A World Title match, King and Queen of the Ring semifinals and more took place on the June 19 WWE SmackDown.
After suffering a rare loss at Clash in Italy, an irate Gunther demanded a rematch with Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Looking to give himself an advantage and not trusting of the WWE officials, Gunther also named Sami Zayn as his special guest referee for the match.
Additionally, Liv Morgan faced Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring semifinals, while Jey Uso faced Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring semifinals.
This was also the last live SmackDown for the next couple of weeks. The June 26 show will be pre-taped in London on June 23, while the July 3 SmackDown will be pre-taped on June 29 to give the roster time off for the holidays.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were on commentary for the show. This was also the 1,400th episode of SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Results June 19:
- Following a recap of the animosity between Gunther, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, the WWE Championship match kicked off the show. Gunther held onto the ropes, but Zayn kicked his hand away and delivered a fast count. Cody Rhodes retained the title and Gunther was irate. The match was restarted, but Zayn caused a DQ when he hit a Helluva Kick onto Gunther. Zayn attacked Rhodes and an official after the bell. A triple threat match for the championship was later added to Night of Champions.
- Jacob Fatu once again met with Solo Sikoa, stating that he made the wrong choice.
- Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated The MFTs to retain the Tag Team Championships. Solo Sikoa came to ringside, despite the fact that he was told not to. The MFTs walked to the back without Sikoa.
- Ricky Saints defeated Carmelo Hayes. Saints will face Trick Williams for the United States Championship at Night of Champions.
- Danhausen was messing around with Miz and Kit Wilson as Los Garza confronted him for not cursing the Knicks. Matt Cardona joined and told Angel and Berto to let Danhausen go. Cardona touched Miz and it caused sparks to fly. Cardona said that he was okay as he left.
- Damian Priest told R-Truth he still doesn’t trust Finn Balor.
- Jey Uso defeated Je’Von Evans to advance to the King of the Ring finals. Jey will face Oba Femi.
- Chelsea Green tried to make up with Tiffany Stratton, but Stratton still won’t trust Green after everything they have been through.
- Jade Cargill and co attacked Charlotte Flair before her Queen of the Ring match.
- Liv Morgan defeated Charlotte Flair to advance to the Queen of the Ring finals. Morgan will face IYO SKY in the final.
Also on June 19, WWE NXT hosted a live event in Corbin, KY.
Featured image: WWE
