Latest news with #WWESmackDown
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is the real reason behind WWE SmackDown's Netflix blackout in Saudi Arabia?
As WWE hosted the June 27 edition of SmackDown in Saudi Arabia, the show was a hit, however, it went through some abrupt technical issues related to blackout for the viewers who were watching the show on Netflix. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Reports suggest that WWE's latest international broadcast didn't just glitch, but the entire production lost power. However, the real explanation behind the Netflix "blackout" during June 27th's WWE SmackDown in Riyadh has nothing to do with Netflix at all, but everything to do with the venue, and rather it was an issue of power outage at the Riyadh Kingdom's arena stadium. Let's now find out the real reason behind the blackout episode. The real reason explained about WWE SmackDown's Netflix blackout in Saudi Arabia The June 27th edition of , airing live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was supposed to be another global moment for WWE's Netflix deal. Instead, fans watching internationally were hit with a brutal 30-minute outage, and now the real reason is out. According to the issue had nothing to do with Netflix. The entire venue lost power, bringing WWE's production to a standstill. They have also issued a statement related to it, which reads, ' can confirm that there was a power loss in Riyadh that affected WWE's entire production, including the control room and the gorilla position.' Further, PWInsider stated, 'WWE lost all power, and with that went any ability to control the different facets of the show. They are working to get everything back online, but again, it was not a Netflix issue, it was an issue originating at the actual venue.' Even Fightful Select also provided an update on what went on in the arena while the malfunction continued for the fans. It was clarified that a power disruption in Riyadh affected WWE's entire production, including the control room and the gorilla position, and it was not an issue from Netflix's side. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Several reports suggest that despite the 'blackout' episode during the promotions, stars continued to keep the audience entertained. Stars like and later Cody Rhodes kept the live audience engaged. It was noted that Orton mingled with fans while his entrance music played, and about 25 minutes in, Rhodes joined to entertain the crowd until the screens returned. Also Read : Once the power was restored, production resumed, and commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett wasted no time apologizing to international Netflix viewers. As the feed resumed, fans witnessed a thrilling match between Guilia and Zelina Vega in the Women's United States Championship segment.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
CM Punk's 'Punkanomics' echoes these 3 savage John Cena parodies
Image via WWE CM Punk's infamous Pipebomb moment from 2011 was turned into a parody by John Cena on WWE SmackDown last week. The Best in the World retaliated in a similar fashion by donning Cena's popular 'Doctor of Thuganomics' and launching major verbal rap shots at The Cenation Leader. This came one night before they clashed for the final time with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at Night of Champions. Punk recreating an important part of Cena's WWE career as a mockery was a sight to witness. However, he was not the first one to do so. Over the years, top names in the business, who had heated feuds with the 17-time WWE Champion, mocked him in a similar way that The Second City Saint did on SmackDown. Here is a look back at those three times WWE superstars delivered savage John Cena parodies: 3. Big Show John Cena's first major rivalry in WWE during the start of his rise as 'The Doctor of Thuganomics' was against then-WWE United States Champion, The Big Show. In the buildup to their match for the star-spangled prize at WrestleMania XX, the duo met on SmackDown in a rap battle where Show took aspects from Cena's rapper gimmick and went toe-to-toe with him. Cena won the battle and even defeated him at WrestleMania to win his first title in WWE. 2. Kurt Angle The first WWE superstar whom John Cena faced in the company was Kurt Angle in 2002. Sometime later, when Cena found his Doctor of Thuganomics persona, he found himself crossing paths with The Olympic Hero again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo At one time during an in-ring confrontation, Angle decided to shut down the young rising star in his language by delivering a charismatic rap that left Cena speechless. It showed Angle's hilarious side who rapped to perfection and reminded Cena that he was the top player of the big leagues. 