The John Report: WWE SmackDown 06/27/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena and CM Punk exchanging words, Tiffany Stratton facing Nia Jax, The Street Profits against the Wyatt Sicks, and more.
It’s an early SmackDown start time this week since it’s airing at 1 p.m. ET for me in Canada, watching on Netflix. That’s because it’s airing at 8 p.m. locally in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, one night before the Night of Champions PLE, which is also in Riyadh. I’m a big fan of the afternoon start time, so no issues for me.
Last week’s SmackDown episode featured an epic John Cena promo that was his version of CM Punk’s classic “pipebomb” promo from 2011. It was one of Cena’s better heel promos, along with a few of the early ones.
This is the last SmackDown that will be three hours, unless there’s another change coming. We could say it’s the last three-hour SmackDown…for now. It went to three hours to start this year, and it’s going to be two hours for the final six months of the year, at least. I know some fans hated the three-hour SmackDown. I didn’t hate it. I think the show sometimes suffered from a lack of exciting content. The Bloodline era of SmackDown was the best time for the blue brand, but there aren’t stories as compelling as that in WWE right now. Sometimes it felt like a chore getting through three hours. I think two hours is the best format for SmackDown, and I’m fine with Raw at 2.5 hours in the Netflix era.
On a personal note, I am on vacation starting Tuesday, July 1st (Canada Day) for one week. That means I won’t have a review for next Friday’s July 4th SmackDown until probably July 7th or July 8th. Something like that.
From the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this is SmackDown for episode #1349. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was an impressive pyro display to start the show.
There was some pre-show walking shown of Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, The Street Profits, Zelina Vega, Giulia, Jade Cargill, and Asuka.
The SmackDown commentary team was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, so Cole was filling in for Joe Tessitore for this episode. There was an Arabic commentary team at ringside too. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Cody Rhodes made his entrance to start the show. Huge ovation for him as usual. Cody was in a suit as he made his way into the ring.
Before Cody could say a word, the legendary Randy Orton made his entrance, since he is Cody’s opponent in the King of the Ring finals. The fans sang Orton’s song loudly, and Randy liked that a lot.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton
The King of the Ring crown was in the ring as Cody and Randy stood in the ring. The fans sang Randy’s song even after the music played, which they also did for Cody. Great crowd.
Orton asked the fans if they watched Monday Night Raw and if they saw Cody face Jey Uso in the semifinal match. Orton put over Cody’s match with Jey on Raw, saying it was a match of the year contender and a pleasure to watch.
There was a brief “Pardon the delay” message that appeared on the screen, and then a “We’ll be right back” message. There is also the generic music that plays during the commercial breaks. That hasn’t happened during a live WWE broadcast for me on Netflix in the six months I’ve been using it. I’m hearing from other fans that everybody is getting it who is watching on Netflix, so obviously, WWE has to fix whatever the issue is.
===
WWE posted a statement on social media stating that they would address and fix the issue.
After 30 minutes, at around 1:42 p.m. ET, the show returned. Michael Cole apologized for the 30-minute delay and also jokingly apologized that we had to see Wade’s face. Wade jokingly said that they never had these problems with Joe Tessitore on commentary. Let’s get back to the show.
===
Solo Sikoa was backstage telling JC Mateo to take care of Jimmy Uso in their match.
Jimmy Uso made his entrance for singles action.
(Commercial – It was only a short break.)
JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa) vs. Jimmy Uso
Mateo worked over Jimmy with punches against the turnbuckle. Jimmy came back with punches, but Mateo hit Jimmy with a jumping body attack to knock Jimmy down. Jimmy sent Mateo out of the ring and Jimmy kicked Mateo off the apron to the floor. Solo stood in front of Mateo to stop Solo’s brother Jimmy from doing a dive. They went to a break for some fans as Mateo sent Jimmy into the ring post. Back in the ring, Mateo hit a spinning slam. Mateo hit a running uppercut. Mateo knocked Jimmy with a forearm. Jimmy hit a kick to the face as the match returned.
