Latest news with #FridayNightSmackDown
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Fans got him back' - Shotzi Blackheart shares her thoughts about R-Truth's WWE return
Shotzi Blackheart and R-Truth (Image via WWE) The wrestling world is so excited after Ron 'R-Truth' Killings made his return to WWE. His comeback made many fans happy and shows that their voices can make a big change. R-Truth's return is a big moment not just for him, but for wrestling fans everywhere. R-Truth's return was a big surprise for many. Just a few days after WWE let him go, he was back in action, closing the Money in the Bank event alongside superstar John Cena . This surprise return has gotten everyone talking, and someone who's really happy about it is Shotzi Blackheart. What Shotzi Blackheart thinks about R-Truth's return During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, former WWE superstar Shotzi Blackheart shared her thoughts on R-Truth's return. Blackheart said, 'I do think that they actually let him go. I just feel like, because also at the same time Carlito and Sarah Logan, they told them that their contract wasn't getting renewed so I think it would be really messed up of WWE to capitalize on that.' Joe Pyfer and Shotzi Blackheart IN STUDIO, Diego x Yair Feud, Canelo v Crawford on Netflix | 6/10/25 Blackheart also made a strong point about the power wrestling fans have in making things happen. 'I think that fans got him back. I think the fans got him back and that just shows you how much power the fans do have sometimes, so I think that's really cool. He's 53. That just gives us hope that- I could be 53-years-old and be put in some crazy storyline still.' The superstar made it clear that the fans made their voices heard, and WWE listened. Triple H has commented on R-Truth's return While many wrestling fans celebrated R-Truth's return, WWE's Chief Content Officer, Triple H, kept things a little confusing. His comments made many people think there might be more to the story. At a press conference after the Money in the Bank event, when someone asked him about R-Truth's return, Triple H casually said, 'You enjoying the show? All part of the show, man.' Some reports say wrestling insiders were confused by this. Some think WWE made him a new deal after seeing the strong reaction both online and in arenas following his departure. Triple H talks about R-Truth Whatever happened, R-Truth is back in WWE, and he's currently scheduled to face John Cena in a rematch on the next episode of Friday Night SmackDown on June 20. The showdown is set to take place at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and it will air live on USA Network at 8 p.m. EST. Overall, R-Truth's return is a moment to celebrate. It brings happiness not just to him but to wrestling fans who missed him. His comeback signals that there's always a chance for a superstar to make a strong return, regardless of age or struggles. Also Read: Ron Killings returns on WWE RAW with emotional promo, says goodbye to R-Truth
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SmackDown recap & reactions: The Truth hurts
WWE Champion John Cena was in the building for Friday Night SmackDown this week and that meant WWE Champion John Cena kicked off the broadcast for Friday Night SmackDown this week in Kentucky. Remember, folks, he'll lay your ass down for that three second tan. Advertisement But will he lay CM Punk down for one more at Night of Champions? That's what he was here to talk about, adding another layer to the latest chapter in their rivalry. Sure enough, he went right for the jugular. If Punk wants to take his title, he said, he's going to have to admit to the fact that he's a hypocrite. After all, he's going to be taking blood money to even have the opportunity to battle for the belt again. Choosing to do so is going against everything he claims to stand for as a man. But he also made sure to run the fans down again while saying the math says there will be no one worthy to earn the right to hold his championship again. That brought none other than Cody Rhodes out to the ring. Advertisement Rhodes, you'll remember, is in the King of the Ring tournament and the winner of said tournament will be getting a title shot at SummerSlam. They could be running it back sooner than we think. Cody put over the fact that everything Cena has said has come to fruition. But why didn't he include the fact that he was looking at the lights at Money in the Bank when Rhodes pinned him in the middle of the ring? 'I'm not part of your plan, you're part of mine. So, John Rushmore, where does that leave you and I?' And then it was Randy Orton's turn to make his presence felt, for the first time in many weeks. The stars were out in full force here, and the fans were singing their songs loud and proud. Advertisement Orton pointed out that he was about to beat Cena until someone showed up to save him. But he realized he has to do whatever it takes now, no matter who he has to go through, including Rhodes, who he loves like a brother. He will not hesitate, not for a second. And then LA Knight showed up. Yeah? Wade Barrett sure was happy about it. Knight said he heard the cries from the fans all week, so he was here to defiantly walk down to confront the establishment in the ring as the sore thumb sticking out against them. But he likes that. My man went out there and said he would drop all three of them, the Viper, the Nightmare, and 'the balding bitch.' Cena brushed him off and tried to walk out but Ron Killings attacked him from behind. After a commercial break, we saw Cena turning his hat around and screaming in General Manager Nick Aldis' face about what just happened. He looked like a baseball manager yelling at an umpire about a bad strike zone. That no one laughed was incredible. Advertisement Later, Cena ran into Jimmy Uso backstage and asked if he had seen R-Truth or Ron Killings. Cena wanted it known he was headed for the ring and wanted Killings to meet him there. 'Come out here and fight me.' Instead, Punk came out. The same guy he said earlier would have to prove he's a hypocrite to take the title from him. Classic promo response incoming? Punk played babyface, calling himself a little bit too Obi-Wan talking to Darth Vader looking for Anakin Skywalker in there. Stop this nonsense and let the people celebrate him on the way out. Give them the happy ending. Cena held firm — the fans don't matter, like basketball and horse racing don't matter (that really riled them up). Punk wanted the record to show he offered him and out. He didn't take it, so it's about to get real. Advertisement It felt like Punk tripped over his promo a bit here, like he forgot what he wanted to say. He took his time getting it back and eventually came around to saying he's not as confident as Cena because he won't walk out in front of a sold out arena dressed like a toddler who just struck out at t-ball. He didn't like the fans enjoying it too much cause it made him sound like PG John Cena. Which is funny because now Cena sounds a whole lot like CM Punk, what with the plan to ruin wrestling by taking the title home. 'You're stealing my best material, John. You're trying to follow in my footsteps.' He actually took the title and left back then too, and it was Cena who tried to stop him and couldn't. And now here's Punk to try to save the retirement tour and make it interesting. He'll follow him all the way to hell to prove he's better. He called Cena the GOAT but said he would spit roast him and sacrifice him to the gods of wrestling. He sees through him 'and that's the Truth.' Advertisement Naturally, he opened the door for Killings to show up again and attack from behind. Punk told him 'sorry, but the Truth hurts' before walking off as Killings was getting more licks in. Later, Punk ran into Rhodes backstage and they both made sure to say the quiet part out loud — they can't run from each other forever. The way they managed to weave together so many stories here was fantastic. Well played all around. Jacob Fatu literally only introduced himself before a commercial break to say he was about to come out, calling himself America's most wanted, and I was ready to run through a brick wall. Advertisement Yadadamean?!? He got a solid pop for his first entrance all on his own after turning on Solo Sikoa this past weekend. Fatu was given a microphone and some time in the ring. How would he do? As it turns out, pretty well! He said that just because you're family, doesn't mean you can go behind someone's back and try to snake them. Solo says he would be nothing without him? That's why he had to remind him what happens when you don't get in where you fit in. He's getting more and more connection to the crowd with his catchphrases. All gas, no brakes. Naturally, Solo had a pre-tape on the Titantron saying he made the biggest mistake of his life at Money in the Bank but he could be forgiven for it. He was nothing before Sikoa brought him around. Based on the story, it's actually true, too. The former Bloodline members didn't want Jacob around. Advertisement Solo said he's coming next week to stand in the ring with arms wide open expecting to hear four words. 'Remember, I brought you into this world and I will take you out.' How many of us heard that as kids? Chilling stuff. I'm invested in where this goes from here, if only because Fatu is still so obviously a star who is going to come out of this much better off. All the rest The first King of the Ring Tournament match came after the explosive opening segment, and was an actually fun match that saw Aleister Black, Carmelo Hayes, LA Knight, and Randy Orton do the damn thing. Knight put himself in a good position late but Seth Rollins' goons showed up to take him out as payback for his getting involved in Bron Breakker's match on Raw. Hayes tried to capitalize coming off the top rope but he got RKO'd in midair on top of LA, with Orton pinning Knight right after to advance. This was great. The Queen of the Ring tournament continued with a fairly slow 4-Way pitting Piper Niven vs. Nia Jax vs. Michin vs. Jade Cargill. Niven and Jax worked together for much of the match and then turned against each other just as Jax was about to win. Niven tried to capitalize off the Annihilator but Cargill