1. The Rock WWE Raw 28/2/2011 The Rock Dwayne Johnson Rapping *HD* John Cena began a rivalry with The Rock following his return to WWE in 2011. The Champ rapped to The Great One after he berated Cena in his return promo. In response, The Rock appeared via satellite wearing Cena's cap, armbands, and rapping in a similar fashion. He did a few lines, but immediately took off all of Cena's artifacts to deliver a scratching rant in his own style, which became a memorable segment in WWE. Also read: History in the Making: Legendary star can set new WWE SummerSlam milestone Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE SmackDown Results & Highlights (6/27/25): Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton faceoff before KOTR, Rey Fenix makes a surprise entry, John Cena and more
Image via WWE The night before the Night of Champions sees a star-studded Kingdom arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton, to the woman she will face tonight, Nia Jax, to WWE Tag Team Champions Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins and Women's U.S. Champion Zelina Vega, Giulia, Jade Cargill, and Asuka, Riyadh is a myriad of wrestling superstars. The June 27th edition of WWE SmackDown is a preview to the big night, where the King and Queen of the Ring for 2025 will be decided. But not to fret, the night in itself has some pretty high profile matches to go through, and John Cena is also set to be featured alongside CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight Opening segment with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton Cody Rhodes makes his entrance after being introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash to the crowd cheering for him. He was about to speak when he got interrupted by entrance music. Randy Orton walked to the ring, and the crowd continued to sing his theme song even after it stopped playing. The segment then got cut short for international viewers because of a feed issue with Netflix. The streaming company posted a graphic apologizing for the interruption, and then a 'we'll be right back' graphic appeared. Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo (with Solo Sikoa) The Bloodline members or whatever is left of it, are still fighting against each other. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Outdoor Clothing | Designed to Perform. Built to Endure. Trek Kit India Shop Now Undo And this time it was a match between JC Mateo and Jimmy Uso with an appearance from Solo Sikoa. Mateo looked to be the dominant one from the beginning, even though Jimmy Uso tried his best to overcome his opponent. At the end, Uso went up top and then jumped over and rolled, but Mateo was ready for him and defeated Uso by pinfall in about 6 minutes into the match. In an after match segment, Solo Sikoa, who tried to distract Jimmy Uso during the match, helped him up and asked him if he was ready to come back. In return, he got slapped by his cousin while fans booed. Jacob Fatu made an entrance to the crowd cheering for him, and dropped a Samoan Drop on Mateo after running into the ring, and then a double jump moonsault. Uso then pushed Fatu out of the way and superkicked Sikoa out of the ring, bringing an end to the segment. In a backstage segment, #DIY and other tag teams are seen talking about The Wyatt Sicks when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis comes in. Listening to their chatter, Aldis calls in Andrade and asks him to find a partner to face a now furious #DIY Zelina Vega vs. Giulia for the Women's U.S. Championship Both Giulia and Zelina Vega looked to be equally matched as the fight started. When Giulia hit a double underhook superplex, Vega retaliated with a Code Red. The match seemed like it could be in anyone's favor, before Giulia kneed her opponent in the face before hitting Vega with a Northern Lights Bomb, defeating her in roughly 7:30 minutes to win the Women's U.S. Championship by pinfall. In another backstage segment, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are seen exchanging a few words before the latter walks off. Could this be the beginning of an unlikely partnership? Then Aksuka and Jade Cargill make their way into the ring before tomorrow night, where they will face off against each other for the Queen of the Ring title. They exchange a few words before Money in the Bank winner Naomi cuts them off with her entrance. There is a strong chance she will cash in her MITB win during the Night of Champions event the next night. In yet another backstage segment, Aleister Black walks in on Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis discussing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. But it all turns into chaos when R-Truth bursts in demanding to get a face-off against John Cena. Aldis tells him that John Cena is in Riyadh to fight CM Punk, but R-Truth says he is here for Cena before walks off. All this while, Black is there watching everything happen. At the end he walks off. Is another storyline brewing backstage? 