Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/13/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Jun 13, 2025 20:06 EDT
WWE SmackDown June 13 Review

This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena, plus four huge Fatal 4-Way matches in King & Queen of the Ring tournament matches.

From Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, this is SmackDown for episode #1347. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking at the start of the show. The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show, talking about the four Fatal 4-Way Matches on the show. Mark Nash is the ring announcer.

A video package aired about WWE-AAA Worlds Collide and WWE Money in the Bank from last Saturday in Los Angeles. Congrats to SmackDown’s Naomi for winning the Women’s Money in the Bank match.

Let’s Hear from John Cena

The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena made his entrance. There was a loud ovation initially, and then it turned to boos when the music stopped. There was a loud “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” chant. Cena pointed at Nash at ringside. Nash told the fans to welcome the Greatest of All Time, the never seen 17, gracing Lexington with his presence one last time, he is the last Real Champion…John Cena. That led to more boos.

Cena said that wrestling’s Mount Rushmore is John Cena four times. Cena said that he’s smarter than you, you can’t see him, and you all want to be him. Cena said he’s always one thousand steps ahead of you because he won this moment over a year ago. Cena talked about how he announced his retirement early so he could scout his future opponents. Cena talked about going into the Royal Rumble, then he knew if he lost, then he could win Elimination Chamber. Cena talked about how Cody was so focused on The Final Boss that Cena took advantage and outsmarted him. Cena went on to talk about beating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, outsmarting Randy Orton in his hometown to beat him, and then he talked about how he put R-Truth in the main event. Cena also mentioned Logan Paul was. He was speaking so quickly that it was difficult to write everything down.

Cena said if CM Punk really wants to take this, then he has to admit to himself that he’s a hypocrite. Cena said that Seth Rollins will never cash in on him holding this. Cena said that Rollins wants Cena to walk away with this so that when Rollins cashes in, he is your only champion. Cena said while you are busy wondering if he sold his soul, Cena wins matches before they even start. Cena said in 25 years, he has crunched the numbers and cracked every code. Cena told the fans they won’t realize how good he is until three years after he’s gone. Cena told the fans they were simply a mathematical equation. Cena said there will never be anybody who earns the right to hold this ever again.

The ”American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a tracksuit since he’s in a match later in the night. The crowd was chanting for Cody and cheering for him.

Cody said that Cena said he’s a thousand steps ahead, and you’re so smart. Cody said that Cena’s a genius. Cody said that Cena was right that Seth and Punk melted down. Cody said that Cena was right that Cody took his eye off the prize because of the Final Boss. Cody said Cena was right about Orton too. Cody spoke about how when Cena talked about his 25-year master plan, he didn’t mention that Cena was looking up at the lights, and Cody pinned Cena in the center of the ring. Cody said that Cena is part of his plan. Cody wondered where does that leave Cody and Cena?

Randy Orton made his entrance in his wrestling gear for his first appearance since losing to Cena at Backlash.

Orton said that he had Cena beaten in this ring, and he was about to remove Cena’s head from his shoulders until somebody decided to come and save the day (it was R-Truth). Orton said it doesn’t matter who he has to go through because he has to win King of the Ring. Orton told Cody he loves him like a brother, but if he has to put Cody’s ass down, then he won’t hesitate to do it.

LA Knight made his entrance while Barrett was very excited to see him as usual. Knight said all week long, he’s heard the fans say they want to see him, and he knows none of them want him to go into the ring with them. Knight said he is looking at the WWE establishment while he’s the sore thumb and he likes it that way. Knight said that he knows Cena’s plans didn’t include this man. Knight said because of King of the Ring, he has a shot at Cody, Orton and Cena on his way to taking what’s mine. Knight said if he has to drop a Viper, a Nightmare and a “genius balding bitch” like John Cena then he’ll do that too, with everybody saying…LA Knight…yeah.

John Cena left the ring, and he was attacked from behind by Ron Killings (R-Truth) with a forearm to the back. Ron punched Cena several times before officials and security showed up to break it up. The fans were cheering a lot. They took a break after 24 minutes into the show.

