SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
JUNE 27, 2025
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
AIRED ON ON USA NETWORK AND LIVE ON NETFLIX INTERNATIONALLY
Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
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[HOUR ONE]
-After a scene of the city skyline, Michael Cole introduced the show. They showed cheering fans and then arriving wrestlers including Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, The Street Profits, Zelina Vega, Giulia, Jade Cargill, and Asuka.
-Cody Rhodes made his ring entrance. They showed fans cheering his arrival. A clip aired of Cody beating Jey Uso on Raw earlier this week to earn a slot in the King of the Ring final. Cole threw to the Arabic announce team Faisal Bin Mughaisib and Jude Aldajani. When Cody’s music stopped, fans kept singing his theme. As Cody was about to talk, Randy Orton’s music interrupted. Orton walked out as fans sang his entrance theme. A clip aired of Orton beating Sami Zayn last week on Smackdown to earn his spot in the KOTR final. Orton entered the ring and stared at Cody. When Orton’s music stopped, fans kept singing the lyrics.
Orton asked the fans if they watched Raw last Monday. Fans cheered. He asked if they saw Cody face Jey. He said it was a pleasure to watch. He said it was a hell of a match and a candidate for Match of the Year “come Slammy time.” There were technical issues, so the screen noted that and they went to an alternate version of the footage that was less high def and slightly out of sync and seemed to be pieced together with fan footage from phones or handheld lower resolution cameras. (I wonder about the logistics of that.)
Orton said he needs the crown whereas Cody just wants the crown. He said if he wins, he can go on to become 15 time champion. He explained that he wants the crown because it stands for redemption. He said last year he made it to the finals against Gunther, but he came up short. He said last time he faced John Cena, Cena embarrassed him in his home town in front of his friends and family. He said he needs to right that wrong. He said they respect each other, but he can’t let how they feel about each other get in the way of what he wants to achieve. He said there is no single thing he won’t do to make sure he leaves Saudi Arabia with the crown on top of his head. He said he would achieve that with the three most dangerous letters in WWE – R-K-O.
Cody said nobody has let him get a word in edgewise lately, but he needs to win the King more than anyone. He said between Orton and Cena, they have 30 world championships, so “embarrassment” is not a word he’d attach to them. He said he remembers everything, including his very first night in WWE. He said Orton slapped his dad across his face. He said he is grateful for Orton, though, for being a teacher for him over the years. He said he knows Orton thinks he needs to win it, but whether it’s Cena or Punk (fans suddenly began booing), he needs it just a little bit more. He said Orton won’t be King of the Ring “because I will.”
-Cole apologized for the technical difficulties, but they were ready to get on with the show. He said he’s sorry the first face they had to see was Wade Barrett’s. Barrett said he wanted Joe Tessitore back. (Note: When this streamed live on Netflix internationally, the bulk of the Cody-Orton segment didn’t air at all. The issue lasted about 30 minutes live and they paused the segment in the arena as they figured it out and filmed it without a live feed to splice together later for USA Network.)
-Solo Sikoa told J.C. Mateo they waned to give Jimmy one more opportunity to be part of the family. He said he wants to remind Jimmy what it’s like to have no back-up tonight so that he can focus on taking care of Jacob Fatu tomorrow night. He said that after this weekend, everyone will see they are just getting started.
-Jimmy Uso made his ring entrance. [c]
-Cole plugged the ticket sales launch of “Late Night with Tony Hinchcliffe,” billed as “a closed-door, non-televised event.”
(1) JIMMY USO vs. J.C. MATEO (w/Solo Sikoa)
The Mateo entrance with Solo then aired. The bell rang 25 minutes into the hour. Cole listed Mateo’s New Japan title reigns and Olympic history. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Jimmy rallied after the break. Solo grabbed at Jimmy’s boot at ringside to slow him down. When Jimmy climbed to the top rope, Mateo did recover enough to avoid his dive and then deliver his Tour of the Islands turning powerslam for the win.
WINNER: Mateo in 6:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not much to it, and the finish played into Solo wanting Jimmy to understand what it means to be alone.)
-Afterward, Solo approached Jimmy with an offer for a hug. Jimmy slapped him. Mateo attacked Jimmy from behind. Jacob Fatu ran out for the save. He dropped Mateo and then eyed Solo. Solo rolled out of the ring. Fatu showed fire. Jimmy entered the ring and hesitantly approached Fatu. Jimmy shoved him aside to save him from an attack from behind by Solo.
-Backstage, Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa were telling other tag teams that if the Wyatt Sicks win tonight, it’d be the end of the tag division they built. The other teams laughed. Ciampa said if the Wyatts win tonight, none of them have a chance to win the tag titles for the foreseeable future. Nick Aldis asked what they were doing. Ciampa yelled that they were trying to motivate the other teams. They all bickered. Aldis said he’ll do something about it. Andrade walked up to him. Aldis suggested he find a tag partner to face DIY. Andrade liked that, but Ciampa yelled “Bad idea!”
