The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/12/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring more of Cody Rhodes-Gunther, plus King & Queen of the Ring 4-Way qualifying matches, and more.
The road to Night of Champions continues with the final 4-Way King and Queen of the Ring qualifying matches. Last week’s SmackDown also saw Cody Rhodes say that he’s going to defend the WWE Title against Gunther on the June 19th SmackDown, so that’s a big match to look forward to next week. SmackDown is back in the US after being in Europe for the last two weeks. There were some outstanding matches on Raw and NXT this week, so I hope the trend continues with SmackDown tonight. I think storytelling could be better across all WWE shows, but the match quality is usually very good, and sometimes great, throughout the week.
From the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, this is SmackDown for episode #1399. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video aired about the Cody Rhodes-Gunther story, with Sami Zayn recently getting involved as well.
Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage with the WWE Championship when he saw SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis. The GM Aldis said he hasn’t heard from Gunther yet, but we’ll find out more from him tonight. Cody shook his hands.
The Usos approached Cody Rhodes backstage and Cody touched fists with them. Jey told Cody he’s going to win King of the Ring and he’s coming for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Cody said Jey is right and if anybody deserves to chase this, then it’s him. Cody told Jey he hopes it’s his decision and not Roman’s decision. Cody left while The Usos thought about it.
They showed superstar walking from earlier in the day featuring LA Knight, Royce Keys and Finn Balor. They’re in the 4-way with Jey Uso.
The SmackDown commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Barrett said that Rhea Ripley has a knee injury and WWE is evaluating the knee injury. Barrett said that Ripley’s response to treatment will determine how Ripley recovers from the injury.
Analysis: Best of luck to Ripley with that. Ripley had a brace on her right knee last week. I hope it’s not a serious knee injury, and hopefully she can rehab it and get back soon.
Jade Cargill was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, and she was joined by Michin and B-Fab. Jade was confident going into her Queen of the Ring match since she won QOTR last year. Michin and B-Fab trash-talked the other women like Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton since Jade pinned Stratton in a tag last week. Jade told Rhea to rest up because Jade will see her at SummerSlam.
The Queen of the Ring tournament match was up first, with Charlotte Flair making her entrance first. The Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Sol Ruca, was up next to a solid ovation. Lyra Valkyria was next, and she lost to Ruca on Raw earlier this week. Jade Cargill was the fourth woman to make her entrance, and she was booed as the lone heel in this match.
Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria
There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a 4-way match.
The trio of Flair, Ruca, and Lyra tried going after Jade, but Jade hit a double suplex on Ruca and Flair. Jade gave Lyra a fallaway slam into Ruca. Flair battled Jade and hit some chops, along with a German Suplex. B-Fab pulled Flair out of the ring, so Michin and B-Fab attacked Flair. Alexa Bliss ran out for the save to help her buddy Flair, and then the Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton also showed up to go after Michin and B-Fab. Bliss and Stratton fought with Michin and B-Fab to the back. Flair jumped off the top with a cross body block on Jade for a two count. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll stick with the action. Lyra and Ruca each got two counts. Lyra hit an armdrag on Ruca. Lyra tried to roll up Flair, but Ruca broke it up with a knee. Jade hit a clothesline on Flair and Ruca. After Jade stomped on Flair, Ruca got a rollup on Jade, and Jade hit a clothesline on Ruca for two. Jade elbowed Ruca, but then Flair got a rollup on Jade for two. Jade clotheslined Flair for a two count. Jade remained in control with a suplex on Ruca for a two count. Flair told Jade to duck a chop and Jade hit a clothesline after that. Wade covered for it, saying it was “trash talk,” which is funny. Anyway, Jade was in control.
It was Ruca battling Jade in the ring, with Ruca hitting a cross body block, and then Lyra dropkicked Ruca to knock Jade down. Lyra clotheslined Flair two times. Lyra hit an enziguri kick on Flair to knock her out of the ring. Lyra hit a suplex on Ruca. Lyra countered Jade with a DDT. Flair hit a Natural Selection on Lyra for two. It wasn’t a great looking version of the move. Ruca broke up the pin. Flair hit a jumping kick on Ruca. Flair kicked Ruca and went up top, but Ruca stopped an attack. Ruca jumped to the top, did a backflip, and Lyra sent Ruca into Flair, who bumped on the turnbuckle. Jade was back up for a Tower of Doom spot with Lyra and Flair. Jade got a two count on Flair after hitting the Powerbomb. Flair was telling Jade what to do in the ring and Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline. As Flair went for a Figure Eight, Ruca jumped off the top and hit a missile dropkick. Ruca did a leapfrog over Jade and Lyra rolled up Ruca for two. Lyra hit Ruca with a forearm on the apron. Lyra dropkicked Jade through the ropes and to the floor. Ruca went up top and hit a moonsault onto her three opponents on the floor. Ruca jumped off the top with a springboard Frog Splash on Lyra for two. They went on another break for some fans as the action continued. Flair used her legs to flip around Ruca, who managed to turn it into a two count. Ruca had Flair in a Tarantula by the ropes, but Lyra broke that up with a dropkick on Ruca. Lyra held Ruca in a submission, and then Jade hit a superkick on Lyra. Jade worked over Flair with chops, and Jade kicked Ruca a few times, too. Jade put her boot to Lyra’s throat, along with a kick to the back. Jade splashed Flair against the turnbuckle. Ruca came back with a running elbow on Jade.
The action continued with Jade going to the turnbuckle, which she rarely does. Jade was there so that Flair and Ruca could go up and hit a double superplex on Jade. When Jade landed, you could tell she was wearing a hairpiece because Jade was grabbing it to pull it down. The referee was trying to help Jade while Ruca battled Lyra. Ruca hit a springboard flipping clothesline. Jade hit a pump kick on Ruca and was holding onto her hair. Jade picked up Flair and hit Jaded for two while holding onto her hair and Lyra broke it up with a kick. Jade tossed Lyra out of the ring. Sol hit a Soul Snatcher on Jade for just two because Lyra pulled Ruca out of the ring. Lyra went up top and hit a leg drop to the back of Jade’s head. Flair went for Natural Selection, but Lyra got out of it and got a two count. Ruca was back in to superkick Lyra. Flair hit a boot to knock Ruca out of the ring. Flair applied the Figure Eight submission on Lyra, who tapped out to give Flair the win after 22 minutes.
Winner by submission: Charlotte Flair
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good match for the most part. The action really picked up in that third segment. Unfortunately, I’m sure Jade Cargill having hair issues in the final few minutes is going to get all the attention from fans online who obsess over “botches” instead of giving wrestlers credit for putting on good performances. Jade had a big role in the match as the lone heel, and she came across well before she was occupied with fixing her wig. Anyway, I’m glad Flair won, and I liked how it was booked with a submission win to remind everybody about how good a finisher the Figure Eight is.
After the match, Charlotte Flair shook hands with Sol Ruca. Flair celebrated the win, and the fans cheered for The Queen, moving on in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
The Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals will see Charlotte Flair face Liv Morgan, and Iyo Sky battle Raquel Rodriguez.
Analysis: I don’t know if they will go with a Liv-Raquel finals, but it’s certainly possible. I can see Sky winning and getting a title shot against Morgan at SummerSlam too.
As for Jade’s hair, she claimed the wig won.
yall. Biggest fear happened tonight and I think I’m still alive. My wig won though. 😩🤷🏾♀️
— Jade Cargill (@Jade_Cargill) June 13, 2026
Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Stratton said she’s not always on the same page as Charlotte Flair, but they don’t want Jade Cargill to be Queen of the Ring. Michin and B-Fab approached, so Chelsea Green showed up with a kendo stick to support Stratton. Referees held Michin and B-Fab back. It looks like a tag team match.
Jacob Fatu approached The Usos in the backstage area. The Usos wondered what Jacob was doing there. Jacob said he was there to speak to Solo Sikoa. Jimmy said he was there to make sure nobody got involved. Jacob told them to handle their business, and he will handle his business. Jacob left. Jimmy told Jey to focus.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam.
(Commercial)
They showed a clip of Carmelo Hayes hanging out with the NFL’s New England Patriots. There were members of the NFL’s Patriots at ringside.
Blake Monroe had a “Dear Diary” video talking about Charlotte Flair being one of the greats. Blake said that Flair and Bliss think they are stronger together, but in reality, they are weak. Blake said that true stars shine brighter alone. Blake let them know The Glamour is coming to SmackDown.
Analysis: They are taking their time in bringing Blake Monroe to SmackDown. I don’t mind it, and I look forward to when she’s actually on the show instead of in a video package.
Gunther approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis in Nick’s office. Gunther said he can’t trust Aldis’ officiating, so Gunther will pick the referee for his WWE Title match against Cody Rhodes. Aldis asked who is it going to be? Gunther said he’s still contemplating, and he’ll let Nick know by the end of the night.
Finn Balor was interviewed by Cathy Kelly, who asked about how he feels about being on Friday nights. Balor said he has old friends and old foes here. Balor mentioned being in the King of the Ring. R-Truth appeared, thinking Kelly was Raquel with fewer muscles. Truth mentioned other members of The Judgment Day who are there (like Mami and Tom & Nick Mysterio) and said some silly things. Damian Priest approached Balor and welcomed him to SmackDown. Balor said he was happy to be here. Truth talked about building a clubhouse. Balor left to prepare. Priest wasn’t happy about Balor being there, even though Truth trusts everyone. Priest said it’s just the two of them as Tag Team Champions, and they are against MFTs next week. Truth said that The Judgment Day is on the rise again.
Analysis: Even though Balor and Priest were allies, it ended badly with The Judgment Day turning on Priest, so it makes sense for Priest not to be happy about seeing Balor on SmackDown. As for Truth, he’s the dumb guy who wants everybody to be happy and get along, so it was the usual silliness from him.
Brie Bella and Page made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions, and they are in tag team action.
(Commercial)
It was announced that Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green will team up against Michin & B-Fab.
Brie Bella & Paige vs. Fatal Influence – Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid (w/Jacy Jayne)
This is a non-title match. Fatal Influence attacked Brie & Paige last week to set up this match.
Paige was in control of Henley early on with a running knee smash. Brie tagged in with the Yes Kicks and a dropkick on Henley, which led to Paige hitting knee lifts on Henley. Jayne tripped up Brie when the referee wasn’t looking, so Reid took over with punches on Brie. The heels took over with Henley hitting a forearm on Brie. There was a distraction from Reid, so he never saw Brie tag out. Reid hit a running neckbreaker on Brie for two. They went on a break for some fans there, and I’ll take a break too.
The match returned from the break with Paige getting the hot tag after the heels isolated Brie for a few minutes. Paige hit a German Suplex and a vertical suplex on Reid. Paige superkicked Reid to knock her down. Paige went for the PTO submission, but Henley broke it up. Paige hit a Rampaige DDT on Reid for two. Brie hit a missile dropkick on Henley. Reid hit a knee on Brie. Paige rolled up Reid for two. Henley tagged back in with a flapjack and Brie sent Reid out of the ring. Paige applied the PTO, but Jayne pulled Henley’s arm, and the referee ejected Jayne from ringside. Henley with a small package, Brie flipped Paige over to cover Henley (the referee was looking at Jayne) and the referee counted the pin with Paige getting the win for her team. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Paige
Analysis: *** A solid tag team match with the veteran team of Brie Bella & Paige looking smart by how they got the win with Brie taking advantage of the situation to flip Paige over so that Paige was covering Henley for the win. I think Henley and Reid work very well as a team, and they are future champions. The finish was well done. I think Brie and Paige need an actual feud for the titles instead of facing random teams every other week. It just feels repetitive.
Sami Zayn was backstage wearing a shirt that said “The Last Real Good Guy” on it. Zayn was talking to Johnny Gargano, who was lying on equipment cases. Zayn was talking about his situation, then Candice LeRae was standing by Gargano and asked when are you going to do something about it? Zayn said you’re right and thanked Gargano. Zayn left.
A video aired where CM Punk was announced for the Fanatics Fest event in New York City on Sunday, July 19th.
(Commercial)
Danhausen was backstage when he was approached by Angel & Berto, who wanted Danhausen to uncurse the New York Knicks because they put a lot of money on the San Antonio Spurs. Matt Cardona walked in saying Danhausen needs to keep the Knicks uncursed. Danhausen wanted money, so Cardona gave him a watch instead. Cardona left, so Kit Wilson walked with The Miz, who can’t seem to do anything other than fire off catchphrases. Wilson talked about how everything was toxic, so Wilson hit some electrical equipment and acted like he was electrocuted. Danhausen left while Miz said “Awesome” to end it.
Analysis: That was chaos and it was hard to recap everything because it was moving so quicky. It was the usual Danhausen silliness pushing his cursing ability.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn…and Cody Rhodes
Sami Zayn made his entrance with a shirt saying “The Last Real Good Guy” on it. When Zayn’s music stopped, the fans were booing him, but there were some cheers too. Zayn said it was a strange reaction. Zayn said he was in Europe the last couple of weeks and said that the “Ride or Die’s” showed up in full force for him in Europe. Zayn said you had two choices right now – either boo him with a sour look on your face or ride or die with the last real good guy. Zayn claimed he heard them. Zayn said something has been brewing for months, so he wants to clear things up with one man…Cody Rhodes.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big ovation as usual. Cody was in a suit as usual. Cody walked in with confidence. Cody asked his good friend Sami Zayn: “What do you wanna talk about?”
Zayn asked if he could just be Cody instead of the American Nightmare for a change. Zayn said he has found himself helping Cody, and he has found himself paying the price for it. The fans chanted “Cody, Cody Rhodes” at them. Zayn said that Cody made Zayn feel like the worst person in the world because Zayn walked away when Gunther attacked Cody. Zayn claimed Cody deserved it that night. Zayn said last week, he helped Cody and Zayn ended up flat on his back while Cody was standing tall. Zayn wondered is this an accident? Zayn wanted the truth. The fans chanted “Sami sucks” at Zayn.
Cody said Zayn doesn’t need pro wrestling to be explained to him. Cody said this is a competition. Cody claimed he believed Zayn’s shirt more than Zayn does. Cody talked about how they should not be standing here. Cody spoke about how when Cody won his first WWE Title at WrestleMania 40, Zayn was in the ring that night. Zayn said he was there first while naming other wrestlers like Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, John Cena and Randy Orton. Zayn said he was happy for Cody and he still is happy because he is a good guy. Zayn claimed he was happy for Cody. Zayn wondered how many of them are still Cody’s friend now? Zayn wondered if the problem was those guys or is Cody the problem? Cody said that everything is about change, and you have to be better than the day before. Cody talked about Owens, Cena and Orton. Cody said he couldn’t be honest with them the way he can be honest with Zayn. Zayn wanted Cody to be honest, so Cody shouted that he was being honest.
Cody said that they are booing you and saying Sami sucks because lately, Zayn is whining and crying. Cody said that you’re not the Sami Zayn they took a ride with and if anything, Zayn is desperate. Cody said we shouldn’t pretend it’s about anything other than the WWE Title. Cody said he’s sorry that he has this because that means Zayn never will. Zayn slapped Cody in the face! The fans responded to that with shouting. Zayn said he was sorry and that was out of line. Cody responded with a hard slap to Zayn’s face. Cody asked if they are good after that? Zayn slowly left the ring, and the fans booed. Zayn grabbed a steel chair, teased using it, and then Zayn walked to the back, looking sad about what had happened.
Analysis: Good performances by two talented wrestlers. Cody Rhodes did a nice job of making the point that Sami Zayn is jealous of Cody as the WWE Champion. Zayn continues to act like he is not in the wrong with his actions, but in reality, Zayn is being a jerk, and Cody did a nice job of calling him out on it. I did like how Zayn mentioned the other wrestlers who were supportive of Cody at WrestleMania 40 in 2024, and then they turned on Cody since then, so it’s a valid point made by Zayn. All of this makes it seem like Zayn is going to fully snap and become a heel.
Solo Sikoa was approached by his cousin, Jacob Fatu, in the locker room. Fatu said that the OTC Roman Reigns needs Solo to come home. Solo said that’s not home, it’s a doghouse and Jacob is his lapdog. Solo wondered what happened to Fatu since he used to be a killer whom everybody was afraid of. Solo said Fatu knows Solo is right while Fatu is here delivering a message. Solo said that Reigns has done nothing but embarrass you and make you kneel like a dog in front of the whole world. Solo said that’s not how you treat somebody you love. Solo said he’s not coming back. Solo told Fatu to tell Reigns he can go to hell. Fatu said he understood what Solo was talking about and where he was coming from. Fatu said he’s going to stand on business. Fatu said if the OTC sends him for Solo, then Fatu is coming for Solo. Solo laughed it off and told Fatu that if he wants Solo to come back home, then Reigns can get Solo. Solo left while Fatu looked on.
A video aired about Rey Fenix recently beating Laredo Kid for the AAA Cruiserweight Championship.
Rey Fenix made his entrance for a match against Axiom up next.
A commercial aired for WWE Night of Champions on June 27th from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It has a 1 p.m. ET start time.
(Commercial)
AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. Axiom
Fenix hit a running dropkick out of the ring. Fenix hit a suicide dive onto Axiom on the floor. Axiom got hold of a leaping Fenix, and then they tried moves with some quick counters. Axiom hit a German Suplex and a kick for a two count. Axiom applied an armbar on the left arm, but Fenix crawled to the ropes. Fenix hit a jumping kick to knock Axiom off the apron to the floor. Back in the ring, Axiom avoided a top rope attack and Axiom dropkicked Fenix out of the ring. Axiom hit a moonsault off the top onto Fenix on the floor. That led to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
Axiom had Fenix grounded to try to slow him down and Axiom hit a kick to the ribs. Fenix came back with some hard strikes. Fenix hit an impressive spin kick after spinning against the ropes to keep his balance. Fenix hit a running kick on the top rope called Adios Amigos and Fenix hit a cross body block off the top for two. When Fenix went for a springboard move, Axiom slid between the ropes and suplexed Fenix down. Axiom hit a missile dropkick off the top for two. Fenix avoided a running kick, and Fenix launched Axiom into the air, leading to a Brainbuster for a two-count. Axiom went for an armbar and Fenix countered it into a pin attempt. Axiom tried a kick, Fenix moved and Axiom kicked the turnbuckle. Fenix hit a spinning kick. Fenix and Axiom went up to the top turnbuckle and Axiom hit a Spanish Fly for a two count. Great move that drew a big pop. Fenix hit a superkick. Fenix hit a jumping spin kick. Fenix went for another spin kick that I don’t think touched Axiom, but Axiom sold it anyway. Fenix hit the Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***1/4 I enjoyed the match and thought it was very good, but it didn’t quite reach that next level. There was no story here, so it was just about giving them some time to have an entertaining match, which they did. I don’t think Providence was the best crowd to have a AAA Cruiserweight Title match because they didn’t react that well to it, but they did pop for some of the bigger moves. I certainly don’t mind seeing Fenix in a match like this because he’s been underutilized over the past year.