Analysis: A lot of star power to start the show with that opening promo segment. I thought John Cena’s promo was excellent. He was talking so fast that it was hard to cover all of it, but he did a nice job of laying it all out there and putting himself over as some heel genius. Cody Rhodes made a good point by mentioning he beat Cena at Money in the Bank, which is true. Randy Orton definitely had Cena beat at Backlash until R-Truth got involved. I don’t think Cena’s been called a “genius balding bitch” before, so good job by Knight with the creative line. Nice way to end it with Ron Killings beating up Cena, which the fans loved.

A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 2 & 3.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of what happened to John Cena before the break.

John Cena was shown yelling at SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage, and we couldn’t hear them, but it was an intense yelling exchange.

King of the Ring First Round: LA Knight vs. Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a four-way match. The winner goes on to the semifinals.

Melo left the ring with Black and sent Black into the barricade. Melo rolled up Knight for two. Knight clotheslined Melo out of the ring. Black hit a moonsault onto Melo on the floor. Orton and Knight almost hit their finishers on eachother. Black teased a Black Mass, but Knight avoided it. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. The wrestlers left the ring, where Knight sent Orton into the steel steps. Melo did a neckbreaker against the throat. Black hit Melo with a suplex. Knight hit a leg drop on Orton on the apron. Orton hit Knight with a suplex for two because Knight’s arm was on the bottom rope. Orton worked over Knight with punches.

Knight stomped on Orton against the turnbuckle, Melo knocked down Knight and Melo spun around Black to slam his face into the mat. Melo hit a springboard leg drop on Knight. Melo dropkicked Orton off the apron. Melo hit a springboard clothesline on Black. Melo jumped over the top with a somersault dive over the top onto Black. Knight kicked Melo down on the floor. Knight rammed Melo’s head (more like hand) into the commentary table repeatedly. Orton gave Black the belly-to-back suplex on the commentary table. Knight shoved Orton into the steel steps. Knight worked over Melo with punches. Orton got back into the ring and went for a superplex on Melo, but Melo did an eye rake. Black did a step up kick on Melo. Orton pulled Black out of the ring and Black sent Orton into the ring post. Melo shoved Knight down and Melo hit a Frog Splash off the top rope for two because Black made the save. They went to a break again for some fans as Melo superkicked Black out of the ring. Orton sent Melo out of the ring and Orton gave Melo a belly-to-back suplex onto the commentary table. Orton got a two count on Melo. Knight worked over Orton with punches and Knight fought back with punches of his own. Melo got a rollup on Black and Black got a kick to the head for two.

The match continued with Black knocking Knight down with an elbow. Orton held onto the ropes to avoid Black Ass by Knight. Black kicked Orton with a boot and Black knocked Knight down with an elbow. Knight hit elbows and kicks to knock Melo down. Orton was back up with powerslams for Black, Knight and Melo in succession. Knight jumped up and hit a jumping neckbreaker on Orton, who was doing a double DDT at the same time. It’s a cool spot that got a two-count for Knight. Melo hit The First 48 double knees on Orton, Black kicked Melo and Knight hit a BFT on Black for two because Melo made the save. Knight hit a front powerslam on Melo. Knight got on the apron and Bronson Reed pulled Knight off the turnbuckle into the top rope. Bron Breakker went into the ring and hit a Spear on Knight. Melo stared at his former NXT rival Bron and Melo jumped off the top with a splash, but Orton was there with an RKO on Melo on top of Knight! Orton covered Knight for the pinfall win after 20 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: ***3/4 It was a great match with a lot of craziness going on. Reed and Breakker costing Knight was payback because of Knight costing Breakker in Bron’s match on Raw. I liked how the finish was down because it looked like Melo would get the win, and then Orton came out of nowhere with the RKO to finish him off. Orton winning is what I expected, and I certainly don’t mind it. I’d like to see Aleister Black get some big wins, but it wasn’t going to happen in this spot.

