. Fenix said he’s not the only one Gable offended.
Analysis: It seems like Chad Gable will be a babyface moving forward, and I certainly don’t mind that. I think Gable can thrive in that kind of role.
Cody Rhodes was approached by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who said that Gunther’s legal team is willing to accept the rematch, but they have a condition. Aldis said Gunther wants to make them wait until next week to learn the condition/stipulation for a WWE Title match. Cody said he wants to do the WWE Title match in two weeks on SmackDown in Kansas City and Aldis agreed to it. They shook hands.
Analysis: I think that Cody-Gunther match in two weeks will get ruined by Sami Zayn, and that sets up the triple threat at Night of Champions. I’m not saying it’s for sure a triple threat, but that’s what it felt like after that first segment.
Damian Priest made his entrance for the 4-way main event.
(Commercial)
This Monday on Raw in Paris has King and Queen of the Ring qualifying matches. Raw has a 2 p.m. ET start time on Netflix.
Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the AAA Mega Champion, joined by Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. Bron Breakker was up next as one-half of the World Tag Team Champions. Bron had a great match with Seth Rollins on Raw, which Rollins won. Heyman was not there because Bron accidentally hit him with a Spear through the barricade on Raw. The United States Champion Trick Williams made his entrance to a big ovation and “Whoop That Trick” chants.
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Dominik Mysterio (w/Liv Morgan) vs. Damian Priest vs. Bron Breakker vs. Trick Williams
There are no countouts and no disqualifications. The first pinfall or submission wins. All four guys in this match have a title. The winner faces Oba Femi in the KOTR semifinals.
The powerhouse Bron was in control early on with a couple of German Suplex. Bron ran the ropes and hit a running clothesline to knock Priest down. Bron ran around the ring with a jumping shoulder tackle on Dominik on the floor. They went on a break there, and this time I’ll stick with the action. Trick got a hold of Dominik and tossed him over the Italian commentary table. Dominik recovered and sent Trick into the ring. Priest confronted his former friend Dominik and Priest nailed him with a punch to the jaw. Dom with a kick, but Priest came back with a jumping back elbow. Priest worked over Trick with chops while Trick was against the turnbuckle. Trick ran over Priest with a shoulder tackle. The four guys were in the ring as Priest punched Bron in the jaw while Trick chopped Dom.
Dominik kicked Trick in the head to knock him out of the ring. Priest and Dominik hit a double superkick on Bron. Priest hit Dominik with a punch to the jaw and Priest spiked Dominik into the mat. Priest hit spin kicks on Trick and Bron. Priest splashed Trick and Bron, and Priest sent both of them out of the ring. Dominik hit a forearm, so Priest came back with a kick to the jaw. Dominik hit a superkick, Priest with a boot to the head and Bron hit a Frankensteiner on Priest for two. Bron picked up Dominik and hit a military press slam into the mat for a two count. That was a rough landing for Dominik on his left arm/shoulder, but it looked like Dom was okay. Trick hit a jumping side kick on Bron and one for Dom too. Trick worked over Priest with punches and jumping clothesline on Dom. Trick hit a jumping neckbreaker on Priest. Trick stomped on Dom so the fans could chant “Whoop That Trick” and Trick hit a Book End on Bron for two because Priest broke up the pin. Priest was sent to the apron and he kicked Trick in the head. Trick put Dom on his shoulders, Priest was the turnbuckle and Bron was back up. Trick and Bron got a hold of Priest against the turnbuckle and they hit a double superplex on the big guy Priest. That led to a break for some fans as the match continued. Dominik got back into the ring to pin the three guys for two counts on each of them. Trick was back up with strikes for Dirty Dom, so Trick and Dom exchanged strikes. Priest sent Dominik into the turnbuckle to crash into Trick. The four guys were all in the corners as the show returned from the break.
The match continued with about five minutes left in the show as Priest decked Trick with a punch. Bron charged at Dom, who moved and Bron hit the turnbuckle. Dominik punched Priest, who got a hold of him and hit a Razor’s Edge on Dom. Morgan went on the apron, so she distracted the referee to prevent a count. Bron press slammed Priest and then let go of him. Brone hit a sidewalk slam on Trick. Bron charged at Dom, who hit a boot to the face and a dropkick. Priest was back up with a forearm smash. Priest went for a spin kick, Bron avoided it and hit a Spear on Priest Bron sent Dominik out of the ring, Trick hit a Trick Shot on Priest and Dominik pulled the referee out during the count. Trick hit Dominik with a backhanded slap to the face. Bron sent Trick out of the ring. Bron jumped off the apron with a clothesline that put Trick and himself through the commentary table. Priest nailed Dominik with a clothesline. JD McDonagh was at ringside and jumped off the top, but Priest hit South of Heaven on JD. Liv went into the ring with a low blow on Priest. Dominik dropkicked Priest into the ropes and hit a 619 kick on Priest. Dominik went up top and hit a Frog Splash for the pinfall win.
Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a great match full of nearfalls and a lot of exciting moments. Bron Breakker winning would have been a better option in my opinion, but I think there’s a story in place for Dominik, so I don’t mind seeing him get the big win. Priest had a big role throughout the match and even ate the pin as well, thanks in part to the distraction from Liv Morgan. Trick Williams failing to win won’t hurt him too much since he’s the US Champion. It was a fun match that was booked well, and I like the “upset winner” finish with Dom getting the win.
The win by Dominik Mysterio means he’ll face Oba Femi in the semifinals.
Dominik Mysterio celebrated the win with Liv Morgan , JD McDonagh and Raquel Rodriguez. Dominik said he’s the king of the luchadores, king of the ring, and he told Oba Femi to count his days. End show.
Analysis: It feels obvious that Oba Femi would beat Dominik Mysterio, so I think it wouldn’t be a shock to see Brock Lesnar show up, cost Femi the match, and give Dom the massive upset win on his way to the finals.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Dominik Mysterio
- Raquel Rodriguez
- Ricky Saints/Carmelo Hayes
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7
2026 Average: 6.91
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A good show in front of a lively crowd. The match quality was better than some recent weeks on SmackDown. They set up some future feuds and teased future angles like Royce Keys possibly turning heel because he has no babyfaces on his side other than R-Truth. Some parts of the show dragged like the promo with the women taking too long, but the ladies also provided us with some good matches.
I liked the two 4-way matches. Those matches are always put together well and I’ve enjoyed them on Raw and SmackDown this week.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport