The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/06/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring all of the Money in the Bank competitors, plus Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso have a confrontation with John Cena & Logan Paul.
The Money in the Bank PLE is on Saturday, so let’s see how WWE sets us up for it. Check out my Money in the Bank preview here in case you haven’t done so already.
From the Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield, California, this is SmackDown for episode #1346. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was some pre-show walking shown as usual. The commentary team was Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins And Friends
Seth Rollins led his group out to the ring for the show’s opening promo. Rollins was joined by the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Rollins went over his nicknames as usual, and he said tomorrow night, he would take everything. Rollins pointed at the Money in the Bank contract. Rollins said he would have absolute power and total control over this entire industry. The fans chanted “OTC” for Roman Reigns while there were CM Punk chants earlier. Rollins said that Reigns was on the Island of Irrelevancy. Rollins talked about how his total control goes for Smackdown and Raw. Rollins claimed that anybody who gets in their way will suffer the same fate as others who stand in their way. Rollins mentioned how Sami Zayn, CM Punk and Roman Reigns stood in their way, but they’re out of the way. Rollins said that Reigns has never cared about you, but Seth claims he has cared. Rollins said he’ll drag you into the future because it’s what he does, not just for him, not just for the group, but for the entire industry. Rollins claimed there was nobody who could stop him.
Solo Sikoa showed up for the interruption with US Champion Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo, who was dressed for a match. They got into the ring. Solo reminded Seth what he said and Solo told Seth that they are standing there right now. Solo claimed that Rollins had a little Bloodline going on here and he asked Bron if he was supposed to be Jey Uso, so that led to “Yeet” chants. Solo spoke to Reed, wondering if he was supposed to be the honorary Bloodline member, Sami Zayn. Solo said, “Long time no see” to Heyman. Rollins warned Solo to choose his neck words very carefully. Solo said he knows that tomorrow night he’s climbing the ladder and grabbing that Money in the Bank contract, so Solo claimed he will have the power.
Rollins said that Solo feels threatened because Bron Breakker is the future of this industry and Solo is not. Rollins wondered if he was threatened because Reed could snap you like a bug at the snap of Seth’s fingers. Rollins said Solo’s own family, Jacob Fatu, would rather stab you in the back than have your back. Seth said maybe Fatu can be “Solo’s bitch” instead of the Samoan Werewolf. Rollins said it took Solo courage to walk to Rollins like this. Seth said he’s threatened by one Fatu in this ring, but it ain’t Solo. Fatu and Bron had a staredown, the fans cheered that sight, and Rollins told Bron to leave.
Analysis: It was an interesting staredown between two groups that don’t officially have names right now. Seth Rollins did his usual promo about how he was going to control everything with the MITB briefcase. Solo Sikoa is also in the MITB match, so of course, he thinks he is going to win. The tease of Fatu and Breakker is an interesting one, but it’s not happening yet.
Jimmy Uso went into the ring and hit Mateo from behind with a forearm. Jimmy cleared the ring of the others. Jimmy nailed JC with a superkick to clear the ring. Fatu thought JC hit him, but Solo said JC didn’t hit him, and said it was an accident. Jimmy’s match with Mateo was up next.
A commercial aired for WWE Worlds Collide on Saturday, June 7th available on YouTube in English and Spanish.
Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu)
The match began during a break for some fans. JC attacked when Jimmy was looking at his brother Solo on the floor. Jimmy got some offense going with some punches and a cross body block for a two count. Cobb gave Jimmy an overhead suplex across the ring. JC had a chinlock on, Jimmy broke free and JC hit an elbow smash to knock him down. Jimmy hit JC with an uppercut punch to knock JC off the apron to the floor. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on JC on the floor. Jimmy hit a jumping kick to JC’s head. Jimmy went to the turnbuckle, Solo provided a distraction, so JC hit a dropkick to knock Jimmy off the apron. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. JC was in control for the three minutes during the break.