ran in and hit her finish to score the pinfall to advance. If nothing else, this ensures we won't get a repeat winner. Naomi got her first promo time as Ms. Money in the Bank and she laughed at everyone who doubted her. She remembered current WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton as the one who used to bash her in the head when she was chasing Jax for that title some time ago. She was too nice then. But those days are over. Stratton actually showed up to answer her promo, claiming Naomi is the same person — all talk and no action. That's why she never won the title. But, hey, cash in now and prove her wrong? Good bait, but Naomi didn't fall for it. Jax showed up to take Stratton out but then wouldn't let Naomi cash in the contract. So we're already going back to this nonsense with the women's briefcase again. Awful. The entire tag team division campaigned to Aldis to wrestle the Wyatt Sicks and the Motor City Machine Guns won out. The match was fine, not really up to the standards of recent tag action, and Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy emerged victorious after Uncle Howdy asked for them to make a statement. They got the visual with the whole crew after and worked the gimmick. I'm not really buying in much anymore. The second Queen of the Ring match gave us a pretty big surprise — Charlotte Flair is already out of the tournament. Flair had Alba Fyre in the Figure Eight but she couldn't get her to submit fast enough. Instead, Alexa Bliss hit Sister Abigail on Candice LeRae and got the three count just moments before Fyre tapped. Flair can't stop losing, and it might actually be making her a whole lot more interesting. The final King of the Ring tournament match of the night saw Cody Rhodes taking on Damian Priest, Andrade, and Shinsuke Nakamura. That field alone was enough to tell you who was going to win the match, and to no one's surprise Rhodes won by pinning Nakamura with the Cross Rhodes. They're setting things up rather nicely for the Final but we're also going to get some really compelling semifinals as well. This was a strong effort from the blue brand, and it would be great if they could have this level of star power every week. Grade: A- Your turn! More from
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
King of the Ring heats up as Randy Orton books semifinal spot
Image via WWE WWE veteran Randy Orton made a thunderous return to Friday Night SmackDown this week, marking his first appearance since his loss to John Cena at Backlash. And in classic Orton fashion, he made an immediate impact - both in the ring and in the King of the Ring tournament. The Viper strikes again The Viper was slotted into a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match alongside LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes, and Aleister Black. With a semifinal spot on the line and a potential title shot at SummerSlam hanging in the balance, Orton entered with fierce intent. His path, however, wasn't entirely smooth. Randy Orton advances in King of the Ring Tournament: SmackDown highlights, June 13, 2025 During the chaotic bout, interference from WWE Raw stars Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker tipped the scales. Reed shoved LA Knight off the top rope, allowing Breakker to deliver a brutal spear. Seizing the opportunity, Orton caught Carmelo Hayes mid-air with a vintage RKO before pinning Knight for the win. With this victory, Randy Orton moves on to face Sami Zayn in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament. The winner of the prestigious bracket will receive a world title opportunity at SummerSlam, setting up a possible rematch between Orton and his longtime rival, John Cena - provided Cena retains against CM Punk at Night of Champions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Sparks fly between Randy Orton and John Cena Interestingly, Orton's return was not just confined to in-ring action. Before the match, he had a brief but tense moment with Cena during a segment also involving Cody Rhodes and LA Knight. While Cena eventually walked away, the tension between the two legends was hard to miss - and perhaps a sign of things to come. FULL SEGMENT: Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and LA Knight call out John Cena: SmackDown, June 13, 2025 Fans have been vocal online, with many divided over LA Knight's early exit. Comments under WWE's announcement of Orton's victory ranged from frustration over Knight's loss to support for Orton's comeback story. One fan posted, 'Randy will go all the way! He will win this year!' while another noted, 'Orton vs Sami will be gold.' Orton, a multiple-time world champion, has shown no signs of slowing down despite the recent setback at Backlash. If he manages to win the King of the Ring, it could set up one of WWE's most anticipated summer clashes. With storylines heating up and the King of the Ring tournament nearing its climax, all eyes are now on SmackDown's next chapter - and whether Orton's resurgence leads him back to the very top. Also Read: Ron Killings vs. John Cena heats up again - What's next for this WWE rivalry?
