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USA Today
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
WWE SmackDown takeaways: CM Punk checks John Cena; KOTR, QOTR tournaments continue
WWE SmackDown takeaways: CM Punk checks John Cena; KOTR, QOTR tournaments continue WWE Friday Night SmackDown on June 13 took place at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., and featured several King and Queen of the Ring opening-round matches. The first Friday show after Money in the Bank saw John Cena appear multiple times throughout the show as he struggled to deal with Ron Killings. The Wyatt Sicks picked up a win over Motor City Machine Guns, Jacob Fatu cut a promo on Solo Sikoa, and Naomi sent Tiffany Stratton a clear warning message. Much like Raw this week, this was a solid SmackDown show from beginning to end with solid matches, promos, and backstage segments. Check out the top takeaways from this episode: Randy Orton advances in King of the Ring Tournament The first match of the night was a King of the Ring Tournament fatal four-way match between Randy Orton, LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes and Aleister Black. This one was fun, until it wasn't. Black and Hayes got things going at a fast clip by flying all over the arena. Orton and Knight got into the mix by immediately going for their finishers. The match kept a high pace of action throughout, keeping everyone entertained. Then, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker appeared. Reed pulled Knight off the middle rope, and then Breakker hit him with a spear. Hayes went to the top rope but was caught mid-air by an RKO. Orton then pinned Knight for the three-count. Alright, WWE. Enough is enough with the interference. Sure, Breakker had reason to attack Knight since he did the same during his KOTR match, and there's a story there, but that's beside the point. Every KOTR or QOTR match to this point finished due to interference. This match in particular was cooking with grease, but then interference ruined it. That same finishing sequence could have happened without Breakker or Reed. It's frustrating to see the same thing happen repeatedly, and luckily, this didn't happen with the other tournament matches later on. Jade Cargill advances in Queen of the Ring Tournament The second match of the night was a Queen of the Ring Tournament fatal four-way match between Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Piper Niven and Michin. Jax and Niven formed an alliance during this match to handle the other two. They launched Cargill over the commentary table for a nasty-looking bump that took out Wade Barrett too. When Michin had her moments, she sped things up with her offense to keep the energy high. Eventually, the alliance between Jax and Niven broke down. Niven rammed Jax through the timekeeper's barricade, and then flattened Michin with a splash from the second rope. However, Cargill was right there to catch Niven with Jaded to score the pin. They did it. No interference! The four women scheduled for the match got to the finish all by themselves! This match wasn't nearly as good as the men's offering before it, but because it was the first KOTR or QOTR match to finish clean, it deserves an award. John Cena can't handle the truth, gets verbally torched by CM Punk John Cena was straight up not having a good time in Lexington. Cena took the mic to kick off the show to cut a promo about his master plan to become a 17-time champion. He even named his wrestling Mount Rushmore which consisted of John Cena, John Cena, John Cena and John Cena. Shoutout to Dylan. Cody Rhodes joined him in the ring to clap back at him about his greatness claims, dubbing him "John Rushmore." Rhodes also reminded Cena that he pinned him in the center of the ring at MITB. Randy Orton and LA Knight joined the party, each offering scathing words for Cena. The champ decided he had enough and left the ring. That's when the first attack from Ron Killings took place as he blindsided Cena at the entrance. Cena was pissed and yelled at SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage. We couldn't hear the argument, but it looked like Cena was a ticked-off baseball skipper yelling at an ump. Hilarious. Later in the show, Cena stormed back to the ring and demanded Killings come to the ring for a fight. He got CM Punk instead. Punk took the mic and went in on Cena. It was a classic Punk undressing. Punk said Cena can't beat him, so he'll take it upon himself to stop Cena's plan to ruin wrestling. Punk then accused Cena of copying Punk's old playbook, when he wanted to take the title home before leaving WWE over a decade ago. Punk said he's going to make Cena's retirement run watchable, and then rejected Cena's Mount Rushmore claim by naming Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart and Eddie Guerrero. Throughout the promo, Punk mentioned "truth" more than once, foreshadowing what was coming. Yep, Killings attacked Cena from behind for the second time after Punk left the ring. After the second attack, Aldis granted Killings' request for a match against Cena next week. Fantastic stuff all around, throughout the show with Cena. Multiple appearances in the ring and backstage segments. Punk delivered a tremendous promo, and Killings was excellent. Alexa Bliss advances in Queen of the Ring Tournament The next fatal four-way in the QOTR tournament was between Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Alba Fyre and Candice LeRae. This tournament match felt more like a two-woman show than any other first-round match. Flair and Bliss had the biggest moments of the match, and LeRae quickly felt like a complete afterthought. Fyre had a few moments, but she was not a believable potential winner as she was thrown into the match at the last minute when Chesea Green wasn't available (that was a solid backstage segment with Zelina Vega, too). The finishing sequence was interesting. Flair caught Fyre in a Figure Eight, but then Bliss grabbed LeRae for a Sister Abigail DDT. Bliss pinned LeRae while staring at Flair. The three count came before the tap from Fyre. This was the least interesting match of the first round. Bliss and Flair were the only realistic options to advance, which took away from the excitement the other matches had presented. Having said that, the finish was good, but it came down to the two obvious choices. Cody Rhodes advances in King of the Ring Tournament The main event of this week's show was a fatal-four way in the KOTR tournament between Cody Rhodes, Andrade, Damien Preist and Shinsuke Nakamura. This was a stacked lineup. Everyone here had a realistic shot at advancing, even though all eyes were on Rhodes and Priest. Nakamaura came off as the smartest guy in the match from beginning to end. He rolled out of the ring at the start to avoid damage, even though Rhodes took advantage. But later in the match, on more than one spot, he broke up what would have been big double team moves by doing the simple, smart thing. The money-hungry side of TKO reared its head when Rhodes pulled out the Slim Jim-sponsored table from underneath the ring. Nakamura ended up kicking him through it, and Joe Tessitore attempted a play on the brand's "snap into a Slim Jim" tagline. Deep sigh. Anyway, the match continued on with steady action, and came to a close when Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes on Nakamura. Rhodes winning was the chalk pick, but it's fine. He'll face the winner of the final four-way between Sheamus, Rusev, Bronson Reed and Jey Uso. The interesting pick there would be to see what would happen if Rhodes and Uso had to face off after teaming together at MITB. On the other side of the bracket, the semifinal match between Sami Zayn and Randy Orton will be a fun watch.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE SmackDown Results & Highlights (6/13/25): Cody Rhodes wins high-stakes main event, major stars appear and more
Image via WWE WWE SmackDown after Money in the Bank PLE was a star-studded night with thrilling matches and moments. The June 13th edition of WWE SmackDown took place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This was the fallout episode of WWE Money in the Bank, which kicked off to a huge start, featured multiple King and Queen of the Ring tournament opening round matches, and ended with a blockbuster main event with Cody Rhodes emerging victorious. Opening segment with John Cena — WWE (@WWE) John Cena came out to open the show and spoke about his tactics on his farewell tour, which had been a success, and gave everything he wanted. He even took shots at his upcoming Night of Champions opponent, CM Punk. This led to the arrival of Cody Rhodes, who reminded Cena that he pinned him at Money in the Bank PLE. Furthermore, Randy Orton returned for the first time since losing to Cena at WWE Backlash PLE, followed by LA Knight. Cena chose to leave the ring, but R-Truth attacked him on the entrance ramp. Randy Orton vs Aleister Black vs Carmelo Hayes vs LA Knight This was the first Fatal 4-Way match in the opening round of the King of the Ring tournament. The match was highly spectacular to witness as all four competitors brought different styles to the bout, with high stakes involved. As the ending approached, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker attacked LA Knight. Carmelo Hayes tried to take advantage with a top rope move, but landed in an RKO by Orton on top of LA Knight, who pinned him for the win and will now face Sami Zayn in the semi-finals match. Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax vs Michin vs Piper Niven This was the first Fatal 4-Way match in the opening round of the Queen of the Ring tournament. The match was an exciting in-ring showdown, with temporary alliances also forming during the match. In the final moments of the bout, Piper Niven took out Nia Jax outside the ring and looked to dispatch Michin inside the ring. Just then, Jade Cargill planted her with the Jaded to pick up the win and advance in the tournament to face Roxanne Perez in the semi-finals. Motor City Machine Guns vs The Wyatt Sicks This was a tag team match between The Motor City Machine Guns and Wyatt Sicks members, Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy. The tag team action was on full display as other members of The Wyats, alongside Uncle Howdy, watched from the ringside area. The match came to an end when Dexter Lumis delivered a huge leg drop from the top rope to Chris Sabin and pinned him for the win. John Cena's segment with CM Punk John Cena came out in anger to confront R-Truth, who had attacked him