The win means that Randy Orton has moved on to the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament against Sami Zayn. Barrett said that the match is next week on Smackdown.

Analysis: I want Sami Zayn to win that match and the tournament. I don’t know if it will happen.

Jacob Fatu, the United States Champion, was backstage saying he’s here and he’s up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu made his entrance as the United States Champion. They showed a clip of Solo Sikoa mocking Fatu last week on Smackdown and Fatu heard it. The next day at Money in the Bank, Fatu cost Solo Sikoa the MITB win and destroyed Solo.

Fatu said that just because you’re family doesn’t mean you can go behind somebody’s back and snake him. Fatu said just because you come from the same Bloodline doesn’t mean you can take all the credit for Jacob’s hard work. Fatu yelled about how Solo thought that Fatu would be nothing without Solo. That’s why Fatu had to remind Solo what happens when you don’t get in where you fit in. Fatu said that he’s all gas and no brakes it…Yaddadamean.

Solo Sikoa appeared on the video wall with JC Mateo behind him. Solo said that nobody wanted Jacob around until he brought Jacob here. Solo said that he put Jacob in a position of success, he made Jacob a champion and it was all because of Solo. Solo said that next week on Smackdown, he’s ready to take Fatu back, but he needs to hear four words: “I love you, Solo.” Solo said that he brought Jacob into this world and Solo can take Jacob out…Yaddadamean. Fatu said nothing to end it.

Analysis: It teases a confrontation next week on SmackDown. I don’t expect Jacob to do what Solo wants. It could lead to the SmackDown debut of Hikuleo, who wrestled on Main Event earlier in the night, so WWE is finally ready to use him.

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was backstage with the Secret Hervice’s Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. Chelsea Green was on a phone on Facetime. Green said she couldn’t make it to Lexington because it was hard to find a plane going there, so she wanted her match postponed. Aldis said that Fyre could replace Green. Niven and Fyre left. The Women’s US Champion, Zelina Vega, wanted to see Giulia, but Aldis claimed that Giulia wasn’t there. Vega trashed Giulia for doing sneak attacks and said if Giulia thinks one sneak attack will scare her, Vega is the Women’s US Champion. Vega said she’ll confront Giulia face to face. Vega said she didn’t need to pretend or hide from anybody.

Analysis: We know Chelsea Green has a broken nose from a few weeks ago, so she likely wasn’t able to compete anyway.

Jade Cargill made her entrance for her four-way match up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas with Triple H talking about how they are running it back in Vegas for the second year in a row. It’s on April 18 & April 19, 2026.

Queen of the Ring First Round: Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill vs. Michin vs. Piper Niven

There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a four-way match. The winner goes on to the semifinals. Nia Jax won Queen of the Ring last year.

The women left the ring early on. Michin sent Niven into the ring post and Jade sent Jax into the steel steps. Jade hit a backbreaker on Michin. Michin ran the ropes and hit a hurricanrana, followed by a dropkick. Niven pulled Michin out of the ring and hit a body slam on the floor. Jax hit an elbow drop on Jade in the ring. Niven hit a senton on Michin on the floor. Jax gave Jade a Samoan Drop. Niven hit a senton splash on Jade. Jax and Niven attacked Jade, but Jade fought back, Jax hit the ring post and Jade hit a pump kick to knock Niven out of the ring. Michin went to the middle turnbuckle and hit a moonsault onto the three opponents. Michin checked on Niven right away because Michin’s knee hit Niven in the head and it looked like Niven was okay. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.

