The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/19/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Title against Gunther, King & Queen of the Ring Semifinal Matches, and more.
It feels like a bigger-than-usual episode of SmackDown this week with the Cody Rhodes-Gunther match for the WWE Title with Sami Zayn as the referee, Damian Priest & R-Truth defending the WWE Tag Team Titles against MFTs, King and Queen of the Ring Semifinals, and then the Ricky Saints-Carmelo Hayes match for a shot at the US Title. That’s five matches where something is on the line. It’s better than random matches.
Also, the three-hour SmackDown episodes are ending next week, which I don’t mind at all. That episode will be taped on Tuesday in London, England, and air on Friday as usual. From July through December, it will be a two-hour show again.
From the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, this is SmackDown for episode #1400. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s the 1400th episode of SmackDown as we saw superstar pre-show walking of Jey Uso, Je’Von Evans, Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Gunther, Sami Zayn, and Cody Rhodes.
The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show.
There was a video package to set up the Cody Rhodes-Gunther match with Sami Zayn as the referee.
Sami Zayn was up first as the special guest referee, wearing a traditional referee striped shirt. “The Ring General” Gunther was up next, looking ready to go as usual. Gunther shook hands with Zayn in the ring, even though Zayn was hesitant to shake hands with his former rival. The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was last with the fans singing along with “Kingdom” as usual. The ring announcer Mark Nash did the championship introductions.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther – Sami Zayn is the special guest referee
This match is being presented commercial-free. Gunther hit a chop and an armbar. Cody pushed Gunther to the turnbuckle and Zayn stopped Cody from doing more. Cody hit his duck down punch, but Gunter came back with a chop. Gunther chopped Cody a few times until Cody came back with punches. Zayn pulled Cody off Gunther and Gunther hit a boot to the face. The fans booed Zayn’s refereeing. Gunther continued the attack with another chop for a two count. Gunther tried a lift, Cody got out of it and Cody jumped off the ropes with a Cody Cutter. Cody hit a forearm, along with a powerslam. Gunther trapped the left leg against the ropes and Gunther kicked the left knee twice. Gunther applied a Figure Four Leglock and held onto the ropes for leverage, but Zayn didn’t see it right away. Zayn saw it after a few seconds, so he made Gunther let go. Cody rolled up Gunther for two. Gunther hit another big boot to the face. Gunther hit a running lariat for two. Cody countered a Gunther move and hit a Cross Rhodes, but Gunther’s right foot was under the bottom rope. That was what we saw at Clash in Italy, but Zayn saw the foot under the bottom rope and it was the right call.
Cody argued with Zayn after the two count even though Zayn made the right call. Cody pushed Zayn’s hand away, so then Zayn shoved Cody into Gunther, who applied the Sleeper on the mat. Zayn felt awful about it because he pushed Cody. Cody got the ropes while in the Sleeper. Cody pulled Gunther off, so Gunther shoved Zayn. After Zayn argued with Gunther, Gunther shoved him in the face. Zayn slapped Gunther, so Gunther kicked Zayn and hit a Powerbomb. Cody got back into it with the Dusty combo with the elbow. Cody jumped off the top with a Super Cody Cutter. Cody hit a Cross Rhodes again and called for a referee, so referee Adrian Butler ran in to count for one…two…no. Gunther got his shoulder up. Cody went up top, Gunther went after him there and Cody managed to break free. Gunther hit a shotgun dropkick and a Powerbomb for two because Zayn pulled referee Adrian Butler out of the ring to stop the count. Gunther argued with Zayn about it. Cody went for a pin attempt, Gunther had his hands on the ropes, Zayn kicked Gunther’s hand, and Cody got a sunset flip pin for the Zayn fast count 1…2…3. Cody wins thanks to the fast count. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes
Analysis: ***1/4 I would have loved a 20+ minute Rhodes/Gunther match for the WWE Title that would have been a classic, but this was more about the refereeing of Zayn and his perceived issues with Rhodes, which led to the problems with Gunther throughout the match. That two count after Gunther’s Powerbomb and Zayn pulling referee Butler out of the ring was a clever spot. They put the match on first because the angle is going to continue later in the show. I figured there was going to be some controversial ending to this match. There’s going to be more to this story.
