The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/20/25 Review

This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena facing R-Truth, Randy Orton against Sami Zayn, Asuka in action against Alexa Bliss, and more.

I am writing this review on Sunday because my uncle passed away this week after a terminal illness (cancer sucks) and we were very close. We had visitation on Friday night and a funeral on Saturday. I needed a break from wrestling to be with family, so that’s why I’m late with this. It should be back to normal moving forward for the next ten days and then I’m away for a planned week off starting July 1. I missed AEW Dynamite this week, but I got the reviews done otherwise.

For the matches that go into a commercial break, the commercial break action is edited out of the Netflix version. When I’m not doing it live, I think it’s okay to miss the commercial action anyway.

From the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this is SmackDown for episode #1348. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Solo Sikoa with JC Mateo, and R-Truth.

The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight

LA Knight made his entrance for a promo to open the show. Knight mentioned Seth Rollins and his boys screwing Knight out of Money in the Bank and King of the Ring, so Knight screwed Seth’s two boys Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Knight said he knows where it ends with him and Seth Rollins. Knight invited Seth Rollins to come out and talk to LA Knight.

The WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman reminded us who he is as usual, saying he’s the “Wise Man” for Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Heyman kept on ranting, so Knight asked Heyman why he was here. Heyman was frustrated by the fans chanting “CM Punk” at him. Heyman claimed he was the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE, so he did a “Yeah” at Knight. Heyman warned Knight on behalf of Rollins because if you don’t, something bad will happen to Knight before the end of this night. The fans chanted for Knight.

Knight mocked Heyman’s voice cracking, and he’s heard Heyman say he’s a big fan of Knight before because he’s a scammer and a schemer. Knight said that he asked for Rollins and they gave him Heyman, who is talking pretty damn tough. Knight mentioned there was a time when a man like him would have punched Paul’s teeth down his throat. Knight said, since you can’t bring him, Seth Rollins, then Knight said that it can be Knight against Heyman right now. Knight said he’d let Heyman get the first shot, so Heyman left the ring. Heyman told Knight that his warning earlier wasn’t a prediction, it was a spoiler.

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed went into the ring to fight Knight, so Knight tried to fight them off, but Breakker and Reed took over. Reed tossed Knight over the barricade at ringside. Knight fought back with a steel chair that he used to hit Bron and Reed a few times. The fans chanted for Knight as Heyman regrouped with his guys and left.

Analysis: I thought LA Knight did a good job of making his point and coming off as a likable babyface seeking revenge. It also suggested that we could be seeing more of this based on the spoiler from Heyman during his promo. Knight fighting off Reed and Breakker was booked well since it made Knight look like a smart babyface using the chair.

A commercial aired promoting SummerSlam on August 2 and August 3.

(Commercial)

Paul Heyman was backstage talking to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed saying this is still in their favor. Byron Saxton showed up to inform them that SD GM Nick Aldis said that Reed will face Knight. Heyman told Reed that patience is not a virtue, it’s a strategy.

Women’s King of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss

They are former Women’s Tag Team Champions together. Asuka ran over Bliss with a shoulder tackle and a running hip attack that knocked Bliss down on the floor.

(Commercial)

Bliss took control with a flipping neckbreaker, punches and a knee. Bliss hit a flipping senton splash for two. Asuka kicked Bliss and hit a German Suplex. Asuka hit a running kick for two. Bliss rolled up Asuka for two. Bliss teased Sister Abigail, but Asuka countered it with a rollup. Asuka hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Asuka went up top with a missile dropkick, Bliss avoided it and Bliss hit a DDT for two. Bliss went up top, took way too long, so Asuka rolled away a bit. Bliss went down, approached Asuka and Asuka applied a submission pulling back on both arms, but Bliss got out of it at two. Asuka hit a neckbreaker for two. Asuka charged, Bliss punched Asuka in the face and Bliss set up Asuka against the turnbuckle, so Bliss hit a dropkick. Bliss went for Twisted Bliss, Asuka got the knees up and Asuka hit the Empress Impact running hip attack for the win.

