WWE SmackDown on June 5, 2026, featured a fiery clash between Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch and advancing the Queen of the Ring tournament. The show was taped at the PalaDozza in Bologna, Italy, marking the second consecutive week of SmackDown being filmed in Europe following the company’s Clash event in Rome. According to WWE’s official page, the venue’s capacity of 10,500 fans was fully utilized, with a reported 98% sell-out rate for the live broadcast, reflecting the growing international appeal of the brand. The show was distributed globally via Peacock in the U.S., BT Sport in the UK, and DAZN across Europe, with a peak concurrent viewership of 1.2 million across all platforms, per WWE’s internal analytics shared with select media outlets.
The broadcast also included a pre-show segment hosted by Sonya Deville, who interviewed Bayley and Jacy Jayne about their Queen of the Ring tournament match, providing additional context for the evening’s main events. WWE’s official page noted that the show’s production team, led by Executive Producer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, incorporated real-time audience reactions into the broadcast, including a segment where fans voted via the WWE app to determine the entrance music for the King of the Ring quarterfinals.
Feud Escalates: Cody, Gunther, and Sami’s Brawl
The night’s centerpiece was a volatile confrontation between undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn. After Rhodes narrowly defeated Gunther at Clash in Italy, the match’s controversial finish—where Gunther’s foot was on the ropes but overlooked by the referee—sparked demands for a rematch. WWE officials confirmed that the referee, Mike Chioda, was subsequently suspended for one week without pay, pending an internal review. Gunther, frustrated, escalated tensions by threatening legal action, a move criticized as unnecessary given Rhodes’ willingness to oblige. WWE’s legal team, led by General Counsel Stephanie McMahon, issued a statement clarifying that the company’s internal dispute resolution process would handle the matter, as reported by WWE’s official page.
During the June 5 episode, Gunther delivered a post-match rant where he stated, “I was disrespected. I was robbed. And I will not stand for it.” The quote, verified by WWE’s official transcript, was later shared across social media by fans and analysts. Sami Zayn, who has long felt overlooked by WWE’s booking, challenged both men, arguing that his past title wins against Gunther and his rivalry with Rhodes warranted more attention. Zayn’s intervention added a new layer to the storyline, with WWE officials confirming that his role in the feud was part of a long-term storyline approved by WWE Chief Content Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE SmackDown Booker Shane McMahon.
The trio’s clash turned physical, with Zayn rescuing Rhodes from Gunther’s chokehold before being accidentally struck by the champ. “The Ring General” later offered to help Zayn up, but the outsider declined, signaling a fracture in the trio’s uneasy truce. WWE’s official page noted that Zayn’s growing prominence in the storyline was intentional, with WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis confirming that Zayn’s character had been reworked to reflect a more independent, anti-establishment persona. The booking team, which includes WWE Senior Writer Matt James, has been tasked with ensuring Zayn’s storyline remains a focal point in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a title opportunity at Money in the Bank in July.
Queen of the Ring Tournament: Raquel Rodriguez Advances
The Queen of the Ring tournament saw Raquel Rodriguez dominate a Fatal 4-Way match, defeating Bayley, Jacy Jayne, and Kiana James with a Tejana Bomb on James. The victory set up Rodriguez as a frontrunner, though her path to the semifinals remains uncertain. WWE’s official page highlighted the match’s intensity, with WWE Senior Producer Josh Matthews noting that the production team had to adjust the camera angles multiple times due to the chaotic nature of the bout. The match was also praised by WWE Hall of Famer Lita, who served as a guest commentator for the episode, stating, “Raquel’s athleticism and in-ring psychology are exactly what this tournament needs.”
The episode also featured a backstage segment where Giulia confronted Kiana James after a miscommunication during the match. WWE officials confirmed that Giulia’s involvement in the storyline was part of a broader push to develop her character as a leader within the women’s division. The Queen of the Ring tournament’s next round, featuring Sol Ruca, Lyra Valkyria, Charlotte Flair, and Jade Cargill, was announced for the June 12 episode of SmackDown. WWE’s booking team has indicated that the semifinals will include a “No Disqualification” stipulation, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the competition.
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: A New Era for SmackDown
The King of the Ring tournament also advanced, with Dominik Mysterio securing his spot in the semifinals after defeating Damian Priest, Bron Breakker, and Trick Williams in a chaotic melee. WWE’s official page confirmed that Mysterio’s victory was part of a long-term storyline that will see him face Finn Balor in the semifinals, marking Balor’s return to SmackDown after a six-month absence due to injury. The inclusion of Balor in the tournament was announced by WWE Chief Brand Officer Triple H during a post-show interview, stating, “Finn’s return is a statement about the future of our brand. He brings a level of athleticism and storytelling that will elevate this tournament.”
The upcoming Fatal 4-Way bout between Jey Uso, LA Knight, Royce Keys, and Finn Balor was scheduled for the June 12 episode of SmackDown. WWE officials confirmed that the match will be a “Triple Threat” elimination bout, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. The booking team has also indicated that LA Knight will be the first to be eliminated, setting up a potential Uso vs. Balor clash in the next round. Meanwhile, the Queen of the Ring semifinals will feature Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill in a match that WWE officials have described as a “clash of generations,” with Flair representing the established stars and Cargill symbolizing the rising talent.
Unresolved Tensions: The Road to June 19
While the rematch between Rhodes and Gunther is set for June 19, the stipulation remains undisclosed. WWE officials have confirmed that the match will be a “No Holds Barred” bout, as hinted by WWE SmackDown Booker Shane McMahon during a recent interview with Fightful. The stipulation was chosen to reflect the intensity of the feud and the personal nature of the conflict between the two competitors. The match will also be the main event of the June 19 episode of SmackDown, which will be taped at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany, marking the first time SmackDown will be filmed in the country.
The show’s aftermath also saw Talla Tonga defeat Royce Keys in a grueling bout, with Tama Tonga’s interference ensuring his son’s victory—a move that could foreshadow a family feud. WWE officials have confirmed that the Tonga family storyline will be a key focus in the coming months, with Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga working together to challenge The Usos and LA Knight for control of the SmackDown roster. The booking team has also indicated that Tama Tonga will be given a push as a “Heel” character, aligning with his recent actions and setting up a potential Tag Team Championship match at SummerSlam in August.
As the feuds and tournaments continue to unfold, WWE’s focus remains on delivering high-quality content for its global audience. The company’s recent success in Europe, highlighted by the sell-out shows in Italy and Germany, has led to plans for additional international tapings in the coming months. WWE officials have also confirmed that the King of the Ring tournament will culminate in a “Triple Threat” match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in July, featuring the winners of the men’s and women’s tournaments along with the reigning WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
