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 away 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. Since it was taped right after Raw, WWE likely felt like they didn’t need to fly out the SmackDown announcers for it.

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’d 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.

Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair & Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab

Michin did a hair-pull takedown on Stratton. B-Fab tagged in for a double team suplex on Stratton for two. Stratton broke free, so Flair made the tag and hit a top rope cross body block on B-Fab. Flair hit a jumping kick on B-Fab and an overhead suplex across the ring. Flair went to the apron and kicked B-Fab. Flair hit a cannonball off the apron onto Michin on the floor. Jade clotheslined Flair on the floor. That led to a break, but there was no break for me, so let’s continue post break.

The heel side was in control, with Jade hitting a forearm to knock Flair down. Jade hit a fallaway slam on Flair. The fans were chanting for Green to get in there. Flair avoided a charging Jade, B-Fab tagged in and B-Fab hit a knee to the ribs. Flair and B-Fab hit a double clothesline to knock eachother down. Green got the tag and the fans were happy to see her as Green hit two arm drags, a slap to the face and an enziguri kick on Michin. Green hit a Rough Ryder leg lariat on Michin for two because B-Fab broke up the pin. Stratton hit a basement dropkick, Jade came back in with a kick on Stratton, and a kick for Flair. Green tossed Jade out of the ring. Green did a rope walk and jumped off the top with a hurricanrana on Michin. Jade tagged in, went for a pump kick, Green avoided it and Green rolled up Jade for two. Green punched B-Fab off the apron, which led to Jade hitting Jaded on Green for the pinfall win. It went about 6 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab

Analysis: *** It was more of the usual, with Jade Cargill beating Chelsea Green, which tends to happen when they are in the same match together. I feel bad for Green because the fans are totally behind her in a big way, yet she keeps losing nearly every match she has. There wasn’t much Flair/Cargill interaction in the match, which surprised me a bit.

There was a replay of the Gunther-Nick Aldis altercation at Night of Champions. Gunther said that Aldis was jealous of him because he is a failed wrestler who is miserable. Gunther shoved Aldis, so Aldis shoved Gunther back, and the fight was broken up. They were both sent home, and Aldis is on administrative leave.

Analysis: I’m excited about Nick Aldis finally getting a WWE match at SummerSlam (most likely) after three years of being the SmackDown GM. Nick is a talented wrestler, and I’m excited for him to be in there with Gunther.

Adam Pearce was backstage on the phone, talking to Nick Aldis, saying he couldn’t get the job done, so Pearce is doing the job on SmackDown tonight. Sami Zayn approached Pearce, saying he’s a SmackDown star who doesn’t belong on Raw. Pearce said that it’s a great opportunity for Zayn. Pearce said maybe some other SmackDown superstars will be there, and it will be a great show.

After Adam Pearce left, Sami Zayn found Johnny Gargano lying on the equipment crate. Zayn said he doesn’t know if he would have won this without Gargano. Zayn said that Gargano was an ear for him and he was like Zayn’s rock. Zayn said that you have to stay true to yourself. Zayn told Candice LeRae to take a picture of Zayn with Gargano, so Candice did it.

Analysis: I would love to see some story progression for Johnny Gargano, who has been lying on equipment cases for months. I’m not sure why he’s getting paid to do that every week, but there is hopefully some story in place. I think having Gargano as Zayn’s heel ally could work really well, but I’m not sure if Gargano will ever “wake up” and actually do something.

Rey Fenix made his entrance for singles action. The break was after that.

AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo

Fenix wanted a handshake, so Vikingo got a rollup for two. Vikingo did a headscissors to send Fenix into the ropes. Vikingo hit a jumping kick to the head. Fenix got a boot up and then jumped off the top with a cross-body block for two. Fenix bounced off the ropes after a handspring and hit an impressive Cutter for a two count. Vikingo was on the floor, so Fenix ran the ropes and Vikingo trapped Fenix against the ring apron. Vikingo hit a running dropkick to knock Fenix down. Vikingo hit a springboard moonsault onto Fenix on the floor.

The match continued with Vikingo hitting a forearm. Fenix avoided a move and kicked Vikingo in the head. Fenix did a rope walk leading to a kick to the face. Fenix went up top and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. Fenix went for a running knee attack because Vikingo moved and then Vikingo hit a kick to the head. Vikingo hit a Meteora double knee attack. Vikingo jumped off the top with a hurricanrana into a pin attempt for two. Vikingo hit a spinning kick to knock Fenix down. Vikingo went up top, Fenix went after him with a punch and Vikingo jumped off the ring post with a Poison Rana while Fenix was on the middle turnbuckle. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Vikingo jumped off the ringpost onto the top rope for a springboard 450 Splash, but Fenix moved. Fenix hit a double knee attack against the turnbuckle. Fenix chopped Vikingo. Fenix hit the Mexican Muscle Buster for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix

Analysis: ***1/2 There was so much action in that match. Rey Fenix is a champion who is very fun to watch, and Vikingo wrestles the kind of style that matches up with Fenix perfectly. I’m not surprised that they would have such a good job match. I wish it had gone a bit longer, but they made the most of the time given.