Jade was hitting splashes on Jax and Niven. Jax tried to splash Jade, but she moved and Jax splashed Niven. Jax and Niven managed to knock Jade down so the powerful women took over. Jax and Niven hit splashes on Jade. Jax hit a hip attack on Jade, while Niven hit a cannonball on Jade for two because Jax broke up the pin. Jax shoved Niven, who shoved back and Michin jumped off the top with a hurricanrana on Jax. Michin hit a Tornado DDT on Niven for two. Jade was back up, blocked a hurricanrana attempt and Jade hit a Powerbomb on Michin for two. Niven hit a cross body block on Jade. Michin hit a Sliced Bread neckbreaker on Niven for two because Jax made the save. Jax hit a running senton splash on Michin for two. Jade was on the floor as she hit a superkick on Niven and punched Jax. Jax and Niven tossed Jade over the top onto Barrett on commentary. Back in the ring, Michin hit a DDT on Niven for two because Jax made the save. Wade said that Joe should have saved him. Jax and Niven give Michin a double Chokeslam with no cover attempt. Jax hit Niven with a forearm and put Niven out of the ring. Jax hit the Annihilator splash on Michin for two because Niven broke up the pin with a forearm smash. Niven sent Jax into the ring post. Niven tackled Jax through the barricade at ringside. Niven went into the ring and hit a Piper Bomb (Vader Bomb) on Michin. Jade hit an impressive sitout Jaded on Niven for the pinfall win after about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: ***1/4 I liked the match for the most part. Niven and Jax worked together a lot until it fell apart. I liked the spot with Niven tackling Jax through the barricade at ringside. That always works as a big spot, and it’s going to get a reaction every time. I’m not surprised by the Cargill win since she’s due for a singles push at some point. Michin is a talented veteran, but she had no shot in this match.

Jade Cargill moves on to the semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament. She’s against Roxanne Perez next week on SmackDown.

Naomi, who is Miss Money in the Bank, was shown walking backstage for her segment up next.

On July 12, it’s NXT Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event, while July 13 has the return of the all-women’s Evolution PLE.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Naomi

It’s caution time as Women’s Money in the Bank winner Naomi made her entrance with the coveted MITB briefcase. The briefcase means that Naomi can cash-in on any champion for a match any time she wants it. Naomi was my pick to win, and I’m glad she won.

Naomi said she saw some fans looking shocked, surprised, and stupid. Naomi said that she took what she deserved, and look at her now, Miss Money in the Bank. Naomi said that the entire time that she was trying to beat Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Title, Tiffany Stratton was there to stop her. Naomi said, “Too Nice Naomi” let it happen, but she won’t let it slide now. Naomi said that it will feel so good when she cashes in on Tiffany Stratton, so here’s the interruption.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion and the fans popped for Tiffy Time as usual.

Stratton told Naomi to just cash in and take Stratton’s title right now. Stratton said she’s really just the same old Naomi with all talk and no action. Stratton said that’s why Naomi couldn’t beat Nia Jax. Stratton wanted Naomi to prove them all wrong. Naomi said she’s not stupid, and she’s going to cash in when Stratton least expects it. Naomi said she was going to make Stratton’s life hell, so she advised Stratton to proceed with caution. They had a staredown to end it.

Analysis: A warning from Naomi, who is doing a great job as an interesting heel character.

Nia Jax went into the ring to attack Stratton, but Stratton was ready for her. Stratton hit a dropkick. Stratton knocked Naomi down with a punch, but Jax was back up and hit Stratton down with a forearm. Jax hit the Annihilator splash on Stratton near the turnbuckle. Naomi threatened to cash in the Money in the Bank contract, but Jax told Naomi to move. Naomi left.

Analysis: We have seen Stratton beat Jax numerous times, and I guess they are going back to the well with that rivalry again. I don’t really get it, but it’s happening again. Jax telling Naomi is interesting because you’d think that Jax would be happy with Stratton losing her title, but it’s also a case of Jax wanting to be the one to beat Stratton.

The tag teams were all in the office of SmackDown GM Nick Aldis in a segment from earlier in the day. #DIY suggested that Tomasso Fraxiom or The Street Profits should face The Wyatt Sicks. Aldis spoke up to say that Motor City Machine Guns are the most veteran team, so he wanted to see the Guns against The Wyatt Sicks.

