THE SMACKDOWN REPORT SLAM for 06/19/2026

The SmackDown Report SLAM!

THE ONLY BLVD WITH A GUEST REFEREE

Tonight, on June 19^th, we SLAM from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO, with an incredible report card. Gunther finally gets his hands on his rematch against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes with Sami Zayn as his special appointed guest referee, Carmelo Hayes fights Ricky Saints for the right to a US Title match at Night of Champions against Trick Williams, the WWE Tag Team Championships are on the line with Damian Priest & R-Truth against The MFT’s Tonga Brothers, and the last Queen and King of the Ring Semifinals with Charlotte Flair battling Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan and “Main Event” Jey Uso taking on Je’Von Evans.

There’s maybe even more to come, so let’s hop on the BLVD and go get us some!

After the “Then. Now. Forever. Together.” cold opener, we’re introduced to Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett who are the commentary tag-team for the show. We get to watch some superstars arriving at the arena. Then, we get a package hyping the Cody Rhodes vs Gunther match, now with Zami Zayn.

Now, live in the arena, we’re getting things started right off with the Undisputed WWE Championship match. Commercial-free.

ANALYSIS: Thought this might’ve been the main event, but they’ll go with the KotR or QotR match instead. As this was commercial-free, I should’ve guessed it would be first. That means a title change may be unlikely and shenanigans are possible. Let’s watch and see…

“Worlds Apart” hits and Sami Sayn comes out first in his zebra shirt. It sounds like they’re still singing to his theme song, but it may be a mixed reaction. After ripping someone’s “SAMI SUCKS” sign, he gets to the ring. Gunther comes out next to a ton of boos. Gunther and Zayn shake hands. Finally, “Kingdom” blasts and “The American Nightmare” comes out to pyro and a huge pop. Mark Nash did the big-match championship introductions.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs Gunther – Sami Zayn as the special guest referee

 A little back and forth started things off, with Rhodes taking Gunthe to the corner a few times before the ref Zayn made a count and had to intervene by pulling him off Gunther, allowing Gunther to get in a cheap shot boot to the face of the champ. Gunther beat Rhodes down a bit as he crawled towards the ropes, causing Zayn to intervene against Gunther now with a less dramatic count and break. The crowd is already not enjoying Zayn’s refereeing.

Later, Cody countered a Gunther move and hit a Cross Rhodes, but Gunther’s right foot was under the bottom rope, just like at Clash in Italy. But Zayn saw it this time and stopped the count at 2 ½. Cody argued with Zayn and pushed Zayn’s hand away, so Zayn shoved Cody. Gunther was right behind him and applied the Sleeper to the mat. Sayn is shocked about what he just did but he eventually checked on Rhodes. That hesitation helped Rhodes get to the ropes while in the Sleeper, so Zayn had to count for a break, eventually pulling Gunther off him. Gunther shoved Zayn and after some arguing Gunther shoved him in the face. Zayn slapped Gunther, so Gunther hit a Powerbomb on his own appointed referee!

Cody got back into things and hit Cross Rhodes again as referee Adrian Butler ran out to make the pinfall count, but Gunther got his shoulder up. Gunther then fought back, landing a Stacked Powerbomb for another pin, but the ref is pulled out of the ring by Zayn. Zayn and Gunther argue again before Rhodes goes for a Sunset Flip. Gunther just barely grabs a hand on the ropes when Zayn comes in, kicks his hand off the ropes, and makes a fast three count to give Rhodes the win.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes (12 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ¼ by TJR

Really wasn’t expecting a PLE main event classic, but it was still good. This was more about Zayn being put in the middle of his issues with Rhodes and getting frustrated with Gunther even though Gunther picked him. They obviously put the match on first because there was going to be another controversial finish and this storyline will continue later in the show somehow.

After the match, Gunther yelled at Zayn about the fast count while Rhodes reacted like he was frustrated as well. SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, walked out to argue with Zayn as Zayn ignored him and went to the back. Gunther followed them.

As we come back from a break, we’re backstage in the GM’s office with Aldis arguing with all three men involved in our opening match. Rhodes left to go back to the ring while the others kept arguing.