Gunther approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about how he has thought about the special referee for his match against Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title. Gunther said he needs the “Last Real Good Guy” for his title match with Cody, so the special referee will be Sami Zayn. Gunther told Nick to make it happen. Aldis didn’t look thrilled.
Analysis: I could tell it was heading in that direction. I’m surprised the announcement wasn’t done in the ring.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty were shown arriving for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
It’s official for next Friday on SmackDown: Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther. Sami Zayn is the special referee.
Analysis: I think there could be a screwy finish and it leads to a triple threat match at Night of Champions.
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
Trick Williams made his entrance as the United States Champion with the fans chanting “Whoop That Trick” for him. Lil Yachty had the diamond-encrusted Trick Stick with him. Yachty introduced Trick as the real champion of SmackDown.
Trick said he had something to get off his chest. Trick admitted that he lost in the King of the Ring tournament. Trick said it didn’t feel good, but it brought a fire into him. Trick said it made him want to step his game up. Trick claimed he was leader of the new school. Trick mentioned he’s still the United States Champion, while mentioning his Lemon Pepper Steppers and he’s Trick James, bitch.
Ricky Saints made his entrance, but then Carmelo Hayes walked by him, and he went to the ring. Melo complained about Trick uttering catchphrases. Melo wanted Trick to pick between Melo and Saints. Ricky said he beat Melo, so he should be the contender for the title shot. Melo said that they are killing themselves for an opportunity at the title against a guy who doesn’t want to defend it. Melo reminded Saints that he beat him, too.
Trick said it doesn’t matter because they keep bickering about who deserves a shot. Trick told them to battle it out, and whoever wins can finally see him as the champion. Trick told them to shut the hell up while grown folks are talking. Ricky shoved Melo into Trick, who bumped to the floor. Melo flipped around on Ricky’s shoulders and slammed him into the mat with Dirty Diana. Trick sent Melo into the ring post and Trick hit a Book End on Ricky. Trick’s music played to end it.
Analysis: I wouldn’t call it a great segment or anything like that, but they managed to get through it. From a logical standpoint, it would have worked better if Nick Aldis got out there to say Melo will face Ricky again and the winner gets a shot at the US Title at Night of Champions. Instead, they make it seem like the wrestlers make the decisions. That’s what the GMs are for.
Royce Keys was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, who asked about the King of the Ring tournament match. Solo Sikoa interrupted, so Cathy left. Solo said that The Bloodline is here. Solo said that he knows what type of play they are going to run. Solo said that The Bloodline is going to make sure that Jey moves on in King of the Ring. Solo said that Jacob Fatu was here to help Jey win. Solo said that Keys doesn’t have to fight for him or with him, but he didn’t want Keys to be a casualty in Roman’s war. Solo left while Royce thought about it.
Analysis: I think Royce Keys is going to turn heel to join Solo Sikoa’s group. Keys isn’t hot as a babyface right now, so I think turning him heel is a smart move.
Chelsea Green made her entrance first, joined by the Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton. Green was overly excited about teaming with Stratton, while Stratton didn’t seem thrilled about it.
(Commercial)
Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green vs. Michin & B-Fab
I missed a bit early on here. B-Fab and Michin were in control of Green as the face in peril. Green tried a lift, but B-Fab hit a forearm. Michin tagged in for a double tam slam on Green Michin kicked Green to remain in control. They went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break as well with Michin and B-fab in control.
The match continued with Michin working over Green, who was the face in peril. Michin set up Green on the turnbuckle and Michin hit a top rope hurricanrana for two. Green countered Michin with a suplex. Green kicked Michin and B-Fab stopped the tag. Green kicked B-Fab and then Green tossed Michin out of the ring. Jade Cargill showed up at ringside and pulled Stratton off the apron. The referee never saw it. Green avoided a B-Fab attack and hit an Unpretty-her. Michin was legal and she hit a Styles Clash on Green for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Michin & B-Fab
Analysis: **1/2 This was just an average match. There were some sloppy moments and no hot tag, so it was a cheap win for Michin & B-Fab. Green getting beaten wasn’t a surprise since it happens often.