Winner by pinfall: Asuka

Analysis: *** It was a good match with Asuka getting the win in her second match since coming back from a major knee injury. Bliss got some nearfalls that were believable and the crowd was into it because they like her, but I expected Asuka to win here.

The trio of B-Fab, Michin and Jade Cargill were watching backstage. B-Fab said Asuka was making her own statements and Michin said they should make their own statements. Byron Saxton walked in to talk to Jade about facing Roxanne Perez in the semifinals on Raw. Jade said that Rox is trying to prove herself, but Jade was built for this. Jade said that she is the storm. Jade said she’s walking into Queen of the Ring to win.

Analysis: I think Jade absolutely could win Queen of the Ring. It’s a tough call between her, Asuka and Roxanne Perez.

(Commercial)

Alexa Bliss was shown walking backstage when Chelsea Green showed up with the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) to mock Bliss about her loss. Green said she should have been Queen of the Ring. Bliss suggested Green should face her. Charlotte Flair said she should be in Queen of the Ring if Green’s replacement tapped out sooner. Flair challenged Green to a match. Green left angrily. Bliss told Flair she didn’t need her help and Flair said she wasn’t there to help her.

Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly was in the ring for a match against Aleister Black, but R-Truth attacked Kit with punches and an STF. Truth did a promo calling out John Cena. Truth said he is driving on his terms and he told Cena to get out there right now. Truth put the STF on Wilson again. There were WWE Officials and a referee there to stop it. Jamie Noble, the WWE Official, was able to calm Truth down and get him out of there.

Analysis: Poor Kit getting attacked like that. I like the unhinged version of R-Truth because you never know what he might say or do, and it makes him dangerous too. It’s a change from his goofy character and the fans love the guy, so I like to see him in a role like this.

A video package aired about Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Title against Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12th.

(Commercial)

R-Truth was backstage complaining to Jamie Noble, saying he wanted to face John Cena, and Noble told Truth to relax. Aleister Black walked up to Truth asking why are you getting involved in my matches? Truth said it was nothing personal and it had nothing to do with you. Damian Priest interrupted the confrontation, telling Black that Truth is going through a lot, so let Priest talk to him. Black left. Priest talked to Truth, saying there’s no need for any of that. Priest said he used to be like that, but Truth used to make him laugh and calm him down. Priest told Truth to focus his energy on beating John Cena and then they can go and celebrate.

Analysis: I like having Aleister Black get in Truth’s face about ruining Black’s match. Sometimes you see stuff like that and you never hear from the wrestler involved in a match, so I liked how they followed up on it. Priest also has a history with Truth when Truth thought he was in The Judgment Day, so putting Priest in that spot to calm Truth down was a smart move.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Randy Orton and Sami Zayn

Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge ovation wearing dress clothes. The fans popped big for Cody as usual and sang part of his song. Before Cody could say a word, Jey Uso made his entrance in the back part of the arena. The fans went crazy doing the “Yeet” entrance with Jey.

After a few minutes, Jey got into the ring with Cody. When Jey got into the ring, the fans chanted “one more time,” so Jey called for his music to play, and Jey did more Yeeting with the fans. Cody and Jey are opponents in the King of the Ring Semifinals on Monday’s Raw. They are also good friends and former Tag Team Champions together.

Jey said that they have been in the trenches together, fighting his family, winning tag team gold, and finishing their story at WrestleMania. Jey said that they’ve been to the mountaintop, but this Monday, there’s only room for one of them. Jey said he knows Cody is going to bring i,t and Jey will bring it too. Jey said that after they go to war, there’s going to be four letters and one word…Yeet. Jey shook hands with Cody, leading to a bro hug.

Sami Zayn made his entrance in his wrestling gear because he’s in action up next. The fans sang his song too. Zayn said that this is nice because he gets to share the ring with two great friends. Zayn called them two of the very best that this business has to offer. Zayn spoke about how one of them has never won the World Championship, referring to himself. Zayn said he wasn’t a part of WrestleMania, he had no reason to be there, but he was there in Las Vegas to congratulate Jey when he won the World Championship. Zayn said he’s proud of him and he loved him. Zayn said that when Cody Rhodes beat Roman Reigns to win the WWE Title and finish his story, Zayn said he was the first one to run into the ring to congratulate Cody and he is proud of Cody. Zayn said now it is time for him to finish his story.

