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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 in hopes of dispatching each challenger and completely eliminating their grievances.
The match was done and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns that have been stuck in him since before Clash in Italy was held. But all that happened after the absurdity that occurred at the start of “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 WWE Undisputed Championship match against Rhodes. Zayn, according to him, was calling the match right in the middle. He took Gunther out of Rhodes to break a submission and was crushed for it.
Gunther attacked Rhodes and stacked him for the pin attempt. After a new referee came down to help with the match, he was the one who counted the pin. But Zayn took him out of the ring. Gunther was furious. Rhodes tried to get Gunther off the apron, but couldn’t take him down. Zayn kicked Gunther’s hands off the rope, allowing Rhodes to pin him. Zayn quickly counted out and helped Rhodes retain the title.
Zayn and Aldis argued at Gorilla Position. Gunther wanted a new match and eliminated Zayn. Rhodes, in the ring, demanded a new match. Each received one. However, Zayn wouldn’t let that happen. Zayn hit Gunther with the title belt and forced a disqualification. So Zayn, perhaps, accidentally also eliminated Rhodes with the belt.
Aldis was upset with Zayn’s call. But Zayn reminded Aldis that he was the one who wanted Zayn to be the referee. Zayn maintained that he considered the match fair before Gunther got his 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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The finals of King and Queen of the Ring have been determined
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 undaunted rookie trying to make a name for himself.
The two faced off for a spot in the King of the Ring finals and the chance to face Oba Femi at Night of Champions with a championship opportunity on the line. Uso didn’t get any help from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa as he took the win.
In the semifinals of Reina del Ring, Liv Morgan faced Charlotte Flair. But it was Jade Cargill and her allies, Michin and B-Fab, who made the difference. Cargill’s group attacked Flair’s banged knee before the match, giving Morgan the advantage.
Morgan focused on Flair’s knee. She hit the Oblivion on Flair but couldn’t get the pinfall. He then put Flair in a half Boston crab. Flair tapped out and Morgan would advance to the Reina del Ring finals.
Morgan will face Iyo Sky with a title opportunity on the line. Morgan is already the Women’s World Champion and her victory brought her one step closer to 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, Missouri on June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Cody Rhodes (c) defeated. Gunther will retain the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Gunther defeated. Cody Rhodes via DQ.
Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) def. Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga will retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Ricky Saints defeated. Carmelo Hayes to earn the number one contender spot for the United States Championship.
Jey Uso defeated. Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament.
Liv Morgan defeated. Charlotte Flair in the Reina del Ring Tournament.