The Motor City Machine Guns made their entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

The Wyatt Sicks group made their entrance as a group of five.

Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. Wyatt Sicks – Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis

Lumis hit a belly-to-back suplex and a leg drop on Sabin. Gacy hit a backbreaker on Sabin. Gacy jumped off the middle turnbuckle and hit a moonsault on Sabin. Lumis punched Sabin, Gacy tagged in and the Wyatts went for a double team move, but Sabin broke free. Sabin sent both opponents out of the ring. Shelley and Sabin hit baseball slide dropkicks. Shelley and Sabin hit cross body blocks over the top onto both opponents. They went to a break for some fans as the Wyatts took over when Gacy hit a DDT on Shelley.

The match continued with Sabin getting a tag and hitting a dropkick on Gacy. Sabin hit a running bulldog, along with a jumping kick to the head. Sabin and Shelley hit Lumis with double superkicks from the apron. Sabin tagged in, but Lumis broke free and knocked Sabin down. Gacy hit his Upside Down clothesline on both opponents. Gacy gave Lumis a Powerbomb onto Sabin and Lumis covered for two. Sabin dropkicked Gacy off the apron. Sabin hit some sort of DDT-style move on Lumis. Shelley and Sabin hit combo moves, including a backbreaker and a dropkick. Shelley went up top, Gacy knocked him down, Gacy headbutted Sabin. Gacy and Lumis hit a High-Low combination move on Sabin. Lumis wanted a cover, but then he looked at Uncle Howdy. Lumis went up top and hit a top rope leg drop on Sabin for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Wyatt Sicks – Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match, but not that hot in terms of the crowd reactions. The fans just didn’t care. It also seemed like there were miscommunications about some of the spots in the match. The Wyatt Sicks get big reactions, but when the bell rings, the fans just aren’t into it much.

The WWE Champion John Cena approached Jimmy Uso backstage. Cena asked Uso if he’d seen R-Truth or Ron Killings, so Jimmy said he hadn’t seen him. Cena told Jimmy that he knows he’s close with Killings, so Cena is going to the ring. Cena told Jimmy to tell Killings to meet Cena in the ring.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from John Cena Again

The WWE Champion John Cena’s music hit, and he walked down to the ring quickly. The fans were singing, “John Cena sucks,” so Cena told them to shut up. Cena said that R-Truth crossed some lines, the fans chanted “We Want Truth” and Cena said he agreed, so he told Truth get out there right now.

CM Punk made his entrance as Cena’s opponent at Night of Champions on June 28th. The fans popped for Punk as usual.

Punk joined Cena in the ring, saying that Cena is tired of being disrespected, but the people are tired of being disrespected. Punk said for old times sake, he’ll give Cena the benefit of the doubt. Punk told Cena to stop what he was doing and let them celebrate him for what he did for the business, and give them a happy ending. Cena asked Punk why would Cena waste his time. Cena said that these people don’t matter, this place doesn’t matter, basketball doesn’t matter, horse racing doesn’t matter, and he said that this WWE Title is the only thing that matters.

Punk said they gave Cena an out. Punk said when his music plays, everybody knows it’s about to get real. Punk told Cena it pisses him off when Cena calls him a hypocrite. Punk said when you tell a weak man the truth, it offends him. Punk said here’s the truth and the fans chanted, “We Want Truth” again. Punk told Cena that he couldn’t beat Punk because when Punk was at his best, Cena never could. Punk said that Cena says he wants to ruin wrestling, so Cena wants to save it. Punk said that his unwavering confidence in his ability brought him to the mountaintop when people like Cena said he didn’t have it. Punk trashed Cena for being dressed like a toddler who struck out at tee-ball. Punk said he sounds like PG John Cena. Punk said that Cena sounded like Punk in the past, saying he was going to take the belt and leave. Punk said he won the title, he left with the title, and Cena is trying to follow in Punk’s footsteps. Punk said that here he comes to make Cena watchable. Punk told Cena to fire up the private jet because Punk would follow him to Mars and hell to prove he was better than him. Punk said Cena is a GOAT, but so is Punk. Punk said that he’s beaten Cena in his hometown and Punk’s hometown. Punk said that Cena is the goat that Punk will spit roast and sacrifice to the Gods of wrestling. Punk mentioned legends on a Mount Rushmore like Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart, and Eddie Guerrero. Punk called Cena a joke. Punk said he sees through him and he always has, and that’s the truth. Punk bumped Cena on his way out of the ring.