Jimmy hit a jawbreaker to break free from chinlock, but JC came back with a lariat. JC hit a standing moonsault. JC hit a running uppercut against Jimmy when he was against the turnbuckle. Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop. Jimmy hit a few punches, along with a spinning kick to the head. JC charged, Jimmy hit an elbow to the head and Jimmy hit a twisting cross body block for two. JC caught Jimmy, leading to a spinning belly-to-back suplex for two. Jimmy got a boot up and hit two superkicks. Jimmy bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear. Jimmy went up top, so Solo went on the apron to distract and Fatu was on the other side of the ring. Jimmy looked at cousin Jacob, JC jumped with a forearm and Jimmy moved, so JC hit Fatu off the apron. Jimmy did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on JC for the pinfall win after 15 minutes. JC kicked out right after the three count.
Winner by pinfall: Jimmy Uso
Analysis: *** It was a solid match that was slow-paced most of the way, so I wouldn’t say it was a great match. When the pace picked up, it got better, and I liked the finish because it continued the story of JC having issues with Fatu. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! isn’t used that often as a finish, but it made sense here as a way to give Jimmy the win.
After the match, JC Mateo yelled at Jacob Fatu, saying he cost JC the match. Fatu walked toward the back. JC said that Fatu is the problem.
Analysis: No fight, but they are building to Fatu breaking free and becoming a babyface.
The Women’s US Champion, Zelina Vega, walked backstage, where she saw Giulia. Vega said she worked her ass off to get this, and if Giulia wanted a shot, then she would have to pry the title from Vega’s lifeless body. Giulia said she liked how confident Vega was, and Vega left.
Piper Niven made her entrance, joined by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre for Niven’s match.
(Commercial)
Jacob Fatu, the US Champion, was shown walking backstage. Damian Priest talked to Fatu, saying he knows what it’s like to have family problems. Priest warned Fatu that he was coming for the US Title. Fatu told him to bring it, and then when Fatu beats him then he goes to the back of the line. Fatu did his “YaddaImean” line to end it. Shinsuke Nakamura was in the background watching.
Bakersfield Brawl: Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre)
It feels like Vega is against either Green, Niven or Fyre every week. This is a Bakersfield Brawl and it’s not for Vega’s Women’s US Title.
Niven used her power to shove Vega down, so Vega left the ring. Vega found a kendo stick and she hit Niven in the head. Vega hit Niven three times with the kendo stick. Niven tried a slam, Vega broke free and hit Niven with the kendo stick. Vega kicked Niven down and hit a stomp on her back. Vega jumped onto Niven, who caught her smaller opponent and Niven slammed Vega’s head down on the apron, so it was Vega using her hands to make the noise. Niven hit a cross body block onto Vega against the LED boards at ringside. They went to break for some fans as the action continued. Niven remained in control as she sent Vega into the barricade. Niven attacked Vega with a chair to the back. Niven went for a cannonball splash against a chair, but Vega moved and Niven hit the chair. Vega hit a Meteora knee smash. Niven caught Vega and hit a sidewalk slam for two.
The action continued as Niven used a chain that she put in Vega’s mouth for a unique choke hold. Niven kicked Vega into the turnbuckle. Niven teased a slam on an opened chair in the ring, but Vega countered it with a DDT on the chair. Vega went up top and hit a moonsault onto Niven, Fyre and Green at the same time. Back in the ring, Vega went up top, but Niven stopped that with a slap to the head. Vega set up a Super Code Red from the top rope while Niven was on the middle rope and Vega connected with it for a two count. Fyre broke up the pin while Green punched Vega repeatedly. Niven told her friends to get a table, so the fans popped for that. Niven hit a sitout powerslam on the floor. The table was set up in the ring and it had a Slim Jim logo on it. Niven put Vega on the table, but Giulia showed up to attack Green and Fyre with clotheslines. Giulia hit Niven with kendo sticks, so Vega gave Niven a Powerbomb through the table and Vega pinned Niven for the pinfall win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega
Analysis: **3/4 It was okay with Vega getting the assist from Giulia for the win. It was a bit of a surprise to see Giulia help Vega since Giulia is a heel, but we found out more after the match. Niven is often used in spots like this to control most of the match and then she ends up losing.