earlier. Instead, CM Punk came out and berated Cena in his classic style. He accused him of trying to be like him and promised to save wrestling that he is trying to ruin. As he left, Cena was once again attacked by Truth from behind and locked in the STF as Punk watched. Charlotte Flair vs Alexa Bliss vs Candice LeRae vs Alba Fyre This was the first Fatal 4-Way match in the opening round of the Queen of the Ring tournament. Originally, Chelsea Green was supposed to be in the match. However, she could not make it to the show, and Nick Aldis put Alba Fyre in the match. Much like the first match earlier in the night, it was a captivating showdown that saw an interesting end. As Charlotte Flair had Alba Fyre in the Figure Eight, Alexa Bliss planted Candice LeRae with the Sister Abigail DDT to win the match. Cody Rhodes vs Damian Priest vs Shinsuke Nakamura vs Andrade El Idolo The main event match was the second Fatal 4-Way match in the opening round of the King of the Ring tournament. It was easily the best match of the night, garnering loud applause from the audience. Moreover, it saw the action spill all over the ringside and even saw the use of tables. It came to an end when Cody Rhodes delivered the Cross Rhodes on both Shinsuke Nakamura and Andrade El Idolo and pinned Nakamura to advance to the next round. Also read: WWE introduces major creative change to accommodate Goldberg's return
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Smackdown results: Wyatt Sicks strike again and flatten Street Profits, Fraxiom, and other tag teams
The tag team division on SmackDown is in complete chaos after a violent attack by the Wyatt Sicks. Just as things seemed to be heating up with several teams claiming they deserved a shot at the titles, the lights went out and everything changed. The Street Profits started the conversation with a confident promo in Knoxville, Tennessee. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins reminded everyone they had the tag division on lock before Wyatt Sicks ruined their last match. Then came the Motor City Machine Guns. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley stepped up and said they wanted a title opportunity as well. Fraxiom joined the mix with Nathan Frazer saying they never got a fair chance and that they were ready to run it back. Axiom backed him up and said nobody beat them last week. That led to more arguing until Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa showed up. With Candice LeRae speaking for them, DIY claimed that none of the other teams deserved a shot. The lights go out, and the Wyatt Sicks send a strong message THEY'RE HERE!The Wyatt Sicks just took out the entire #SmackDown Tag Team Division 😱 In the middle of all the noise, the arena went black. When the lights returned, Uncle Howdy was standing on the turnbuckles. One by one, the Wyatt Sicks tore through everyone in sight. Erick Rowan pulled the Motor City Machine Guns to the floor and left them out cold. Dexter Lumis attacked the Street Profits with no hesitation. Joe Gacy blindsided Fraxiom while Nikki Cross launched herself off the announce desk to take out Candice LeRae. Nathan Frazer tried to get back on his feet, but walked right into a devastating Sister Abigail from Uncle Howdy. It was a chilling scene as every tag team lay broken in and around the ring. The Wyatt Sicks stood tall without saying a single word. With Money in the Bank 2025 only a week away, this segment shook up the entire tag division. No one knows who will get a title shot now, or even who is left to challenge. What is clear is that the Wyatt Sicks are not just here to haunt the show. They are here to take control.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tiffany Stratton shines bright on WWE SmackDown as Solo Sikoa, Alexa Bliss punch Money in the Bank tickets
Tiffany Stratton left no doubt about her reign as WWE Women's Champion in a SmackDown main event that had everything from brutality, defiance, and redemption. In a high-stakes battle, she overcame Nia Jax, a crumbling announce table, interference from Naomi and Jade Cargill, and two monstrous kick-outs before landing her second Prettiest Moonsault Ever to retain her title. While Stratton celebrated, chaos brewed elsewhere across the blue brand. From fierce qualifying matches to debut shockers, WWE SmackDown lit the fuse for Money in the Bank and pushed several rivalries to the brink. Also read: Everything you need to know about WWE Backlash 2025 as Cena retains his title 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Money in the Bank takes shape with Bliss and Sikoa Alexa Bliss showed why she remains one of the most cunning women in WWE. In a Triple Threat Qualifier against Michin and Chelsea Green, Bliss showcased her trademark opportunism. After Green nearly stole the win from a dazed Michin, Bliss yanked Michin from the ring and landed a devastating Sister Abigail on Green to earn her spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. In the men's division, Solo Sikoa emerged victorious in a Triple Threat Match against Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix, thanks to timely distractions from Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo. Sikoa capitalized with a crushing Samoan Spike to punch his ticket to