WWE Smackdown Highlights Tensions and Notable Tournament Absences

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Ricky Saints and Carmelo Hayes are set to face off for a Night of Champions shot at U.S. champion Trick Williams.

Cageside Seats - Gunther, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Finn Bálor, Royce Keys, Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca, Alexa Bliss, Tiffany Stratton, Brie Bella, Paige, Rhea Ripley, Wade Barrett, Joe Tessitore.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Jey Uso has gained negative attention following his performance on SmackDown, where he is one match away from competing at WWE Night of Champions 2026.

Sportskeeda - LA Knight expressed disappointment after failing to win the WWE King of the Ring Tournament.

Sportskeeda - Finn Balor was eliminated in the first round of the WWE King of the Ring Tournament and shared a one-word message on social media regarding his loss.

Cageside Seats - Gunther's WWE title rematch against Cody Rhodes is described as a strategic move to create doubt in Rhodes' mind by having Sami Zayn as the referee.

Sportskeeda - Jey Uso's advancement to the King of the Ring semi-finals has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing discontent over his continued push in the singles division.

Sportskeeda - Charlotte Flair's victory in the Queen of the Ring tournament included interference from Tiffany Stratton and Alexa Bliss, who helped Flair secure the win against Jade Cargill, Lyra Valkyria, and Sol Ruca.

Sportskeeda - Blake Monroe is "coming soon" for the third consecutive week after her appearance backstage last month, where she named different SmackDown wrestlers from her "burn book."

Sportskeeda - Women's Tag champions Brie Bella and Paige defeated Fatal Influence in a non-title match, showcasing their veteran savvy in the ring.

Sportskeeda - Rhea Ripley's knee injury sustained at Clash in Italy is being evaluated and treated.

Sportskeeda - Jey Uso is one match away from competing at WWE Night of Champions 2026.

Sportskeeda - Cody Rhodes teased facing his former tag team partner for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026.

Cageside Seats - Jey Uso, LA Knight, Finn Bálor, and Royce Keys competed in a Fatal Four-Way match in the main event of SmackDown.

Sportskeeda - Charlotte Flair's victory in the Queen of the Ring tournament included involvement from Alexa Bliss and Tiffany Stratton, who helped Flair secure the win.

Cageside Seats - Gunther is set to have a WWE title rematch against Cody Rhodes next Friday.

Cageside Seats - Sami Zayn will serve as the referee for Gunther's title rematch.

Cageside Seats - Charlotte Flair defeated Jade Cargill, Lyra Valkyria, and Sol Ruca to advance to the semi-finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Sportskeeda - Rhea Ripley's knee injury sustained at Clash in Italy is being evaluated and treated.

Cageside Seats - Gunther has demanded a stipulation for his WWE title rematch against Cody Rhodes, specifically requesting Sami Zayn as the referee.

Sportskeeda - Jey Uso's advancement to the King of the Ring semi-finals has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing discontent over his continued push in the singles division.

Sportskeeda - Charlotte Flair's victory in the Queen of the Ring tournament was aided by interference from Tiffany Stratton and Alexa Bliss, who helped Flair secure her win against Jade Cargill, Lyra Valkyria, and Sol Ruca.