In the ring, Rhodes called for a referee to come back to the ring to restart the match. The others were watching backstage. Zayn said no because he’s the referee, so Gunther threw him into a wall. Aldis said to restart the match, so Gunther ran back to the ring with referee Adrian Butler.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs Gunther (Part II)

Gunther looks to catch the champ by surprise with a Sleeper Hold. Cody looks like he is fading, but counters with a Sleeper Hold of his own. Gunther fends him off with another Sleeper Hold sending them into the corner. But before anything else happens, Zayn comes running out into the ring with a Helluva Kick on Gunther. The ref calls for the bell for a DQ finish this time, even though Rhodes retains the title.

WINNER by DISQUALIFICATION: Gunther (2 minutes)

ANALYSIS: This was just another way to create another layer to the storyline.

After the match, Zayn yanked the WWE Title from referee Butler and punched him. Zayn hit Rhodes with the title to knock him down. Loud “Sami sucks!” chants from the fans. Zayn left to boos and even ripped another fan’s sign. Cody and Gunther were down in the ring.

ANALYSIS: This was a way of allowing Zayn to finally reach his breaking point and snap on everyone. A triple threat match for Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship will likely happen as it’s been rumored.

Now it’s time to go backstage with Cathy Kelley interviewing Jade Cargill with Michin and B-Fab. They talk about Rhea Ripley being injured, as well as Tiffany Stratton getting involved in their business. Cargill said Night of Champions needs some of her star power, so she challenged Stratton to a Women’s US Title match.

We get a look at the last of the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring semifinal matches before a break.

Afte a replay of the chaotic start of the night, we’re back in the GM’s office backstage with Gunther saying he was screwed twice. Aldis reminded Gunther he picked Zayn to be the referee. Gunther said he wants another championship match at Night of Champions and angrily told him to get it done.

ANALYSIS: We need to fill that NoC card, so that’s why Gunther demanded another match. A triple threat match makes sense since Sami Zayn is completely involved now. Plus, it’s in Saudi Arabia, where Zayn is most popular. Get it done!

Elsewhere backstage, Solo Sikoa is confronted by Jacob Fatu, who tells him that he is here to make sure nobody gets involved in Jey’s match tonight, and to tell Sikoa he’s running out of time to make the right choice.

Fatu leaves and Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga approached Solo, who said he would be out there with them tonight. Tama told him to stay in the back because if he is out there, then you don’t know who will get involved because Solo’s and their family businesses are messing with each other. Talla said that The Bloodline is not their problem, but the tag-team titles are. The Tonga brothers left.

ANALYSIS: More Bloodline and MFT family business drama. That’s what we’re here for.

After break, another vignette airs for Blake Monroe, now talking about Giulia. She’s faced Giulia before in Japan. Blake said, “Don’t cry when she passes you by.” She’s coming soon to SmackDown.

Now back in the arena, The MFTs’ brother duo of Tama and Talla Tonga made their entrance to a chorus of boos. Then, the WWE Tag Team Champs R-Truth and Damian Priest come out for a title defense.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs MFT’s Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga

The War Raiders, AAA Tag Team Champions, were watching on a TV backstage. Talla and Priest start things off, with the big guy, Talla, knocking down Priest with a shoulder tackle. Talla and Tonga pretty much are in control for the most part.

While Tama and Priest were battling in the ring, Priest got a Neckbreaker. Solo Sikoa suddenly showed up at ringside and Talla on the outside argues with him. Solo shoved Talla out of the way as Priest hit Solo with a Double Axhandle. Talla went for a running attack on Priest, but Priest moved and Talla crashed into the ring post. In the ring, Tama grabbed Priest, but earlier before all the chaos Truth got a tag and was the legal man so Truth came from behind Tama with a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” for the win.

WINNERS: Damian Priest & R-Truth (11 minutes)

ANALYSIS: ** ¾ by TJR

Was an okay and fun match to watch the Tonga Bros give a beatdown, even though Sikoa came down for the distraction costing them the match. And a good way to continue the storyline of dissention in the MFTs. Some of these champs, including Truth and Priest, need a really good feud they can get into. But it all depends if they’ll get it instead of just randomly defending the titles.

After the match, the Tongas were angry with Sikoa about what happened. Tama and Talla left without Solo.

