Cody Rhodes is the 2025 King of the Ring winner.
That means the former Undisputed WWE Champion will challenge John Cena (if he makes it to Summerslam with the belt) for the title he lost at WrestleMania. The way Cody won his King of the Ring match was quite interesting as the third generation star was pretty ruthless in his match against Randy Orton.
Coming out of Night of Champions, has the friendship between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes been fractured? And will John Cena say something about defending his title against “The American Nightmare”?
Speaking of Night of Champions, Solo Sikoa is the new United States Champion thanks to his growing entourage. With three men backing Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu is fighting an uphill battle going against his former Bloodline brothers. What will happen on Solo’s first night as champion? Now that he's on top of the world again, will Solo and The Bloodline dominate Smackdown? Or will Jacob Fatu be able to get some type of revenge against the new U.S. Champion?
Tiffany Stratton is coming off a grueling Last Woman Standing match last Friday. However, a champion’s work is never done as the WWE Women’s Champion must pick her opponent for Evolution II. Rumor has it that Stratton will chose a decorated former champion for the upcoming show. Who will Tiffany choose as her next opponent?
Jade Cargill is the new Queen of the Ring. The former WWE Women's Tag team Champion is quickly rising through the ranks of the division and a world title run seems destined for her future. Cargill returns and lays out her plans going forward. We know that she will challenge Stratton for the title at Summerslam, but what will Jade do about the looming threat known as Naomi? Plus, will Jade be apart of the all-women's pay-per-view, Evolution II?
Tonight’s special Smackdown is from Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena. Check out the advertised matches below:
- Andrade & Rey Fenix def. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)