The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/26/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn meeting in the ring before their WWE Title clash at Night of Champions.
This is the final 3-hour SmackDown episode of 2026, because from July through December, it’s back to being a two-hour show. This episode was taped in London, England, on Tuesday, June 23rd, due to WWE’s Night of Champions event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Saturday, June 27th. The episode leaked online on Wednesday, so I wrote this review on Thursday morning based on that video, which is just over 2 hours long. I’m not going to say where I got the broadcast download from, but it’s here, and I’m reviewing it early because it saves me time.
From the O2 Arena in London, England, this is SmackDown for episode #1401. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
On the Netflix version of SmackDown, the full episode of the show is available with a runtime of 2:04, so they took commercial breaks out.
A video package aired about the WWE Title situation between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Gunther and Sami Zayn to set up their triple threat match at Night of Champions.
They showed some superstars walking around before the show.
Let’s Hear From Trick Williams and Ricky Saints
Trick Williams made his entrance as the United States Champion, joined by Lil Yachty. The fans were chanting “Whoop That Trick” for Williams on his way to the ring. Trick mentioned to Yachty about what happened last week that missed SmackDown. Trick revealed that he missed SmackDown because he went to Jamaica, Lil Yachty was there, Lash Legend was there and he is now a married man. The crowd cheered. Trick showed off his silver wedding ring as the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” after that. Trick said that getting married was the best day of his life. Trick talked about how she said “I Do” so he did and he whooped that Trick all night long. Trick said Lash isn’t there tonight, so Trish said he was thinking about her.
Analysis: Congrats to Trick and Lash getting married. I don’t know many wrestlers on the current roster are dating and/more married, but there are so many couples in part because there are more women under contract than ever. It leads to guys dating the girls obviously, and that leads to marriages in some cases. I’m happy for Trick and Lash, who have been together for several years starting in NXT, and now on SmackDown together.
Trick mentioned facing Ricky Saints at Night of Champions. Trick said he’s going to whoop his ass, then high-step going to SummerSlam with his lemon pepper steppers, a ring on his finger and this US Title around his waist. Here’s the interruption.
Ricky Saints walked down to the ring saying that Trick isn’t good at making life decisions. Ricky got into the ring saying he’s absolute. Trick said his patience is short, his backhand is strong and if Ricky keeps popping off then Trick will smack him down to London Bridge. The fans liked that.
Ricky spoke about the things that Trick Williams was talking about, like his “lemon pepper steppers,” among other things, and then Ricky said that Trick shouldn’t be overlooking him. Ricky said he is who he is, standing right in front of him. Ricky said you’re looking at the next United States Champion. Ricky claimed that every single person there agrees. Ricky said that this Trick Williams hype train ends tomorrow at Night of Champions.
Trick spoke to Ricky Suave about who Ricky’s dentist is going to be when Trick kicks his teeth down his throat. Ricky wondered if he took the US Title from Trick, would your little friend (Lil Yachty) come with it? Yachty said he would never work for him. Ricky punched Yachty and left. When Trick helped Yachty up, Ricky went back in and hit Trick with a forearm to knock him down. Ricky ran away.
Analysis: A cheap attack by Ricky Saints to get some heat. I don’t see Trick losing at Night of Champions, but Ricky could win the title in the future.
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
A recap was shown of last week, when Liv Morgan beat Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring tournament after Flair was attacked by Jade Cargill and friends.
Alexa Bliss was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who asked how Flair was doing. Bliss said Flair was feeling physical pain and emotional pain. Bliss said she’ll get revenge, even if she has to team up with…you…it was Tiffany Stratton. Stratton said that they can get through tonight and Stratton can beat Jade at Night of Champions, and then Bliss and Flair can do whatever they want, as long as they keep Stratton out of it. Bliss agreed.
The Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for tag team action.
Tiffany Stratton & Alexa Bliss vs. Michin & B-Fab
Stratton got some offense early on with a splash on Michin against the ropes, and then a dropkick. Bliss tagged in with a hair-pull takedown, a knee and a neckbreaker. Bliss caught Michin for a DDT tease, but Michin got out of it. B-Fab made a blind tag. Bliss jumped off the apron with a DDT on Michin on the floor. B-Fab was legal and kicked Bliss while on the floor. B-Fab sent Bliss into the ring post. B-Fab worked over Bliss with punches. B-Fab and Michin made some quick tags as they worked over Bliss. Michin gave Bliss a body slam, along with a toss across the ring. Michin hit a modified neckbreaker for a two count.