Now backstage, we see Sami Zayn talking to Johnny Gargano, lying on a crate while Candice LeRae was there. Zayn claimed he’s the last real good guy around here. GM Nick Aldis comes in shouting at him over what happened. Zayn reminds the GM that he made Zayn the ref for this match and he called it down the middle. He didn’t screw Rhodes out of the title, so the “Golden Boy” is still on top. Zayn said he’s had enough before shoving the zebra shirt into Aldis’ hands and walking off.

ANALAYSIS: The drama gets thicker to set up the triple threat match at NoC. That’s also why the match went on first so all these segments can set that up. And don’t ask what’s going on with the husband-and-wife team of Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. I’ve almost forgotten what creative wants to do with them. Maybe Danhausen can “electrocute” Gargano back into his Johnny Wrestling persona.

After the break, Jey Uso was backstage with Je’Von Evans, Jey saying it’s the Real OG against the Young OG in the semifinals. Evans called Jey “Unc” so Jey told Evans he’ll slap the taste out of his mouth and make him his son. They had a staredown.

ANALYSIS: Can’t wait for this one. As much as they’ve been building him up, my pick is “Main Event” Jey Uso to go all the way to the finals.

Back live, the entrances for Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints take place for the next match of the night. The winner gets a shot at the US Title held by Trick Williams at Night of Champions.

Carmelo Hayes vs Ricky Saints

Hayes started off aggressively with a Springboard Clothesline. Hayes countered a Saints move with an Atomic Drop and a Clothesline. Ricky bailed to the floor for a breather, so Hayes hit a Somersault Dive over the top onto Saints on the floor.

It went back-and-forth throughout the match while they continued to exchange pin attempts for two counts. A turnbuckle pad came off during one of the exchanges. They battled by the turnbuckle that was exposed and Hayes hit a Front Suplex into the mat. Saints hit the ropes, so Hayes was crotched onto the steel that was exposed. Saints kicked Hayes back-first into the exposed steel and Saints covered Hayes for the heel win.

WINNER: Ricky Saints (14 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ½ by TJR

Was said to be a very good match with two guys that are evenly matched and have developed great chemistry together. It’s a typical controversial finish with the heel Saints using the exposed steel turnbuckle so it suits him. This sets up the popular “Trick” against the heel Ricky. I think Williams will keep the US title for a while longer. He’s pretty popular.

Back in the GM’s office, Rhodes approached Aldis. Cody said there’s only one solution: he wants to beat them both. Cody said at Night of Champions, do a triple threat. Aldis agreed, so they shook on it.

ANALYSIS: There’s the payoff we’ve been waiting for. It’s been rumored to be a triple threat for a while since Zayn got stuck in the middle of it. Plus, Zayn needs a really good match to put him back in the spotlight. I’d like to see Zayn win the Undisputed WWE title in Riyadh where he should be super over. But, if WWE follows typical protocol, he may not.

Now, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair backstage. Flair said how it’s been a while since she’s been Women’s Champion, but she is focused on getting this crown by beating Morgan and SKY, and then her shot at her 15^th title going on to SummerSlam. Flair said she is going to show Liv why she is the Queen then, now, and forever.

ANALYSIS: I picked Flair to go all the way. I still think she can, but it can swerve to where Morgan, the current Women’s World Champ, could face SKY at NoC. The possibilities are interesting.

Elsewhere backstage, Danhausen was in his lab with The Miz and Kit Wilson wearing tin foil hats as they say their catchphrases. Angel & Berto were mad at Danhausen for not cursing the Knicks. Matt Cardona walked in to chase them off. Danhausen called Cardona “Zack Ryder” and Danhausen thanked him. Cardona touched something, then he acted like he was electrocuted and said, “You Know It!” which is a Zach Ryder catchphrase.

ANALYSIS: Matt Cardona may be reversing time to go back to his Zach Ryder persona. Hate to see what would happen if LA Kight came up to Danhausen asking to curse the Bloodline and he accidentally got… well, ya know. I look forward to all these Danhausen Dan-promos. He should do more stuff with the crowd, too.

Yet somewhere else backstage, R-Truth talked to Finn Balor, and Truth said that he just beat the Wild Samoans (close enough). Balor doesn’t want Truth’s help, but Truth said that when you’re Judgment Day, you are Judgment Day for life.