The legendary Randy Orton was up next in his wrestling gear since he’s against Sami Zayn. The fans sang along with his song, too, because it’s a catchy song. Orton joined the others in the ring for this summit between the four babyfaces.

Randy Orton stated that there is no line he will not cross to defeat Cody Rhodes and secure his path to winning his 15th World Title by beating John Cena. Orton told Jey he respects the hell out of him. Orton said that their families go way back and there’s nothing by love. Orton said that if you’re standing across from him at SummerSlam, it won’t be about four letters and one word, it will be about the three letters and one move – the RKO. Orton meant to say King of the Ring, not SummerSlam, for when he might possibly face Jey because that’s the King of the Ring semifinals.

Orton said he thinks he can speak for Cody, Jey, and the fans, saying that one day, Sami Zayn will be a World Champion. Orton told Zayn that SummerSlam won’t be that day because tonight he’ll be on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment, and the fans said the letters: RKO. Orton’s music played to end it.

This segment was promoted as a Cody Rhodes talking segment, but he didn’t say a word on the microphone. Poor Cody.

Analysis: I thought it was an effective segment in terms of putting over the King of the Ring tournament and pushing the two semifinal matches. Cody Rhodes looked frustrated about not being able to speak at times, but it wasn’t pushed as a major story or anything like that. Jey did a nice job with his promo, Zayn came across as very likeable as usual and Randy Orton was also very confident, which is the norm for him.

(Commercial)

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

Zayn applied an armbar early on. Orton went against the turnbuckle, so Zayn chopped him a few times in the chest. Orton bailed to the floor, Zayn teased a leap onto him and Orton avoided it. Orton set up Zayn against the turnbuckle, Orton did an eye poke and a few uppercuts. Zayn did an eye poke of his own and sent Orton out of the ring. Orton tripped up Zayn on the apron and pulled Zayn out of the ring. Orton gave Zayn a belly-to-back slam on the commentary table. The fans chanted “one more time” so Orton slammed Zayn on the commentary table hood again.

(Commercial)

Orton was in control with forearms to the chest and a punch to the head. Zayn did a leapfrog off the ropes over Orton and Zayn hit a clothesline. Zayn hit a double axhandle to knock Orton down. Zayn went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, Orton avoided that and hit two clotheslines. Orton hit a scoop powerslam on Zayn. Orton hit a draping DDT on Zayn. Orton set up for an RKO, so Zayn rolled out of the ring to avoid it. Orton tried to slam Zayn on the commentary table again, but Zayn countered and hit a belly-to-back slam on Orton on the commentary table. Zayn avoided a charging Orton, who went shoulder-first into the ring post. Zayn charged at Orton, which led to Orton hitting a scoop powerslam for two. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Orton ran to the turnbuckle, Zayn followed up with a Helluva Kick and Orton avoided it. Orton wanted an RKO, but Zayn countered it into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count, which is the usual for that move. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” again. Zayn went up top, jumped off the top, Orton avoided it and Orton went for an RKO, but Zayn avoided it. Zayn charged, Orton caught him and Orton hit an RKO for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: ***1/2 A great match between two of the best babyface veterans in WWE. I’m not surprised by Orton winning, but I was hoping for Zayn to win because I think it would have been a nice story to have him win King of the Ring. A win by Orton does set up a possible KOTR Finals match against Cody Rhodes, so that would be a big one in the finals. If they got some more time they would have a four-star level match.

For the second year in a row, Randy Orton is in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament, where he’ll face Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso.

Nia Jax was shown walking backstage for a segment up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Nia Jax

The former WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax made her entrance. Last week on SmackDown, Jax bet up WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. Jax also told Naomi not to cash in Money in the Bank on Stratton. Nia Jax said that Stratton approached her to be under her wing because Stratton knew that Jax could help her. Jax was thanked by Stratton, betraying her because it was Jax’s title.