Jimmy jumped off the turnbuckle, Mateo caught him and Mateo hit a spinning slam. Mateo hit a standing moonsault on Jimmy for two. Cole said JC reminds him of his longtime broadcast partner Taz, who was a shorter powerhouse like Mateo is. Jimmy came back with an elbow smash and Jimmy hit a twisting cross body block off the middle turnbuckle to knock Mateo down. Jimmy punched Mateo and went for a Samoan Drop, but couldn’t do it. Jimmy hit a spinning kick to the side of the head. Jimmy hit a running hip attack and a superkick that knocked Mateo out of the ring. Jimmy hit a suicide dive onto Mateo on the floor. Solo grabbed Jimmy’s foot while the referee was looking at Mateo. Jimmy went up top, Mateo moved out of the way and Mateo hit the Tour of the Islands slam for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: JC Mateo
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match that was the classic distraction finish that we know Triple H loves to book, because we see those kinds of finishes often. Solo grabbed Jimmy’s foot to slow him down, which allowed Mateo to capitalize and pick up the win.
After the match, Solo Sikoa wanted his brother Jimmy Uso to come back to him. Solo wanted a hug. Jimmy slapped Solo in the face, so Mateo knocked Jimmy down with an attack from behind. Solo set up for the Samoan Spike, but here comes cousin Jacob Fatu with the US Title. Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop on Mateo. Fatu had a staredown with Solo, who bailed to the floor. Fatu went up top and hit a moonsault on Mateo. Solo tried to attack, Jimmy shoved Fatu out of the way, and Jimmy hit a superkick on Solo to knock him out of the ring. Fatu held up his title in the ring.
Analysis: My prediction for Jacob-Solo is that Solo will win the US Title thanks to the debuting Hikuleo. I don’t want Fatu to lose the title, but I think it’s the right time to debut the new big guy.
The #DIY boys, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, were all talking to other WWE tag teams (Fraxiom, Los Garza, and Motor City Machine Guns) about how they are the leaders of the tag team division. Ciampa claimed that if the Wyatt Sicks win, then none of them have a shot to win the titles. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis walked in and Gargano complained about Aldis giving the Wyatt Sicks a title shot. Aldis called Andrade over and told Andrade to find a tag team partner for a match against #DIY tonight. The #DIY guys weren’t happy about it.
Giulia was featured in a video package, speaking in Japanese, while the English translations were displayed on screen. Giulia had a warning for Zelina Vega about how she was going to take the Women’s US Title from her.
Zelina Vega did a promo in a video package about how if Giulia wants this, then Giulia has to pry it from her cold, dead body. Vega said that she will show Giulia while she is the Women’s US Champion.
The Women’s US Title match was up next, with the champion Zelina Vega making her entrance.
(Commercial)
Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega vs. Giulia
As we know from watching WWE Saudi Arabia shows in the past, the women are wrestling in outfits that cover their bodies, except for their heads and hands.
There were multiple pin attempts for both women and then they kicked eachother at the same time to knock eachother down. Giulia hit a suplex. Giulia went to the apron, but Vega was back up with a knee to knock Giulia down on the floor. Vega hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Giulia on the floor. Vega was grabbing her knee when she hit the floor. They went to break for some fans as Giulia took control after sending Vega into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Vega tried a 619 attempt after sending Giulia into the ropes, but Giulia stopped that. Giulia tripped up Vega on the apron. Giulia gave Vega a neckbreaker off the apron onto the floor. Giulia hit a missile dropkick in the ring.
They left the ring where Vega sent Giulia into the steel steps and Vega hit a running Meteora double knee attack against the steps. Giulia worked over Vega with punches and a clothesline. Vega hooked the arms and hit a knee to the jaw. Vega sent Giulia into the turnbuckle. Vega hit double knees into the back while Giulia was against the ropes. Vega hit a Meteora double knee attack off the turnbuckle for a two count. Vega went up top, Giulia went after her there, and Giulia hit a double underhook suplex off the top rope. Vega jumped onto Giulia’s back and Vega hit a Code Red for two because Giulia got her feet on the ropes for a two count. Good nearfall. Vega went up top, jumped off with a moonsault, Giulia moved and Giulia hit a running knee. Giulia held the arm and hit another knee to the face. Giulia hit the Northern Lights Bomb on Vega for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s United States Champion: Giulia
Analysis: *** It was an impressive performance by Giulia after she avoided the moonsault by Vega and Giulia hit multiple knees, followed by the Northern Lights Bomb for the win. Vega held the title for a few months, but I didn’t expect her to have a very long title reign. Going into this match, I figured Giulia winning was a strong possibility and she certainly looked strong in this match.