'DIY' Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix Andrade bringing in Rey Fenix was a surprise for many, and the crowd are seen cheering for what is to come. The two tag teams go up against each other one after the other. At one time Fenix is seen running to the top rope and kicking Tommaso Ciampa in the face, while in the next moment fans can see #DIY hitting Andrade with the Shatter Machine for a near fall. At the end Andrade and Rey Fenix defeated 'DIY' Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa by pinfall in about 15 minutes into the match. After the earlier backstage segment, R-Truth gets in the ring to a deafening crowd response. He is in his vibe, and calls out John Cena. But suddenly, Aleister Black comes from behind and hits him with Black Mass and a cryptic message, before walking off. The audience is left bewildered. WWE Tag Team Championship The Street Profits sees Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford going against The Wyatt Sicks members, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis. To make things interesting, Erik Rowan, Nikki Cross, and Uncle Howdy also make their appearance, as things go awry minutes into the match. Los Garza, The Motor City Machine Guns, and Fraxiom are all seen coming to ringside, and even the recent losers #DIY are there. A brawl breaks out, leading to the match being thrown out. WWE Women's Championship The Last Woman Standing Match sees Nia Jax going against the current title holder, Tiffany Stratton. Before the bell can even ring, Nia Jax throws Tiffany Stratton into the ring post. Jax's physically imposing nature comes in handy against a lithe opponent like Stratton, but the latter manages to keep herself in the match over and over. Suddenly, Naomi runs into the ring with her Money in the Bank briefcase. But while she is talking to the referee, Stratton hits her before sending Jax on top of her. In the end, Stratton picked up the MITB briefcase and knocked Jax off before taking the win for herself with a pinfall after 17 minutes in the ring. The final segment of the night saw WWE Champion John Cena making his entrance with his title belt held high. He said, "This is what a winner looks like,' and called CM Punk a loser. CM Punk then made his entry wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey, a chain with a padlock on it, a Chicago Bulls hat on backwards, and jorts, mocking Cena's usual attire. Punk also put on big rings resembling Cena, before saying, 'Yo, check it, this is basic Punkanomics. Don't adjust your television set, your eyes are just right. This clown plagiarized my pipe bomb, so now I'm stealing WordLife.' John Cena looked completely shocked at the tune of events as Punk continued rapping and rhyming. The Best in the World then dropped the mic and did the infamous 'you can't see me' hand gesture in Cena's face, bringing an end to the show. PS. From next week onwards, SmackDown will be back to its two-hour long format. Also Read: WWE Night of Champions 2025 preview and streaming details (06/28/25): Full match card, show highlights, how to watch, and more Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Night of Champions 2025 predictions roundtable: Is Cena vs. Rhodes next inevitable?
For the second consecutive year, the King and Queen of the ring will be determined at a premium live event (PLE) in Saudi Arabia as WWE holds its Night of Champions 2025 show on Saturday. Despite the two marquee tournaments being at complete odds with our name here at Uncrowned, our Horsemen — Anthony Sulla-Heffinger, Robert Jackman, Drake Riggs and Kel Dansby — are gathering once again to answer some of the burning questions surrounding the event and offer our predictions, including for the latest turn in the John Cena retirement tour — a championship showdown with CM Punk. 1. Has your opinion of the John Cena heel run changed at all during the CM Punk feud? Jackman: As a rule of thumb, the Cena heel run has worked better when he's had a sparring partner in those television segments. The big problem with those first promos was that they were addressed to the audience, rather than anyone in the WWE, giving them that meandering, self-indulgent feel that bores the pants off of me. As soon as you have an actual human being on the receiving end of those pot-shots, particularly someone as skilled as Punk who can easily shoot back, they land much better. Advertisement Has it changed my opinion? It's made me feel less sour on this whole storyline in the short term, but I still don't think we've seen anything (at