Jey Uso confronts Cody Rhodes, Jimmy Uso aids Jacob Fatu, Asuka & Randy Orton advance & more!
The June 20 episode of Friday Night SmackDown emanated live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show continued to build towards the Night of Champions 2025, with two semi-finals in the King and Queen of the Ring tournament.
Multiple top stars, including Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Nia Jax, and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, were advertised for the show. This week’s show also featured appearances from superstars from the Raw brand.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 06/13 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
LA Knight – Paul Heyman
The megastar started talking to the WWE Universe, recapping how Seth Rollins’ guys had spoiled his Money in the Bank opportunity and how he had paid back the actions of both Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Knight stated that he knew where this all ended, it ended with him and Seth Rollins, and what better place and time than right here, right now.
Knight called out Seth, but as he did, Paul Heyman appeared. Heyman made his way toward the ring, and Knight asked why he was there. The Wiseman stepped into the ring, acknowledging that there was a lot of bad blood between Knight and Rollins.
However, as the crowd erupted into “CM PUNK” chants, Heyman seemed irked. Knight pointed out that Heyman clearly had many enemies. Heyman revealed that he had been a fan of LA Knight and even did the “YEAH” chant. He continued, explaining that Rollins had allowed him to tell Knight that it was time for him to leave Grand Rapids, or something “really bad” would happen to him before the end of the night.
Knight fired back, asking if Heyman had just threatened him. The Megastar went on to call the Wiseman names, labeling him a “leech.” Knight stated that he had asked for Rollins, but since Heyman came out talking tough, it gave him a great idea. He said since Heyman couldn’t bring him Rollins, the only thing they could do now was LA Knight vs. Paul Heyman, right here, right now!
Knight asked the fans, who loudly agreed. The Megastar said he would give Heyman the first shot and turned his back. Heyman then rolled out of the ring, pointing out that he had warned Knight.
Just as Heyman threw the mic down, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed appeared. Breakker and Reed entered, and Knight fought back, but the numbers game took over as they beat him down, sending him into the timekeeper’s area.
Breakker cleared the announce desk as Knight fought back with a steel chair. He stepped into the ring, calling on the two, who tried to duck the chair. Heyman gathered Breakker and Reed, and the three retreated while Knight stood guard inside the ring.
Grade: C+
Alexa Bliss vs Asuka – Semi-final match in the Queen of the Ring tournament
The two veterans collided in the semi-finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament, both looking to secure a spot in the finals of the tournament. However, it was Asuka who ducked the twisted bliss attempt to deliver the Empress impact to pin Bliss clean and secure her spot in the finals, which will be held in Riyadh at Night of Champions.
Winner: Asuka
Grade: B+
Key Takeaways:
- It was a fun ride down memory lane, witnessing the two veterans battle inside the squared circle.
R-Truth
Back in the ring, Kit Wilson stood ready as Aleister Black made his way to the ring for their clash. However, a hooded figure suddenly attacked Wilson. The hooded man removed his mask, revealing himself as R-Truth. He sent Wilson crashing into the ring post, locking in the STF before grabbing the mic and calling out John Cena, claiming he was in control.
Truth locked the STF on Wilson once again as security and officials rushed in to break up the situation. As things appeared under control, Truth stepped out of the ring and made his way backstage.
Jamie Noble was still trying to calm R-Truth down as they walked backstage. Aleister Black approached, asking why Truth was getting involved in his matches. Truth fired back, stating it was nothing personal and had nothing to do with Black.
The two stars stared each other down in a fiery face-off until Damian Priest intervened, separating them. He told Black that he would handle Truth. As Black left, Priest turned to Truth, trying to reason with him. He reminded him of how Truth used to make the world smile, contrasting it with his current actions of attacking people without cause.
Priest advised Truth to focus on his upcoming match with John Cena and promised they would celebrate the win afterward. The two shared an embrace before Priest left.
Grade: C
Key Takeaways:
- Damian Priest and R-Truth had great chemistry in the segment.
- A feud between Aleister Black and Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings is not a bad idea.
Cody Rhodes – Jey Uso – Sami Zayn – Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes picked up the mic but before he could speak Jey Uso’s music hit, and the former World Heavyweight Champion made his way through the crowd. Cody patiently waited as the two stars embraced, and Jey picked up the mic.
