The John Report: WWE SmackDown 07/03/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Sami Zayn as WWE Champion, a big 6-woman tag team match, and more.
It’s the first 2-hour SmackDown of 2026, which will be the norm for the rest of the year. This SmackDown episode follows Night of Champions from last Saturday, when Sami Zayn shocked the world by pinning Cody Rhodes to become the Undisputed WWE Champion for the first time in Zayn’s career.
This edition of SmackDown was taped on Monday night after Raw because WWE wanted to give talent and staff some days off for the July 4th United States Independence Day holiday on Saturday. That’s a nice gesture and a smart move, especially since they were just in England and Saudi Arabia last week.
I don’t know if two-hour SmackDown will necessarily be better than three-hour SmackDown was for the first six months of the year, but hopefully there’s less filler and more interesting content. I did read spoilers for this week’s show, but it won’t change my opinion on anything.
From Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this is SmackDown for episode #1402. 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 1:23, and there are no commercials.
The opening video package showed Night of Champions highlights with Sami Zayn winning the WWE Title to end the show.
Sami Zayn’s WWE Championship Celebration
It was celebration time as Sami Zayn made his entrance as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, and he was booed by the crowd. Zayn was wearing a shirt that said “Undisputed WWE Champion – The Last Real Good Guy” on it. When Zayn got into the ring, he held up the WWE Title and there was pyro by the entrance for him.
Sami Zayn said that it seems to him that a lot of folks came to ride or die with the Last Real Good Guy. Zayn said that the overwhelming reaction to him as WWE Champion has really touched him and he means that. Zayn said that for the past six months he’s been booed out of the building. Zayn claimed that the people booing were the same people who, three years ago, were dying to see Zayn be WWE Champion. Zayn said they turned their backs on him. Zayn claimed he won’t tell those people to kiss his ass because he is a good guy. Zayn said that is the same reason why he’s holding this WWE Title – because he never changed. Zayn said everybody told him to be more selfish and more cutthroat. Zayn said that he did it his way, which is the right way. Zayn said he could be petty and tell the doubters who said he’s not championship material to kiss his ass, but he won’t do that. Zayn said it’s a celebration. There were actually some “Sami” chants. Zayn said they are celebrating him as the new WWE Champion and the end of the debate because he will forever be known as an all-time great. Zayn said he’ll forever be known as WrestleMania main eventer, Grand Slam Champion and he’ll be known as a WWE Champion. Zayn said no amount of booing, hate or noise will take that way from him. Here comes the interruption from Cody Rhodes.
Analysis: I enjoyed that speech by Sami Zayn, who came across as a cocky heel in some ways, but also as somebody proud to have finally won the WWE Championship after more than 20 years in the business. Good job by Sami as usual since he’s one of the better talkers in WWE, especially as a heel.
The former WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his way down to the ring wearing a suit, as Cole pointed out that Zayn pinned Cody at Night of Champions. Cody posed for his pyro when he got into the ring and Zayn didn’t seem too thrilled about that.
Cody said Sami’s name and Zayn asked: “What do you wanna talk about?” Well played. Cody said that Zayn said something he had forgotten and Zayn reminded him about it. Cody said when he won the WWE Championship, Zayn was the first one in the ring to celebrate with him. Cody said he wanted to be the first to say congratulations, champ. Cody extended his hand and Zayn shook it.
It looked like Cody was going to leave, so Zayn said let’s not play this game. Zayn said that we both know that’s not the only reason Cody came out there. Zayn spoke about how he knows Cody is addicted to the title, so he wanted to know why Cody was really out there. It was interruption time again by Jey Uso.
Jey Uso made his entrance and didn’t Yeet on his way to the ring. Jey got in the ring and hugged Sami Zayn. Jey did his handshake with Zayn. Jey said he won’t run it back because this is about Zayn. Jey said that you earned that and you deserve that. Jey said that he is here for Bloodline business. Jey said that he needs to bring that gold back to the family.
Cody Rhodes wondered what year this is. Cody said that Jey Uso has been World Champion before, so why is he running errands for the Tribal Chief. Cody said that we were talking about his rematch.
Sami Zayn said we are not doing this. Zayn said he was happy for Jey as the World Champion, and he never stabbed Cody in the back as the WWE Champion. Zayn said that Cody told him that as long as Cody had this, Zayn would never have it, but now Zayn has it. Zayn told Jey as far as he’s concerned, the WWE Title is still in the family. Zayn claimed nobody is touching this. Zayn told them, as a friend (to Cody) and to family (to Jey), to stay away from him. Zayn tried to leave, but there was another interruption.
The acting SmackDown General Manager, Adam Pearce, interrupted to say that he is there replacing Nick Aldis, who was sent home after his altercation with Gunther. Pearce talked about Zayn’s first title defense. Zayn mentioned he should have a say in who he faces at SummerSlam. Pearce said he said nothing about SummerSlam, and he’s in charge, so they’ll do it his way. Pearce said Zayn has to defend the WWE Title this Monday on Raw. Pearce said that they’re going to have a number one contender when Jey Uso faces Cody Rhodes tonight in Atlantic City. The winner of that faces Sami for the WWE Title on Raw.
Analysis: That was a very newsworthy opening segment since it set up the Cody Rhodes-Jey Uso match for later in the show, and that’s going to lead to a shot at the WWE Title on Raw. It’s certainly better than some main events we get that are a lot weaker than that.
The Raw crew of Michael Cole and Corey Graves was on commentary, while Raw’s Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Charlotte Flair was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked why Flair got involved in Jade Cargill’s match at Night of Champions. Flair mentioned she had to get payback on Jade. Alexa Bliss walked up to say she didn’t know Flair would be at Night of Champions. Flair said she’s impulsive and wanted to get payback. Flair complained about Bliss teaming up with Tiffany Stratton last week. Stratton said she didn’t need Flair’s help, but thanks. Chelsea Green walked in to claim Jade should be worried about them. Flair said, “You’re welcome,” to Stratton, and Flair said she’ll see them out there. Green said she’ll see Flair out there.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance. That’s where there would be a break, but on Netflix, there are no breaks on this week’s show.