Michin went for an elbow drop, but Bliss avoided it. Stratton tagged in with a back elbow on B-Fab, along with an Alabama Slam for two. B-Fab hit a jawbreaker, but Stratton came back with a cartwheel off the ropes, into a Cutter for two. Stratton went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for two because Michin made the save. Bliss pulled Michin out of the ring and punched her, but Michin sent Bliss over the barricade. Stratton hit a rolling senton on B-Fab. Michin was distracting the referee, so Jade Cargill showed up to knock Stratton off the turnbuckle. B-Fab capitalized with a sitout reverse neckbreaker and B-Fab pinned Stratton. It went about 9 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Michin & B-Fab
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay with the heels cheating to win thanks to Jade Cargill getting involved. I’m a bit surprised that Tiffany Stratton would take the pin here, but it’s a way to show that she is beatable as the Women’s US Champion. B-Fab rarely wins, so at least it’s something good for her.
After the match, the heel trio of Jade, B-Fab, and Michin wanted to attack Stratton some more. Chelsea Green made the save by hitting B-Fab with a kendo stick. Michin charged at Green, who moved, and Michin bumped into the turnbuckle and rolled out to the floor. Green sent a charging Jade over the top to the floor. Stratton was shocked and smiled at Green. Bliss went into the ring, so Green raised the hands of both women.
Analysis: Good work by Chelsea Green, continuing her babyface turn. The fans like her, and now Stratton has warmed up to Green as an ally.
There was a plug for WWE Unreal Season 3 on Netflix on July 21st.
Solo Sikoa was approached by MFT’s Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. Solo bragged about getting involved on Raw. Tama said that they are tired of being involved in his war. Tama told Solo they didn’t want him involved last week, and then he’s helping LA Knight. Talla said that they heard from the others, and they are out. Tama and Talla left. Solo shouted that you can’t leave me because he brought them here, and nobody can leave him.
Analysis: Is anybody going to be that upset if Solo and the MFTs are no more? It was a stable that didn’t work.
There was a replay of Jade Cargill getting involved to cost Tiffany Stratton in the tag team match before the break.
Jade Cargill approached SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and told him to put her in a match with Chelsea Green. Aldis said he can do that.
AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. Nathan Frazer
Frazer is from England. This should be fun. Fenix and Frazer started off trying some fast-paced moves, countering eachother and then a staredown. Frazer got a hold of Fenix and sent him face first into the middle turnbuckle. Fenix kicked Frazer and hit a cross body block off the top. Fenix dropkicked Frazer out of the ring. Fenix went up top and hit a cross body block on Frazer on the floor. Back in the ring, Frazer hit a spinning kick to knock Fenix down to the floor. Frazer hit a tope con hilo, aka somersault dive, over the top onto Fenix. That’s where the break goes for some fans as the action continued. Frazer took his time to go up top, so Fenix hit a running uppercut. Fenix worked over Frazer with some chops to the chest. Fenix spun Frazer around on his back for a face-first slam into the mat for two. Frazer slipped behind Fenix and hit a belly-to-back suplex. Frazer hit a flipping neckbreaker for a two count. Frazer grabbed a chinlock.
The match continued with Fenix working over Frazer with chops and a backhand to the face. Fenix hit a handspring off the ropes into a Stunner. Fenix hit a Death Valley Driver slam into a neckbreaker for a two count. There were “Let’s go Fenix” chants from the crowd. Fenix went up top, Frazer went after him, and Frazer hit a superplex. Fenix countered a move into an inside cradle for two. Frazer and Fenix hit a double clothesline, then a kip-up back to their feet and a double kick at the same time to knock both guys down. The fans were cheering. Frazer hit a knee strike to the head. Fenix spun around on the ropes and hit a spin kick. Frazer hit a Spanish Fly-style move off the middle ropes for a two count. Frazer hit a lifting neckbreaker for two. The fans correctly chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Fenix was able to get some offense going with double knees. Frazer countered Fenix by the ropes and kicked Fenix from the turnbuckle to the floor. Frazer missed a suicide dive when Fenix moved, and Frazer hit the commentary table. Ouch. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Fenix went up top and hit a Frog Splash for just a two count. Fenix charged, Frazer got a boot up, but then Fenix hit a Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***3/4 It was an exciting, fast-paced match as you would expect, and I enjoyed it a lot. I’m happy to see Fenix in a meaningful match on SmackDown again, even though most fans watching don’t know much about the AAA Cruiserweight Title. Frazer was incredible as usual, using his speed well and coming close to winning a few times. Fenix retaining makes sense, and when you can put on a performance like that, the fans are going to love you.