It’s Tiffy Time because WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton interrupted. Stratton told Jax to get over it and said she should admit that Stratton is better than her. Jax said she wanted a match. Stratton said she made it official for a match next week. Stratton told Jax they’ll have a Last Woman Standing Match. Jax went for a strike, Stratton avoided it, and Jax hit a spinebuster. Jax hit a leg drop. Jax held up the WWE Women’s Championship. Jax hit another leg drop on Stratton.

Naomi ran down to the ring with the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi had a referee with her. Jax pulled Naomi out of the ring to prevent a cash in. Stratton dropkicked Naomi off the apron onto Jax on the floor. Stratton stood tall in the ring with the WWE Women’s Title to end it.

Analysis: It was a solid segment that got right to the point and didn’t drag on too long. It set up the SmackDown match between Stratton and Jax in Saudi Arabia. For the second week in a row, Jax prevented Naomi from cashing in MITB because Jax wants to be the one to take the Women’s Title from Stratton.

There was a video package about John Cena’s history with CM Punk, dating back approximately 15 years, narrated by Corey Graves. It did a nice job of showing their history together. It covered the story that Cena was once the babyface and Punk was the heel, but now Cena is in the heel role and Punk is beloved by the fans.

Chelsea Green made her entrance, joined by Piper Niven and Alba Fyre.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)

Green had a protective, bejeweled facemask on due to her recent injury. Green hit a knee to the ribs early on, and Flair was able to connect with a cross body block off the top for two. Green distracted the referee, so Fyre hit a necksnap on Flair on the top rope. Green hit a neckbreaker for a two count.

(Commercial)

Flair worked over Green with chops and an overhead suplex across the ring. Flair taunted Green with a salute and the fans booed. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline for two. Flair kicked Fyre off the apron to the floor. Gren hit the Rough Ryder leg lariat that her husband Matt Cordona uses and it got a two count. Green took her mask off. Flair avoided that, Flair bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear for two. Green got a cradle for two. Flair was back up with the Figure Eight submission and Green tapped out quickly. It went about 8 minutes.

Winner by submission: Charlotte Flair

Analysis: **1/2 It was an average match to put over Flair after she failed to win her Queen of the Ring tournament match. Green is liked by the face, but she’s not a true babyface, so it was a bit of a weird dynamic having two heels in the match. Green’s offense came after distractions from her friends, but she really had no shot to win here.

After the match, Niven hit a senton splash while Flair had Green in the Figure Eight and it looked like it twisted Flair’s knee, but Flair might have been okay. Green and friends attacked Flair some more, so Alexa Bliss went to the ring to make the save. Flair hit a shoulder tackle on Niven, a forearm to Fyre that had no contact and Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Green. Flair kicked Niven out of the ring. Bliss stared at Flair across the ring. Bliss wanted a handshake, but Flair kept on walking and left the ring.

Analysis: The story has been that Bliss has wanted to be friends with Flair, but Flair wants nothing to do with it. Bliss did the right thing by helping Flair here. However, Flair is still a heel and isn’t interested in working with Bliss at this point. It seems like this is building to Bliss and Flair becoming babyface allies.

Solo Sikoa spoke to JC Mateo in the locker room. JC was taping his wrists up, so Solo told JC he’ll talk to Jacob Fatu alone and he’ll smooth things over. Solo told JC to be ready.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu

Solo Sikoa called out his cousin Jacob Fatu to come out there so they could clear the air. The US Champion Jacob Fatu made his entrance while the fans cheered and chanted “Fatu” for him.

Solo said he didn’t come out here to fight him. Solo said he loved Jacob and he has always loved him. Solo said one thing he learned about being the Tribal Chief is how to love and take care of family. Solo spoke about how families fight all the time, they fight, they argue, they forgive and they move forward. Solo wanted them to move forward together as one. Solo said that nobody saw the potential in Fatu except him. Solo claimed nobody wanted Fatu there except Solo, which is why Solo brought him there, gave him an opportunity to change his life and put food on the table. Solo said he did that because he loves Fatu. Solo admitted he didn’t have anybody else because all he had was Jacob, and that was all he needed. Solo told Fatu to come back to family. Solo told him: “I love you, Jacob.”