After the match, Giulia raised Vega’s hand as the winner. Giulia headbutted Vega and Giulia hit a sitout powerslam. Giulia posed with the Women’s US Title on top of Vega.
Analysis: That should set up Giulia for a Women’s US Title match against Zelina Vega at some point soon. I think Giulia will win the title too.
Jey Uso was in the locker room with Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso. Cody and Jimmy checked on Jey, who said he was fine. Jimmy pointed out that Jimmy has a big tag team match tomorrow and a World Title match two days later. Jey said he was feeling good, he’s a champion and he’s ready for tonight. Jey left.
Aleister Black was featured in a video package talking about LA Knight stealing his win after Black hit the Black Mass kick on Shinsuke Nakamura, and Knight threw Black out of the ring so that Knight could get the win. Black said now he wants to see what’s left of LA Knight in their match tonight. Black said if Knight beats him, then Black will shake his hand and admit defeat. That match is next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from LA Knight
LA Knight did a promo saying it’s Money in the Bank season. Knight said it’s his third year in a row in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Knight mentioned his MITB opponents Penta and Andrade, who are two guys he can respect a bit. Knight mentioned the “goon side” starting with El Grande Americano Gable and the fans booed when he mentioned Solo too. Knight knows he can drop Solo again and get that briefcase. Knight discussed Seth Rollins, noting that they don’t have much history. Knight said that Rollins has been there, done that, and he is going to want to burn it down. Knight talked about how there’s nothing hotter than LA Knight in LA, so Rollins will get burned by this man. Knight said that he could understand why Aleister Black was upset that Knight stole the pin. Knight said he did what he had to do, and he got the job done. Knight told Black he’d be sitting at home on the couch watching LA Knight win Money in the Bank, and LA Knight ended it with his “Yeah” line.
Analysis: A confident promo from LA Knight. It is his third Money in the Bank match in a row, so he has a shot to win for sure. I’m picking Seth Rollins, but I think Knight is a top contender for sure.
Aleister Black made his entrance. He has one of the coolest entrances and one of the best songs. I’m glad they kept his classic song.
A commercial aired for NXT Great American Bash & Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 and Evolution on July 13. That’s going to be a lot of writing for me because there’s also AEW All In Texas on July 12.
Aleister Black vs. LA Knight
Knight grabbed a headlock to take control early on. This started during the break for some fans. Knight ran over Black with a shoulder tackle. Black came back with his own shoulder tackle. This was during the break for some fans.
Black got a rollup for two and Knight came back with his own rollup for two. Black went for Black Mass, but Knight held onto the ropes to avoid it. Black got a side headlock while Joe mentioned Knight has the most matches in WWE this year with 24 matches and 13 wins. Knight hit a suplex for two. Black avoided a DDT and Black hit a kick to the chest. Knight came back with a clothesline for two. Black hit a jawbreaker and a jumping knee to the jaw. Black hit a snap suplex for two. Black hit a legsweep kick and a sliding knee. Black went for a springboard attack, but Knight hit him in the back, so they both bumped over the top to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. When they got back into the ring, Knight hit a slingshot shoulder tackle for two. Knight went to the turnbuckle, Black stopped that and Black punched and chopped Knight. Knight went for a jumping neckbreaker, Black held onto the turnbuckle and Knight took a bump off that. Black went up top, Knight tripped him up and Black was crotched the top turnbuckle. Knight and Black exchanged punches to the ribs. Knight hit a headbutt.
Black knocked Knight down and Black hit a jumping kick to the head. Black hit a springboard moonsault for two. They exchanged moves, Knight hit a jumping neckbreaker and Knight hit a powerslam. Knight jumped off the top, Black got his boot up, Knight stopped himself and Knight tried a move off the shoulders, but Black avoided that. Knight rolled up Black for two. Black kicked an arm and a leg. Black went for a move off the ropes, but Knight caught him and Knight hit a Burning Hammer slam into the mat, so Black rolled out to the floor. Seth Rollins went into the ring and Rollins hit The Stomp on Knight to ruin this match for the DQ finish. It went about 13 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: LA Knight
Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to a pretty good match that I was probably going to rate over 3.5* but then it ended abruptly with the Seth Rollins interference. Since Knight trashed Rollins earlier, it was a case of Rollins wanting revenge and ruining a perfectly good match. Black and Knight had good chemistry in this match.
