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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 nixing their complaints altogether.
The match was made and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns that have been in his side since before Clash in Italy took place. But all that occurred after the absurdity that took place to start “Friday Night SmackDown.”
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Cody Rhodes enters the ring at 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, was calling the match right down the middle. He pulled Gunther off Rhodes to break up a submission hold and got crushed for it.
Gunther powerbombed Rhodes and stacked him up on the pin attempt. After a new referee came down to help with the match, he was the one counting the pin. But Zayn pulled him out of the ring. Gunther was irate. Rhodes tried to sunset flip Gunther from the apron but couldn’t pull him down. Zayn kicked Gunther’s hands off the rope, allowing Rhodes to pin him. Zayn counted quickly and helped Rhodes retain the title.
Zayn and Aldis argued into Gorilla Position. Gunther wanted a new match and took out Zayn. Rhodes, in the ring, demanded a new match. They each got one. However, Zayn wouldn’t let it happen. Zayn hit Gunther with the title belt and forced a disqualification. Zayn, then, maybe, accidentally took out Rhodes with the belt as well.
Aldis was upset with Zayn’s call. But Zayn reminded Aldis that it was him who wanted Zayn to be the referee. Zayn maintained he called the match fair before Gunther put his hands on him. He said that Rhodes should be “thanking” 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 finals 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 in the back 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 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 didn’t receive any help from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa as he took home the victory.
In the Queen of the Ring semifinals, 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 banged up 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. She then put Flair in a half-Boston crab. Flair tapped out and Morgan would advance to the Queen of the Ring final.
Morgan will take on Iyo Sky with a title opportunity on the line. Morgan is already the women’s world champion and her win put 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 T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on June 19, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Cody Rhodes (c) def. Gunther to retain the Undisputed WWE 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 to earn 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 Ring Tournament.