least since Elimination Chamber) that really justifies going down this road in the first place. The Cena retirement tour was always going to be huge, but can you name one single thing they've achieved with this heel turn that wouldn't have been possible otherwise? I certainly can't. Riggs: Not really. While the Punk feud has undoubtedly been the best part of this run, it doesn't change how abysmal it's been overall. Even the Punk feud was thrown together entirely out of nowhere and will likely have a short lifespan, which is a shame, considering how great they work together. Sulla-Heffinger: Yes, due in large part to his excellent promo work last week on "WWE SmackDown." We saw shades of what heel Cena could be during his run with Randy Orton, and it feels like we're hitting the crescendo during this admittedly abbreviated feud with Punk. The callbacks have been incredible, and while seemingly all of Cena's matches during this retirement tour could have been simply and successfully billed as 'last time ever,' the change in character allows for these final chapters in historic WWE rivalries to be written with a fresh perspective. Advertisement After the initial shock of the turn wore off, we had a bit of a lull and there have been a few bumps along the road, but for me, things have done as close to a 180 as possible. Hopefully, WWE finds a way to extend this rivalry until SummerSlam, but with the King of the Ring winner lurking, that's easier said than done. Dansby: Not really. If anything, the feud has just reminded us how great Punk still is, rather than validating Cena's heel turn. Cena still hasn't done enough to justify why he made the switch, and it doesn't align with his long-term goals. That said, Punk has pulled fans into their story so well that the heel vs. babyface dynamic barely matters. It feels more like the latest chapter in a 15-year rivalry than a traditional good guy vs. bad guy setup. 2. Who needs to win the Queen of the Ring final more: Asuka or Jade Cargill? Riggs: Man, this is kind of an awkwardly tougher question than you'd think it would be. Somehow WWE has either dropped the ball with Cargill or she's regressed compared to her AEW run. I'm unsure of where to point the blame because that's how well AEW booked her, but compared to others with a similar timeline of experience, like WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton, Cargill just isn't even in that realm on any front. And I say this as someone who's been well behind her. Advertisement Asuka, however, is in a spot where she's a bulletproof legend, but is still one of the very best right now, snowballing the momentum off her return run. A strong Asuka is undeniably the best Asuka, and despite her accomplishing countless accolades in WWE, you can still argue she hasn't been treated as well as she should have been — that's how great she is. In terms of better overall results for everyone, champions like Iyo Sky included, it's Asuka. There's no shame in Cargill losing to a GOAT. Sulla-Heffinger: Pulling back the curtain a tiny bit, the trickiness that the word 'need' implies is precisely why I phrased it that way when writing these questions, so I am glad it was a bit of a curveball for Riggs. Cargill has all of the tools to be a major player at the main-event level, and no one would fault WWE for strapping the rocket to her back with a Queen of the Ring win and a title shot. Shoot, it even makes sense with Naomi currently holding Money in the Bank. Yet Cargill is still a little green in areas you want to see buttoned up at the top of the card; as impressive as she can be at times, there are moments in the ring that feel too clunky, and we haven't seen enough live promo work in WWE to make a fair assessment. A loss to Asuka is more of a speed bump than a derailment on the Cargill hype train. Asuka, on the other hand, is one of the best and most charismatic talents in WWE. She'd benefit immensely from a Queen of the Ring win and being immediately thrust back into the Women's World Championship picture. Her résumé alone could always justify a title shot, but professional wrestling always works better when there's a clear, believable path. A win on Saturday creates that for us. Asuka and Jade Cargill face off ahead of Saturday's Queen of the Ring final. (WWE via Getty Images) Dansby: Asuka vs. Iyo Sky is a SummerSlam main event on paper, no doubt. But it's time to pull the trigger on Jade. Her beating someone as decorated as Asuka and rolling into her first world title match in New York City is a can't-miss moment. That's how you make a star. Advertisement Expect Jade to win — and don't be surprised if Cardi B is part of her entrance at SummerSlam. Jackman: I mentioned in our latest power rankings (in which I take on the unenviable task of ranking the 