After the match, Stratton tried to attack Jade and friends. It didn’t work because Jade, Michin and B-Fab beat up Stratton easily. Jade (who had a headband on to help her wig) hit Jaded on Stratton. Jade looked at the Women’s US Title, so she could be going for that title.
Analysis: It seems like they are going with Stratton-Cargill for the Women’s US Title feud.
Kiana James was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. James said that Giulia needed her and Giulia turned on her. Giulia approached James to say she needed James to help with contracts and speaking English. However, Giulia claimed her English is better now, so she finally has the words to say…Giulia slapped James. Giulia left.
Finn Balor was shown walking down a hallway when he saw Tama Tonga, who said it’s been a long time. Tama welcomed Balor to SmackDown. Balor kept walking.
(Commercial)
Cody Rhodes was backstage talking to Nick Aldis about Gunther picking Sami Zayn as the referee for the WWE Title match next week. Aldis said they agreed to let Gunther pick the stipulation. Cody said that Zayn is a wreck and is all over the place. Cody wanted to know if they are good. Zayn sarcastically said he’s a wreck and his emotions are all over the place, which was his way of reiterating what Cody said. Zayn wished Cody good luck for next week.
Next week on SmackDown:
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther – Sami Zayn will be the referee. Joe said the WWE Title match will be commercial-free.
* Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints – Winner earns a US Title match at Night of Champions.
* WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. MFTs
* Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Charlotte Flair vs. Liv Morgan
Analysis: That’s a strong card.
LA Knight was interviewed by Cathy Kelley about his King of the Ring match. Knight complained about The Bloodline as usual, and said he’ll still be King of the Ring…yeah.
Jey Uso made his entrance for the King of the Ring match and he did so by entering through the crowd.
This Monday on Raw: Roman Reigns returns. Plus, King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring Semifinals.
(Commercial)
The entrances took place for the main event with Finn Balor, Royce Keys and LA Knight. When Knight did his entrance, he wanted to “run it back” like Jey does, but Jey attacked Knight instead.
King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: LA Knight vs. Jey Uso vs. Finn Balor vs. Royce Keys
There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a 4-way match. The first fall wins.
The big man Keys hit a running corner splash on his three opponents early on. Balor sent Keys out of the ring. Balor hit a somersault splash over the top onto Jey and Knight. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. Balor and Jey battled in the ring for a bit as Jey threw punches at Balor. Knight took over with punches on Jey. Keys was back in to toss Knight out of the ring. Balor and Jey dumped Keys over the top to the floor. Jey hit Balor with an uppercut. Jey knocked Balor down with an elbow strike. Outside the ring, Keys sent Knight into the barricade. Jey hit an enziguri kick on Balor for two. Jey had Balor grounded with a chinlock as Keys rammed Knight into the ring apron.
Balor was in control in the ring with a dropkick on Jey. Balor stomped on Knight a few times. Keys got a hold of Balor and sent him into the turnbuckle. Jey tried to charge at Keys, but Keys hit a sitout spinebuster for two because Knight broke up the pin. Knight and Keys stumbled over a neckbreaker exchange. Knight hit an elbow drop on Keys, followed by stomps by Knight, so the fans could chant “YEAH” for him. Keys was back up with a clothesline on Knight. Keys pulled Knight back to his feet and hit a powerslam for two. Balor hit a jumping kick on Keys. Balor jumped off the turnbuckle, but Keys caught him and hit a backbreaker. Keys worked over Balor with punches. Keys knocked Knight and Jey down when they charged at him. Keys hit a Top Choice Royce spinning powerslam off the middle turnbuckle on Balor for a two count because Knight broke up the pin. Keys tackled Knight into the ring post. Jey superkicked Keys on the floor. Jey tried a suicide dive, but Keys caught him and sent Jey into the ring apron. Keys sent Jey into the steel steps. Jimmy Uso showed up to stare at Keys at ringside. That brought out Solo Sikoa to try to influence Keys. They went on another break for some fans as the match kept going. Keys worked over Balor with punches on the floor, but Balor came back with a Slingblade on the floor. Balor charged at Keys on the floor and Keys was back up with a clothesline. Back in the ring, Keys sent Jey hard into the turnbuckle. Knight was back up to send Keys into the turnbuckles so the fans could chant “YEAH” and then Keys gave Knight a back body drop.