Analysis: A strong promo from CM Punk, as usual. I still think the Cena-Punk match could have been built up better because Punk has lost his last five televised matches, yet he’s getting a WWE Title match just because WWE feels like doing it in a few weeks. Anyway, there were some good lines by Punk, who showed a lot of confidence while reminding Cena that Punk has beaten him many times in the past.

Ron Killings, aka R-Truth, attacked Cena again with a forearm to the back. Ron applied the STF on Cena while Punk walked away. There were security guys and WWE Officials in the ring to pull Ron off Cena.

Analysis: Another surprise attack by Killings on Cena. Good stuff.

Alexa Bliss was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Bliss said she’s not rattled after losing Money in the Bank. Bliss said she’ll be one step closer to being the Queen of the Ring. Charlotte Flair interrupted to say there’s only room for one queen in this division, and Flair did a “Woo” to end it.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance. Alexa Bliss did her entrance before Flair could finish hers.

(Commercial)

Ron Killings was backstage when SmackDown GM Nick Aldis approached Killings asking him what he wants. Killings said he wanted a match with Cena next week, so Aldis said okay to that.

Analysis: Big match for next week with Cena wrestling on a Smackdown, which is rare.

Queen of the Ring First Round: Charlotte Flair vs. Candice LeRae vs. Alba Fyre vs. Alexa Bliss

They had a few minutes of action until they went to a break for some fans. Fyre and LeRae hit a double suplex on Flair. Flair did a jawbreaker, and LeRae hit a headscissors and an enziguri kick for a two count. Flair kicked LeRae off the turnbuckle and Fyre kicked Flair leading to a two count. LeRae was in control of Bliss on the floor, who was on the floor for a few minutes. LeRae and Fyre hit a double suplex on Flair again.

Flair got some offense going with some kicks to knock LeRae and Fyre down. Flair went for a top rope double superplex, but Bliss got in there and they did a Tower of Doom spot with Bliss covering Flair for a two count. Bliss was in control with a neckbreaker and a head whip on Flair. LeRae hit a Codebreaker on Bliss. Fyre hit a front suplex on LeRae, Bliss hit Fyre out of the ring and Flair hit a Natural Selection neckbreaker for two because LeRae hit a moonsault onto Flair. Fyre hit a Gory Bomb on Flair for two. Bliss hit a DDT on Fyre. Bliss went up top and hit Twisted Bliss on Fyre for two because Flair made the save. Flair kicked Bliss off the apron. LeRae rolled up Flair for two. Flair hit a Spear on LeRae for two. Fyre hit a superkick on Flair. Flair came back with a kick on Fyre. Flair applied Figure Eight on Fyre while Bliss hit Sister Abigail on LeRae for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes. Fyre tapped out to Flair right after the three count.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay, but it never really got to that next gear. It was obviously going to be Bliss or Flair winning since Fyre and LeRae rarely win matches. I thought it would be Flair as the winner, so at least I was mildly surprised by the result. I thought the finish was done well.

Alexa Bliss moves on to the semifinals of the Women’s Queen of the Ring tournament.

Cody Rhodes walked up to CM Punk backstage. Cody said they can’t keep running away from eachother forever. Punk said he knows and wished Cody good luck. They shook hands. Punk said after Night of Champions, we’ll see who is chasing who.

It was main event time as Cody Rhodes made his entrance.

This Monday on Raw: King of the Ring – Sheamus vs. Rusev vs. Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso. Queen of the Ring – Asuka, Ivy Nile vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Stephanie Vaquer. Plus, Gunther’s reign as World Champion begins.