(Keller’s Analysis: The timing of Andrade showing up at that moment was a little silly.)
-A vignette aired on the Giulia vs. Zelina Vega match with English translations on the screen of Guila talking about facing Zelina Vega. She said her championship is nothing but a stepping stone for her. She said she will prove the title doesn’t belong to Vega. Vega said she is going to use her to establish her dominance as U.S. Champion.
-Giulia’s entrance took place. [c]
(2) ZELINA VEGA vs. GIULIA – U.S. Title match
The bell rang 48 minutes into the hour. Zelina kneed Giulia to the floor early and then flipped off the second rope onto Giulia at ringside. Zelina clutched her knee in pain and they cut to a very early break. [c]
Zelina was fine after the break, but Giulia was in control. Zelina rolled to ringside. When Giulia went after her, Zelina flipped her into the ringside steps. Zelina landed a Meteora into Giulia against the steps, then threw her back into the ring. They fought back and forth. Zelina landed a Meteora in the ring for a two count. Giulia went for a top rope butterfly suplex, but slipped and barely landed the move safely. (Yikes!) Zelina then landed a Code Red for a two count, but Giulia’s feet landed on the bottom rope to stop the count. Giulia avoided a Code Red splash and then landed a knee strike and a Northern Lights bomb for the win. Cole called it Giulia’s biggest win on Smackdown.
WINNER: Giulia in 8:00 to capture the U.S. Title.
-They went to Cole and Barrett at ringside. Cole noted that next week, Smackdown goes to two hours. (There were reports Smackdown was going to be three hours at least through the fall, but this counters it unless Cole meant it was just next week only because of the Fourth of July and it’s pre-taped. Cole could have been clearer by saying “two hours going forward” or “two hours from now on,” but it seemed that was the implication and it’s how it’s being interpreted.)
-Charlotte crossed paths with Alexa Bliss. Charlotte said she didn’t want to talk about last week. She said she doesn’t need friends. Alexa said it might be good if they were at least on the same page. “Think of it as allies of convenience,” she said. ‘Think about it.” [c]
-Cole hyped the Night of Champions countdown show and main show tomorrow. Cole said ten years ago, Wade Barrett beat Neville to become King of the Ring. A clip aired of him scoring the pin and putting on the crown.
-Barrett stood mid-ring and talked about the Queen of the Ring final. Jade Cargill made her entrance followed by Asuka. Fans chanted, “Asuka!” Barrett asked Jade what makes her so confident she’ll beat Asuka at Night of Champioins. Jade said when people see Asuka, they get nervous, but when she sees Asuka, she sees an opportunity. She has a purpose and at Summerslam, she doesn’t plan to just take the title, she plans on taking the whole damn throne. (Huh? That made no sense.)
Asuka said Jade is strong, but power is not everything. She said she has skills and experience. She asked if she knows who she is. “I’m Asuka! And no one is ready for Asuka!” (How did I know she was going to say that?) As Jade began to tell her she will regret facing her, Naomi interrupted with her Money in the Bank briefcase in hand.
Naomi said maybe she will cash in after Tiffany and Nia destroy each other later tonight or maybe she’ll wait until one of them are fighting for the title to cash in. She said Jade hates that no matter what she does, she has the power to take it all away just like she took away her tag titles and months from her career. She laughed. She said it brings her pure pleasure when she thinks about how sweet it’d be to ruin the biggest night of her career. Fans chanted, “You suck!” Jade took a swing at Naomi, pushing past Asuka with force. She knocked Naomi off the ring apron. Asuka then attacked Jade with kicks. Naomi stood over Jade and trash-talked her as Asuka’s music played.
-Aldis told Adam Pearce that they are on the same page about the Women’s Tag Titles. Aleister Black walked up to them and said he “wanted a redo.” Ron Killings barged in and told Black to back up. He said he wanted John Cena. Pearce told him to calm down. Aldis said Cena is there, but for Punk, not him. Killings said he was there for Cena and told them not to even worry about it. Black followed behind Killings. Pearce told Aldis, “Same Smackdown, different continent, huh?”
-DIY made their entrance. Cole said they’d find out who Andrade’s partner would be after the break. [c]
-Clips aired of their World’s Collide event two weeks ago.