The match continued with Balor knocking Keys off the apron with punches. Keys caught a leaping Balor on the floor. Jey superkicked Keys and then Knight hit a running kick on Keys on the floor. The trio of Knight, Jey and Balor agreed to work together against the big man Keys, so they cleared off the commentary table. Balor and Knight lifted Keys for Jey and they did a Shield Powerbomb on Keys through the commentary table. The fans popped big for that since the table broke. Jey worked over Knight with punches and then Balor rolled up Jey for two. Balor hit a reverse DDT with an elbow drop on Knight for two because Jey broke up the pin. Balor hit a Slingblade on Jey. Balor charged into a superkick by Jey. Balor kicked Jey and hit a Slingblade after that. Balor dropkicked Jey into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top, so Knight jumped up there and Balor suplexed Knight onto Jey. Balor hit a Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Jey for two because Keys broke up the pin by pulling Balor out of the ring. Keys tossed Balor into Jimmy on the floor. Solo told Royce that’s what he’s been talking about. Knight kicked Keys into Solo on the floor and Solo bumped to the floor. Knight hit a jumping clothesline and a Russian legsweep. Knight hit a Burning Hammer on Jey. Knight hit a reverse DDT on Keys. Knight jumped to the top and hit an elbow drop for two. Knight hit Keys with a boot to the face and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Knight. Keys hit The Ultimate Spinebuster (TUSB) on Knight. Jey jumped off the top with an Uso Splash on Keys and Jey covered Knight for the pinfall win after 22 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso
Analysis: ***1/2 It was an entertaining 4-way match, although I have to admit I’m sick of 4-way matches after seeing two of them every week for the last month. Royce Keys was dominant throughout the match, so that set up the big table spot and the fans loved it. I thought Knight was going to win, but that obviously didn’t happen due to Solo getting involved, then Keys hit his big finishing move and that wasn’t enough, so Jey capitalized with the Uso Splash for the win. I’m sick of 4-way matches, but I’ll give WWE credit for usually booking entertaining final sequences every time in those matches.
Jey Uso celebrated the win with his brother Jimmy Uso. They showed some replays of the key spots in the match.
The King of the Ring Semifinals are Oba Femi vs. Dominik Mysterio and Je’Von Evans vs. Jey Uso.
Analysis: I’m not sure what my prediction is. They might go with Oba Femi, though, and I don’t mind that. The story of Jey winning would lead to him against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, so that’s not a bad idea either. I just think the plan is Cody against CM Punk at SummerSlam, so having somebody else in that spot against Cody at SummerSlam doesn’t make sense to me.
Jey Uso continued to celebrate, saying he’s going to shock the whole world. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Sami Zayn/Cody Rhodes
- Jey Uso
- Charlotte Flair
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 6.93
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
It was a solid SmackDown episode similar to last week, but not as strong in terms of matches like the way Raw and NXT were earlier in the week. The two 4-way matches were fine and built up well with strong finishes. I don’t mind Charlotte Flair or Jey Uso winning. The Rey Fenix-Axiom match was okay, but this wasn’t the right crowd to care about a random cruiserweight match.
I liked the Sami Zayn-Cody Rhodes promo segment and where that story is going.
The Providence crowd was very quiet, especially compared to the European crowds we saw in the last few weeks.
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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