WWE SmackDown presented the June 20th episode of the blue brand from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.โโ The night was capped by two superstars punching their ticket to the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments at Night of Champions.
Moreover, it featured some exciting in-ring action and a huge main event featuring John Cena. As the night ended, he stood tall over both CM Punk and R-Truth, while recreating the same scene that became synonymous with The Best in the World.
Quick Results
- Asuka defeated Alexa Bliss in the Queen of the Ring tournament semi-finals match.
- Kit Wilson vs Aleister Black ended in a no-contest.
- Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn in the King of the Ring tournament semi-finals match.
- Charlotte Flair submitted Chelsea Green to pick up the win in a singles match.
- LA Knight defeated Bronson Reed via Disqualification in a singles match.
- R-Truth defeated John Cena via Disqualification in a singles match.
Best Match
The best match of the night was John Cena and R-Truth in the main event, not particularly for its in-ring action but for the entire sequence that went down. The duo engaged in a heated showdown that ended with Cena hitting Truth with the belt and causing a DQ. He was met by CM Punk, and Cena took him down with a low-blow, a title shot, and an AA through a table.
Following that, Cena launched a rant on CM Punk that was very much familiar, as it was a direct parody of his iconic “Pipebomb” in 2011, recreating the same scene. He dropped some jaw-dropping words that led to shocking reactions from fans and left by thanking Punk for his promo that helped him make Punk look even more foolish.
Worst Match
There was no doubt that the no-contest between Kit Wilson and Aleister Black was the worst addition to WWE SmackDown. Firstly, it was a filler bout, and secondly, it did not even start as R-Truth appeared in the ring to attack Wilson and demanded that John Cena appear.
Noteworthy Moments
A prime highlight was the ending of the spectacular match between Randy Orton and Sami Zayn. After countering an RKO, Zayn attempted a Helluva Kick, but fell to the RKO in his attempt and lost. With Orton’s win, he became the first finalist of the King of the Ring tournament.
Similarly, Asuka delivered yet another captivating performance in the opening match of WWE SmackDown against Alexa Bliss. A timely getting up the knees to stop a Twisted Bliss and a Hip Attack led to The Empress of Tomorrow beating Bliss and heading to the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
One more noteworthy moment was things finally falling apart between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Following a heated war of words, and Fatu even offering a US title match, Sikoa tried to strike him, but he stopped him. J.C. Matteo came down to help Solo, but the threat was neutralized by the arrival of Jimmy Uso, who helped Fatu. Later on, Fatu revealed that he will defend his US title against Sikoa at Night of Champions PLE.
The last highlight came at the end of Charlotte Flair’s match against Chelsea Green when she made her tap out of the Figure Eight submission hold. Piper Niven and Alba Fyre attacked The Queen, but Alexa Bliss made the save. When she extended her hand towards Flair, she walked off.
Holy Sh!@ Moments
John Cena’s entire recreation of CM Punk’s Pipebomb saw one major jaw-dropping moment, when he mentioned stars from other promotions like AEW’s Claudio Castagnoli, TNA’s Nic Nemeth and Matt Cardona.
Other Holy Sh!@ Moments on WWE SmackDown came during the last hour of the show. Bron Breakker caused a DQ in the Bronson Reed vs LA Knight match by delivering a thunderous spear to him. WWE Universe was left stunned, witnessing The Colossal delivering multiple Tsunamis on the Megastar, inflicting major damage.
Lowlights
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso met in the ring ahead of their King of the Ring semi-finals match on RAW next week. Uso made it clear that there was no friendship when the bell rang, as he wanted to get back to the top of the mountain. Randy Orton and Sami Zayn also joined them to lay claim to the King’s crown before their own semi-final match.
Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax met face-to-face in the ring with a huge rematch for the WWE Women’s title next week. Jax got the upper hand on Tiffy Time and left her lying in the ring. Naomi once again came down to try and cash in her Money in the Bank contract, but was stopped by Jax for the second time.
What’s in store for WWE SmackDown next week
Three huge title matches were announced for WWE SmackDown next week, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Zelina Vega will defend her WWE Women’s United States Championship against Giulia following weeks of altercation. The Wyatt Sicks will challenge The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Lastly, Tiffany Stratton will battle Nia Jax with her WWE Women’s title on the line in a Last Woman Standing match.
Also read:ย Major Update Emerges On Recent Rumor Of Vince McMahon Getting WWE Back