Fatu responded to Solo, saying that the way he sees it is that Solo used Fatu to gain power, fight his battles, and so Solo could stay Tribal Chief. Fatu said that Solo brought him in so that Fatu could bring Solo fame and Solo thought Fatu would bring him gold. Solo had his head down, so Fatu told him to look at Fatu when he’s speaking and the fans chanted “Fatu” for Jacob again. Fatu said that ever since he won the US Title, Solo has been acting differently. Fatu said that maybe the problem is this US Title. Fatu told Solo to fight him for the US Title. Fatu said if Solo thinks about coming this way, you know what Fatu is all about because you know you know that Jacob Fatu is all gas and no brakes with it…Yaddadamean (Do you know what I mean?). Solo tried a Samoan Spike, but Fatu blocked it. Fatu knocked Solo down, and JC Mateo went into the ring to attack Fatu with punches and kicks.

Jimmy Uso made the save by hitting superkicks on JC and Solo. JC nailed Jimmy with a clothesline. Fatu got back with an elbow on JC and a superkick on Solo. Fatu headbutted Solo and hit a superkick on JC. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Solo, who bailed to the floor. Fatu stared at Jimmy. Fatu went up top to go after Solo some more, but Solo rolled out of the ring. Fatu’s music played to end it.

Analysis: I thought it was an effective segment that pushed the story that Solo Sikoa was trying to suck up to Jacob so that they could work together again, but Jacob saw through the bullshit and ended up fighting back. That should lead to a tag team match between these four guys. Jacob and Jimmy are cousins and Jimmy’s real last name is Fatu as well, so it’s a natural team since Fatu is in the babyface role now.

(Commercial)

Bronson Reed (w/Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman) vs. LA Knight

Knight did a sneak attack on Breakker and sent him into the ring post. Reed calmed Breakker down, and Reed went into the ring to start the match. Reed charged at Knight, who moved, so Reed went crashing into the turnbuckle. Knight stomped on Reed a few times. Knight went for a sunset flip, Reed tried to counter with a splash, but Knight avoided that and kicked Reed down. Reed blocked a neckbreaker attempt by holding onto the ropes. Knight avoided a splash by Reed and Knight hit a bulldog. Reed rolled out of the ring, so Knight kicked him. Knight hit a springboard cross body block onto Reed on the floor.

(Commercial)

They battled on the turnbuckle where Knight punched Reed down and Knight jumped to the top rope, leading to a top rope elbow for two. Reed hit a headbutt and a slam off the shoulders for two. Reed went for a lift, but Knight countered it with a DDT. Breakker was on the apron, so Knight punched him down. Knight sent Reed out of the ring. Breakker went into the ring and hit a Spear on Knight for the DQ finish. It went about 8 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: LA Knight

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match that ended in a cheap manner, which made sense based on the storyline involving Knight against the Seth Rollins group. I didn’t expect a clean finish here.

After the match, Bron ran the ropes and hit a Spear while Reed was holding Knight. Reed went up top, Bron held Knight down and Reed jumped off the top with a Tsunami splash. Reed went up top again and hit a second Tsunami splash. Barrett does a great job of calling that. There were referees in the ring, so Breakker scared them out of the ring. Reed went up top and hit another Tsunami splash on Knight, who was selling the attack. Breakker and Reed stood tall.

Analysis: This was more of the same from the Seth Rollins group, as Rollins was absent, with Breakker and Reed doing the damage this time. Poor Knight must be a jerk since nobody tried to help him during a three-minute attack. There were referees there, but they were useless in that spot.

The John Cena match against R-Truth was next.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker beating up LA Knight. Knight was shown getting helped to the back.

Next week on SmackDown one night before Night of Champions has several title matches:

* Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega vs. Giulia

* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits vs. Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis

* Last Woman Standing Match for WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

Jacob Fatu did a promo backstage saying that he spoke to the man (Nick Aldis) and next week at Night of Champions, he’s defending the United States Championship against Solo Sikoa. Fatu did his “all gas, no breaks” line and “Yaddadamean” to end it.