Damian Priest walked in. Truth said they had a celebration planned, but Priest said he doesn’t do celebrations with people he doesn’t trust. Priest was referring to Balor, but Truth thought Priest was talking about him. Truth got confused as usual.

ANALYSIS: R-Truth gets a lot of people confused, including himself. Now that we have Danhausen for backstage comic relief, he should probably stick to being in the ring. I know he likes to be himself and do his goofy backstage stuff, but we can’t have too much comedy.

Back to the arena, “Main Event” Jey Uso made his entrance for the spot in the Men’s KotR Finals with a lot of “YEETS!” with the fans. After a break, we return as Je’Von Evans makes his way out.

King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Je’Von Evans vs Jey Uso

Some great back and forth action with Evans selling his rib injury from last Monday by Bron Breakker.

Jey avoids a leaping attack, Superkicks the ribs then hit a Spear but only a near fall. Jey charged for another Spear, but runs into a Superkick from Evans. Evans is fired up and hits the Red Dot kick, then tries for the OG Cutter. Jey crotches him off the top and lands another Spear. Jey then goes up top with an Uso Splash for the win.

WINNER: Jey Uso (20 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ¾ by TJR

Another incredible KotR match that continues to show off the talents of both competitors. I was a little surprised Evans was still injured from Breakker’s beatdown on Monday’s RAW, but I guess it makes sense. Selling the rib injury, then coming alive trying to get the crowd behind you with some big moves to try to win, but in the end, it was just too much.

I figured “Main Event” Jey would get the win. A little surprised he was on his own, but his Bloodline is on RAW. It’s good that he got the crowd behind him by getting the decisive victory.

The King of the Ring Finals are now set at Night of Champions. It will be Jey Uso against Oba Femi for the crown.

ANALYSIS: I really think everything depends on where and when Brock Lesnar will show up. Lesnar could cost Femi the match and we get King Jey, which I’m okay with. That’ll cause some very interesting things inside the Bloodline. But I’m also okay with King Femi, then Lesnar attacks afterwards while Femi is crowned. I would be very surprised if Lesnar misses such a big payday in Saudi. Set up that Brock vs Femi III match already.

After the match, Jey picked up Evans and they shook hands. Jey raised Evans’ hand.

Now backstage, Jacob Fatu was watching Jey’s win when he was approached by Solo Sikoa. Solo told Fatu that maybe he needs to come to Reigns’ show and start messing with his family.

Another video package aired about Giulia talking about her family history and career success. Giulia said she was born in London. So Giulia wanted to end things with Kiana James and challenged her to a match next week on SmackDown in her birthplace to find out who is better.

Also in the back, Cathy Kelley interviewed Tiffany Stratton. Stratton accepted the challenge from Jade Cargill. Chelsea Green comes in, so Stratton said she doesn’t need Green to be her friend. Stratton said she can do this on her own and walks off. Green is left being sad as we go to a break.

Liv Morgan was featured in a video package talking about how Queen of the Ring is about proving who is the best of the best. Morgan didn’t care about Charlotte’s title history and claimed she was the best Women’s World Champion of all time.

A video also airs for Paige and Brie Bella talking about their title run and they will be ready for their upcoming title defense on Monday’s RAW against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

Now Jacy Jayne is backstage with Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After they yell a bit at the camera, Reid said they are coming for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Jayne said she’ll demand a match against Paige in London next week, and Jayne will embarrass her.

Elsewhere, Jey Uso was watching backstage when he saw the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody congratulated Jey and said one more to go. Jey said he’ll see him at SummerSlam. Cody warns him he has to get through Oba Femi first, but says he’ll be easy to find.

As Cody left Sami Zayn shows up to talk to Jey. Zayn said he’ll be the champion, so what do they do then? Jey said he’ll have to do what he has to do. Zayn told Jey to say hi to the family for him.

ANALYSIS: So much talking all packaged at once to get ready for the main event.