Giulia celebrated as the new Women’s US Champion while Zelina Vega looked sad about the loss.
The announcers were shown and Cole mentioned that SmackDown is going back to two hours next week. That episode is on July 4th and it’s being taped after Raw this Monday since July 4th is the Independence Day holiday in the US.
Charlotte Flair was backstage with Alexa Bliss. Flair said she doesn’t need friends. Bliss said it wouldn’t hurt for them to be on the same page. Bliss said they could be allies of convenience and told Flair to consider it. Bliss left while Flair was left to think about it.
Analysis: It’s nice to see a storyline involving women who aren’t holding a title. I don’t know where it might lead, but having Flair and Bliss on the same page is cool with me.
It’s Jade Cargill and Asuka up next.
(Commercial)
A clip was shown of Wade Barrett winning the 2015 King of the Ring tournament by beating Neville (hey Pac) in the finals.
Interview with Jade Cargill and Asuka
Wade Barrett was in the ring to host an interview segment for the Queen of the Ring finalists. Jade Cargill was up first, followed by Asuka. The fans cheered for both women since they are babyfaces.
Jade was asked why she is so confident that she’ll beat Asuka in the Queen of the Ring Finals. Jade said that she doesn’t get nervous about Asuka because she sees an opportunity about why she came to WWE. Jade said that at SummerSlam, she doesn’t plan on taking the title, she plans on taking the whole damn throne.
There were “Asuka” chants from the crowd. Asuka said that Jade is strong, but power is not everything. Asuka said that she has skills and experience. Asuka reminded Jade that she is Asuka and the fans changed. Asuka reminded us that no one is ready for Asuka.
Naomi interrupted with the Money in the Bank briefcase in her hand. Naomi said that they can fight over the crown, but Naomi has all the power, and she can do whatever she wants. Naomi said maybe she’ll cash in after Tiffany and Nia Jax destroy eachother. The fans chanted “shut the (censored) up” at Naomi. Naomi said that she has the power to take everything away from Jade Cargill like she has done in the past. Naomi said that it gives her pleasure to ruin the biggest night of Jade’s career. Naomi was on the apron, so Jade knocked Asuka down, and Asuka got back up to punch and kick Jade. Asuka kicked Jade in the head to end it.
Analysis: It was a quick segment to give Jade and Asuka a chance to explain why they are going to win at Night of Champions. Naomi has done a great job as a heel and the fans were very harsh towards her with their chanting. Asuka got the advantage here because Jade was too busy looking at Naomi. I think Jade will beat Asuka to win Queen of the Ring and I also think Naomi could cash in Money in the Bank on Jade at SummerSlam.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, and Raw GM Adam Pearce were talking backstage in the office. Pearce said they need to decide something about the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Aleister Black went into the room, but R-Truth walked in, saying he wants to face John Cena tonight. Aldis said that Cena is there for CM Punk, not Truth. Truth said he’s there for Cena and told him not to worry about it. Aldis told Black they’ll talk about his stuff, but Black walked out of the room after Truth.
#DIY made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
A clip was shown of Los Garza winning the AAA Tag Team Titles two weeks ago.
Andrade made his entrance with his choice of a tag team partner, the great Rey Fenix.
#DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
Andrade and Fenix set up their opponents against the ropes. Andrade and Fenix kicked their opponents at the same time. Andrade and Fenix each hit cross body blocks from the turnbuckle onto their opponents on the floor. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too. #DIY took control as the match continued.
The match continued as Gargano was sent over the top to the floor. Rey tried to tag out, but Gargano pulled Andrade off the apron and Ciampa hit a running knee on Fenix for two. Ciampa and Gargano worked over Fenix with punches. Fenix managed to break free of Ciampa, Fenix ran the ropes and kicked Ciampa to knock him down. Andrade got the tag against Gargano. Andrade did a dragon screw leg whip on Gargano and a forearm on Ciampa. Andrade went for the double knee attack, but Gargano avoided it. Andrade countered Gargano and hit a backbreaker. Andrade hit a spinning reverse DDT for two. Andrade went for the moonsault off the top, Ciampa made a blind tag and #DIY hit a Shatter Machine on Andrade for two. Gargano was selling the left knee injury that may be legitimately hurt (he was fine). They went on a break for some fans as Andrade hit the Three Amigos suplexes on Ciampa. Fenix got the tag and hit an impressive Frog Splash on Ciampa for two. Fenix and Ciampa exchanged strikes. Gargano and Andrade were legal as they exchanged kicks. All four guys received kicks and all four guys were down in the ring.