After the match, Aleister Black was back in the ring and he got in Seth’s face. Bron Breakker went into the ring, Black turned around and Bron nailed Black with a huge Spear. Rollins tossed Black out of the ring. Reed hit a senton splash on Knight. Bron ran the ropes and hit a Spear on Knight.
Analysis: It’s more heel heat for Seth Rollins and his group as they destroyed LA Knight since Knight is against Rollins in the Money in the Bank match. Nobody tried to help Knight. I hope there’s a follow up to the Aleister Black involvement because I’d love to see him against Rollins soon.
A video aired featuring WWE Raw General Manager and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. The GM’s talked about the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. There will be 4-way matches on Raw and Smackdown for wrestlers to qualify for the tournament. The finals are at Night of Champions in three weeks in Saudi Arabia. The winners get a championship match against the top champion on their brand at SummerSlam.
Analysis: That’s cool. Last year’s King and Queen of the Ring were Gunther and Nia Jax. Both of them won WWE/World Titles at SummerSlam. I don’t know if it will happen again this year.
Jade Cargill was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Jade said she can’t wait to tear through the Queen of the Ring tournament. Jade said at SummerSlam, she’s not climbing for gold, she’s taking it. Byron asked where do things stand with Jade and Bianca. Charlotte Flair interrupted to tell Jade to choose her friends wisely or don’t have any at all. Flair said that there’s only one queen in WWE, referring to herself. Tiffany Stratton, the WWE Women’s Champion, wished them good luck and walked for her promo up next.
Analysis: I think Jade Cargill is definitely a favorite to win the Queen of the Ring tournament, but it’s a stacked women’s division right now, so it will be tough to pick a winner.
(Commercial)
Legado Del Fantasma’s Santos Escobar spoke with Angel and Berto. They spoke in Spanish while the translations appeared on the screen. They spoke about their Worlds Collide match against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner, Jr., Pagano and Psycho Clown. Escobar said they will establish who runs lucha libre. They shook hands and Escobar said “Viva Mexico” to end it.
Analysis: They speak English fine, but I guess somebody felt the need to give them some Spanish promo time.
Chad Gable was with American Made backstage for an interview with Byron Saxton. Gable talked about how he’s going to win the AAA Mega Championship while saying he’s missing out on Money in the Bank, but he’s got a suitable replacement in El Grande Americano. Andrade and Penta confronted Gable. The SD GM Nick Aldis showed up to put Andrade and Penta in a match with The Creed Brothers tonight. That’s cool with me.
Let’s Hear from Tiffany Stratton
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for some Tiffy Time promo time. Stratton did a promo saying that last year she won Money in the Bank and became WWE’s “It Girl.” Stratton said that whoever wins Money in the Bank, their world will revolve around Stratton. Tiffy reminded them that it’s Tiffy Time.
Analysis: It was a generic, “I’m the champion, ready for a challenger” type of promo.
Rhea Ripley was the first woman to interrupt. Ripley got a huge ovation. Ripley got in Stratton’s face, saying she has never been in a Money in the Bank before, but she is used to being a champion, and she misses that feeling.
Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance as well. She didn’t say a word. Alexa Bliss also made her entrance for the advertised six-woman tag team match coming right up.
(Commercial)
Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley & Stephanie Vaquer vs. Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia
All six women are in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. My pick in the Women’s MITB is Naomi.
Vaquer got an arm drag and they exchanged pin attempts for two counts. Vaquer teased her knee smash, but Giulia countered it and stomped Vaquer in the back for a two count. Naomi tagged in with a running clothesline on Vaquer. Naomi tried for the Devi’s Kiss knee smash, but Vaquer stopped it. Vaquer managed to hit Devil’s Kiss knee smashes on Naomi while Bliss stomped on Perez and Ripley hit Giulia with forearms. That was fun. Naomi managed to regain control by sending Vaquer throat-first into the ropes. Perez tagged in and stomped on Vaquer repeatedly. Perez hit a running uppercut on Vaquer. Giulia was back in with a suplex for two. The fans chanted “We Want Mami” for Ripley. Vaquer broke free, Bliss got the tag and Bliss hit a clothesline and a neckbreaker. Naomi hit a back elbow, Bliss set up Naomi upside down and Bliss hit a running dropkick. Bliss hit a somersault onto two opponents on the floor. Perez threw Bliss into the steel steps. They went on break, so I’ll take a break, too. The heels were in control of Bliss for about three minutes.