(Commercial)

Next week on SmackDown:

* King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn

* Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Alexa Bliss vs. ???

* Ron Killings (aka R-Truth) vs. John Cena

King of the Ring First Round: Andrade vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura left the ring, so Cody hit a suicide dive onto him on the floor. Andrade hit a running forearm on Priest. There was a Broken Arrow by Priest on Andrade. Cody clotheslined Priest out of the ring. Nakamura jumped off the apron with a forearm on Priest on the floor. Andrade went up top and hit a moonsault onto Cody, Priest and Nakamura at the same time. They went to a break for some fans, as I’ll take a break too.

The match continued with Nakamura hitting a knee lift on Andrade followed by a sliding German Suplex by Nakamura on Priest. Nakamura hit a spinning kick on Cody. Nakamura charged, Cody moved and Nakamura hit the turnbuckle with his knee. Cody hit a Figure Four Leg Lock on Nakamura, but Andrade broke it up with a splash off the top rope. Priest hit a jumping kick on Andrade. Priest hit shoulder tackles to knock Cody and Andrade down. Priest went up top, Cody went after him and Nakamura knocked Priest down on the top rope. Andrade got a rollup on Nakamura for two. Nakamura applied an armbar to Andrade and Cody broke it up. Cody set up a Slim Jim table on the floor. Cody and Priest teased slamming Andrade through the table, but Andrade made the save. Andrade suplexed Andrade while Priest bumped to the floor. Nakamura hit a jumping kick to knock Cody from the apron through the table. They went to another break for some fans.

There were only a few minutes left as Nakamura battled Andrade on the turnbuckle. Priest was back up with a jumping flatliner. Andrade jumped off the top with a double jump moonsault on Priest for two. Andrade hit an elbow on Nakamura and Nakamura hit a spinning kick. Cody was back up after being put through a table and he hit a powerslam on Priest. Cody hit a springboard Disaster Kick on Andrade. Nakamura was back up with a knee smash on Cody for two because Andrade made the save. Andrade hit a rollup on Priest into the turnbuckle. Andrade hit running knee attacks against Nakamura and Priest was back up, so Andrade hit him with a back elbow and The Message for two because Nakamura made the save. Nakamura and Andrade exchanged strikes. Cody was back up with a Cody Cutter on Andrade and Nakamura at the same time. Priest went for a move, but Cody jumped off the top with a Cody Cutter on Priest. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Andrade. Nakamura grabbed Cody, who countered and hit Cross Rhodes on Nakamura for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a pretty good match, with the obvious result of Cody getting the win. No surprise there as the biggest star in the match. Cody was put through the table, then he was down for several minutes, but then he made a big comeback for the win. I thought Andrade did a really good job in the match, while Nakamura worked well as the only heel. Priest came close to winning a few times. I think the first match of the show was a bit better, but both of the men’s matches were entertaining.

Cody Rhodes moves on to the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament. He faces the winner of the four-way match that is on Raw.

Cody Rhodes celebrated the win. That was the end of Smackdown.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Randy Orton
  2. Cody Rhodes
  3. John Cena – I thought he did a great job with his promos.

===

The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.35

===

Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It felt like a stronger show than usual, with a lot of star power throughout the night. John Cena did two long promo segments where he was interrupted and interacted with some big names. I thought Cena was excellent in both segments he was in. Ron Killings attacking Cena both times was cool to see and now they have a match next week.

I am not a fan of four Fatal 4-Way matches on the same show, but the match quality was strong. I thought the Randy Orton match topped the Cody Rhodes match, while the Jade Cargill match was better than the Alexa Bliss match. They were good matches because there were so many talented people involved in the matches, but it feels repetitive seeing so many “hit a move and another wrestler breaks up the pin” spots in the same show.

The next WWE PLE is Night of Champions on June 28th. Here’s the lineup so far.

* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk

* King of the Ring Tournament Finals

* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals

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John Canton

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