Andrade and Gargano battled by the turnbuckle, where Andrade hit a chop to the chest. Gargano went for a Powerbomb, but Andrade landed on his feet and Andrade hit a running knee attack. Andrade went for a moonsault and I think they wanted to do the double jump moonsault, but Andrade landed on him, so that was messed up a bit. Fenix kicked Ciampa out of the ring. Fenix hit a suicide dive somersault onto Ciampa on the floor. Fenix made the tag against Gargano and Fenix jumped off the top, leading to a bridging German Suplex for two. Fenix put Gargano on his shoulders, Ciampa shoved Andrade off the top and Gargano got a cradle for two. Gargano hit a Poison Rana on Fenix. Ciampa hit Fairy Tale Ending along with a Gargano superkick and it got a two count on Fenix. Ciampa hit Project Ciampa onto the double knees and it only got a two count because Andrade made the save. Andrade hit the back elbow on Gargano. The fans were getting into it. Fenix avoided Ciampa, Fenix hit a spin kick to the head and Andrade got the tag. Fenix hit a spinning slam off the shoulders called the Black Fire Driver. Andrade hit The Message double underhook suplex for the pinfall. It looked like Andrade took a shot to the orbital bone under his right eye. This match went about 14 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Andrade & Rey Fenix
The announcers put over Andrade & Fenix being 2-0 as a team, which could mean they will team up more often.
Analysis: ***3/4 It was an excellent match that was full of action. Andrade and Fenix work so well together, like many other WWE tag teams, so I certainly wouldn’t mind it if they are a regular tag team moving forward. #DIY always has great matches, so as long as they get time, you know they are going to deliver. It looked like Gargano hurt his knee early match, which led to Gargano selling it, but Gargano was able to finish the match while looking like he would be okay. This is a match that didn’t have much of a story, but the action was great and the fans loved it.
A look back at John Cena’s history with CM Punk is next.
(Commercial)
There was a clip shown of John Cena’s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier in the week. The “Let’s Go Cena-Cena Sucks” sign bit was funny. After Cena got the crowd to do it, he told them they are like WWE fans now.
A video package aired about the John Cena-CM Punk rivalry. This video aired on Raw this past Monday and it included clips of Cena’s great promo from last week’s SmackDown.
Let’s Hear from R-Truth
R-Truth went into the ring saying he’s Ron Killings, the whole truth. Truth called out John Cena. Aleister Black was standing behind Truth, so when Truth turned around, Black hit Truth with a Black Mass kick. Black told Truth they are even now.
Analysis: That could lead to a Black-Truth match, which means Black may be a heel for that. The fans aren’t going to boo Truth.
The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Ford talked about how it took them four years to get the titles back. Dawkins claimed that the Wyatt Sicks are the only threat they have, so they are going to take care of that threat. The Profits shook hands. B-Fab walked up to the Profits, saying if they need her, then she’s got their back.
The Street Profits made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions.
(Commercial)
A clip was shown of the Cody Rhodes “What Do You Wanna Talk About” podcast with Kevin Owens. It was a great podcast. I enjoyed it.
Aleister Black walked backstage, where he saw Damian Priest, who wondered if Black felt tough. Black told Priest to tell Truth that he should stay away. Black told Priest that his debt with Truth is paid. Priest told Black that if he faced Truth one on one then it might be a lot different. Black said he’s sure it will be and left. Carmelo Hayes walked in to tell Damian Priest to mind his own business before he ends up a casualty. Priest told Melo to walk away and Melo said that the truth hurts.
The entire Wyatt Sicks group made their entrance, so Bo Dallas as Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan and Nikki Cross watched from ringside.
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Wyatt Sicks – Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy
Ford hit a dropkick on a running Lumis. Gacy punched Ford, Lumis hit a spinebuster and Gacy hit a senton splash for two because Dawkins made the save. Other tag teams showed up at ringside – Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, Los Garza and #DIY. Gacy hit his impressive upside-down clothesline on Ford as the show went to a break for some fans. The match continued as Gacy stomped on Ford. Lumis was back in with a body slam and an elbow drop. Gacy was back in with a double team elbow. Lumis choked Ford across the middle rope. Ford got a rollup on Lumis, who came back with a clothesline to knock Ford down. Lumis hit a suplex into a Powerbomb by Gacy that got a two count. Lumis grabbed a chinlock.