(3) DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) vs. ANDRADE & REY FENIX
The bell rang 24 minutes into the hour. They cut to a very early break about a minute in after Andrade and Fenix double-teamed DIY as they were leaning on the bottom rope. [c]
At 6:00 Andrade got a hot-tag from Rey and rallied against Gargano and fended off Ciampa and then kipped up. Andrade landed a series of moves on Gargano leading to a tornado DDT and a two count at 7:00. Gargano avoided a corner flip and then DIY delivered a double-team move for a near fall. Gargano clutched his knee in pain. They cut to another break. [c]
Back from the break, Gargano was resisting a top rope superplex by Andrade. Andrade flipped to the mat and landed a running double-knee strike in the corner. He followed with a quick moonsault, but actually landed with one boot on Gargano’s ribs. (Not sure what he was going for there.) He scored a two count. Ciampa was late with the save, so Gargano had to just kick out. (That was all a mess.) Fenix kicked Ciampa out of the ring and then flip dove over the top rope onto Ciampa at ringside.
Fenix blind-tagged in and delivered a German suplex on Gargano for a near fall. Gargano scored a near fall on Fenix a minute later with a small package as a counter to a double-team Muscle Buster attempt. Gargano tagged out to Ciampa and they landed Fairy Tale Ending for a near fall. Ciampa delivered a Project Ciampa, but Andrade broke up the cover. Andrade went for a boot, but missed, but then sorta landed a spinning back elbow. (A lot of sloppy work on this show, and really overall lately in WWE.) Fenix landed a Black Fire Driver and Andrade then landed his Message on Ciampa for the win.
WINNERS: Andrade & Fenix in 16:00. [c]
-A clip aired of John Cena on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” earlier in week where Cena cheerfully led the crowd in a “Let’s Go Cena! / Cena sucks!” chant.
-Cole said he can’t believe there’s less than six months left in Cena’s career. Barrett said a lot of people will be happy when he retires based on his attitude, but not if he retires with his reign in tact.
-Cole threw to the “Yin / Yang” video package on the John Cena vs. C.M. Punk match at NOC tomorrow.
-Ron Killings walked past the announcers and said he is Ron Killings and “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so put some respect on my name.” He said he wanted Cena right now. Instead, Black showed up behind him and delivered a Black Mass to his head. Black told Killings not drink from that cup and he said now they’re even. He left the ring as Killings was out on his back.
(Keller’s Analysis: How are viewers supposed to feel about these two?) [c]
-Saxton interviewed The Street Profits backstage. Montez Ford said it’s been four years since they had tag team gold and they had to go through fire to get the mountaintop. He said you have to be crazy to think you’re going to take those titles from them. Angelo Dawkins said they eliminate threats. B-Fab walked up to them and said she has their back. They said they appreciate it.
-The Street Profits made their ring entrance. [c]
-A clip aired of Cody Rhodes interviewing Kevin Owens on his podcast. They talked about how close they were, but KO laughed and took issue with Cody making people think he barged into the family photo when they posed years ago with the Dusty Rhodes statue.
[HOUR THREE]
-Damien Priest told Aleister Black he must feel really tough. Black said if Priest is truly Killings’ friend, he’ll warn him to stay out of his business. He said as far as he’s concerned, though, the debt is now paid. Priest said he knows what Killings is capable of, so next time he has an issue with Killings, do it face to face. Priest said the outcome would be different. Black smiled and sarcastically said, “Sure it would be.” Carmelo Hayes walked up to Priest and said he should let Killings handle his own business before he’s a casualty. Priest told him he should walk away. Carmelo said, “The truth hurts.”
(4) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. THE WYATT SICKS (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy w/Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan) – WWE Tag Team Title match
Ford and Lumis battled at the start 3 minutes into the hour. They cut to an early double-box break. [c/db]
After the break, Ford and Lumis collided mid-ring. The camera showed the other tag teams from earlier were now at ringside. Dawkins and Gacy tagged in. Dawkins went on a flurry of offense, but Gacy headbutted him to slow him down. Humberto and Angel Garza yanked Lumis out of the ring. Dawkins threw Lumis back into the ring after knocking Angelo and Humberto over. Dawkins punched Gargano and Ciampa when they stopped him from reentering the ring. Angel and Humberto attacked Dawkins. The ref called for the bell. Fans booed.
WINNERS: No contest in 7:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: What an awful finish.)
-Rowan entered the ring and attacked Gargano, Ciampa, Angel, Humberto, Alex Shelley, and Chris Sabin. Fraxiom intervened. Rowen caught Frazer at ringside, but Angel and Humberto slidekicked him. Bo Dallas gave a Sister Abigail to Axiom. Dawkins clotheslined Dallas out of the ring. Dawkins then flip-dove onto an awaiting crowd. Ford did the same seconds later. The Profits stood alone in the ring as their music played. Dallas stared back at them.
-They went to Cole and Barrett. Barrett said it’s the best tag division by far with so much chaos and talent and so much to look forward to. Cole clarified that Smackdown moves to two hours “starting next week.” That clears up any ambiguity. Then they commented on clips of the happenings earlier in the show with Solo, Mateo, Jimmy, and Fatu.
