Tonight's SmackDown, a taped show from The O2 in London, England is the final episode during the four-week build to Night of Champions. The premium live event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, June 27, in Saudi Arabia. This go-home show sets the stage for Cody Rhodes' WWE Championship defense.
Rhodes is slated to defend the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match at Night of Champions. This follows his retention of the title last week on SmackDown in a rematch against GUNTHER. That bout was an overbooked mess, characterized by a very fast count from special guest referee Sami Zayn. Following this controversial finish, GUNTHER was granted another shot at the WWE Championship this weekend. Cody Rhodes also convinced General Manager Nick Aldis to reward Sami Zayn with a title opportunity, despite Aldis initially blaming Zayn for ruining the previous WWE title match. The match on Saturday's PLE will feature Rhodes vs. GUNTHER vs. Zayn.
While Cody Rhodes faces immediate threats from GUNTHER and Sami Zayn, the source suggests that significant challengers for his WWE Championship may emerge from Monday Night Raw. Speculation points to free agent Oba Femi or a Bloodline-backed Jey Uso, both of whom are reportedly on the verge of becoming the next King of the Ring. Additionally, Raw stars CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns are noted as potential future challenges to Rhodes' reign.
Tonight's SmackDown Matches
- Champion Paige
- Champion Tiffany
- Cruiserweight Champion
Key Questions from SmackDown
- Champion Rhea
- Team Champions
- Champion Trick
- Matt Cardona
- Team Champions
- Charlotte Flair
- Ilja Dragunov
Featured names
- Saudi Arabia
- World Heavyweight
- Champion Roman
- Champion Paige
- Jade Cargill
- Chelsea Green
- United States
- Champion Tiffany
- Will Stratton
- Cruiserweight Champion
- Nathan Frazer
- Champion Rhea
- Ricky Saints
- Champion Trick
- Matt Cardona
- Will Danhausen
- Damian Priest
- Judgment Day
- Team Champions
- Charlotte Flair
- Blake Monroe
- Ilja Dragunov
- Chief Creative
Fan poll
Who would win: Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns?
One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this topic.
Fan poll
Who would win: CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes?
One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this topic.
Fan poll
Who would win: Cody Rhodes vs Jey Uso?
One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this topic.
Fan poll
Who would win: Cody Rhodes vs Oba Femi?
One vote per reader. Same poll may appear on other articles covering this topic.