10 most compelling men and women in pro wrestling) that the exciting thing about Jade Cargill is how WWE has presented her as fearsome while still maintaining a lot of mystique around her. We really don't know that much about Cargill given what a big deal she clearly is — and that gives her an edge over a lot of her peers. Of course, Cargill is already straddling two plotlines, given her ongoing drama with Naomi and Bianca Belair. My suspicion is that they're building toward some kind of big crescendo where she wins Queen of the Ring and then both of those storylines come together with a big bang. Perhaps Naomi tries to cash in during Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton at SummerSlam, but Bianca returns to thwart her and set up a grudge match later down the line? 3. Which King of the Ring finalist makes for a more compelling SummerSlam main event? Sulla-Heffinger: I think we all know we are going to see Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at least one more time before the retirement tour ends, but it shouldn't be at SummerSlam. Considering how Cena has threatened to 'ruin wrestling,' wouldn't it be excellent storytelling if Rhodes loses his clear path to a rematch in the King of the Ring tournament and is forced to just say 'screw it' and jump to the front of the line as we get closer to the end of 2025? Sounds a lot like what Cena did when he inserted himself into the Elimination Chamber match, doesn't it? Advertisement Wouldn't it be ironic if Rhodes — when the match finally does happen — gives in and uses the championship belt to beat Cena, showing he can be corrupted? Considering the parallels between Cena and Rhodes as top babyfaces, it would be brilliant if Cena leaves WWE and is able to say 'see what I did to your beloved champion? That's how I ruin wrestling.' All of that happens down the line if Orton defeats Rhodes on Saturday and sets up one more classic clash with Cena at SummerSlam, which we've already seen this year, but considering the momentum these renewed, iconic rivalries have had, it's the more immediately compelling of the two in my opinion. Dansby: Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena feels like the natural payoff. Cena got his win with help from Travis Scott, and now it's time for him to right that wrong. Having Rhodes win back the WWE title in the main event of SummerSlam Night 2 sets the stage for Cena's redemption arc — and lets him go out as the beloved babyface one last time. Are John Cena and Cody Rhodes on a collision course? (WWE via Getty Images) Jackman: Isn't this one a foregone conclusion given we've just seen Randy Orton vs. John Cena in a match that was billed as 'One Last Time'? My suspicion is that the main reason 'The Viper' is in this match in the first place is to sow the seeds for a title shot against Cody Rhodes further down the line. Advertisement The only thing that makes me hesitate slightly is that nagging feeling that Cody's whole path to the championship is looking a little too obvious right now. On the other hand, both of the last two Universal Championship title changes were flagged up massively in advance and there's no reason why this one would be different. I'm calling it now: Cody wins here and then at SummerSlam. Riggs: With how ridiculous the Backlash ending was, there's still legs to the Randy Orton legacy blood feud with John Cena. And out of pure nostalgia — and getting more time for a legendary program — I might prefer that. For the times, though, it's clearly Rhodes with the freshness of everything between him and Cena. As much as I'd like to see something different or even a big surprise like having Ron Killings dethrone Cena, it couldn't be clearer that it will be Rhodes. 4. Should Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross be on this card? Dansby: Kross just needs to be on TV more consistently, period. A few more weeks of buildup would've made more sense heading into SummerSlam, but WWE's going with Night of Champions to kick this off. Advertisement Kross has a strong cult following, so his push has to feel earned — not forced. Zayn's the perfect guy to bring the best out of him. This should be the first of a few matches between them, not a one-and-done. Sulla-Heffinger: No. And that isn't to say it doesn't deserve spotlight. It's because I believe the best version of this match happens in a "WWE Raw" main event where it can be given 20 to 25 minutes. I'm afraid we'll see this finish in less than 10 and a large portion of the internet wrestling community will walk away wildly unsatisfied. Is the Karrion Kross push finally upon us? (WWE via Getty Images) Jackman: I hate to do the whole demographics thing (bear with me), but we all know that Sami Zayn is incredibly popular in Saudi Arabia. Obviously, he's