Jey stated that Cody didn’t even need to say anything; he already knew. They’d been through the trenches together, recapping their journey, but reminding everyone that this Monday, only one of them would come out on top.
Jey continued, telling Cody he knew he would bring his best, adding that it wasn’t personal, just business. The two embraced, but just then, Sami Zayn’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Zayn picked up the mic and said it was nice to be in the ring with two great friends, two of the very best in the business.
Sami then pointed out that there was only one man in the ring who had never won the World title. He reminded Jey of his loss at WrestleMania 41 but noted that he congratulated him when Jey finally won the World title. Turning to Cody, Zayn spoke about how he pinned Roman Reigns to “finish the story” and was the first one to congratulate him.
Zayn then declared it was his time to finish his story. Just as he spoke, the Viper’s music hit, and Randy Orton made his way toward the ring, drawing a massive reaction from the crowd. Orton picked up the mic and reminded Cody that there was no line he wouldn’t cross to get to John Cena and capture his 15th World title.
Turning to Jey, Orton acknowledged their family ties but made it clear that while it might be four letters and one word between them, it would be three letters and one word when he took him down. Orton then declared that one day, Sami Zayn would be World Champion, but not at SummerSlam, because tonight, he would fall prey to the Viper!
Grade: B
Key Takeaways:
- The segment was too long, mostly due to the lengthy entrances and not because of the promos.
- Sami Zayn deserves a title run, maybe not after Night of Champions now, but soon.
Randy Orton vs Sami Zayn – Semi-final match in the King of the Ring tournament
In the first semi-finals of the King of the Ring tournament, Randy Orton locked horns against Sami Zayn as both looked to get closer to the World title. Sami showed great aggression and determination to get a win and get closer to realising his dream of becoming a World Champion. However, Orton struck with the RKO when Sami least expected it, for the second year in a row, he will now enter the finals of the KOTR.
Winner: Randy Orton
Grade: B+
Key Takeaways:
- Sami showed greater aggression than the fans were used to, even retaliating against Orton’s eye poke with one of his own.
- After the promo, Sami Zayn was the right man to win the match.
- The finish by Randy Orton was as incredible as fans expected.
Naomi’s cash-in attempt
Nia Jax smiled at the crowd, who responded with boos as she revealed that Tiffany Stratton approached her to be in her corner, but then betrayed her. While Stratton is thriving now, Jax claimed she hadn’t received any appreciation in return.
Suddenly, Tiffany Stratton’s music hit, and the Women’s Champion interrupted Nia, stating that Jax was just making excuses instead of accepting that Tiffany was simply better than her. Nia, undeterred, asked for a rematch. Tiffany agreed, announcing that the match would take place next week, and it would be a Last Woman Standing match.
Jax launched herself at Tiffany, but Stratton fought back. However, she once again fell victim to Jax, who delivered a thudding leg drop. Jax flaunted the title before delivering another leg drop on the Champion, taunting the crowd as she stood tall.
She then turned to argue with the commentary team when Naomi’s music hit, and she rushed to the ring with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi attempted to cash in, but Jax pulled her out of the ring. Naomi pushed Jax and tried to get back into the ring, but Jax stopped her advance.
The two locked eyes in a tense face-off, but just as things escalated, Tiffany came in, sending Naomi crashing right into Jax. The Champion stood tall, flaunting the title as Jax and Naomi glared at her from the ringside.
Grade: C+
Key Takeaways:
- Tiffany has improved leaps and bounds on the microphone.
- The rematch makes no sense, but WWE will revive it again when there’s no real storyline for Stratton.
- Naomi’s cash-in is going to be legendary, and with the promotion building the hype, fans are only going to be more on edge.
Charlotte Flair vs Chelsea Green
Following their backstage segment earlier, Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair locked horns in a singles match. As expected, the Secret Hervice (Alba Fyre & Piper Niven) were ringside, interfering constantly to help Green. Flair managed to evade the two to lock in the figure eight, which forced Green to tap, handing Flair the victory.