After the match, Gunther complained to Zayn about the fast count. Cody reacted like he was frustrated as well. The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, walked out to argue with Zayn, and they went to the back. Gunther left to the back as well.
Analysis: It’s good to have Aldis out there to get in Zayn’s face since Zayn did a poor job of refereeing.
(Commercial)
There were replays of the WWE Title match that ended in controversy.
They showed Nick Aldis arguing with Gunther about what happened. Cody Rhodes was there too, but then Cody went to the ring to talk. Sami Zayn argued with Aldis and Gunther.
Cody Rhodes went to the ring and called for a referee to come to the ring to restart the match. Zayn said no because he’s the referee, so Gunther punched Zayn and threw him into a wall. Aldis said to restart the match, so Gunther went to the ring with referee Adrian Butler.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther
Gunther trapped Cody with a Sleeper hold right away, but Cody broke free. Cody tried a Sleeper of his own, Gunther got out of it, and applied another Sleeper. Sami Zayn went into the ring and hit a Helluva Kick on Gunther. That’s a DQ. It was under two minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Gunther (Cody Rhodes remains WWE Champion)
Analysis: It was too short to rate. This was another way of advancing the story.
After the match, Zayn grabbed the WWE Title from Butler. Zayn punched Butler, who is a former wrestler. Cody went over to Zayn, so Zayn hit Cody with the WWE Title to knock him down. The fans chanted, “Sami sucks.” Zayn left to boos and even ripped a fan’s sign. Cody and Gunther were down in the ring. Cody was seated in the ring with the WWE Title around his waist.
Analysis: It sure seems like a triple threat match is coming, but it’s not official yet. This was also an effective way of getting more heat on Zayn, even though he “accidentally” hit Rhodes with the WWE Title.
Jade Cargill was with Michin and B-Fab for an interview with Cathy Kelley. Jade trashed Tiffany Stratton for getting involved in their business. B-Fab and Michin spoke up, supporting Jade as usual. Jade said that since she took out Rhea Ripley, Night of Champions needs some of her star power. Jade challenged Stratton to a Women’s US Title match.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of the second WWE Title match of the night, and how it ended in chaos.
Gunther argued with GM Nick Aldis backstage. Gunther said that Aldis screwed him twice. Aldis said that Gunther picked Zayn to be the referee. Gunther said he wants another championship match at Night of Champions and told him to get it done.
Analysis: Aldis is right to say that Gunther was the one who picked Zayn to be the referee. Anyway, Gunther calling for another match at Night of Champions makes sense.
Solo Sikoa was approached by Jacob Fatu. Solo wondered if Fatu was there with a message from Roman Reigns again. Fatu said he was there to make sure nobody got involved in Jey Uso’s match tonight. Fatu told Solo he’s running out of time to make the right choice. Solo wondered what that meant. Fatu said it’s up to Jey. Fatu left. Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga approached Solo, who said he would be out there with them tonight. Tama said no because if he is out there, then you don’t know who will get involved. Talla said that The Bloodline is not their problem, but the Tag Team Titles are. The Tonga brothers left.
Damian Priest and R-Truth made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Truth was injured for a few weeks, but he’s ready to go now.
(Commercial)
Blake Monroe was featured in a video talking about Giulia. Blake said she’s faced Giulia before in Japan. Blake said there’s a starring role waiting to be filled by her. Blake said don’t cry when she passes you by because she’s coming soon to SmackDown.
The MFTs brother duo of Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga made their entrance as the challengers for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. MFT – Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga
The big guy, Talla, knocked down Priest with a shoulder tackle. The War Raiders, who are the AAA Tag Team Champions, were watching on a TV backstage. Priest hit a jumping elbow smash. Priest worked over Tama with punches. Truth tagged in with a running splash on Tama. Truth hit the two shoulder tackles and the spinning slam. Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle like John Cena. Truth punched Talla on the apron, so Tama hit Truth in the back to knock him out of the ring. Talla hit Truth with a big boot on the floor. Talla got a hold of Priest on the floor, and Talla gave Priest a Chokeslam on the apron. The show went to break there and I’ll take a break there with MFTs in control.
