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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
JUNE 26, 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND AT THE O2
TELECAST ON DELAY ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 13,328 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
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[HOUR ONE]
-A video package aired on the Cody Rhodes-Gunther-Sami Zayn saga. Then they showed wrestlers arriving including Cody Rhodes, Paige & Brie Bella, and Fatal Influence.
-Trick Williams made his ring entrance, accompanied by Lil Yachty. Fans sang “Whoop that Trick!” Trick announced that he went to Jamaica last week. He said Yachty and Lash Legend were there and “I am now a married man.” He held up his hand with a wedding ring, smiled, and then pretended he was “spanking that ass” as he did hip thrusts. The director cut away quickly. Yachty praised the food selection. Trick said his friends and family were there. “We whopped that trick all night long,” he said. Yachty said it was quite the party. Trick then said, “I’m thinking about you, girl.”
After Trick brought up Ricky Saints, Saints came out to his music. He said Trick has revealed he isn’t really good at life decisions. Trick threatened to smack Ricky down to London Bridge. Saints said he appears to be on the sauce from his wedding night. He said he shouldn’t be overlooking him as “reality stand before you.” He said everyone agrees that the Trick Williams hype train will end tomorrow at Night of Champions.
Trick told Ricky he’ll have to figure out what dinner will be after he knocks his teeth down his throat. When Yachty made a crack, Ricky said he didn’t want to hear from the peanut gallery. Ricky asked Trick if Yachty comes with the US Title when he wins it at NOC. Yachty said he’d never work for Saints. Saints punched him and slipped out of the ring, then snuck back in and hit Trick with the mic. Saints left to his music.
(Keller’s Analysis: This was what you’d expect from Trick and Ricky in a verbal exchange. It was solid.)
-They went to Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Cole noted that Joe Tessitore was calling boxing and Wade Barrett would be calling NXT, so he was working with Graves tonight. They commented on a clip of Liv Morgan beating Charlotte Flair last week after interference.
-Jackie Redmond interviewed Alexa Bliss backstage who said Charlotte is feeling physical and emotional pain from last week. She said she’ll get revenge on her, even if it means she has to team with Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany walked in, Redmond left with the mic, and we could still hear Liv and Tiffany just as well as they bickered a bit.
-Tiffany made her ring entrance. [c]
(1) TIFFANY STRATTON & LIV MORGAN vs. MICHIN & B-FAB
Morgan’s ring entrance aired after the break. Graves said Jade Cargill surrounds herself with only the best. He said Jade wasn’t there, but she was likely watching while working out in a gym somewhere. The bell rang 24 minutes into the hour. Bliss took Michin down at ringside. B-Fab landed a spinning hook kick on Bliss afterward. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Stratton set up a springboard move out of the corner on B-Fab, but Jade showed up and knocked her off balance. B-Fab then gave Stratton a twisting powerbomb faceplant for the three count.
WINNER: Michin & B-Fab in 8:00.
-Chelsea Green ran out wielding a kendo stick to save Tiffany from a three-on-one attack after the match. She lost her grip on the kendo stick as she entered the ring. She ducked charging heels. Tiffany stood and smiled at her and then embraced her. Bliss joined Tiffany in raising Green’s arms.
-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. Cole plugged season three of “WWE Unreal” coming on July 21 to Netflix. They then shifted to discussing Solo Sikoa’s presence at ringside costing Talla & Tama Tonga a shot at the tag titles last week.
-Backstage, a smiling Solo asked Talla and Tonga if they saw what happened on Raw on Monday. He said Roman won’t like it at all. Tama said they saw it, but that’s the problem. Tama glared at Solo and said they don’t want to get dragged into his war. He said his obsession with Roman Reigns is dragging them all down. He said last week, Solo didn’t listen to them telling him to stay away from ringside and now they are without belts. Talla said they got word from the elders. “Me and Tama, we’re out,” he said. Solo said they can’t leave. Tama said they just did. Solo raged and yelled that nobody leaves him. [c]
-They showed more aerial views of London. Then Cole and Graves commented on clips of B-Fab pinning Tiffany.
-Jade demanded to GM Nick Aldis that she wanted Chelsea in the ring one-on-one tonight. Aldis said that worked for him.
(Keller’s Analysis: That match was advertised on social media before this aired on USA Network in prime time in the United States.)