a fan favorite in any situation, but the way WWE has leaned into his Arabic heritage and his religious identity (when they filmed his pilgrimage in the leadup to Night of Champions 2023) has basically made him an ambassador for WWE in the wider Arabic-speaking world. Advertisement So what does that mean for the match? Well, one option would be to pursue the monster pop of giving Zayn a nice big win for the home crowd. That's great for the immediate sugar rush, but doesn't really help with the long-term storytelling on which Karrion Kross thrives. Alternatively, WWE could go the other way and get some turbo heat by giving Kross a dirty victory that builds to something bigger further down the line. Personally, I'd go with the latter. Saudi crowds are super smart these days and I think they'd enjoy some good old-fashioned villainy. Riggs: I'm surprised they added that match to this show rather than putting it on next week's "WWE Raw." But it's a good surprise. Put two over dudes together who have been teasing this collision for weeks, and give it a proper spotlight. It feels somewhat rare — and honestly, more appropriate than the next match we're talking about. 5. Is Raquel Rodriguez the centerpiece of Judgment Day now that Liv Morgan's injured? Jackman: Honestly, I have no idea right now. We know from reports around the Liv Morgan injury that WWE is hastily rewriting a lot of its plans on the women's side (particularly the buildup to Evolution), so we shouldn't discount the possibility that they don't really know what's going on and are playing for time right now. Advertisement I'm more optimistic about the Judgment Day storyline more broadly. Generally I'm a big fan of slow burn angles in wrestling and I really hope that's what we're seeing here. They've been teasing the combustion of the group for a while now and some of the tensions (both with Finn and Dom, but also Liv and Finn) are much smarter and more subtle than your average wrestling angle. Riggs: As much as Rodriguez deserves it and I'd love that, I highly doubt it. Dominick Mysterio and Finn Balor are definitely still that glue (that's loosening), and even Roxanne Perez has already become more featured. The Ripley match and feud revisit feels just like a placeholder scramble to kill time and readjust the fallout from Morgan's injury. Will Raquel Rodriguez sink or swim with Liv Morgan injured? (WWE via Getty Images) Sulla-Heffinger: I think Rodriguez is the centerpiece in the sense that she'll be the most conflicted when Morgan returns. If Rodriguez goes on a prolonged, successful run — either as a singles competitor or with Roxanne Perez as a tag-team champion — the picture is suddenly very murky when Morgan comes back. We know where Finn Balor stands and we know where Dominik Mysterio stands, but Rodriguez is in a spot where she can become a top heel on 'WWE Raw,' add a much-needed dangerous presence to the Judgment Day and even turn the Mysterio-Morgan pairing face down the line. That can all start with a win over Rhea Ripley in the street fight Saturday. Advertisement Dansby: Honestly, it's time to blow up Judgment Day. WWE has teased the breakup enough — now's the moment to pull the trigger. Between injuries to key members and Carlito's release, the timing's right. Let Finn finally break away and tap into the Demon again. That could be the storyline that breathes new life into him. BONUS: WWE had a huge presence at Fanatics Fest last weekend with the Superstar Entrance. If you HAD to recreate a current star's intro, who would it be and why? Dansby: Gotta go with the GOAT — HBK! The Heartbreak Kid had it all. The entrance music? Iconic. The gear? Flashy as hell. The pyro? On point every time. Nobody made an entrance like Shawn Michaels. Jackman: I've actually done this! They have the Superstar Entrance permanently installed at the massively under-appreciated (largely because of its location…) WWE Experience in Riyadh. I visited the Experience before last year's Crown Jewel event and got to recreate Rhea Ripley's entrance in a makeshift costume of Seth Rollins offshoots and some sort of Venetian mask. Advertisement Riggs: Well, I didn't see this one coming. The easy choice has to be your favorite wrestler ever, right? So, Jeff Hardy comes right to mind, but not with the Hardy Boyz theme. We're talking '08 world champion Jeff Hardy, baby. No More Words. That's the way to go. But if we don't count Hardy as a "current star," which he obviously isn't in WWE specifically, I think I have to go with Seth Rollins or Aleister Black. As a metal junkie, give me something heavy, fast and furious, or dark and in your face. Sulla-Heffinger: The answer's gotta be Triple H. If by some chance you could master the water spray, it's an instant 10/10. If you can't, the whole entrance falls flat. High risk, high reward. Predictions Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (Dansby, Jackman, Riggs, Sulla-Heffinger) vs. CM Punk King of the Ring final: Randy Orton (Sulla-Heffinger) vs. Cody Rhodes (Dansby, Jackman, Riggs) Queen of the Ring final: Asuka (Riggs, Sulla-Heffinger) vs. Jade Cargill (Dansby, Jackman) U.S. Championship match : Jacob Fatu (Dansby, Jackman, Riggs, Sulla-Heffinger) vs. Solo Sikoa Street Fight: Raquel Rodriguez (Jackman, Sulla-Heffinger) vs. Rhea Ripley (Dansby, Riggs) Sami Zayn (Riggs) vs. Karrion Kross (Dansby, Jackman, Sulla-Heffinger) 2025 standings