Truth hit a jumping kick on Tama and broke free to bring in Priest. There was a jumping kick by Priest, along with a running elbow smash against the turnbuckle. Priest hit a flatliner on Tama for two. Talla went into the ring, so Priest punched him a few times and hit a clothesline out of the ring. Tama countered Priest into a neckbreaker. Solo Sikoa showed up at ringside and Talla said they don’t need him there. Solo shoved Talla out of the way and Priest hit Solo with a double axhandle. Talla went for a running attack on Priest, but he moved and sent Talla into the ring post. Tama grabbed Priest, but Truth was legal and Truth did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Tama for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay. I wouldn’t call it great or anything like that, but it was a passable tag team match. Solo going to ringside cost Tama & Talla because they didn’t want him there, so of course the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! was enough to win a match. I’d like Priest & Truth to get an actual feud as Tag Team Champions, but it seems unlikely.
After the match, Solo Sikoa felt bad about what happened, while Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga were angry with Solo about what happened. Tama and Talla left without Solo.
Sami Zayn was backstage talking to Johnny Gargano, who was lying on a crate, and Candice LeRae was there supporting her husband, Gargano. Zayn claimed he’s the last real good guy around here. Nick Aldis yelled at Zayn for what he did out there. Zayn said he called it down the middle, and Gunther put his hands on Zayn. Zayn said he didn’t screw Cody Rhodes out of the title, so “Golden Boy” is still on top. Zayn said he wanted Cody to thank him for still being WWE Champion. Zayn claimed he didn’t ask to be part of this, but he’s here now, and he’s not going away easily.
Analysis: The story continues on its way to set up the triple threat match. It’s also why the match went on early because of all the segments that have followed since then. Also, can the creative team do something with Gargano? This angle is going nowhere.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 & 2.
(Commercial)
Jey Uso was backstage, saying it’s the Real OG against the Young OG Je’Von Evans, who walked up to Jey. Evans said Jey is overlooking him, but he’s a big fan. Evans called Jey “Unc” as an affectionate term, so Jey told Evans he’ll slap the taste out of his mouth and make him his son. Evans was fired up, and they had a staredown.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
The winner gets a shot at the US Title held by Trick Williams at Night of Champions. They are 1-1 in televised matches.
Melo started off aggressively with a springboard clothesline. Melo countered a Ricky move with an atomic drop and a clothesline. Ricky bailed to the floor, so Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Ricky on the floor. Back in the ring, Ricky avoided a top rope attack and hit a running uppercut. Ricky hit a bulldog. Melo sent Ricky to the ring apron and jumped over the top with a DDT on the apron. They went on a break there for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
Ricky was in control with a chinlock. Melo got some momentum going when he countered Ricky with a belly-to-back suplex. Melo was able to avoid another move, so Melo jumped off the middle turnbuckle into a DDT for two. Ricky and Melo countered moves into a pin attempt for two counts. Ricky hit a spinning slam off the shoulders into a flapjack for a two count. Melo and Ricky did a double clothesline spot to knock eachother down. The fans weren’t that into it. Melo flipped over Ricky to spike him into the mt with the Dirty Diana. That was followed by Melo hitting a lifting Cutter for two. Melo jumped off the top, Ricky avoided it and Ricky wanted a DDT, but Melo avoided it. They exchanged pin attempts for two counts again. A turnbuckle pad came off during the exchange. They battled by the turnbuckle that was exposed and Melo hit a front suplex into the mat. Ricky hit the ropes, so Melo was crotched onto the steel that was exposed. Melo countered Ricky and hit the First 48. Melo wanted more, so Ricky kicked Melo back-first into the exposed steel and Ricky covered Melo for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricky Saints
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match with the controversial finish since Ricky used the exposed steel turnbuckle to his advantage, which is fitting for a heel like Ricky. Melo did a nice job of selling after hitting the steel. These guys are evenly matched and have developed great chemistry together. It’s not at the same level as the Melo/Dragunov matches, but it’s still fun to watch.