(2) REY FENIX vs. NATHAN FRAZER – AAA Cruiserweight Championship match
Frazer’s entrance aired. He was accompanied by Axiom in the aisle. Then Fenix made his entrance. The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour. Frazer landed a running flip dive (Tope Con Hilo) onto Fenix at ringside and they cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Fenix made a comeback and hit a handspring cutter and a vertical suplex out of a torture rack for a two count. Fans chanted, “Let’s Go Fenix!” They went into a rapid-fire sequence that led to both men down and slow to get up. Fenix landed a spinning hook kick and then set up a springboard move, but Frazer countered with a Spanish Fly and a neckbreaker for a near fall at 8:00. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Fenix avoided a Fenix Splash by Frazer and then rallied. He set up a Mexican Muscle Buster. Frazier knocked him off the top rope with an enzuigiri, sending Fenix to ringside. Frazer then went for a dive through the ropes, but Fenix moved and Frazer crashed head-first into the announce desk.
Fenix threw Frazer into the ring and then landed a frog splash for a very near fall. Fenix gave Frazer a Mexican Muscle Buster seconds later for the win. Cole called it “a classic.” Fenix helped Frazer up and hugged him. Fans applauded.
WINNER: Fenix in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: A 9 minute match is almost never a classic. It hurts Cole’s credibility that he doesn’t seem to recognize the actual difference between a classic and a really exciting TV match. People don’t like being hammered with a declaration that feels out of proportion to what they just watched. The match was really well done, though.)
-Byron Saxton interviewed R-Truth and Damien Priest backstage. The War Raiders interrupted and challenged them to a tag team match with their respective belts on the line. Truth said he wants all the belts in The Judgment Day. Erik told Truth he isn’t in The Judgment Day. Priest accepted the challenge.
-LA Knight got out of a luxury sedan. Redmond approached him and said there were rumors he’d be there, but what was he doing on Smackdown. Knight said it was odd she knew he was driving up just when he did and accused her of stalking him. “A little weird on your part,” he said. Knight said he’s going to the ring to get some answers right now. [c]
-A video package aired on King of the Ring’s history, narrated by Tessitore.
-Knight made his ring entrance. He said he kind of respects Jimmy Uso, but he thinks he got what he deserved on Monday, but noted he got some unexpected help. He called Solo to the ring. Solo made his entrance. Fans sang “Oh, Solo Sikoa!” Knight said that song was kind of catchy. He said he was trying to wrap his head around what’s going on with Solo. He said if Knight is looking for a fight, he was wasting his time. He said everyone in his family has left him. Knight said he understands that must hurt, “but my heart doesn’t pump purple piss for you losing your family.” Fans laughed. He told Solo that leaves him wide open to go right back into The Bloodline. Fans chanted, “OTC!”
Knight asked, “You want to stand around listening to that crap, to Roman Reigns lording over you?” He asked if what he did on Monday was a Roman Reigns Initiation Ritual. Solo yelled that it’s because he hates that family and The Bloodline. He said he hates Jacob Fatu, The Usos, and Roman Reigns. Knight stared at Solo. Solo said he needs to finish them. He said there is one thing they share in common – that they do not like The Bloodline.
Knight said Solo should hate Roman for everything he has done to them. He said Jimmy, Jey, and Jacob should also hate him. He said he did way more to them than they’ve done to Solo, yet they’ve all gone back into the fold. He said Jey Uso used to be “Main Event” Jey Uso and now he’s “Baggage Handler” Jey Uso. He said he’s seen the movie and he knows how it ends. He asked Solo what’s different now.
Solo said it’s different because he has nothing to lose. He said he has no family and it’s just him now. He said the enemy of my enemy can be his friend. “We can work together,” he proposed to Knight. He said they could be partners and take out The Bloodline and watch each other’s backs. Knight looked to the crowd. Knight said he was skeptical, but he wanted to digest the situation. He said he hates The Bloodline, he’s outnumbered, and those numbers have always worked against him. He said he probably needs help, but does he need Solo watching his back. Solo said, “Yeah.” Knight said, “Naw.” Knight said he does things his way because it’s the only way he knows. “Thanks, but no thanks,” Knight said.
Cole asked if Knight might be paranoid, but Solo really is solo now.
-Saxton interviewed Sami Zayn backstage. He asked about the job he did as referee last week. Sami said he’s been hearing that all week. He said he watched the match back and he called it down the middle until he was pushed to his limit. He said he then had to retaliate and he did what anyone else would have done. He said nobody around there gets it other than Johnny Gargano. The camera panned to Gargano who was lying on the rolling crate. Sami smiled and said he has a World Title match now. Sami said he hasn’t been fully himself lately. He said he had a chance to win the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but he stayed true to himself, and therefore the universe has presented itself an opportunity for him to redeem himself. “I’m going to become the WWE Champion,” he said, as if it was revelation to himself he hadn’t fully processed yet.