the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Live Events JC Mateo stuns in SmackDown debut After LA Knight blindsided Mateo earlier in the night, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis booked an impromptu main roster debut for the powerhouse newcomer. Knight seemed to have the edge after neutralizing interference from Sikoa and Fatu, but one misstep was all it took. Mateo delivered a brutal Tour of the Islands to score a massive victory in his first WWE match. Also read: WWE Raw Monday results, highlights: CM Punk vs Seth Rollins, Jey Uso vs Gunther, check all winners ahead of WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Adding to the drama, Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa had a tense faceoff post-match as JC Mateo assisted in a successful title defense at WWE Backlash. LA Knight later retaliated, promising this war is far from over. Factions collide, legends return, and battles heat up On the tag team front, Axiom and Nathan Frazer stunned #DIY with a surprise pinfall, only to be ambushed after the bell. But before the damage could escalate, Motor City Machine Guns hit the ring to even the odds and tease a future collision. Aleister Black's match with Carmelo Hayes ended in disqualification after The Miz interfered, derailing what had been a clinic of precision strikes and near falls. Meanwhile, R-Truth was announced to face WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena on Saturday Night's Main Event, and Drew McIntyre accepted Damian Priest's steel cage challenge for the same night. With rivalries burning hot and stakes rising for Money in the Bank on June 7, SmackDown continues to serve up must-see moments every week.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fan-Favorite WWE Tag Team Reacts to WrestleMania 41 Absence
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. Made up of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, Motor City Machine Guns have been one of the most beloved and respected tag teams in professional wrestling. First debuting in 2006, MCMG first started garnering attention as part of TNA before appearing in other promotions like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Undergoes Dramatic Character Change Surprisingly, MCMG joined WWE in September 2024 and quickly established themselves in the tag team division, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship in October. Despite this, Shelley and Sabin were absent from WrestleMania 41, and the WWE Tag Team Championship wasn't represented at all. Instead, they had a classic Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the championship against The Street Profits and #DIY on SmackDown. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin show team work against Elton Prince during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin show team work against Elton Prince during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. WWE/Getty Images Needless to say, fans were upset that the match wasn't featured on WrestleMania. However, Shelley and Sabin seemed perfectly ok with missing the event during an appearance on SHAK Wrestling. In fact, there weren't any plans to have the match at WrestleMania to begin with. More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Diagnosed With Cancer "If there was I knew nothing of it, we didn't know till the week before on SmackDown," Sabin said. "They told us, 'Next week we're going to do a TLC match,' and that was the first I heard of it. So if there was, I was not part of those talks and did not hear anything about it." "Yeah, we had so much going on WrestleMania weekend before and after SmackDown. That if the conversations were had, it didn't reach us," Shelley agreed. "Quite frankly, we wouldn't have cared one way or the other, because we're going to wrestle our asses off no matter where it's at." That being said, both members of MCMG appreciated the support from fans. "I mean, I just think it showed that the fans cared, which is a good thing," Sabin explained. "Because that SmackDown was in Las Vegas, which is where WrestleMania was. "So many of the same fans that were at that SmackDown were going to go to WrestleMania so they kind of thought. Maybe, 'Oh, they don't get to see the match live.' "So, you know, but that just showed that they cared. And then to see the response that we had from the fans and everyone after the match like that I think it worked out the way it was meant to work out, and I was very happy with everything. I wouldn't change a thing." More Pro Wrestling: WWE Tag Team Unexpectedly Breaks Up "Yeah, and I think it's in one ear, out the other. It's nice that we got these accolades," Shelley said. "But at the same time, those are done with, and they don't benefit us going forward. So we got to stay grounded. We got to stay humble, we got to work even harder, because if there's another one, you better believe we're going to want to top it." In the end, Motor City Machine Guns and the other teams in the TLC match did prove one thing: they are some of the best teams in the business and they are more than deserving to be at WrestleMania next year. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Undergoes Surgery WWE Veteran Returning for Saturday Night's Main Event For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