Giulia was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, who asked about Blake Monroe attacking Giulia from behind last week. Giulia claimed she would fight Blake Monroe anytime and anywhere. Kiana James walked in to say that Giulia got lucky against her. Blake Monroe attacked Giulia from behind and said it was so good to see her again. Blake threw Giulia into an equipment box/case backstage. Blake threw James into the box, too. Blake said it was good to see Kiana too. There was a break there for some fans.

Analysis: Cheap heat for Blake Monroe, doing two cheap attacks to show she is willing to attack anybody at any time.

A video recap aired showing highlights from Raw when Seth Rollins challenged the World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns for a match at SummerSlam. They exchanged words, and Reigns accepted, so the match is on.

Jimmy Uso was backstage with Jacob Fatu, saying that the OTC called a play, so they are going to run it. Royce Keys walked in to criticize Jacob for taking orders from Roman Reigns. Jimmy wondered if Keys knew where Solo Sikoa was. Keys said that blood doesn’t make you family and said that loyalty makes you family. Keys said he’s been Fatu’s day one for 14 years and, as far as he’s been concerned, Keys is Jacob’s family. Jimmy said not no more, right Jacob? Fatu walked away with Jimmy without saying anything.

Analysis: It’s a story that could become interesting if they figure out what role Royce Keys is going to have and try to advance the story at a quicker pace. For now, Keys is just in midcard limbo, and I’m not sure who he’s aligned with or if he’s on his own. They aren’t putting him in the ring enough for my liking.

Let’s Hear from Trick Williams 

The United States Champion Trick Williams made his entrance with Lil Yachty. The fans loved Trick as usual with “Whoop That Trick” chants for Trick Willy as usual.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance before Trick and Yachty could get to their promo. There were some “Melo” chants from the crowd. Melo said on Saturday, Ricky Saints couldn’t get the job done, so it looks like there’s no other choice, but to run it back with Trick facing Melo. There was no response. Melo said that everything Trick does is larger than life, the title looks great on him and the crowd loves him. Melo said Trick is unstoppable because Melo hasn’t decided to stop him yet. Melo said he made that US Title into a championship, while Trick made it an accessory. Melo said that’s the workhorse championship and the match of the night championship. Melo said it’s for the guys who want to eat, and it looks like Trick had too much to eat. Melo said that he wanted Trick to put that title against somebody who knows him as well as anybody. Melo said that he’s got two left feet and a mouth full of marbles when you’re in the ring with Melo.

Lil Yachty spoke up, saying that this is Trick Williams, the US Champion. Yachty said that Trick has been nothing short of greatness. Yachty asked Atlantic City if they should give this “small man” a match. Yachty told Melo he’ll get a match next week, but it’s not for the championship. Yachty claimed that Trick will need to get his reps in. Yachty said when things get Tricky, Melo will realize why he can’t get the job done.

Trick said that with all the history they have, Trick really knows Melo like the back of his hand. Trick gave Melo a backhand slap to knock him down. After Trick left the ring, Melo hit a somersault dive over the top onto Trick on the floor. Melo dared Yachty to fight him, but Trick got Yachty to back away.

Analysis: This made it feel like Trick was a heel even though he’s not. Melo did a nice job of being aggressive with his promo by taking shots at Trick and also coming across as a cool babyface who is easy to like. Anyway, I can see Melo beating Trick non-title to set up a title match.

Danhausen was in his lab with The Miz and Kit Wilson when Matt Cardona approached to see what he was up to. Danhausen talked about having a match with JD McDonagh at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18th in Madison Square Garden. Danhausen told Matt Cardona to turn a dial, so Matt did it, and it looked like Miz and Wilson were electrocuted or something like that.

Analysis: It’s hard to summarize these segments. I think Danhausen segments are better in front of the crowd.

Brie Bella and Paige made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions for Brie’s match up next.

Jey Uso was shown getting ready backstage.

Brie Bella (w/Paige) vs. Lainey Reid (w/Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne)

Brie and Paige are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Reid hit a punch to the jaw early on, but then Brie hit a clothesline. Brie hit a spinning armbar into the mat. Reid sent Brie into the ropes and performed a belly-to-back suplex. Brie sent Reid shoulder-first into the turnbuckle two times in a row. Reid sent Brei into the turnbuckle. Reid hit a jumping kick against the turnbuckle. Brie knocked Reid down from the turnbuckle. Brie hit a missile dropkick. Brie hit the Yes Kicks, Henley with a distraction, Brie went after her and then Brie did a hair pull takedown. Brie applied the Yes Lock submission, so Henley tried to help her partner. Paige slammed Henley on the floor. Page shoved Jayne into the ring post. Henley hit Paige with a forearm. Brie left the ring and sent Henley into the barricade. When Brie went back into the ring, Reid hit a knee smash for the pinfall win after 4 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lainey Reid

Analysis: ** A short match to give Lainey Reid a win over Brie Bella, who is one-half of the Tag Team Champions. The numbers game was a factor because the ladies on the floor getting involved led to Brie going after Henley, so then Reid capitalized to win. I assume it leads to Fatal Influence getting into title contention soon.