The match continued with Ford and Lumis doing a collision spot, so that led to Dawkins and Gacy tagging in. Dawkins tagged in with clotheslines, a leap over Gacy and a jumping back elbow. Dawkins hit a running splash and a jumping kick to the head. Los Garza grabbed Lumis and pulled him out of the ring. The referee never saw that. Dawkins hit a Pounce on Lumis on the floor. #DIY grabbed Dawkins, so Dawkins fought them and Los Garza attacked Dawkins, which led to the referee calling for the bell. It went about 7 minutes.
Winners by disqualification: The Street Profits
Analysis: **1/2 They were on their way to a pretty good match, but then it fell apart due to the teams on the floor. I’m not that surprised by a non-finish in this spot.
After the match, Erick Rowan went into the ring and cleaned house. Fraxiom and the Guns worked together to hit four superkicks on Rowan that knocked Rowan out of the ring. The Guns kicked Rowan to knock him down on the floor. Dallas caught Axiom in the ring and hit Sister Abigail. Ford kicked Dallas and Dawkins clotheslined Dawkins out of the ring. Dawkins hit a somersault dive onto a bunch of dudes on the floor. Ford jumped over the ring post onto other guys on the floor. That always looks amazing. The Street Profits looked at the Wyatt Sicks on the floor.
Analysis: The tag team division on SmackDown has been chaotic for a long time, so it was more of the same with all the teams brawling around the ring. I’m not sure how this will get solved, but maybe a multi-team Ladder Match at some point soon or some sort of Gauntlet Match. Anyway, that leap by Dawkins was good and Ford’s jump over the ring post was incredible. Good job by the Profits to stand tall.
The announcers mentioned again that SmackDown is going back to two hours starting next week.
Jacob Fatu was shown walking outside with the US Title when he saw his cousin Jimmy Fatu. Jimmy said he didn’t need Jacob’s help and Jacob said he didn’t need Jimmy’s help last week. Jimmy said he respected Jacob stepping up to Solo. Jacob said that if you just get in when you fit in, then they’ll be alright. They came to an agreement of sorts as Jacob said “Yaddadamean” to end it.
Analysis: It sounds like the cousins, Jacob and Jimmy, are on the same page.
Nia Jax made her entrance for a title match.
(Commercial)
WWE Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax
The way to win a Last Woman Standing Match is to incapacitate your opponent and keep her down for a referee’s ten count.
The action spilled to the floor quickly. Stratton sent Jax into the steel steps. Stratton tried to attack off the apron, but Jax hit Stratton in the ribs with the steel steps. Jax cleared off the commentary table and Jax hit a Samoan Drop onto the table, but it did not break the table. They went to a break for some fans. Jax set up a table on the floor while Stratton was selling a back/ribs injury. Jax had a kendo stick, Stratton got a hold of it briefly and hit Jax a few times, but Jax came back with a kendo stick shot to the back. Jax sent Stratton into the barricade at ringside. Stratton got a hold of the kendo stick and hit Jax with it, so Jax went into the ring.
Stratton remained in control with a cross body block off the top rope. Stratton hit a Swanton Bomb off the top rope onto Jax. Stratton hit a running dropkick. Jax was back up quickly and Jax sent Stratton face first into the exposed top turnbuckle. It wasn’t a great bump by Stratton, but the idea was that Stratton hit exposed steel with her head. Jax splashed Stratton and tossed Stratton out of the ring. Jax sent Stratton into the steel steps, so the referee counted her down for an eight count. Jax sent Stratton into the barricade. Jax put Stratton on the table that was on the floor. Jax walked to the apron and splashed Stratton through the table on the floor. Jax was laughing while the referee counted Stratton down until Tiffany got back up at a 9 count. They went to another break for some fans as Stratton hit Jax with a kendo stick a few times. They were fighting on the ramp where Jax got a hold of the kendo stick and hit Stratton with the kendo stick. Jax sent Stratton into a screen by the entrance, Stratton moved and Jax went running into the screen. Stratton hit Jax with a kendo stick. Stratton hit Jax with an equipment case to knock Jax down. Jax went down to the ringside area, so Stratton set up a second table on the floor that was beside another table. Jax threw Stratton into the barricade. Stratton grabbed a chair that she used to hit Jax in the ribs and the back.