Just as Green tapped out, Niven came in and attacked Flair, and Fyre also joined in as the two started beating down Flair. Alexa Bliss darted in, aiding Flai,r who took out Fyre with a clothesline while Bliss took out Green with the sister abigail DDT. Flair and Bliss then came face to face. Alexa extended a hand, but Flair walked past her, rejecting the offer.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Grade: C
Key Takeaways:
- It’s a disservice that Chelsea Green is working without a proper creative direction; she is one of the most entertaining performers and deserves a good push.
- The angle between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss seems intriguing.
- Charlotte Flair feels even more directionless than Chelsea Green.
I Love You Solo?
Before going out, Solo Sikoa asked JC Mateo not to attack Jacob Fatu as he is going to talk to him. But advised him to be ready just in case. Sikoa picked up the mic, asking for Jacob Fatu to come out, saying he just wanted to talk and clear the air.
Jacob Fatu’s music hit, and the United States Champion made his way to the ring. The two men came face to face, with Sikoa stating that he didn’t come out to fight Fatu. He then confessed that he had always loved him, no matter what, and that one thing he learned while being the tribal chief was the importance of taking care of family.
Solo explained that families fight and argue, but they always move forward, asking Fatu to do the same and move forward as one. He reminded Jacob that no one else saw his potential except for him. Sikoa went on, saying that he changed Jacob’s life because he loved him. He added that he didn’t have anybody else, and all he had was Fatu.
He reiterated that Jacob was all he needed before asking him to come back to the family. If Fatu couldn’t say the words, Solo would say them proudly: “I love you, Jacob.” The crowd erupted into “BULLSH*T” chants as Fatu asked if Solo truly loved him. Jacob then accused Solo of using him to gain power, to fight his battles, and to keep his position as the Tribal Chief.
Fatu challenged Sikoa, asking if it was all just about power. Solo looked down, and Jacob yelled at him to look him in the eyes when speaking to him. Fatu reminded Solo that ever since he won the US title, it was Solo who had been acting differently, and maybe the real problem was the title.
Jacob laid the US title on the mat, stating that if the title was the issue, then Solo should fight him for it. Fatu warned Solo that if he ever thought about coming after him, he knew what Jacob was all about, “All gas, no brakes.”
Solo charged at Fatu, but Jacob halted the offense with a headbutt. JC Mateo then rushed in, attacking Fatu, but Jacob fought back, though the numbers game quickly took over as Solo attacked his legs. Mateo and Solo continued their assault on Fatu when suddenly, Jimmy Uso’s music hit, and he rushed into the ring to aid Fatu.
Jimmy Uso rushed to aid Fatu, but he quickly fell victim to the numbers game as Solo and Mateo attacked him. Fatu then sprang into action, taking out Mateo with a powerful strike before turning his attention to Solo. With a massive hip attack, he sent Sikoa crashing to the mat.
Fatu and Jimmy locked eyes, and with Solo struggling on the mat, Fatu climbed the ropes, preparing for his signature moonsault. However, in a clever move, Sikoa rolled out of the ring just in time, regrouping with Mateo on the outside. Fatu stood tall, glaring at the two men as they recovered, determined to take control of the situation.
Grade: B
Key Takeaways:
- Jacob teaming up with Jimmy Uso is not at all a bad idea.
- The title match that Fatu himself called for is likely to build him even more among international fans.
LA Knight vs Bronson Reed
As it was announced by Byron Saxton in a backstage segment with Paul Heyman and company, LA Knight battled Bronson Reed in a singles match. Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman were ringside as Knight took out Breakker during his entrance.
Knight was firmly in control, but chaos broke out when he took out Breakker, who tried to interfere from the apron. Breakker charged and delivered a devastating spear to LA Knight, leaving him down and out. The referee quickly called off the match, signaling the end of the match by disqualification.
Reed stepped in to hold Knight in place, allowing Breakker to line up and hit another spear, further decimating the Megastar. Reed then climbed to the top rope, delivering his Tsunami splash from the ropes, crashing down on Knight with incredible force, utterly annihilating him.
Paul Heyman yelled at Reed, urging him to do it again. Reed climbed the ropes once more, landing another massive Tsunami on Knight, bringing the total to three brutal splashes. With Knight completely destroyed, Breakker and Reed stood tall over their fallen opponent, dominating the scene as the crowd reacted to the savage display.
Winner: LA Knight by DQ
Grade: B+
Key Takeaways:
- Paul Heyman found the perfect henchmen to do the dirty work in Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
- LA Knight shines not just on the mic but inside the ring as well.
Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu cut a promo, revealing that he’d spoken to Nick Aldis and secured his match against Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions, with the United States Championship on the line. He warned Solo to get in where he fit in because it was about to be all gas, no brakes, yarramean?
John Cena vs Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings
As announced, Undisputed Champion John Cena battled Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings in a singles match in the main event of the show. Truth came in red hot, battering Cena, who was taken aback by the offense but managed to gather himself up and take control of the match.
However, when Truth fought back, Cena decided it was enough for him as he rolled out of the ring, took the title, and started to retreat backstage. Truth charges at Cena, but Cena counters, taking Truth out with the title. The referee immediately calls for the bell, disqualifying Cena.
Just as Cena sets up for another shot at the title, CM Punk’s music hits. Cena lines up for another title shot, but CM Punk appears just then as the Champion sprints toward the ring.
Winner: Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings
Grade: B
Key Takeaways:
- Truth channeled his anger and animosity in the match as Priest asked, and had a bit of urgency to win.
- ‘Heel’ Cena, continuing to end matches in a similar fashion, feels lethargic and afterthought.
John Cena’s Pipebomb promo
Cena attacked CM Punk right on the apron, but the Second City Saint fought back, taking Cena down. Punk picked up the title, only for Cena to hit him with a low blow, following it up with a brutal title shot to the head.
Cena then pulled a table out from under the ring, as Punk struggled to get back to his feet. Cena set the table up, lined up the shot, and hit Punk with the title once again. Cena picked Punk up and slammed him through the table with a thunderous Attitude Adjustment, crashing through the wood in a violent display.
Grabbing the mic, Cena began laughing, sitting on the ropes in a pose reminiscent of Punk’s infamous pipebomb promo. His mic went off, and Cena jokingly remarked that someone was afraid of what he was about to say.
In true Punk fashion, Cena continued, stating that he had a lot to get off his chest. He echoed Punk’s words from a decade ago, before boldly declaring that he was the G.O.A.T., while Punk was the “best bullshitter in the world.”
Cena turned to the cameraman, Stu, jokingly breaking the fourth wall. With a grin, Cena admitted that he was jealous of Punk, calling him out for fooling the fans into believing in him. The Champion then proceeded to name-drop several wrestlers Punk had stepped over to get his opportunities.
Cena mentioned Claudio Castagnoli, Nic Nemeth, and Matt Cardona, sending the crowd into shock. Laughing, Cena added that the mic was still on, reminding everyone that no one backstage was going to cut him off.
The Champion then reminisced about giving Punk the stage for his pipebomb promo, but now, according to Cena, Punk was no longer the “voice of the voiceless.” Instead, he was a millionaire, a capitalist, Mr. TKO. Cena continued, saying that while Punk’s tweets were strong, his actions were weak. In Saudi Arabia, Cena declared, he would prove to the world that he truly was the Greatest of All Time.
Turning to the crowd, Cena confidently said, “You’re welcome, Grand Rapids,” as the arena erupted. The mood shifted as the referee rushed into the ring to check on Punk, but Cena assured everyone that he wasn’t going to do anything; Punk needed to be ready for the title clash.
Cena then cut a promo, acknowledging that fans would sing and chant, but they were smart enough to realize that he was the true Champion. Wrapping it up, Cena cheekily added, “USA Network can keep the extra two and a half minutes.”
With that, Cena stepped back into the ring, thanking Punk for letting him rip off his promo, making the look even more foolish in the process.
Grade: A
Observations:
- This is the best promo from John Cena since he turned heel back in March.
- The promo has also generated immense hype for the clash between the two legends.
- Cena name-dropping Claudio Castagnoli, Nic Nemeth, and Matt Cardona is only possible in the TKO era.
WWE SmackDown Results
- Asuka pinned Alexa Bliss – Semi-final match in the Queen of the Ring tournament
- R-Truth attacked Kit Wilson
- Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn – Semi-final match in the King of the Ring tournament
- Charlotte Flair defeated Chelsea Green
- LA Knight vs Bronson Reed ended in DQ
- John Cena vs Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings ended in DQ
- John Cena took out CM Punk & delivered a pipebomb promo of his own
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