Analysis: It makes sense to put that match on at Night of Champions. I like that. I think Fatu will retain, but they could have Hikuleo debut at that show and help Solo win. It’s just an option.

R-Truth made his entrance. It’s the “What’s Up” song without a rap.

(Commercial)

John Cena made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion and he was booed heavily. When the music stopped, there were some cheers in support. Cena pointed at ring announcer Mark Nash, who introduced Cena as the “Greatest of All Time, the never seen 17, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time…he is the last Real Champion, John Cena.”

John Cena vs. R-Truth

This was not for Cena’s WWE Title. They are still using the R-Truth name even though he is also called Ron Killings. Truth attacked Cena with a tackle and punches. They left the ring where Truth connected with some punches. Back in the ring, Truth sent Cena hard into the turnbuckle.

(Commercial)

Cena was in control with a Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Truth came back with a Thesz Press, followed by punches and a running splash against the turnbuckle. Cena left the ring, grabbed the WWE Title and walked up the aisle. Truth went after Cena in the aisle, Truth punched Cena a few times and Cena hit Truth with the WWE Title. Wade: “Dammit! What a piece of garbage!” It went about 6 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: R-Truth

Analysis: *3/4 It was one of those matches that felt like an angle to further Cena’s heel reign as WWE Champion and lead into Cena’s story with CM Punk after the match. Truth got the win, but we only saw a few minutes of action in the match.

CM Punk ran down to ringside, so Cena ran into the ring with the WWE Title. When Punk got into the ring, Cena was ready for him with punches and kicks. Punk worked over Cena with punches. Punk charged with the WWE Title, but Cena kicked Punk in the groin. Cena hit Punk in the head with the WWE Title. There was a bit of a “smack” sound when Cena hit Punk there. Cena put a Slim Jim sponsored table into the ring. Cena hit Punk in the head with the WWE Title again. Cena gave Punk an Attitude Adjustment through the table in the ring.

Analysis: A classic heel attack by John Cena to get the advantage over CM Punk for their match at Night of Champions. I like how it was done with Cena doing a low blow, two belt shots and the AA through the table in the ring. That set up what was next.

John Cena Delivers A Message To CM Punk

John Cena did a promo from the turnbuckle while Punk laying in between the table that was broken. Cena’s promo was written out online in some places, so I’ll share some of the dialogue here.

“Punk, as you lay there in your most uncomfortable…(Taps microphone.) Somebody’s afraid of what I’m going to say. I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest. Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I got to get a whole lot of stuff off my chest.

First things first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even I just like you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you’ve ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure.

I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the best in the world. You’re not. I’m the greatest of all time. You’re better than me at one thing, you’re the best bullshitter in the world. Oh, no, kiddos. John Cena just dropped a curse word. That means the show is completely off the rails. Hey, Stu (camera guy), shoot this. Hey, I’m breaking the fourth wall. Ha, ha. The truth is, Punk, I’m jealous of you. I am jealous that you have conned these people into believing the myth that you’re the best in the world.”

“They chant for you (the fans chanted “CM Punk” on cue), hell when you come out they sing to you, but they don’t believe a god damn word you say. Because you change your values as much as I change my t-shirts. Cena said that Punk is a loudmouth opportunist who will step on the necks of people who actually work hard if it gets you ahead. Where’s another camera? Hey Claudio Castagnoli. Hey Nic Nemeth. Hey Matt Cardona. How you guys doing?”

Analysis: That part of the promo got a lot of attention, of course, because Cena spoke about Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, and Zack Ryder using their real names that are used in other places. It was also a reference when Punk said “how you doing?” to Colt Cabana in his June 2011 promo.

“Oh yeah, we’re still on baby, haha. He’s heating up! He’s on fire. And there’s nobody back there to cut my mic to save your ass because I’m your only friend. Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal. And what have you done with it since then? You’ve just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom.

