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Ask and you shall receive, Cody Rhodes.
The Undisputed WWE Champion demanded that SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis put him in a match at Night of Champions against Gunther and Sami Zayn, hoping to dispatch each challenger and completely put away their grievances.
The match was made and now Rhodes must defend the title against the two thorns that have been in his side since before the Clash in Italy took place. But all of that happened after the absurdity that took place to kick off “Friday Night SmackDown.”
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Cody Rhodes enters the ring at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Zayn was the guest referee, at Gunther’s behest, for Gunther’s Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes. Zayn, according to him, called the match right in the middle. He pulled Gunther away from Rhodes to break a submission hold and was crushed for it.
Gunther powerbombed Rhodes and impaled him on the pin attempt. After a new referee came down to help with the match, he was the one who counted the pin. But Zayn pulled him out of the ring. Gunther was angry. Rhodes tried to sunset flip Gunther off the apron but couldn’t pull him down. Zayn kicked Gunther’s hands off the ropes so Rhodes could pin him. Zayn quickly talked and helped Rhodes retain the title.
Zayn and Aldis brawled into the Gorilla Position. Gunther wanted another match and took out Zayn. Rhodes, in the ring, demanded a rematch. They each got one. Zayn wouldn’t let that happen though. Zayn hit Gunther with the title belt, forcing a disqualification. Zayn then perhaps accidentally took Rhodes out with the belt as well.
Aldis was upset by Zayn’s call. But Zayn reminded Aldis that he was the one who wanted Zayn to be the judge. Zayn maintained that he called the fight fair before Gunther laid hands on him. He said Rhodes should “thank” him because he’s still the champion.
It all led to Rhodes going to Aldis and demanding the triple threat match for Night of Champions.
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King and Queen of the Ring final decided
Jey Uso competes against Je’Von Evans at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on June 19, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE)
Jey Uso and Je’Von Evans exchanged words backstage for their match on “SmackDown.” Uso was the wily veteran, a former world heavyweight champion looking to get back into the title picture. Evans was the intrepid rookie trying to make a name for himself.
The two clashed for a spot in the King of the Ring finals and a chance to take on Oba Femi at Night of Champions with a championship opportunity on the line. Uso received no help from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa as he took home the win.
In the Queen of the Ring semi-final, Liv Morgan took on Charlotte Flair. But it was Jade Cargill and her allies, Michin and B-Fab, who set the edge. The Cargill Group attacked Flair’s knee, which buckled before the match, giving Morgan the advantage.
Morgan focused on Flair’s knee. She hit the Oblivion on Flair but couldn’t get the hold. She then put Flair in a half Boston crab. Flair tapped out and Morgan would advance to the Queen of the Ring finals.
Morgan will take on Iyo Sky with a title shot on the line. Morgan is already the Women’s World Champion, and her victory brought her one step closer to possibly challenging Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.
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SmackDown Match Results:
Liv Morgan celebrates at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Cody Rhodes (c) def. Gunther to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Gunther def. Cody Rhodes via DQ.
Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) def. Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Ricky Saints def. Carmelo Hayes earns the No. 1 contender spot for the United States Championship.
Jey Uso def. Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring tournament.
Liv Morgan def. Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Rings tournament.