After the match, Fenix picked up Frazer, and they got a big ovation from the crowd. Cole put it over, saying they deserve the standing ovation.
The WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Damian Priest were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked what’s next? Truth said the Clubhouse and a hot tub. Priest said no. Priest said they have moved on from the MFTs and claimed SmackDown has other talented tag teams. The War Raiders duo of Erik & Ivar walked in as the AAA Tag Team Champions. Truth was speaking with a Spanish accent since they were AAA Tag Team Champions. Erik suggested a Winner-Take-All match for both sets of Tag Team Titles. Truth kept on ranting and thinking he was on The Judgment Day. Priest covered Truth’s mouth so he would stop talking. Priest told The War Raiders they accept the challenge, and we’ll figure out when and where.
Analysis: That sounds good to me. I like The War Raiders a lot, and I want to see SmackDown actually have a tag team division.
LA Knight arrived in a car, and Jackie Redmond asked what he was doing. Knight said he’s usually on Raw, but so is she, so it’s a bit confusing. Knight said he’ll go out there to get some answers…yeah.
A commercial aired for NXT Great American Bash on Sunday night on The CW in the US and Netflix internationally.
Let’s Hear from LA Knight
LA Knight made his entrance for a promo, and he was cheered as usual. A clip aired of Knight beating Jimmy Uso on Raw after Solo Sikoa hit brother Jimmy with a Samoan Spike. Knight hit a BFT to capitalize for the win. There were “LA Knight” chants…yeah.
Knight said that he beat Jimmy Uso on Raw, and he made Jimmy stare at the lights. Knight said he respected Jimmy, but he got what he deserved. Knight said there was an unexpected assist, so Knight called Solo Sikoa out.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance alone. The fans were singing “Oh…Solo Sikoa” at him. Knight said that was a catchy song. Knight said that he’s trying to wrap his head around Monday. Solo said he wasn’t there to fight Knight. Solo said he doesn’t know if you watched earlier, but everybody in Solo’s family has left him. Knight said that he understands that it hurts, but his heart doesn’t pump purple piss for him. Knight said that leaves Solo wide open to go right back into The Bloodline. The fans chanted “OTC” for Roman Reigns. Knight wondered if Solo wanted to listen to that crap and listen to Reigns. Knight said he wasn’t sure why Solo did what he did on Monday.
Solo said that he hates his damn family. Solo said he hates that he was part of the group. Solo said he hates Jacob, The Usos (his brothers), and he hates the OTC, Roman Reigns. Solo said he hates the whole Bloodline, and the only way that he would feel better is if he finished them. Solo said that one thing he has in common with Knight is that they don’t like The Bloodline. Knight said that Solo should hate Roman Reigns for everything he’s done to them. Knight said Jimmy, Jey, and Jacob should hate Reigns. Knight said that Reigns did more to them than Solo and they are right back with Reigns. Knight trashed Jey, saying he was a main eventer and now he’s a bag handler for Reigns. Knight wondered why he should trust Solo. Solo said that it’s different because it’s just him now. Solo suggested they can work together as partners and take out The Bloodline. Solo claimed they could watch each other’s backs.
Knight said he’s heard “just me” and “day one” and all that before. Knight said he hated The Bloodline (yeah), he’s outnumbered (yeah), those numbers have worked against him (yeah), does he need help (yeah), and does he need Solo watching his back? Solo said yeah. Knight said he lives and dies doing things on his own. Knight said thanks, but no thanks. Knight left.
What’s interesting on the feed that I watched, Solo said, “I hate the OCT Roman Reigns,” so then they had him say it properly, “I hate the OTC Roman Reigns,” which is what will be heard on the televised broadcast.