Jax got a hold of the chair and hit Stratton in the back with it. Jax hit an Annihilator splash on Stratton. Jax hit the Annihilator on Stratton, who was under a chair, so it was two Annihilator splashes in a row, and the second one involved a chair. Stratton pulled herself back up after a 9 count. Jax hit Stratton with a kendo stick to the ribs. Jax teased a Samoan Drop through a table, but Stratton was able to escape that and Stratton gave Jax a Powerbomb through the table that was in the ring. They executed that well. The referee counted both women down and both women were up at the 9 count.
Naomi ran down to the ring with the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi handed the referee the briefcase, Stratton kicked Naomi to stop the cash in attempt. Stratton hit Naomi with the briefcase, and then hit Jax with the briefcase. Stratton slammed Jax onto Naomi in the ring. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever onto Jax and Naomi at the same time. Jax was back up at a 9 count. Jax teased suplexing Stratton through two tables on the floor, but that was never going to happen. Stratton hit Jax two forearms and the MITB briefcase to hit Jax off the apron and through two tables on the floor. The referee counted Jax down for 7…8…9…and 10. Tiffany Stratton is the Last Woman Standing. It went about 19 minutes.
Winner: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: **** I thought it was an excellent match that was laid out well and bot women did a great job. Jax had a lot of offense throughout the match, while Stratton sold the back/rib injury for most of the match. Naomi getting involved brought some chaos, but Stratton was able to overcome Naomi and Jax to get the win. Jax has really improved in the last two years as a monster heel who also sells for her opponents. It takes two to tango so to speak and we’ve seen Jax have numerous good matches. I continue to be impressed by Stratton, who has been a WWE superstar for less than five years, yet she continues to perform so well in big matches. The future is now for her and the future also remains bright for her. I think this was designed to show that Stratton is more than just a pretty face, she’s a tough champion.
This Monday’s Raw on Netflix has a 6 p.m. ET start time. That’s because they are taping SmackDown right after it, but they aren’t going to say that’s the reason why.
There was a rundown of the Night of Champions card. Check out my Night of Champions predictions/preview here in case you haven’t done so already.
* King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
* United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
* Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
* Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
The CM Punk-John Cena face-to-face main event segment was next.
Analysis: At this point, the show was at the three-hour mark, but the technical difficulties earlier in the night meant they ran a bit long.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 2 & August 3.
(Commercial)
Face to Face: John Cena and CM Punk
John Cena made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion wearing his usual merchandise that said “The Last Time Is Now” on it. The fans were singing “John Cena sucks” for his entrance while Cena had an angry look on his face. After the music stopped, Mark Nash did the special introduction for Cena as the Last Real Champion and the fans booed Cena again.
Cena told Riyadh to get used to it because this is what a winner looks like. Cena said he’s a winner and CM Punk is a loser. Cena said that Punk is out of tricks because Cena is a genius. Cena said that Night of Champions is a formality and CM Punk can do nothing about it.
John Cena’s “Basic Thuganomics” played. CM Punk made his entrance wearing a Chicago Cubs throwback jersey, jorts, a backwards hat and the words “Drug Free” on his knuckles. I still remember the lyrics to the Basic Thuganomics song. Just saying.
CM Punk said that this is Basic Punkanomics. Punk said that Cena plagiarized his pipebomb, so he’s stealing Word Life. Punk did a rap saying that Cena cut his best promo while he moves slow mo. Punk said that he’s like a Temu Maclemore with less rhythm. Punk said that Cena called him a player hater, but Cena has buried more talent than The Undertaker. Punk had a line about how WWE rehired Cena’s ex, referring to Nikki Bella, so that’s why Cena is retiring. Punk talked about Cena getting movie roles, but we see Batista act and realize that Cena ain’t that. Punk referenced Hulk Hogan and said that Cena was more problematic. Punk said that millions chant his name while they chant “You Can’t Wrestle” at Cena, so the fans chanted it at Cena. Punk said that in six months, Cena will be gone while Punk will be here. Punk said that Cena will be washing underwear for James Gunn and he said that Cena works for DC, but he’s straight to DVD. Punk mentioned “You Can’t See Me” and he called Cena a bum. Punk mentioned his Pipebomb promo was 14 years ago today. Punk said that Cena is a leach, a phony, a fraud and an ass kiss, 17-time World Champion, but he’s never been in Punk’s class. Punk said that tomorrow night “you’re going to lose to Kendrick, cuz bitch, you’re my Drake.” That led to Punk doing the “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture at Cena.