The win means that Ricky Saints will go on to Night of Champions to face Trick Williams for the US Title.
Analysis: I don’t see Trick losing that.
Cody Rhodes approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Cody said there’s only one solution to this – he wants to beat them both. Cody said Night of Champions, let’s do a triple threat. Aldis agreed, so they shook on it.
Analysis: It was headed to a triple threat match for a few weeks now, and I’m glad it’s official. I think they could have done more to get Sami Zayn in that spot because I don’t remember the last match he won. Plus, Zayn lost to Rhodes fairly recently. We want to see people earn title shots instead of just being put in title matches because of a story.
Charlotte Flair was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Flair said she has proven why she is the Queen. Flair talked about how it’s been a few years since she’s been Women’s Champion, but she is focused on getting #15 by beating Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky, and then going on to SummerSlam. Flair said she is going to show Liv why she is the Queen then, now, and forever.
A Club WWE commercial aired, and it was narrated by John Cena.
(Commercial)
Danhausen was backstage in his lab of sorts with The Miz and Kit Wilson, saying their catchphrases. I don’t know why. Angel & Berto were mad at Danhausen for not cursing the Knicks since they lost money on the Spurs. Matt Cardona walked in to get them to back off. Danhausen called Cardona “Zack Ryder” and Danhausen thanked him. Cardona touched Miz, then he acted like he was electrocuted and said, “You Know It,” which is a Ryder catchphrase.
Analysis: Is this all the creative team can do with Danhausen? It’s fine for a short segment, but I don’t know if it’s the best use of him. I think WWE needs to get him in front of the crowd more.
R-Truth talked to Finn Balor, and Truth said that they just beat the Wild Samoans, which is wrong, of course. Truth said he’ll try to help Balor get a title. Truth said that when you’re Judgment Day, you are Judgment Day for life. Damian Priest walked in, Truth said they had a celebration planned, and Priest said he doesn’t go to celebrations with people he doesn’t trust. Priest was referring to Balor, but Truth thought Priest was talking about him. Balor left while Truth was confused as usual.
Jey Uso made his entrance for singles action with a lot of Yeeting with the fans.
(Commercial)
There was another replay of the WWE Title match situation from earlier in the night.
King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Je’Von Evans vs. Jey Uso
Evans got bouncy early on with a rollup for two. Evans dropkicked Jey out of the ring. Evans was grabbed the left side of his ribs since he was selling a Sper from Bron Breakker. Evans dropkicked Jey out of the ring again. Evans hit a running dive over the top onto Jey on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued, and I’ll stick with it. Jey wanted a handshake, Evans shook it and Jey went for a punch, so Evans blocked it. Evans punched Jey to knock him down. Evans worked over Jey with punches, and then Jey worked over Evans with punches. Evans came back with a dropkick for two. Jey went to the apron, so Evans hit him with a forearm. Evans went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Evans kept on holding the ribs. Evans chopped Jey to knock him down. I could hear Jey tell Evans to chop him, so Evans did it.
The match continued with Evans hitting a suplex. Jey finally attacked Evans in the ribs, so Evans was selling it by going to the ropes. Jey stomped on Evans’ ribs. The pacing was really slow as Jey worked over Evans with strikes. Jey charged at Evans, who got an elbow up. Evans went up top, so Jey shoved him off the top and Evans was selling a moth injury. They went on another break for fans as Jey took control. It was Jey on offense for most of the next three minutes.