Analysis: Even when the Bloodline isn’t featured on a show regularly, they are still being talked about at all times. Anyway, it makes sense for Knight not to want to trust a heel like Solo, which makes me think that in the coming weeks, Solo will continue to help Knight prove himself.
Sami Zayn was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who mentioned Zayn’s refereeing last week on SmackDown. Zayn said nobody seemed to realize that he was impartial until Gunther attacked him. Zayn said only Johnny Gargano (lying on an equipment case) understood him. Zayn said that good things happen to good people. Saxton mentioned Zayn has had WWE Title opportunities in the past, but this time feels different. Zayn admitted he’s been an emotional wreck for the past month. Zayn said he had a chance to win the WWE Title in Saudi Arabia at the Royal Rumble, but now the universe has given him an opportunity to redeem himself. Zayn realized he’ll be able to redeem himself and said he’s going to be the WWE Champion.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions Paige and Brie Bella made their entrance for Paige’s match up next.
Paige (w/Brie Bella) vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
The heel Jayne worked over Paige with kicks. Paige came back with a slap and sent Jayne into the turnbuckle. Paige shouted, “This is my house,” prompting her fellow Brits to chant, “This is your house,” in support of Paige. Jayne charged at Paige, but Paige tripped her up and applied a submission move until Jayne got to the ropes. Paige hit a cannonball off the apron onto Henley and Ried on the floor. Jayne hit a running kick on Paige. There was a break with action not shown.
Jayne was in control with a chinlock, so Paige hit a jawbreaker. Paige and Jayne did a double clothesline spot to knock eachother down. Jayne and Paige exchanged punches, followed by Paige hitting a clothesline. Paige hit a German Suplex and a Fisherman’s Suplex. Paige hit a Paige Turner slam for a two count. The fans chanted, “Let’s go Paige,” but it wasn’t that loud. Jayne countered a move into an inside cradle for two. Jayne hit a running knee on Paige for two. Paige countered Paige, they went to the turnbuckle, and Jayne went for a pin with her foot on the ropes, so Brie knocked the leg off the ropes. Reid sent Brie into the ring post. Paige punched Reid off the apron. Jayne rolled up Paige for two. Paige got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Jayne and looked like she held onto the trunks for the pinfall win. It went about 6 minutes that I saw.
Winner by pinfall: Paige
Analysis: **3/4 It was fine for a TV match. Jayne tried to cheat to win, but it didn’t work, and then Paige cheated a bit to win. I assume this was done to try to get Fatal Influence into title contention against Paige and Brie, but having Paige win doesn’t really help that. At least Paige was able to win in her home country.
Danhausen was back in his lab with electrocuted Miz and Kit Wilson. Matt Cardona thanked Danhausen for helping the New York Knicks win the NBA Title. Matt said he had a twitch in his arm, thought about moving back to Long Island, and said all this weird stuff was happening. Danhausen left when he realized The Miz and Wilson were gone. Los Garza’s Angel & Berto approached Matt about Danhausen, and Matt said he had left. Matt told them to go find him. Matt touched something that was covering an object, and Danhausen told him not to touch it.
Analysis: A riveting segment as always. I’m not sure where this is going, but it’s more Danhausen silliness.
Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga approached Finn Balor backstage. Balor said it was good to see them, and seeing Tama make his own decisions reminded him of the Tama he used to run with. Tama said that was a long time ago. Tama said that Shinsuke Nakamura is from his past, too, and we saw how that went. Tama and Talla left while Balor looked on.
Analysis: I don’t know if there’s a story brewing here, but I think Finn Balor needs to be featured more.
Let’s Hear from Danhausen
Danhausen made his entrance, joined by cursed versions of The Miz and Kit Wilson. Cole mentioned SmackDown going back to two hours next week. The Miz and Wilson were put into the ring by Danhausen and continued to act like zombies.
Danhausen said hello to Londonhausen while Miz and Wilson were stumbling around. Danhausen said this is Danhausen TV and asked Miz how he feels about Danhausen replacing him on his own TV show. Danhausen asked Miz how he felt, so Miz said, “Awesome.” Danhausen asked hometown boy Kit Wilson how he felt about Los Graza ruining Danhausen’s projects. Kit said, “Toxic” repeatedly.
