Latest news with #FridayNightSmackDown
News18
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
CM Punk Appears As 'Dr. Of Thuganomics'; Parodies John Cena With 'Punkanomics' Rap: WATCH
Last Updated: CM Punk retaliated against John Cena on Friday Night SmackDown by mimicking Cena's old-school "Doctor of Thuganomics" gimmick. CM Punk decided to go bar-for-bar with John Cena on Friday Night SmackDown tonight, in classic 'Thuganomics' fashion, as retaliation for the reverse-pipebomb gimmick from last week. It was just a week ago when Cena slammed Punk through a table and delivered a scathing promo that parodied Punk's iconic 2011 'pipe bomb"—the very one delivered after Cena himself had been put through a table following a match with R-Truth. Well, it's always an eye for an eye with CM Punk, who responded in kind by copying Cena's 'Doctor of Thuganomics" gimmick on this week's go-home episode of SmackDown in Saudi Arabia. 👊 PunkLife 👊THIS IS BASIC PUNKANOMICS! 🔥 — WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2025 After Cena made his usual entrance, his old Basic Thuganomics entrance music played, and out came CM Punk. Punk was dressed similar to how Cena would dress as the Dr of Thuganomics about 20 years ago, and grabbed a mic on his way into the ring. Punk then proceeded to cut a promo on Cena in the form of a rap. Punk's rap took shots at Cena moving in slow motion, burying more wrestlers than The Undertaker, fixing his bald spot, and somehow being more problematic than Hulk Hogan. He said I'm a problem, he called me a player hater, let's be honest, John Cena's buried more talent than the Undertaker. That's why he's the champ and went and lost all his respects, but John I get it, I'd retire too if this place rehired my ex. If you never said your prayers, ate your vitamins or fixed your bald spot, you wouldn't be a pro wrestler, you'd be a Boston Mall Cop. But hey, he gets good movie roles that much is a fact, and then you see Batista act and you realise John ain't that. Same shirt, same hat, man, your persona stayed tragic. You're like a fish bellied white Hulk Hogan but somehow more problematic. . @CMPunk just left @JohnCena speechless… 👀 — WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2025 For someone who started off the night with boos after issuing an apology during the WWE Night of Champions Kickoff show for his tweet years ago about Saudi Arabia, Punk surely ended the night well, with the crowds singing ' Cult of Personality' in unison as he left.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE champion's reign ends after 63-days on SmackDown before Night of Champions 2025
WWE Night of Champions is only a day away from emanating from the Kingdom Arena in the rich city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE built much hype for the Premium Live Event in the same venue by presenting the June 27th edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It featured three top title matches on the card. While two titles managed to stay with their respective titleholders, a major championship changed hands following a highly spectacular showdown that captivated the Riyadh audience. Which WWE Championship changed hands on SmackDown before Night of Champions 2025 Premium Live Event? On the June 27th edition of WWE SmackDown, Zelina Vega was scheduled to defend her WWE Women's United States Championship against Giulia. The international sensation had been having multiple encounters with Vega over the last few weeks since she was called up from WWE NXT. After Vega defeated Pipe Niven in a match with Giulia's help, she immediately turned on her and held the star-spangled prize high. This clearly hinted at her intentions, and the match was made official for SmackDown taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The duo clashed in an epic encounter that was a thrilling sight to witness. The Beautiful Madness unleashed her fury on the defending champion, who fought through it valiantly. From stunning drops to power-packed moves, Vega and Giulia stole the show. Towards the final moments of the title match, Giulia clearly had the upper hand, launching a pair of knee strikes. She put a conclusion to the bout by delivering a Northern Lights Bomb on Zelina Vega and pinned her shoulders to the mat for the three count. With that win, Giulia became the new WWE Women's United States Champion, marking her first singles title on the main roster. It was a sight of similar success being replicated by Giulia that she did when she arrived in NXT last year. While Zelina Vega did her best, her effort ultimately fell short at the hands of The Beautiful Madness. With Giulia winning her first major championship in WWE, it will be interesting to see her title reign on Friday Night SmackDown. Also read:
Newsweek
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE SmackDown Faces Massive Technical Issues in Saudi Arabia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE faced massive technical issues on their episode of Friday Night SmackDown before Night of Champions. More Pro Wrestling: GUNTHER May Not Be Goldberg's Final WWE Opponent While the show was streaming live for international audiences, the feed suddenly cut out while Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes were having a segment building up their King of the Ring finals match. Netflix and WWE having Technical Difficulties #SmackDown — Zachary Peralez (@PeralezZachary) June 27, 2025 However, the issue doesn't lie with Netflix. There was a blackout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that caused power to go out. This not only affected the livestream, but power at the arena as well. 🚨 FEED HAS CUT IN THE ARENA TOO — Zashy 🇵🇸 (@Zashy120) June 27, 2025 "To our international audiences watching [SmackDown]," WWE said on social media. "We apologize for any technical difficulties and should be back up and running shortly." SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. WWE/Getty Images Fortunately, the scene was resolved within half an hour after WWE released the statement. #SmackDown on Netflix is back up and running, and you'll see it in its entirety! — WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2025 According to a report from Fightful Select, SmackDown will air as normal in the United States. More Pro Wrestling: 'Street Fighter' Adaptation Officially Casts 50 Cent, Jason Momoa, More For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports. This story is currently being updated...