-They went to the parking lot where Jimmy approached Fatu and said he didn’t need his help tonight. Fatu said he didn’t need his help last week and asked if there’s a problem. Jimmy said he respects him for standing up to Solo. Fatu said if he gets in only when he fits in, they’ll get along well. He asked if he feels him. Jimmy said, “Yeet!”
-Nia Jax made her entrance. [c]
(5) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. NIA JAX – WWE Women’s Title match with Last Woman Standing rules
Jax attacked Tiffany before the bell from behind. The ref rewarded the attack by calling for the bell, but then scolded Jax. Fans booed. Jax cupped her ear. After fighting at ringside, they cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Jax dominated after the break. Cole said it’s been “a fairly uneven match.” Jax put Tiffany on a table at ringside and then leaped off the ring apron with a splash. Tiffany stood at nine with help of the barricade for balance. As Jax pulled more tables out from under the ring, they cut to another double-box break. [c/db]
They brawled up the ramp during the break. Jax landed an Annihilator after the break. She then put a chair on Tiffany and landed another Annihilator. Tiffany stood at nine, but then Jax hit her with a kendo stick.
Tiffany powerbombed Jax out of the corner in a reversal and sent Jax through a table. Both were down as the ref counted. Tiffany and Jax both stood at nine. Naomi then ran out with the briefcase. She handed the ref the briefcase, but Tiffany yanked the case away from her and bashed her with it. She hit Jax also. Tiffany landed a Prettiest Moonsault onto the back of Jax’s legs as Jax was on top of Naomi. Naomi rolled out of the ring. Jax stood just in time.
Tiffany charged, but Jax hit her and then tried to suplex her to the floor onto two tables. Tiffany blocked it and then hit Jax with the briefcase, sending Jax through the two side-by-side tables at ringside. The ref counted to ten. Cole said Tiffany proved something and was impressive.
WINNER: Tiffany in 17:00 to retain the WWE Women’s Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: In line with what you’d expect from these two in this format of a match. Solid hard-hitting action. The Last Woman Standing format has some plusses and minuses in terms of drama.)
-Cole said Raw on Netflix starts at 6 ET next Monday. (They’re taping Smackdown right afterward for airing on July 4 so everyone gets the Fourth of July off after a busy stretch including many traveling to Saudi Arabia.) They hyped the NOC line-up. [c]
-Cole and Barrett commented as a graphic showed the results of the matches on the show.
-John Cena made his entrance. Fans sang “John Cena sucks!” He got his formal ring introduction. Cena told the fans, “This is what a winner looks like. I am a winner. C.M. Punk is a loser because he’s been out-cornered and outmaneuvered and he’s out of tricks because I am a genius.” He said NOC is now a formality and Punk can do nothing about it. Cena’s original “Word Life, Thugonomics” theme then played. Punk walked out, dressed as early-career Cena. Fans booed. Cena paced and looked upset and perplexed. Cole said it’s like Cena looking in a mirror 20 years ago. Barrett said he forgot how much he loved that entrance theme. A “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out.
Punk said, “Yo, check it. This is basic Thug-o-nomics.” He called Cena a clown for plagiarizing his Pipe Bomb, so he’s stealing his Word Life. He said he had to steal his Pipe Bomb to distract from how slow he is. Punk said Cena called him a Playa Hater, but “Cena has buried more talent than the Undertaker.” He said if he didn’t fix his bald spot and take his vitamins, he wouldn’t be a pro wrestler, he’d be a mall cop. He said Cena ain’t as good an actor as Batista. He said he’s like a fish bellied Hulk Hogan, but somehow more problematic. A “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out with a pocket of fans. He said millions chant his name, where as fans chant “You can’t wrestle!” at Cena. A “You Can’t Wrestle” chant started.
Punk said in six months, Cena will be gone, and he’ll still be having fun. He said Cena works for D.C., but no matter how hard he tries, he’ll always be The Marine to him. He said he now understands You Can’t See Me. He said it’s a hell of a catch phrase, but it’s done now. He said they can see him now, and he’s a washed up bum. He said 14 years ago today he dropped the legendary Pipe Bomb, but he tried to make it all about him. He said he’s a leech and phony and ass-kiss. He said he’s never been in his class. A “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out. Punk said before Cena goes, there is one more wish to make. He said he’ll lose to Kendrick, “because bitch, you’re my Drake.”
Punk’s music played. Cole said it was verbal payback from Punk.
(Keller’s Analysis: Punk got some cheers and some redemption, but nothing close to the damage Cena did last week. It had some fun moments, but also, frankly, was a little cringey and reminded me of Kendall Roy in “Succession” at times. But he really needed to have some time to fire back.)
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Eric Corbridge (making his post-show co-hosting debut!) to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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