Los Garza’s Angel & Berto made their entrance, so they beat up Miz and Wilson, both of whom bumped to the floor.
Matt Cardona made his entrance to save Danhausen. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said he doesn’t know what this is, but he knows it needs to end soon, so he booked a tag team match right now.
Analysis: It was a unique way to set up a tag team match, but the result is similar to many times when tag team matches are set up.
Matt Cardona & Danhausen vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto
Cardona hit a dropkick, running forearm, and running boot on Berto. After Cardona was sent to the apron, Angel knocked Cardona off the apron to the floor. Angel and Berto were able to take control as they worked over Cardona with punches and kicks. Angel and Berto hit a double team kick/knee on Cardona on the apron. Los Garza clotheslined Wilson over the barricade. Cole tried to explain it like Miz and Wilson were unable to defend themselves. Cardona broke free, so Danhausen got the hot tag. Danhausen hit an overhead suplex and two clotheslines. Danhausen got tired running, so then he stopped and hit more clotheslines. Danhausen hit a German Suplex on Berto and Angel broke up the pin. Angel kicked Cardona off the apron. Angel wanted to hit The Miz with a chair, but Wilson grabbed the chair from him. Cardona hit a Rough Ryder on Angel on the floor. Danhausen got a rollup on Berto for two. Berto hit a jumping kick. Berto went up top, Danhausen sat up, the fans chanted “You Are Cursed,” and a spark came up from the ring post, so Berto bumped into the ring. Cole: “The ring post just blew up.” Not really, but it’s the thought that counts. Danhausen hit a reverse DDT for the pinfall win after about 5 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Matt Cardona & Danhausen
Analysis: **1/2 It’s ridiculous and silly, but I find it entertaining. The matches that Danhausen has are fun to me. Some of the backstage segments don’t work as well. The Miz and Wilson being zombie-like is ridiculous, too, but it’s all part of whatever this story is supposed to be. Anyway, it turned into a fun match by the end of it. I can tolerate it at least. Pro wrestling doesn’t always have to be serious, my friends.
Gunther was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Saxton said that Sami Zayn spoke about their match at Night of Champions as his opportunity for redemption. Gunther said he got screwed out of being WWE Champion twice. Saxton mentioned Gunther’s win-loss record against Cody hasn’t been in his favor. Gunther said Cody screwed him twice, and as for tomorrow at Night of Champions, it will go down differently, and Gunther said he’ll tell them tonight.
Chelsea Green was shown walking backstage for her match up next. Green looked nervous. At least her husband Matt Cardona got a rare win before the break.
Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green
Green slapped Jade in the head, and then Jade hit a clothesline. Green pulled the top rope down to send Jade out of the ring. Jade caught a leaping Green on the floor, and Jade hit a fallaway slam on the floor. It looked like a break there, but they didn’t show any of that action.
The match continued with Jade hitting a Chokeslam for a two count. Jade charged, Green moved, and Jade hit the turnbuckle. Green got a rollup for two. Jade sent Green to the apron, Green with a punch, and Green jumped off the top with a missile dropkick for two. Green tried a move, Jade shoved Green into the ropes, Jade went for a pump kick, Green avoided it, and hit a superkick. Jade hit a pump kick, and Jade hit Jaded for the pinfall win. I don’t know if that kick sequence will be edited because it looked a bit awkward. It only went about 4 minutes that I saw.
Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill
Analysis: ** An easy win for Jade Cargill, as you would expect. Green got a bit of offense, but she really had no shot here.
After the match, Jade Cargill punched and kicked Chelsea Green a few times. Tiffany Stratton made her entrance with Alexa Bliss, so Jade left the ring. B-Fab and Michin went into the ring, so Stratton and Bliss fought with them. Jade superkicked Bliss out of the ring. Michin and B-Fab attacked Stratton. Jade hit Jaded on Stratton. Jade said that’s a preview of Night of Champions.
Analysis: It was Jade Cargill looking strong again, going into Night of Champions. I think Stratton should win at Night of Champions, but a title change wouldn’t bother me.
Solo Sikoa was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who said it feels like Solo is all alone. Royce Keys walked in to talk to Solo Sikoa. Keys said you know Jacob is coming for you. Solo wondered if Keys was going to help him like Solo had helped Keys? Keys smiled and said good luck.
