Smackdown Highlights: WWE SmackDown took place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, as the road to Night of Champions continued. The main event featured Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against GUNTHER.
The show also featured Damian Priest and R-Truth defending the WWE Tag Team Championship against The MFTs. Ricky Saints faced Carmelo Hayes in a singles match. Jey Uso battled Je’Von Evans in a King of the Ring semifinal, while Charlotte Flair faced Liv Morgan in a Queen of the Ring semifinal.
WWE Smackdown Highlights
“American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes (c) vs GUNTHER (WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship)
Cody Rhodes defended the WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship against GUNTHER with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee. GUNTHER focused on Cody’s leg and controlled much of the match, but Rhodes stayed in the fight. Sami stopped GUNTHER from using the ropes for leverage and later pulled him off Cody after he ignored the rope break.
GUNTHER shoved and powerbombed Zayn, leaving the match without a referee for a short time. After another referee arrived, Sami returned and got involved again. In the closing moments, Sami kicked GUNTHER’s feet off the ropes and made a fast three-count as Cody pinned him with a sunset flip to retain the title.
Damian Priest & Ron Killings (c) vs. MFTs (WWE Men’s Tag Team Championship)
Damian Priest and Ron “the Truth” Killings retained the WWE Men’s Tag Team Championship by defeating Talla and Tama Tonga of the MFTs. Talla used his size to overpower Priest early before the challengers isolated him with quick tags. Truth changed the momentum with his usual offense, but Talla dropped him with a big boot and Priest was later chokeslammed onto the apron.
After the break, Priest fought back and even sent Talla to the floor. Solo Sikoa appeared at ringside, but Talla told him to leave before Priest knocked Solo down with a dive. With the distraction creating an opening, Truth caught Tama Tonga with a surprise schoolboy pin to keep the tag titles.
Carmelo Hayes vs. “Absolute” Ricky Saints (United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match)
Ricky Saints earned a shot at the WWE Men’s United States Championship by defeating Carmelo Hayes in a hard-fought No. 1 contender’s match. Hayes started fast with his athletic offense, but Saints answered with power moves to keep the match even. Both men traded nearfalls, with Hayes hitting a TKO and Saints landing a flapjack, but neither could finish the match.
Late in the bout, a turnbuckle pad came loose during a scramble. Hayes briefly gained the advantage with an avalanche gourdbuster, but Saints fought back and drove Hayes into the exposed steel. A final exchange ended with Saints scoring the pinfall, securing a future United States Championship match.
“Main Event” Jey Uso vs. Je’Von Evans (King of the Ring Semifinals)
Jey Uso defeated Je’Von Evans to advance to the King of the Ring final after a competitive semifinal match. Evans came out strong, using his speed to send Uso to the floor with dropkicks before landing a huge dive to the outside. Jey took control after the break, targeting Evans with a backbreaker and heavy strikes.
Evans rallied with a top-rope Spanish Fly and later kicked out of a spear, keeping his tournament hopes alive. After another exchange, Evans connected with Red Dot, but Uso answered with a second spear before finishing the match with a diving splash. Afterward, Jey helped Evans up and showed him respect with a handshake.
Sami Zayn Questions Jey Uso About Potential WWE Title Clash
Backstage, Cody Rhodes congratulated Jey Uso on reaching the King of the Ring final and reminded him that Oba Femi was still standing in his way. Jey replied that he had one match left before focusing on the WWE Undisputed Championship. After Cody left, Sami Zayn approached Jey and shifted the conversation.
Sami said he believed Jey would win the tournament, but predicted that he, not Cody, would be WWE Champion by then. He asked Jey what would happen if they met for the title. Jey calmly replied that Sami knew him and he would do what he had to do. Sami looked uneasy after the answer and told Jey to say hello to the family before walking away.
Charlotte Flair vs. Liv Morgan (Queen of the Ring Semifinals)
Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan battled for a place in the Queen of the Ring final. Before the match, Morgan attacked Flair and focused on injuring her left knee. Charlotte fought through the pain and landed a Natural Selection for near falls. Liv stayed on the damaged leg throughout the match, using submissions and stomps to wear Flair down.
Charlotte briefly locked in the Figure Four, but Morgan reached the ropes. Late in the match, Flair returned despite being checked by officials, only for Morgan to hit Oblivion for a near fall. Morgan then trapped Flair in a half crab, forcing Charlotte to tap out and advance to the Queen of the Ring final.
FAQs
Q. Who became the No. 1 contender for the United States Championship?
A. Ricky Saints defeated Carmelo Hayes to earn the title shot.
Q. Who advanced to the King of the Ring final?
A. Jey Uso advanced by defeating Je’Von Evans.
Q. Who advanced to the Queen of the Ring final?
A. Liv Morgan advanced after defeating Charlotte Flair.
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