(Keller’s Analysis: Straight forward response from Sami after last week, fitting his perspective lately.)
-Paige made her entrance. [c]
(3) PAIGE (w/Brie Bella) vs. JACY JAYNE (w/Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid)
The bell rang 24 minutes into the hour. Paige landed a running cannonball off the ring apron onto Fatal Influence. Jayne then hit Paige and declared, “This is my house how; you’re going to respect me!” They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Jayne used the bottom rope for leverage when backsliding Paige, so Brie shoved her boots off the rope, breaking up the cover. Henley and Reid went after Brie. Paige rolled up Jayne for the win.
WINNER: Paige in 9:00.
-Backstage in Danhausen’s lab, Miz and Kit Wilson were staring off with empty gazes. Matt Cardona thanked Danhausen for helping the New York Knicks win the NBA Title. Danhausen looked around and wondered where Miz and Kit went. Berto and Angel walked in and asked where Danhausen was. Cardona said they had to go find him himself. He was going to reach under the white sheet, but Danhausen yelled at him, “Don’t touch that!” Ryder pulled back and said, “I’m sorry.” [c]
-Cole plugged that fans can put their name on the canvas at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
-Backstage, the camera filmed Tama and Talla crossing paths with Finn Balor. Balor said it was good to see them. He told Tama he’s finally making his own decisions. He said it reminds him of the Tama he once knew. Tama said they used to run together, but that was a long time ago. He said Shinsuke Nakamura was part of his past too, “and we all saw how that went.” He and Talla walked off with their suitcases.
-Danhausen made his entrance. Zombified Miz and Kit followed. Danhausen asked Miz how it feels to be replaced on his own TV show. Miz said, “Awesome!” Danhausen asked Kit about Los Garzas ruining his experiments. Kit said, “Toxic! Toxic! Toxic!” Berto and Angel made their way to the ring. They immediately attacked Miz and Kit. Cole said Miz and Kit have no idea what’s going on. Fans chanted “Toxic!” The heel duo turned to Danhausen, who backed off. Cardona then ran out. Aldis said whatever this is, it needs to end. He booked them in a tag team match. [c]
(4) MATT CARDONA & DANHAUSEN vs. ANGEL & BERTO
The match was joined in progress 46 minutes into the hour. Miz was walking around at ringside “like a member of The Walking Dead,” said Cole. Eventually Danhausen got a hot-tag and fans cheered as he tossed around Berto and Angel. Angel interrupted a cover by Danhausen on Berto. Angel went for a chair at ringside, but Miz blocked him. Kit yanked it away from him. Angel yelled at him. Cardona gave Angel a Rough Ryder at ringside. Danhausen rolled up Berto in the ring for a two count. When Berto stood on the top rope, the ringpost sparked and Berto fell to the mat. Danhausen then pinned him.
WINNERS: Danhausen & Cardona in roughly 5:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: This all feels like a 1990s backyard wrestling skit by teenagers who laugh at pro wrestling on the rare occasion they see a sibling watching it in the family room and are mocking it with a bad comedy skit.)
-Saxton interviewed Gunther who said he was screwed out of becoming WWE Champion twice. Saxton said Gunther’s win/loss record against Cody hasn’t been in his favor. Gunther asked if he understands the language he speaks. He said Cody has screwed him twice. He said he’s got a message for Cody tonight.
-They showed Chelsea Green backstage looking nervous. Cole said, “There’s no turning back now.”
(Keller’s Anaylsis: Green’s expression matched mine when I would get talked into going on a roller coaster that I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy at all.) [c]
-A video package aired on the Queen of the Ring tournament final between Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan. Cole said it will kick off Night of Champions on ESPN tomorrow afternoon.
[HOUR THREE]
(5) CHELSEA GREEN vs. JADE CARGILL
Green made her entrance and no longer seemed nervous. The bell rang 3 minutes into the hour. Jade overpowered Green at the start. Graves talked about Jade’s improvement over the last year. Green ducked a charging Jade and leaped at her at ringside, but Jade caught her and landed a fallaway slam. She kipped up. Cole said Jade was showing off. They cut to a very early break. [c]
Jade was in control after the break. Jade one-arm slammed Green for a two count. Cole said Jade has “an oozing confidence.” Green side-stepped a charging Jade in the corner and then rolled her up for a two count. Green avoided a pump kick and then kicked her. Jade came right back with a pump kick to the chest and then a Jaded for the win.
WINNER: Jade in 6:00.