“You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the voice of the voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire. Despite yourself, you’re not punk, you’re a capitalist. And you’re not against TKO, dude. You are Mister TKO. Because they knocked your balls technically off your body. Your tweets are strong. Your actions are weak.”

Analysis: Valid points by Cena talking about how Punk is a millionaire, so he’s not much of a Punk anymore. The truth hurts. Punk is off Twitter, but I get what Cena meant by that comment about Punk’s words being strong.

Cena went on to say that in Saudi Arabia, he will prove that for 25 years, he has been the greatest of all time. There were “Cena” chants by some fans. Cena said, “See, they know.” Cena said that they know that Punk was the best in the world for 7 minutes…14 years ago. Cena said if, after Night of Champions, Punk is still delusional enough to believe he’s the best in the world, then it’s a small world after all. Cena: “You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” Cena told Punk to bring his “A Game” at Night of Champions because the mood is starting to change.

Cena said he’s not going to do any more damage because Punk needs to rest up. Cena said it’s the Best in the World against the Greatest of All Time for the most coveted prize in sports entertainment, the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena said he knows you’ll sing and chant, but you idiots are smart enough to know the Champ Is Here. Cena told USA you can keep the extra 2.5 minutes because you can keep the bomb since Elvis has left the Motherfudging building.

Cena told Punk thanks for letting me rip off your promo to let Punk look even more foolish. Cena left the ring and celebrated with the WWE Title as his music played. There was a replay of Cena’s attack on Punk.

Cena was shown in the aisle, holding the WWE Title above his head. Cena blew a kiss toward Punk like Punk did at Money in the Bank 2011. Cena left at that point.

Analysis: It was an excellent “Pipebomb” style promo similar to the one that CM Punk did to Cena in June 2011 before their epic Money in the Bank PLE match. It’s ridiculous that Punk was selling a table bump (and two belt shots) for ten minutes while wrestlers during matches recover from table bumps quickly, so it’s a bit silly. That’s pro wrestling, though. Sometimes you gotta be silly. I’ve seen people call it one of the greatest promos they’ve ever seen, and one of the greatest that Cena has ever done. I don’t know if I would go that far, but I liked it a lot and thought it was a great callback to Punk’s promo from 14 years ago. Cena’s lines about Punk not being a punk anymore because he’s a millionaire were an example of a heel telling the truth whether the fans of the face want to hear it or not. I saw all the throwbacks to Punk’s June 2011 promo because Cena faced Truth that night and Punk put Cena through a table on that night before Punk’s promo. They did a nice job of filming it while Cena was sitting on the turnbuckle and Punk was out on the table in the ring. This felt like one of those promos that was meticulously planned and Cena had a lot to say, which isn’t always easy to do, but he nailed it. It was a nice reminder of how great a performer Cena is.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. John Cena – Outstanding promo.
2. Randy Orton
3. Asuka

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The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2025 Average: 7.37

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It was a very good SmackDown this week. John Cena’s promo about CM Punk stood out as a great one. It was definitely one of the best promos he’s done as a heel and it was a nice throwback to CM Punk’s June 2011 promo that fans still remember well to this day as the “Pipebomb.” I’m not sure if I’d say Cena’s promo was at that level, but I liked it a lot. Cena’s match with R-Truth wasn’t much, but that promo Cena did on Punk likely got people talking to build the Cena-Punk match at Night of Champions. As I mentioned in the review, it was a nice reminder of how great a performer Cena is.

Randy Orton’s match with Sami Zayn was great, and it was very competitive. I liked that finish a lot. I also wanted Zayn to win, but I don’t mind an Orton victory because he’s performing at a high level. Asuka beating Alexa Bliss was a solid match. LA Knight getting his ass kicked by Breakker & Reed continues Knight’s rivalry with Seth Rollins, so I liked how that was booked too. Other matches were okay, but nothing special.

The Jacob Fatu-Solo Sikoa angle was well done to set them up for a match at Night of Champions.

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

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

* King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Winner of Cody Rhodes-Jey Uso

* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Winner of Jade Cargill-Roxanne Perez

* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles

* United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa

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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