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WWE SmackDown Preview: Rhodes and Gunther Rematch Set for Clash in Italy, King and Queen of the Ring Semifinals to Be Determined

WWE SmackDown emanates from Providence, Rhode Island, with Cody Rhodes and Gunther set for a rematch and the final stages of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments on the line.

By Editor2 min read

Four men will be vying for the opportunity to face Je'Von Evans in the next round of the King of the Ring tournament. This includes LA Knight, who was the first person to declare himself for the tournament. The Megastar has his sights set on facing Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, but in order to do so, he'll first have to get past The OTC's right-hand man, Jey Uso. Finn Balor and Royce Keys are also in the mix. Both are looking to become the first SmackDown superstars to advance out of the opening round.

Women's World Champion Liv Morgan wants all the gold for herself, but if she's going to move on to the finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament at Night of Champions, she'll have to overcome the winner of tonight's Fatal 4-Way Match. There's clearly no love lost between Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill. The Queen has wanted a piece of The Storm for quite some time, but will their hatred for each other stray their focus and create an opportunity for Lyra Valkyria or Sol Ruca to advance to the semifinals?

Both Cody Rhodes and Gunther will be in the building with just one week remaining until their Clash in Italy rematch for the WWE Championship. Following the controversial finish of that match, The American Nightmare offered up another opportunity to the former World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther naturally accepted, but only under one condition. We'll find out what that condition is later tonight.

What does @Gunther_AUT have in mind?! 👀 pic.twitter.com/r2NmyxPzzO

WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley and Sami Zayn are both being advertised for the show, as are Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre. The Viper and Scottish Warrior have not been seen on television since WrestleMania 42. Could tonight be the night they make their return and begin their push to SummerSlam?

SmackDown airs on The USA Network. The show starts at 8 p.m. EST (7 p.m. CST).

Fan poll

Who would win: Jey Uso vs LA Knight at King of the Ring tournament?

The King of the Ring Tournament · SmackDown

One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this matchup.

Fan poll

Who would win: Cody Rhodes vs Gunther at Clash in Italy?

Clash in Italy · SmackDown

One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this matchup.

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