They were battling by the turnbuckle where Jey hit a headbutt to knock Evans down. When Jey stood up top, Evans went up there after him and hit a Spanish Fly for a two count. During the break, Evnas hit an incredible leap over the barricade onto the referee with a belt on. Evans and Jey did the “stand and throw strikes” spot to get a po from the crowd. Jey hit a spinning enziguri kick, and Evans bounced off the ropes with a knee. Evans tried a springboard attack, Melo moved and Jey hit a superkick. Jey hit a Spear for two. Evans slowly got back up, Jey charged and Evans hit a superkick. Evans was fired up and hit a spinning Red Dot kick to the head. Evans went up top, but Jey picked him up and hit another Spear. Jey hit an Uso Splash off the top for the pinfall win after 20 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a very impressive showing from Je’Von Evans in defeat since he did a tremendous job of selling the rib injury and then came alive with some big moves to get the crowd behind him to try to win the match. I thought the crowd would get into the match more, but this crowd wasn’t that loud throughout the episode. Anyway, I liked the story and how it didn’t feel like a rushed match since they were given time, and Evans sold everything so well.
That result means the King of the Ring finals is Jey Uso against Oba Femi.
Analysis: Are they going to go with Oba Femi as King of the Ring? I think so, but Brock Lesnar could cost him to give Jimmy the win.
After the match, Jey Uso picked up Je’Von Evans, and they shook hands. Jey raised Je’Von’s hand as a sign of respect.
Jacob Fatu was backstage and was approached by Solo Sikoa. Solo claimed he got it all figured out. Solo told Fatu that maybe he needs to come to Roman’s show and start messing with his family.
A video package aired about Giulia talking about her family history and career success. Giulia said she was born in London, which is where SmackDown is next week. Giulia challenged Kiana James to a match next week on SmackDown to find out who is better.
Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Stratton accepted the challenge from Jade Cargill. Chelsea Green interrupted, so Stratton tried to talk to her, saying she doesn’t need Green to be her friend. Stratton said she can do this on her own.
This Monday on Raw: King and Queen of the Ring finalists appear, Paige & Brie Bella defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria and The Vision defend the World Tag Team Titles vs. The Street Profits.
(Commercial)
An NXT Origins video aired about Alexa Bliss.
Liv Morgan was feature in a video package talking about how Queen of the Ring is about proving who is the best of the best. Morgan didn’t care about Charlotte’s title-winning history and claimed she was the best Women’s World Champion of all time.
Brie Bella and Paige did a promo as the Women’s Tag Team Champions set to defend against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Brie and Page talked about how they will be ready this Monday on Raw as the Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Jacy Jayne was backstage with Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. They complained about Brie and Paige, while claiming they were a nostalgia act. Reid said they are coming for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Jayne said she’ll demand a match against Paige in London next week, and Jayne will embarrass Paige.
Jey Uso was watching backstage when he saw the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody congratulated Jey and said one more to go. Jey said he’ll see him at SummerSlam. Cody mentioned Jey had to deal with Oba Femi first.
Sami Zayn approached Jey Uso after Cody left. Zayn said he doesn’t think Cody is going to be the WWE Champion. Zayn said he’ll be the champion, so what do they do when that happens? Jey said he’ll have to do what he has to do. Zayn told Jey to say hi to the family for him.
Analysis: A medley of talking segments. So much talking.
The announcers went over the Night of Champions lineup on June 27th.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
* King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso
* Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill
* United States Championship: Trick Williams vs. Ricky Saints
* Queen of the Ring Finals: IYO SKY vs. Liv Morgan/Charlotte Flair winner
Charlotte Flair was backstage about to make her entrance for the main event when she saw Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab. They bickered back and forth. As Flair left, she was attacked by B-Fab with a chop block to the left knee. Jade stomped on Flair’s left knee as well. Officials came in to check on Flair, so Jade and friends retreated.
(Commercial)
A replay was shown of Charlotte Flair getting attacked by Jade Cargill and friends.
Charlotte Flair was telling Alexa Bliss that she was fine and Flair told Nick Aldis she had to do this. Liv Morgan walked in with the Women’s World Title and laughed about it.