Naomi was in control for the heel side as she sent Bliss into the turnbuckle. Bliss tried to break free, Naomi tried to block and Bliss hit a DDT. Ripley got the hot tag and the fans exploded for her. Ripley unleashed with clotheslines, a kick for Giulia and a fallaway slam for Perez. Ripley dropkicked Naomi off the apron. Ripley blocked a Perez move and Ripley hit a Razor’s Edge, followed by a running kick for two because Naomi broke up the save. Vaquer with a dropkick, Giulia with a running kick, Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Giulia and Perez kicked Bliss out of the ring. Ripley headbutted Perez. Ripley went for Riptide, but Perez countered with an impressive Tornado DDT. Great sell by Ripley. The fans were chanting “This is awesome” for them. Naomi walked off the apron rather than tag into the match, so Perez was alone. Bliss punched Perez, Vaquer hit Eat Defeat to Perez and Ripley hit Riptide on Perez for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley & Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: ***1/2 That was a very good match. The heels worked over Vaquer Bliss for most of the match. Ripley got the hot tag, and she looked dominant as usual. The story was that Naomi refused to tag in, so the babyface team was able to wear down Perez and get the win. I liked that match a lot. These women are going to put on an awesome MITB match in LA.
Solo Sikoa was backstage talking to JC Mateo, who wondered if Solo could trust Jacob Fatu. Solo said as long as Fatu follows his lead, everything will be okay. Solo claimed that Jacob loves him. Solo said that Jacob isn’t all the way that smart in the head because all he does is think about himself. Solo said that Jacob is “All gas and no brains.” Solo said they should go handle business. Jacob Fatu was shown standing behind a doorway, so he walked into the screen. The fans chanted “Fatu” for him.
Analysis: There is Fatu listening to Solo trashing him, so I think the babyface turn of Fatu is coming very soon.
(Commercial)
A Wyatt Sicks video aired featuring Bo Dallas without his Uncle Howdy mask. Bo said that grief is a festering wound that is continually ripped open. Bo said you don’t forget, you can only accept that which cannot be changed. Bo said he’s watched the tag team division and he wondered if that bond is unbreakable. Bo said from loss, they have become a family. Bo said they return not for nostalgia or closure, but to take what they are owed. Bo said their brotherhood will be tested, the time for repentance has passed and accept your condemnation. Bo: “We will not be forgotten.”
Analysis: It was a Wyatt Sicks warning for the tag team division.
The four top tag teams (The Street Profits, Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and #DIY) were backstage talking with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis watching that video. The Street Profits’ Montez Ford said to forget about their Tag Team Titles for now because all of them had a bigger problem on their hands. Angelo Dawkins said if the Wyatt Family want the smoke, they can get it. Fraxiom suggested that they could teach The Wyatts a lesson. Motor City Machine Guns said that they want to get their hands on The Wyatts too. That led to #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano with Candice LeRae saying any of those three teams facing The Wyatts is a great idea. The #DIY guys left.
Analysis: There was no match announced yet, but I assume we see the Wyatt Sicks in tag team action against one of those teams next week.
There was a rundown of WWE-AAA Worlds Collide on Saturday, June 7th at 3 p.m. ET on WWE’s YouTube channel.
* Legado del Fantasma vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner, Jr., Pagano & Psycho Clown
* Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice vs. AAA’s Dalys & Chik Tormenta
* The LWO’s Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado vs. Octagón Jr., Aero Star & Mr. Iguana
* NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid
* AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable
That was followed by a rundown of the Money in the Bank PLE, also on Saturday, June 7th at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock or Netflix depending on where you live.