Analysis: That was a very creative “rap” by CM Punk. I’ll put the full lyrics in here when I find them. John Cena didn’t say much in his speech since he said a lot last week, so this was all about giving CM Punk a chance to “roast” Cena, so to speak. I thought Punk did an excellent job of coming up with some creative lines and he delivered it well. It may not have been as a good as a prime John Cena rap, but I enjoyed the throwback and I thought Punk pulled it off well.
CM Punk celebrated with the fans while the “Cult of Personality” song played. Cena said nothing in response to Punk. Punk posed with the fans while they sang along with his song. Cena looked disgusted in the ring. That was the end of the show.
CM PUNK: "TOMORROW NIGHT YOU ARE GONNA LOSE TO KENDRICK, CAUSE B*TCH, YOU’RE MY DRAKE"
💀💀💀💀 #SmackDown
pic.twitter.com/jpBWrcKhOr— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) June 27, 2025
The show ended at 4:09 p.m. ET on the Netflix version that I was watching. It ran long because of the technical issues earlier in the show.
Here’s the full transcript of CM Punk’s rap toward John Cena.
Yo, check it, this is Basic Punkanomics.
Don’t adjust your television set, your eyes are working just right. This clown plagiarised my pipebomb so now I’m stealing Word Life.
You had to rip me off to cut your best promo, just to distract from the fact that we all see you move in slow mo.
Remember when he used to rap? You deserve all the criticism, you’re like a Temu Macklemore with Mackle-less rhythm.
He said I’m a problem, he called me a player hater, let’s be honest, John Cena’s buried more talent than the Undertaker.
That’s why he’s the champ and went and lost all his respects, but John I get it, I’d retire too if this place rehired my ex.
If you never said your prayers, ate your vitamins or fixed your bald spot, you wouldn’t be a pro wrestler, you’d be a Boston Mall Cop.
But hey, he gets good movie roles that much is a fact, and then you see Batista act and you realise John ain’t that.
Same shirt, same hat, man your persona stayed tragic. You’re like a fish bellied white Hulk Hogan but somehow more problematic.
Yo, when it comes to Best in the World, I’m your vessel, because millions chant my name and at you they chant ‘you can’t wrestle’.
Get it in while you can in six months he’ll be gone, I’ll still be here having fun, he won’t have time for you little people anymore, he’ll be busy washing underwear for James Gunn.
He’s a superhero now, he works for DC, but no matter how hard you try, you’ll always be the Marine to me. And that’s straight to DVD, better find a PS3, I now understand ‘you can’t see me’.
It’s a hell of a catchphrase John, but now it’s done, because we all see you and we’re looking at a washed up bum.
14 years ago today, I dropped the legendary pipebomb, and you tried to make it all about you because that’s what you do John, you’re a leech, you’re a phony, you’re a fraud, you’re an ass kiss. 17 time champion but you ain’t ever been on my class.
Before you go John, there’s one more wish to make, tomorrow night you’re gonna lose to Kendrick because bitch, you’re my Drake! (H/T Wrestletalk)
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Three Stars of the Show
- CM Punk
- Tiffany Stratton/Nia Jax
- Andrade & Rey Fenix
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.75
2025 Average: 7.38
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
The rating above is based on the 2.5 hours that I saw, so it doesn’t count the Cody Rhodes/Randy Orton segment that was supposed to air. I liked the Stratton/Jax match the most while the Andrade & Fenix win over #DIY was also a great match. Other matches were okay, but really didn’t stand out much.
CM Punk had a great performance with the throwback John Cena “rap” that was very entertaining. I enjoyed that a lot.
That’s all for the 3-hour SmackDown shows…for now.
The next WWE PLE is Night of Champions on Saturday, June 28th. Here’s the lineup.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
* King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
* Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
* United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
* Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
You can watch WWE Night of Champions when it streams live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
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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