They cued up a video package of the Seth Rollins-Bron Breakker Steel Cage Match at Night of Champions. They didn’t show the video package.
The announcers went over the Night of Champions lineup.
* Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Queen of the Ring Finals: Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan
* Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
* United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ricky Saints
The US Champion Trick Williams (with Lil Yachty) was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Yachty congratulated Ricky Saints for having their attention. Trick said he’s tired of pretending like Ricky is on the same level as him. Trick talked about how he is better than Ricky and said that Night of Champions will be Trick’s night.
Giulia made her entrance for singles action.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 & 2 in Minneapolis.
Kiana James vs. Giulia
The James/Giulia split happened three weeks ago, with Giulia now in a babyface role. James hit a running boot to the face, followed by punches. Giulia hit a dropkick that sent James out of the ring. They exchanged some strikes on the floor. Back in the ring, Giulia kicked James in the back a few times. Giulia hit a dropkick for two. Giulia headbutted James out of the ring. Giulia tried an attack on the floor, James avoided it, and James sent Giulia face-first into the steel steps. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued. James worked over Giulia with strikes and some choking across the ropes. James stomped on Giulia against the turnbuckle. James grabbed a chinlock. They got back up and went to the turnbuckle, where Giulia knocked James down.
The match continued with Giulia hitting a missile dropkick off the top. Giulia unloaded on James with some forearms and an elbow to the jaw. James hit a superkick to knock Giulia down. James tried a standing moonsault, but Giulia moved. Giulia ran the ropes and hit two shoulder tackles. Giulia did a headscissors takeover. Giulia hit a running boot to Kiana’s face, followed by a belly-to-back suplex. Giulia went up top, so James stopped that and slammed Giulia down to the mat. James hit a Falcon Arrow for two. Giulia got a rollup for two. Giulia went for a knee, so James picked her up and hit a Powerbomb for two. James went to the middle turnbuckle for a move, but Giulia countered with a Sunset Flip Bomb. Giulia hit a running Arrivederci knee and a Northern Lights Bomb for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Giulia
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match to give Giulia the big win to likely put an end to this feud between former allies. It should be the end, and I hope they both do well when they are apart from eachother.
After the match, England’s own “The Glamour” Blake Monroe attacked Giulia with a forearm to the back. Blake hit Giulia with punches and kicks. Blake hit a Gotch-style sitout slam. Blake celebrated.
Analysis: It’s nice to see Blake Monroe on SmackDown after two months of videos talking trash about other women in the company.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for the main event promo segment.
Let’s Hear From Cody Rhodes, Gunther & Sami Zayn
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a suit and got a big ovation as usual. The fans were singing “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for the champ, so he held up the title to get some more cheers.
Cody: “So…London, what do you wanna talk about?” Cody mentioned Night of Champions…and here comes Sami Zayn.
The “Last Real Good Guy,” Sami Zayn, walked out wearing his Good Guy shirt. Zayn thanked the “Ride or Die” fans here in London who have supported him since day one. Zayn told Cody he regrets how things went down last week when he was the guest referee. Zayn said he was provoked, but he’s the last real good guy around here. Zayn said he regrets what happened, especially knocking out Cody with the WWE Championship. Zayn said it was a mistake, and Cody wondered if it was. Zayn said it was a mistake. Zayn said he needs Cody to know that this is not how he wanted it. Zayn said he never wanted to be in the middle of this thing with Cody and Gunther.
Cody shouted, “ENOUGH!” Cody said that this is exactly what Sami wanted. Cody said that Zayn is going to compete for the WWE Title in a country where he’s beloved, and Cody doesn’t even have to be pinned to lose this WWE Title. Cody said that Zayn is not a victim; he’s exhausting. Cody said that Zayn has been like a mosquito sucking the blood from Cody – and it’s not like that’s how the WWE Title situation works.
Cody mentioned that Sami Zayn is best friends with Kevin Owens. Cody said there are two main differences between them. Cody said that Owens would say what he meant and stabbed him in the front, not the back. Cody said the other difference is that at least Kevin Owens has been Undisputed WWE Champion (it was the Universal Title, which is the equivalent). That fired up the crowd because they knew it would upset Zayn.