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer
* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Andrade vs. Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Penta vs. El Grande Americano
* Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. John Cena & Logan Paul
Analysis: It looks like they are sticking with just four matches at Money in the Bank. I was hoping for another match or two to be added, but there was nothing new mentioned.
Penta made his entrance for tag team action. He got a big ovation, as usual.
(Commercial)
Andrade & Penta vs. American Made – Brutus & Julius Creed (w/Chad Gable)
The AAA Mega Champion El Hijo Del Vikingo was at ringside with his title. Vikingo is against Chad Gable at Worlds Collide.
Penta and Andrade hit dives onto their opponents on the floor. Penta sent Julius into the barricade. Andrade gave Brutus a drop toehold into the turnbuckle. Andrade hit a forearm on Julius and running double knees. Andrade hit double knees on Brutus against the turnbuckle too. Penta tagged back in with a handstand dropkick on both opponents. Penta chopped Julius a few times until Brutus was back in with a forearm to the back. Penta kicked Brutus in the chest, Andrade tagged in and knocked Julius down. Andrade was on the top rope, so Julius jumped off Brutus’ back and Julius hit a jumping knee on Andrade. Julius hit two belly-to-belly suplexes on Andrade. Brutus hit a standing moonsault onto Andrade. They went to a break, and so will I. The heel Creeds controlled the action against Andrade for the three minutes during the break.
he match continued with Andrade countering Brutus and hitting a cross body block. Andrade kicked Julius, so Penta got the hot tag and hit a cross body block. Penta hit a hurricanrana on Julius. Penta jumped onto Julius’ back and hit a Backstabber to Julius for two because Brutus made the save. Penta superkicked Julius to put him down. Gable grabbed Penta while the referee wasn’t looking, so Vikingo went after Gable. Vikingo and Gable went fighting into the crowd. Vikingo and Gable went fighting into the crowd. Andrade hit a spinning back elbow on Brutus and a back elbow on Julius too. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on Julius for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Andrade & Penta
Analysis: *** Easy win for Andrade & Penta to give them positive momentum going into the Money in the Bank match. Good spot to have Gable interfere and that led to Vikingo getting involved, which sets up their Worlds Collide match. The right team won.
Penta and Andrade were celebrating the win, but that’s when Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed showed up with Paul Heyman. The trio of Rollins, Breakker and Reed dominated the two men. Bron hit a Spear on Andrade. Reed hit a senton splash on Penta. Rollins hit The Stomp on Andrade, but it didn’t look great. Rollins hit The Stomp on Penta and that one looked better. Rollins threw Andrade out of the ring. Reed went up top and he hit a Tsunami on Penta as Barrett got excited because he got to yell it. There were WWE Officials at ringside as the show went to break.
Analysis: It was yet another cheap attack by the Seth Rollins unnamed group to soften up Seth’s opponents in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. I know I picked Rollins to win in the preview of MITB, but I’m starting to think it feels too obvious at this point, and somebody else is going to win, like perhaps El Grande Americano or maybe LA Knight. Anyway, we’ll find out at Money in the Bank.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman and Friends
The foursome of Rollins, Breakker, Reed and Heyman were in the ring. The great WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman trashed the town they were in by calling it Bakers-Bitches. Heyman said that they don’t fear the future because they are the future. Heyman said that Seth Rollins told us what would happen at WrestleMania, and it happened. Heyman said what Rollins tells you is true. Heyman said they are the vanguards of the destiny of WWE. Heyman said you can sit there and boo all you want, but tomorrow night Seth Rollins becomes once again, Mr. Money in the Bank. Heyman said when Rollins feels like it, he’ll cash in and solidify the power that comes with the title. Heyman said that Rollins can carry the business into the future with a vision of his own. Heyman went on to talk about how Rollins was going to be the reigning…defending…and here is an interruption from Cody Rhodes.
Analysis: Great speech from Paul Heyman, as usual.
Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a black suit while the fans popped huge for him. Cody had a staredown with Rollins. Jey Uso made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, and he did so by walking down the back stairs. At that point, the Seth Rollins group left the ring. They went to a break.