-Jade stomped on Green afterward. Boos rang out. Fans looked at the entrance and then Tiffany’s music played and Tiffany charged out for the save, followed by Morgan. Michin and B-Fab ran out and they all fought. Jade gave Tiffany a Jaded. Cole said it could be just a matter of hours before Jade has gold around her waist again.
-Saxton interviewed Solo backstage, telling him it’s been a rough night and it seems like he’s now all alone. Royce Keys walked up to Solo. Solo asked if he’s going to help him. Keys patted him on the back and said, “Good luck.” Then he turned and left. [c]
-A video package previewed Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker.
-Redmond interviewed Trick and Yachty. Trick said he’s bigger and is smoother and hits harder than him. He said Night of Champions will be Night of Trick Williams. “Let’s talk about it,” he closed with.
-Giulia made her entrance. [c]
(6) KIANA JAMES vs. GIULIA
The bell rang 27 minutes into the hour. James went on the early attack. They fought at ringside seconds into the match. James dropped Giulia onto the ringside steps as they cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
James landed a Falcon Arrow for a near fall at 8:00. Giulia landed a sunset bomb out of the corner to reverse momentum. Giulia landed her Northern Lights Bomb bomb seconds later for the win.
WINNER: Giulia in 10:00.
-“The Glamour” Blake Monroe attacked Giulia as she was celebrating her win. She delivered a Gotch-style faceplant and then struck a pose. [c]
-Cody made his entrance, wearing a suit and slapping hands with fans. Fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes.” He said, “So, London, what do you want to talk about?” Sami Zayn’s music interrupted him almost immediately. Sami walked out and thanked all of his “ride or die fans” who have supported him from day one. He said he came out there to talk to him as a friend. He said last week he was provoked and pushed to his limit, but in the end, he’s a good guy. He said he should have been better and he regrets the fast count on Gunther, striking the referee, and knocking Cody out with his belt. Sami said this isn’t how he wanted it to be.
Cody cut him off and yelled, “Enough!” He said this is exactly everything Sami’s wanted. He said he’s wrestling for the top title in the game in a country he’s beloved in. He said things are looking up for him despite him playing the victim card. “You are exhausting,” said Cody. He said in every interaction they’ve had backstage, Sami has been like a mosquito. He pointed out Kevin Owens is his best friend. He said KO would have come out there and said what he meant and stabbed him from the front, not the back. “And at least Kevin Owens has been WWE Champion,” he said.
Sami told Cody he’d say this just once: “You keep Kevin Owens’ name out of your damn mouth.” He said if not for him, Gunther would be WWE Champion right now. He said Cody should be down on his hands and knees thanking him, not chastising him. He said after Night of Champions, it’ll be because of him that he’s no longer WWE Champion. Gunther’s music played and he walked out.
Gunther paced and asked, “What’s all the drama here?” He said he didn’t care. He said all he cares about is winning what is rightful his, which is the belt over Cody’s shoulder. He said Sami is right that he’d be WWE Champion right now if not for Sami. Gunther said Sami is wrong about walking out as champion, because he (Gunther) will be. He told Sami, “You are a non-factor to me.” He said he never has been WWE Champion and he never will be. He told Cody to enjoy his last night as the Golden Boy. He said at Summerslam, he’ll be defending against the King of the Ring, not him.
Jey Uso made his way to the ring to his music. When Jey entered the ring and indicated he was going to run it back, Gunther cut him off. Jey said no one likes Yeeting with Gunther anyway. Jey said he’ll punch his ticket to Summerslam tomorrow as King of the Ring. He cut rapid-fire promos aimed at Cody, Sami, and Gunther. He told Gunther he almost wants it to be him, so he can do him just like he did at WrestleMania and tap his ass out “like a little bitch.” Gunther attacked Jey. Cody went after Gunther. Sami yanked him off of Gunther. Gunther then kicked Sami in the face. Jey and Cody stereo-superkicked Gunther out of the ring.
Cody and Jey circled each other. Cole said they could be mortal enemies at Summerslam. The lights went out and then Oba Femi’s music played. Oba walked out as fans chanted “Oba!” As Cody stared at Oba, Jey superkicked Cody. Jey looked at Oba on the ring apron. Gunther gave Jey a short-arm clothesline. Gunther picked up the WWE Title belt. Sami took it away and hit Gunther with it. Gunther rolled out of the ring. As Sami stared at the belt, Cody gave him a Crossroads. Cody bent down to look at the belt, and then Oba walked up to him. Cody held up the belt and Cody’s music played. Cole asked who would be King of the Ring and who would the King challenge.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Joshua White to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
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