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
John Cena set to wrestle on WWE SmackDown for the first time in nearly three years
Image via WWE John Cena will wrestle on SmackDown for the first time since 2022. John Cena's farewell tour has been an exciting program to witness on WWE television programming. The Cenation Leader has wrestled some marquee matches against the likes of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. However, all those matches took place on major Premium Live Events. For the first time in nearly three years, The Unseen 17 will have his first battle on the blue brand next week. Who will John Cena face on WWE SmackDown next week? On the June 19th edition of Friday Night SmackDown, John Cena opened the show. He gloated about all his plans coming to fruition for his farewell tour. As he was basking in his own glory, Cena found himself in the ring with Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, and the returning Randy Orton. The Last Real Champion chose to leave the ring, but R-Truth launched an attack on him at the entrance ramp. It was similar to what he did back at the 2025 WWE Money in the Bank PLE when Truth came back following his release. Cena was furious and wanted to get his hands on the newly repackaged Ron Killings. The 17-time World Champion marched back to the ring to call him out. However, it was CM Punk who came out to confront him ahead of their match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Night of Champions PLE. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo After The Best in the World berated him with heated words, he left the ring only for R-Truth to once again emerge and attack Cena. As Truth had Cena locked in his own submission move, STF, CM Punk left the sight, saying, "I'm sorry, but the truth hurts." Following that, the former WWE 24/7 champion demanded a match against John Cena, which was made official for next week's show. This will mark his first match on the blue brand since December 2022. He had teamed up with Kevin Owens to compete against Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns. The duo emerged victorious, and that was Cena's only match that year. With the 17-time WWE Champion returning to SmackDown next week to compete in the ring, it will be heated tensions exploding in a huge showdown. Also read: WWE SmackDown Results & Highlights (6/13/25): Cody Rhodes wins high-stakes main event, major stars appear and more
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rhea Ripley reunites with Damian Priest after WWE SmackDown, photos viral
WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley made a rare appearance on this week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown. With Money in the Bank just around the corner, the show served as the final build-up before the big event—where Ripley is set to compete in the high-stakes ladder match. Her appearance on SmackDown also gave her a chance to reconnect with a close friend. Backstage, she reunited with Damian Priest. Their friendship is well known among fans, as the two have a long history together—not just as allies in the ring, but as former tag team partners and stablemates. Also Read: WWE pulls off R-Truth shocker at Money in the Bank 2025 PPV, leaving John Cena shocked. Check full results After the show, Ripley shared a few photos of their backstage reunion on Instagram, calling the post heartfelt. This came shortly after Priest had posted a story of the two of them as well. Ripley mentioned how much she misses her 'Terror Twin,' hinting that their time together is rare these days, likely because they're now on different brands. The post received lots of love from the fans, one of them wrote, 'I can't stop giggling at the last photo. Yall are the cutest. So happy you guys got to be together tonight.' Another user chimed, MY FAVSSSS GREAT TO SEE Y'ALL TWO TOGETHER AGAIN." A different user wrote, This is cute but last pic is nightmare fuel." A post shared by Rhea Ripley (@rhearipley_wwe) Though Priest didn't appear in front of the live crowd in Bakersfield, he still played a role in the episode. 'The Punisher' had a backstage confrontation with Jacob Fatu, making it clear that he still has his sights set on the United States Championship. Meanwhile, Ripley competed in a six-woman tag team match featuring all the participants in the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Teaming up with Alexa Bliss and Stephanie Vaquer, Ripley scored the win for her team by pinning Roxanne Perez. Time will tell if Ripley's momentum continues into Money in the Bank tomorrow night.