Here’s the current card for Night of Champions on June 27^th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:

• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes(c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
• 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
• Queen of the Ring Finals: IYO SKY vs. winner of the Charlotte Flair vs Women’s World Champ Liv Morgan semifinals
• King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso

ANALYSIS: Even if that’s all the matches it’s still a nice line-up. Shame the Intercontinental titles nor the Tag-Team titles won’t be defended. But they’ve got way too many titles already. That would double the time for the PLE. Gotta cut somewhere.

Charlotte Flair walks backstage about to make her entrance for the main event semifinals match when she saw Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab. They talk trash back and forth. As Flair left, she was attacked by B-Fab on her left knee. Jade stomped on Flair’s bad knee as well. Officials came in to check on Flair, so Jade and her cronies retreated.

After a break, Charlotte Flair was telling Alexa Bliss she was fine and told GM Nick Aldis she had to do this. Liv Morgan walked in with the Women’s World Title and laughed.

It’s time to find out who will face Iyo Sky in the finals of the Queen of the Ring as Women’s WC Liv Morgan made her entrance first. Charlotte Flair limped by GM Nick Aldis and told the backstage people to play her music, so Flair limped her way out to the ring without her robe on. Flair was majorly selling the left knee injury.

Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Liv Morgan vs Charlotte Flair

Charlotte originally started off strong, but Morgan quickly slowed her down with a Chop-Block to her bad knee. Morgan continued to viciously attack Flair’s knee throughout the match against the LED ring apron, steel steps, even the ring posts.

Flair attempts to make a comeback by knocking Morgan with a Big Boot and a Cross Body Block. Chops (“WOOO~!”) from Flair. Morgan tried to whip Flair to the turnbuckle but Flair’s knee gave out.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Flair went for the Figure Eight, Morgan turned it around, Flair turned that around, and Morgan went to the ropes to force a break. Morgan applied a Half Crab submission, but Flair managed to crawl to the bottom rope to break the hold. Flair flopped to the floor, so GM Nick Aldis, Alexa Bliss and some indie wrestlers dressed as the WWE medical team all came out to talk to Flair. Flair says she can go on, so Morgan quickly drags Flair back into the ring. Liv applied a Single-Leg Boston Crab submission and cranked back, so Flair had no choice but to tap out.

WINNER: Liv Morgan (19 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ½ by TJR

Charlotte Flair showed she’s got some incredible heart and soul fighting through the left knee injury. She did a great job selling it throughout the match, and Morgan was a great relentless heel taking every advantage of it. Soon as Flair was attacked by Cargill and her gangsters, it became a little more obvious who might win. This would likely set up a feud between them.

Well, there goes my pick for the QotR. But this leaves a very interesting dilemma at Night of Champions. See below…

The win means The Queen of the Ring Finals are set up at Night of Champions with The Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan vs Iyo Sky.

ANALYSIS: I’m really not sure how this will go. They could play it safe and have Queen SKY, that way they could battle again at SummerSlam for the Women’s World Title. Or, depending on Rhea Ripley’s knee injury, which her status has been kept under wraps for now, we could have Queen Liv. Then, she could go for Ripley’s Women’s Championship and potentially hold all the gold. We’ll see what they decide.

Liv Morgan celebrated the win while Charlotte Flair was getting checked on by the others. Hit credits. End show.

A rather chaotic and exciting SmacDown tonight. The WWE Night of Champions PLE takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at 1pm ET on Saturday, June 27^th. Here’s the card, although this may possibly change next week with something added on but it’ll likely be final:

• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes(c) vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
• 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
• Queen of the Ring Finals: IYO SKY vs. Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan
• King of the Ring Finals: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso

Next week, June 26^th, the NoC go-home edition of Smackdown will be taped from The O2 Arena in London, England. That will feature Paige taking on Jacy Jayne, and Kiana James versus the return of whom she blamed for losing her QotR tourney match and home-town hero, Guilia.

Monday’s RAW in on June 22^nd and will also be taped at The O2 Arena in London, England. The World Tag Team Championships will be on the line with The Vision against The Street Profits, a Women’s Tag Team Championships match with Paige & Brie Bella facing Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, and Dragon Lee battles Ethan Page.

And that’s the SLAM, folks! Make sure to note your calendars that next week is the final three-hour SmackDown before they switch back to two hours on July 3^rd. Until next time, place your bets, and stay on the BLVD!