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What's happening on WWE SmackDown tonight? Match card, highlights & streaming guide (06/27/25)
(Image via X) Before WWE heads forward to one of the major premium live events, the Night of Champions 2025, the Stamford-based promotion is back with another thrilling and exciting edition of WWE SmackDown for the June 27 edition 2025. This week's SmackDown is set to serve as the go-home show for the upcoming Night of Champions 2025. The show will emanate live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where several top-tier talent will meet for the final time before their clash at the PLE. As per reports, the Blue Brand of WWE will feature heavyweight champions like the Undisputed Champion John Cena, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Nia Jax, Randy Orton, and WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton. Let's take a look at the confirmed match card, streaming details, highlights, and what's more in store for SmackDown tonight. WWE SmackDown: Confirmed match card for 06/27/2025 John Cena returns to SmackDown before battling CM Punk at Night of Champions Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax - WWE Women's Title Last Woman Standing Match The Street Profits vs. The Wyatt Sicks - WWE Tag Team Championship Match Zelina Vega vs. Guilia - Women's United States Championship Match John Cena returns to SmackDown before battling CM Punk at Night of Champions After delivering an earth-shattering pipebomb on SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will return to SmackDown just one night before defending his title against CM Punk at WWE Night of Champions . The Night of Champions is already creating the hype and excitement among fans and the WWE Universe as Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena is all set to lock horns with CM Punk in Riyadh on June 28, 2025. Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax - WWE Women's Title Last Woman Standing Match In one of the promotions tonight, Tiffany Stratton will put the title on the line against Nia Jax once again, this time in a WWE Women's Title Last Woman Standing match. According to WWE, Stratton previously retained the title against Jax by dropkicking a steel chair into The Irresistible Force's face on the May 16 edition of SmackDown, and this rematch seems likely to feature even more brutality. The Street Profits vs. The Wyatt Sicks - WWE Tag Team Championship Match Furthermore, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) are set to defend the WWE Tag Team titles against The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis). In this week's SmackDown promotion, The Street Profits have decided to deal with the scourge of The Wyatt Sicks head-on when they defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against members of the ominous faction. Zelina Vega vs. Guilia - Women's United States Championship Match In another scintillating match tonight, Zelina Vega will collide with Guilia in an explosive collision on the run to clinch the much-coveted Women's United States Championship match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This will be the third announced title clash on the show, where Women's United States Champion Zelina Vega will put the title on the line against her opponent, Giulia. Streaming details: How to watch WWE SmackDown ? (June 27, 2025) WWE SmackDown will go live on Friday, June 27, at 08 PM ET, 07 PM CT & 05 PM PT on the USA Network in the United States. In Canada, the show will be broadcast live on Friday at 1 PM ET on Netflix. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch SmackDown on Friday at 06 PM GMT on Netflix. In India, the SmackDown edition of June 27 will be broadcast live at 10:30 PM IST, Friday, on Netflix. Also Read : Why Goldberg retiring as World Champion could be a major mistake at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Viewers in Saudi Arabia can watch the show live at 08 PM AST on Netflix. In Australia, the show will be broadcast live at 03 AM AEST on Netflix. In France, the show will be broadcast live at 07 PM on Netflix. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
