WWE SmackDown is live tonight from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri! Tonight, Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Championship against Gunther with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee. Let’s take a look at everything announced for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown:
WWE SmackDown card: June 19, 2026
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints to determine the #1 contender for the United States Championship
WWE’s official preview:
Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints are about to write the next chapter in their heated rivalry when they battle to earn the right to challenge United States Champion Trick Williams at WWE Night of Champions.
Hayes and Saints hold one win a piece against one another. Now it’s time to see who will win the rubber match and the opportunity to compete for the title.
Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) vs. MFTs for the WWE Tag Team Championship
WWE’s official preview:
WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R-Truth are set to defend the title against Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga.
The unlikely partners Truth and Priest have proven to be extremely effective together, but can they overcome the powerhouse combination of Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga?
Jey Uso vs. Je’Von Evans (King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals)
WWE’s official preview:
“Main Event” Jey Uso is set to battle Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals.
The winner of the explosive showdown will take on Oba Femi in the final at WWE Night of Champions to earn the right to challenge a World Champion at SummerSlam.
Having recently refused to join The Vision, Evans is one of WWE’s most dangerous high-flying Superstars, though he may not be 100 percent after suffering a massive mid-air Spear from Bron Breakker during his impromptu match against Austin Theory. Will the high-impact collision affect his psyche?
From the onset, Jey has been told by World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns that he needs to win this tournament on his own. However, his Fatal 4-Way Match victory in the first round occurred after Solo Sikoa interfered. An irate LA Knight voiced his outrage over the outcome and was taken out by Jacob Fatu.
Will Jey earn the right to compete in the King of the Ring Final on his own? Or is Night of Champions about to get bouncy?
Liv Morgan vs. Charlotte Flair (Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals)
WWE’s official preview:
Charlotte Flair is set to take on Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals.
The winner will clash with IYO SKY in the final at WWE Night of Champions for the crown and the opportunity to challenge a World Champion at SummerSlam.
On Raw, Flair made Roxanne Perez tap out to the Figure-Eight Leglock, though The Queen injured her hand during the match. As a result, she may not be 100 percent against the dangerous Morgan.
Who will battle SKY in the Queen of the Ring Final?
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship (Special Guest Referee Sami Zayn)
WWE’s official preview:
Cody Rhodes is set to battle Gunther in a commercial-free Undisputed WWE Championship rematch.
The highly-decorated Gunther presents a massive challenge to The American Nightmare, and when given the opportunity to pick a special stipulation, The Ring General seemingly tipped the odds in his favor by naming Sami Zayn as the guest referee.
The self-professed “Last Good Guy” has had major issues with Rhodes. Most recently, Sami and Cody traded slaps in an extremely heated war of words on SmackDown.
What will happen in the turbulent title matchup?