(Commercial)
Face To Face: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso and John Cena & Logan Paul
Cody Rhodes asked what do they wanna talk about. Cody mentioned everything going on and their Money in the Bank opponents. The names of John Cena and Logan Paul were booed. Cody said that Cena called him desperate, which led to a “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” chant. Cody said that it was bold of Cena to call for desperate. Cody talked about how Cena standing next to Logan Paul is like Michael Hayes standing next to The Hardy Boyz. It didn’t get a big reaction. Cody said it’s not about a championship at Money in the Bank, it’s a showdown. Jey said it was a Yeetdown, which led to Jey getting the crowd to shout out “Yeet” in unison.
The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena made his entrance with some LA Lakers colors on his gear. Cena took his time getting into the ring like the heel that he is. Mark Nash did a special introduction for Cena.
Logan Paul jumped Jey Uso from behind and punched Jey in the face. Paul tried to do it to Cody, who avoided it, and Cena hit Cody with the WWE Title. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Jey. Paul hit a Paulverizer on Cody. Paul hit a Frog Splash off the top on Cody and a Frog Splash for Jey too. Paul slipped on his way to the top before his splash on Cody, but he recovered.
Cena said to take a good look. Cena said nobody is coming to save you. Cena said that he’s been telling you for half a year. Cena said your dream of what WWE is will be ruined. Cena said this is your future – he takes the WWE Title home Paul takes the World Title to the top. Cena said he was the Last Real Champion, and Paul was the inevitable future face of the WWE. Cena told them to humble themselves and look at the future World Heavyweight Champion, Logan Paul. The fans booed loudly. Cena brought Cody into the ring and Cena hit Cody with the Attitude Adjustment. Paul sent Jey into the ring. Paul nailed Jey with a punch to the mouth.
The fans shouted, “We Want Truth.” Cena said you can’t handle the truth. Cena said their truth is staring you right in the face. Cena said there’s not anything you or anybody who fights for you can do about it. Cena said that you are hypocrites who chant for Truth and Cena said they are pathetic liars. Cena said this is why you’re losers. Cena said that winners write the history books. Cena said this is your future champion (Paul), and the Last Real Champion is referring to Cena. Cena and Paul held up the WWE and World Titles in the air. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: A dominant showing by Cena and Paul to get the upper hand over Cody and Jey going into Moey in the Bank. That didn’t surprise me because we saw Cody and Jey have the advantage last week. I also picked Cody and Jey to win at Money in the Bank, so that’s classic booking to have them get beat up on the last TV before Money in the Bank. Good job by Cena reacting to the “We Want Truth” chants for R-Truth, so Cena responded by shoving it back in the face of the fans, saying you can’t handle the truth. Cena saying that nobody who fights for you can save you makes me think somebody might help Cody and Jey win, but we don’t know who that is yet. Anyway, it was an effective segment in terms of getting heat on Cena and Paul. They did a good job with Cena doing all the talking while putting over Paul as a future champion. I liked that segment.
"Your dream of what the WWE is will be RUINED."@JohnCena, we can't take this anymore 😭#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/Ut7bY502Fm
— WWE (@WWE) June 7, 2025
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Three Stars of the Show
- Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and Stephanie Vaquer
- John Cena and Logan Paul
- Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.35
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A good show from top to bottom, thanks to the presence of more Raw wrestlers on the show since it was done to promote Money in the Bank. Placing all the MITB wrestlers on SmackDown allowed them to promote those matches heavily. I liked that John Cena and Logan Paul ending as they looked dominant over Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. It was also one of Cena’s better heel promos.
There was a lot of entertaining in-ring action. The six-woman tag was my favorite match, with Rhea Ripley looking dominant. There were several other matches that were pretty good too.
The Seth Rollins group was featured throughout the night getting heat by doing cheap attacks. Bring on Money in the Bank on Saturday.
The next WWE PLE is Money in the Bank on June 7th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. John Cena & Logan Paul
* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Andrade vs. Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Penta vs. El Grande Americano
* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
You can watch WWE Money in the Bank, streaming live on Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @johnreport