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rey Mysterio Gives Major WWE In-Ring Return Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rey Mysterio remains one of the most beloved and influential wrestlers of his generation, proving that cruiserweights and luchadors could be main event level talent. Unfortunately, Mysterio has been off WWE television for some time after suffering an injury during the episode of Friday Night SmackDown right before WrestleMania 41. More Pro Wrestling: Major WWE Star's Return Is On The Horizon Ahead Of SummerSlam Now, fans are waiting for the master of the 619 to make his in-ring return. And according to Mysterio himself, they won't have to wait much longer. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: Rey Mysterio reacts during a tag team match Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: Rey Mysterio reacts during a tag team match Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, an appearance on LA PLATICA, Mysterio revealed what actually happened during his match against American Made. "So, I was explaining to someone yesterday that I tore my groin," Mysterio said, per Andrew Thompson of Fightful. "He goes, 'How did it happen? Was it when they pulled you?' I said, 'No...' "The guy that I was wrestling stood in front of me. He bailed out the ring underneath the bottom rope and I went to chase him and when I pushed off with my left leg, I just heard a (*rip noise*). Like, that's it? I tore my groin like that? And yeah, usually it happens on the simplest s***." Mysterio then revealed that his recovery process has been going well, and he actually expects to return to in-ring action soon. "I started my PT," Mysterio explained. "Not to mention, I had a busted eardrum as well so I fixed that during my time off. I'm on the road to recovery. I should be back hopefully by August." More Pro Wrestling: Rhea Ripley Reveals New Injury Nearly Led to Missing WWE WrestleMania When Mysterio does make his return, it will be interesting to see who he matches up against. Prior to his injury, Mysterio was in a feud with El Grande Americano/Chad Gable of American Made. However, it has recently been reported that Gable is also out with an injury and will require surgery. That being said, Mysterio is an attraction all by himself and can easily have a match with anyone. More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Provides Major Health Update Amid Cancer Battle Known for his exciting, high-flying style, Mysterio has been wrestling professionally since 1989 for promotions around the world, including WCW, ECW, AAA, NJPW, Lucha Underground, and, of course, WWE. In WWE, Mysterio has won the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship twice, the Intercontinental Championship twice, the United States Championship three times, and five tag team championships. Mysterio also won the 2006 Men's Royal Rumble and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023. More Pro Wrestling: Fan-Favorite WWE Superstar Reportedly Out of Action WWE Hall of Famer Reportedly Stepping Away From Wrestling For Good WWE News: Dominik Mysterio Injured, Match at Night of Champions Canceled For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Major International Star Reportedly WWE-Bound
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE may have signed another major star from Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Reports indicate that Psycho Clown is heading to the company. According to the popular luchador will stop taking independent bookings after August 2025. This has led to the belief that he has signed a WWE contract. WWE Main Roster Plans For Psycho Clown It is believed Psycho Clown will report to WWE once his other commitments are finished. There are reportedly no plans for him to go through NXT. Recent reports stated that WWE has a significant interest in the AAA star. The company intends to feature him on Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown. Psycho Clown has been one of the biggest stars in AAA for over a decade. He started using the gimmick in 2007 after runs on the independent scene and in CMLL. He is a former AAA World Tag Team Champion. His mask and character are highly marketable. Roman and Seth celebrate in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille, France. Roman and Seth celebrate in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille, France. PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images WWE and AAA Partnership Whis potential signing follows WWE's recent acquisition of AAA. The company has already signed several other talents from the Mexican promotion. Psycho Clown was previously featured at a WWE-affiliated event. He teamed with El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. and Pagano at the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide show. They faced Legado del Fantasma in a losing effort. The match gave Psycho Clown visibility to the WWE audience. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation While he was not on the initial list of AAA talents signed by WWE, he is now expected to join the company's main roster. His most significant accomplishment was unmasking the legendary Dr. Wagner Jr. at Triplemanía XXV, a career-defining moment in modern Lucha Libre. A former AAA Latin American Champion and Rey de Reyes tournament winner, he was also a foundational member of the dominant Los Psycho Circus stable, holding the AAA World Trios Championship twice with the group. He gained major visibility with WWE fans at the recent WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event. At the show, he teamed with Pagano and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., representing AAA in a six-man tag team match against WWE's Legado del Fantasma. Although the AAA team showcased impressive high-flying offense, they were ultimately defeated when Santos Escobar pinned Wagner Jr. to secure the victory for his team. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
