The June 26, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, taped in London, served as a crucial build-up to Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line, the show featured intense matches and compelling segments. Here's a detailed breakdown of the action and key moments, with a focus on personal commentary and analysis.
Ricky Saints vs. Trick Williams
I found it intriguing that Trick Williams' marriage to Lash Legend was brought up, given his babyface status and her absence from the screen. This could hint at a potential on-screen pairing in the future. However, the match itself, while trying to emphasize the seriousness of the US Championship contest, fell short due to the lack of substance and the limited potential of Ricky Saints as an opponent. It's a shame, as Starks' mic skills outshone Williams, but the overall package needed more to truly stand out.
Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton vs. B-Fab and Michin
The tag team match was a formulaic affair, but it worked well due to the fans' investment in Tiffany Stratton. The interference by Jade Cargill, a staple of her character, added heat to their rivalry, even if the angle has been done countless times before. Chelsea Green's post-match save sets up an intriguing battle with Cargill, and Michin's consistent strong performances in the women's division are a breath of fresh air. It's a shame the creative team didn't explore turning Green babyface sooner.
AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. Nathan Frazer
This match was a showcase of talent and athleticism, with Rey Fenix retaining his title. While it might not have a significant long-term impact, it's a great way to expose the AAA brand to a wider audience. Fenix's push is long overdue, and his development could mirror his brother Penta's success on Raw. It's a positive step for WWE to feature respected performers in good matches.
LA Knight and Solo Sikoa
LA Knight's rejection of Solo Sikoa's partnership offer adds depth to their dynamic. Knight's ability to maintain his babyface status while understanding Sikoa's issues with The Bloodline is commendable. Sikoa, when allowed to be himself, has the potential to become a massive babyface star. His character development and mic skills are crucial to his success.
Paige vs. Jacy Jayne
Paige's return to London, where she dominated Jacy Jayne, was a heartwarming moment. The match was fine, but it set the stage for Jayne's future challenges. The question is why WWE has chosen to book Jayne in losing scenarios, especially after her post-WrestleMania call-up. Jayne's attention to detail, from facial expressions to body language, is impressive, but it's time for a change in her fortunes.
Danhausen and Matt Cardona vs. Los Garza
This match was a showcase for Danhausen and the entertaining shtick of Miz and Kit Wilson. It was inoffensive, well-paced, and highlighted Danhausen's growing popularity. The crowd's love for Danhausen and his hot tag run was a highlight, and his cursing of Berto added a touch of humor. Danhausen deserves more prominent roles.
Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill
Cargill's victory over Green was a squash match, but it served its purpose in building her up for the US Championship. The lack of creativity in booking Stratton in losing scenarios is a concern, and it mirrors the repetitive nature of WWE's storytelling. Cargill's improvement in the ring and her character command make her a potential future champion.
Giulia vs. Kiana James
The match between Giulia and Kiana James was a pleasant surprise, showcasing their talent. James' consistent performances and her ability to rise to the occasion are notable. Giulia, despite her underutilization, earned a big win, only to be attacked by the debuting Blake Monroe. This sets up an intriguing program and highlights the need for better management of Giulia's potential.
Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Sami Zayn, and the King of the Ring Finals
The promo segment, while repetitive in its themes and lines, showcased the intensity of the Undisputed WWE Championship match. Gunther's physical presence and intensity were on full display, and the image of Oba Femi standing on the apron added to the anticipation. Zayn's overbearing heel character and Rhodes' growing exhaustion from Zayn's speech were well-executed. The segment needed more originality, but it still delivered a solid grade of C+.
MVP and Overall Grade
Jade Cargill's involvement in multiple segments this week, including her interference and post-match antics, made her a central figure in the build-up to Night of Champions. Her rapidly improving in-ring skills and character command make her a strong contender for the US Championship. The show, despite its length, offered a variety of engaging segments, with the build-up to Night of Champions being a standout feature. The emergence of Solo Sikoa as a sympathetic figure and LA Knight's mic work added to the show's overall quality.
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