They showed the locker room where R-Truth had more hot dogs than Nathan Frazer in a competition. Truth did a USA chant after that. The War Raiders duo of Erik & Ivar walked in as AAA Tag Team Champions to ask Damian Priest & R-Truth if they had thought about their offer. Truth accepted their offer to a hot dog eating contest. Priest said that they accept the Title vs. Title match, but Aldis isn’t there, so he’s not sure when it will be. Priest said it will be on SmackDown. Truth said some more silliness to end it.

A video package aired from Raw showing how the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar match has been made for SummerSlam. It’s a Hell in a Cell match.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage. Finn Balor approached him, and Cody welcomed Balor to SmackDown. Balor said part of the reason why he came to SmackDown was to face him for the WWE Title, so go get it back.

Tama Tonga approached Finn Balor in the backstage area. Tama went to the elders for guidance on what he should do next. Talla Tonga attacked Balor from behind. Tama slammed Balor onto an equipment crate. Talla was choking Balor, so Tama said he was closing the books on everything from his past, and Finn was next.

Analysis: Poor Finn. They haven’t had anything for Finn to do since he came to SmackDown, so at least it’s a story for him to try to get revenge on Tama soon.

Jey Uso made his entrance from the back part of the arena. The fans were Yeeting along with Jey on his way to the ring. That led to a break.

Cody Rhodes was up next with the fans singing along with “Kingdom” and doing the “WHOA-OH” bit right on cue.

WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso

The winner will face Sami Zayn on Monday Night Raw for the WWE Championship.

There were 10 minutes left in the show (without a break) when the bell rang to start the match. Cody and Jey countered eachother early on. Cody hit a knee to the ribs. Jey sent a charging Cody over the top to the apron, and Cody slipped to the floor. Jey hit a suicide dive. That’s where the break would be as the match continued.

Cody and Jey exchanged strikes. Cody did a drop-down punch, Jey delivered a kick, and Cody jumped off the ropes, leading to a Cody Cutter for two. Jay did a snapmare, leading into a Samoan Drop. Cody left the ring, so Jey went after him, and Cody kicked Jey in the face. Cody took the commentary table cover off. Jey tripped up Cody on the table. Jey limped back into the ring, then Jey charged and Cody punched him to block that. Cody sent Jey over the barricade and Cody hit a double axhandle to the back. Cody put Jey back into the ring. They did a double clothesline spot to knock eachother down. That led to another break for some fans the match kept going.

Jey was in control as he shoved Cody off the top turnbuckle into the match. Jey jumped off the top with a Uso Splash for a two count. Cody kicked Jey in the jaw and Cody jumped off the top with a massive Cody Cutter for two. Cody jumped off the ropes again, but Jey was ready for it with a superkick. Jey hit a Spear for a two count. Jey slowly climbed to the top rope, he jumped off, Cody moved and Cody hit a Spear. Cody hit Cross Rhodes for the 1…2…no. I admit I wrote Cody got the pinfall win, but it was just a two count. Cody went up top, which is rare for him, and Cody jumped off with a splash, but Jey got the knees up and hit an inside cradle for two. Cody worked over Jey with punches, but then Jey ducked a punch and Jey applied a Sleeper hold. Cody tried a lift, Jey got a rollup for just a one count and then Cody backed Jey into the turnbuckle. The referee made them get up off the turnbuckle, Jey went for an attack, Cody avoided it and Cody spiked Jey with a Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***1/2 A decisive victory by Cody Rhodes to get a rematch for the WEW Championship. I thought they worked hard, had an entertaining match, and Cody got the decisive win. Jey showed some toughness and nearly won, but it’s tough to keep Cody down for three. I’m not surprised by that result.

That win by Cody Rhodes means he’ll challenge Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship on Raw this coming Monday, July 6th, in Boston. Cody celebrated the win, kissed the mat, and that was the end.

Analysis: I want Sami Zayn to retain next week, but I’m worried that they will go right back to Cody Rhodes because CM Punk is coming back, and it’s a way to set up Cody-Punk for the WWE Title at SummerSlam. If Zayn does retain against Cody and goes on to SummerSlam, then that would make me happy, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen that way.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Cody Rhodes
2. Rey Fenix
3. Jey Uso

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2026 Average: 6.98

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I thought it was an entertaining show that felt like it flew by. Perhaps that is because I didn’t have any commercial breaks on the Netflix broadcast, and it wasn’t as long since it was two hours (with commercials) compared to three hours for the first six months of the year. I don’t know why it flew by, but I enjoyed it.

That promo segment with Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Jey Uso was a fine opening and the right way to start the show. The Cody Rhodes-Jey Uso match was a typical good main event in this era, and Cody’s win makes sense. Could Sami Zayn’s WWE Title reign end as quickly as this Monday on Raw? It might happen because with CM Punk set to come back, WWE may want to do Cody against Punk at SummerSlam for the WWE Title. I don’t know what’s going to happen, though. Watch and find out.

I also like the Rey Fenix-Vikingo match quite a bit. There’s no story there, but it’s about showing AAA lucha libre style wrestling, and I think it’s smart to use some of SmackDown to promote it.

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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