Zayn told Cody to keep Kevin Owens’ name out of his mouth. Zayn said if it wasn’t for him, Gunther would be WWE Champion right now. Zayn said Cody should be thanking Zayn instead of chastising him. Zayn said that he’s the only reason Cody is still the WWE Champion. Zayn claimed that after Night of Champions, the only reason Cody won’t be WWE Champion is because of Zayn.
Gunther walked out to join the promo party with a serious look on his face. Gunther wondered what all this drama was about. Gunther said he didn’t care because all he cares about is winning the WWE Title. Gunther said he’d be WWE Champion right now if Zayn didn’t screw him out of the title. Gunther said that Zayn is wrong if he thinks he’ll leave Night of Champions with this title. Gunther said that as a referee, he caused a lot of damage to Gunther. Gunther said that as a wrestler, he’s a non-factor to him. Gunther told Zayn he’s never been WWE Champion and he never will be. Gunther told Cody to enjoy his last night as the Golden Boy because tomorrow, he’ll take it all away from Cody, and he’ll walk into SummerSlam facing King of the Ring, not Cody.
Analysis: Good promos from everybody involved. I really liked the promos from Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, as each man did a nice job of giving their perspective on what is happening. Cody is right about Zayn, yet Zayn has valid points as this delusional heel character. Gunther had the right tone as a guy frustrated with Zayn.
Jey Uso made his entrance as one of the King of the Ring finalists. The fans were Yeeting to show their support for Jey on his way to the ring. When Jey got into the ring, the crowd wanted him to “run it back” so Gunther stopped that.
Jey said nobody likes Yeeting with Gunther anyway. Jey said that he’ll punch his spot at SummerSlam when he becomes King of the Ring. Jey issued warning shots to his friends, the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Jey Uso told Gunther he almost wants Gunther to win because Jey made him tap out like a little bitch for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania.
The fighting started with Gunther punching Jey, but Cody went after Gunther. Zayn pulled Cody off, and Gunther kicked Zayn. Jey superkicked Gunther, Cody punched Gunther, and Cody/Jey hit a double superkick to knock Gunther out of the ring.
Oba Femi made his entrance as the other King of the Ring finalist. The fans were chanting “Oba” for Femi and doing the Oba strut as he marched down to the ring. While Oba was on the apron, Jey superkicked Cody to knock him out of the ring. Gunther grabbed Jey and hit him with a lariat.
Gunther picked up the WWE Title and stared at Femi. Zayn went into the ring and hit Gunther with the WWE Title. Cody grabbed Zayn and hit Cross Rhodes on him.
Femi stepped into the ring as Cody slowly picked up the WWE Title to face him. Cody held up the WWE Title as Cody’s music played. Cole plugged Night of Champions as Femi had a staredown with Cody. I assume the show ended there.
Analysis: That was a nice way to tease some future matches with Oba Femi or Jey Uso possibly facing the WWE Champion at SummerSlam. If Femi wins King of the Ring, he could go after Roman Reigns, so there are a lot of options that WWE can go with. I think, as a tease, it was booked well to end with Cody and Femi as a possible SummerSlam match.
CHECK OUT MY WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PREVIEW HERE
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Three Stars of the Show
- Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn
- Rey Fenix, Nathan Frazer
- Giulia
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 6.96
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
It felt like a typical SmackDown that did a nice job of promoting the Night of Champions for Cody-Gunther-Zayn, Trick-Ricky, Tiffany-Jade, and even the Femi-Uso match at the end. The Rey Fenix/Nathan Frazer match was tremendous. There wasn’t a story or anything like that, but when you have 3 hours, sometimes you have time to spare for two talented dudes to have an incredible match, and that’s what they did.
That’s the end of 3-hour SmackDown episodes for this year. Next week’s show is taped after Raw on Monday, and it’s a 2-hour SmackDown for the rest of the year. I don’t know if a 2-hour SmackDown will necessarily make it better, but I think sometimes those 3-hour episodes drag on, and it hasn’t been a strong year for SmackDown, in my opinion. I think it’s the worst of the 3 WWE shows I review weekly, since Raw is clearly superior, and even NXT is better most weeks.
The WWE Night of Champions PLE takes place on Saturday, June 27th, with this lineup.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) 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 (c) vs. Ricky Saints
* Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) 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