It was main event time as Liv Morgan made her entrance first as the Women’s World Champion. Charlotte Flair limped by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and told the backstage people to play her music, so Flair limped her way out there without the robe on. Flair was selling the left knee injury on the way to the ring.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Liv Morgan vs. Charlotte Flair
As Flair was on the apron, Liv kicked her left leg and Flair bumped to the floor. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis told Flair she was hurt, but Flair said you know what this means to her. Flair told the referee to ring the bell. Flair hit a clothesline, but Liv came back with a chop block to the left knee. Liv rammed the left knee of Flair into the LED board on the ring apron. Liv sent Flair into the steel steps. They went on a commercial break instead of showing the action.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Liv ramming Flair’s left knee into the ring post. Liv dropkicked Flair’s left knee into the ring post for a two count. Liv suplexed Flair so that Flair’s left leg hit the ropes. Flair knocked down Liv with a boot to the head. Flair went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Flair and Liv exchanged strikes as Flair unloaded with some chops. Liv tried to send Flair into the turnbuckle, but Flair collapsed while running to show she’s hurting. Flair still managed to superkick Liv for two. They battled by the turnbuckle and Liv countered Flair to hit a Powerbomb. Flair tried to climb the ropes, but then she sold it like she couldn’t do it. Liv hit a Powerbomb out of the corner for two. The show went on a break for some fans, but the action continued for us. They were out on the floor where Flair sent Liv into the commentary hood a few times. Liv sent Flair into the ring post. Flair countered a Liv move and hit a German Suplex. Liv came back with her Three Amigos routine.
Liv hit a jumping kick to the head. There were about 6 minutes left in the show. Liv went to the middle turnbuckle, tried a Frog Splash that was never going to hit because she jumped onto Flair’s knees. Liv followed up with a Backstabber for a two count. Flair hit a backbreaker and sent Liv into the turnbuckle. Liv hit another chop block to the left knee. Liv trapped Flair’s left knee against the turnbuckle and then Liv kicked the left knee repeatedly. Flair slammed Liv off the top rope. Flair hit a boot to the head and a Natural Selection off the middle rope for a two count. Flair went for the Figure Eight, Liv turned it, Flair turned that, and Liv went to the ropes to force a break. Liv hit another chop block to the back of the left knee. Liv applied a half crab submission on her legs. Flair managed to crawl to the bottom rope to break the hold. Flair left the ring and went to the floor. The WWE Medical Team (two indie wrestlers), Nick Aldis and Alexa Bliss tried to talk to Flair about it. Flair was determined to compete. Liv grabbed Flair by the air, and Flair did a necksnap against the ropes. Liv hit Oblivion for just a two count because Flair pushed Liv off her. Liv applied the single-leg crab submission and pulled back on it, so Flair tapped out. Morgan wins by submission. It went about 19 minutes.
Winner by submission: Liv Morgan
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought Charlotte Flair did a nice job of selling the left leg injury, and it became the focal point of the match for 20 minutes. While Flair put up a fight and showed a lot of heart, she was too damaged throughout the match, so it made sense for Morgan to win. I liked how relentless Liv was in her attacks throughout the match.
The win means that Liv Morgan moves on to the Queen of the Ring Finals against Iyo Sky.
Liv Morgan celebrated the win while Charlotte Flair was getting checked on by others. End show.
Analysis: I think Iyo Sky should win Queen of the Ring. That would set up a rematch for SummerSlam with Sky against Morgan for the Women’s World Title.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Je’Von Evans – I know he lost, but I thought he had the best performance.
- Liv Morgan/Charlotte Flair
- Jey Uso
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 6.95
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
I enjoyed SmackDown this week. Having matches with stakes where the wins/losses matter more and there are title matches makes it a more interesting show. There were certainly times in the show where I felt some segments were just filler because it’s a three hour show, so I am looking forward to the return to two hours.
I would have liked a better Cody Rhodes/Gunther match for the WWE Title, but I understand it was about furthering the angle to involve Sami Zayn more. I liked the Jey Uso/Je’Von Evans match the most, while Morgan/Flair was also very good.
As a final thought, the crowd wasn’t that vocal and it’s the second week in a row like that. I think American fans are happy to be at the shows, but they’re not into the matches as much as they were in the past.
The WWE Night of Champions PLE takes place on Saturday, June 27th with this lineup.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
* King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso
* Queen of the Ring Finals: Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan
* Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* United States Championship: Trick Williams vs. Ricky Saints
* Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill
You can watch WWE Night of Champions, streaming live Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
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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