WWE SmackDown Results June 19: Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER & Tournament Semifinals

Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against GUNTHER on June 19, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Wrestling Inc. The match features Sami Zayn as a special guest referee and will proceed without commercial breaks.

Why is Cody Rhodes defending against GUNTHER?

GUNTHER is seeking a rematch after an unsuccessful challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE Clash in Italy on May 31. Wrestling Inc. reports that the previous match ended in controversy when the referee missed GUNTHER’s foot under the bottom rope.

The upcoming match adds tension through the role of Sami Zayn. According to the report, the friendship between Zayn and Rhodes has become tumultuous following a series of misunderstandings and verbal confrontations.

Did You Know? The Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER on June 19 will be contested without a commercial break.

How will the WWE Tag Team Championship be decided?

Damian Priest and R-Truth defend their titles against MFT’s Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. This marks their first defense since May 1, when they retained against Nathan Frazer and Axiom, according to Wrestling Inc.

Internal friction may impact the champions. On June 5, R-Truth intervened to help Royce Keys after Talla Tonga and MFT beat him down, leading Priest to pull Truth from the ring to question his actions.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the volatile relationship between Rhodes and Zayn could create a volatile environment for the main event, potentially influencing the match outcome more than the physical competition between Rhodes and GUNTHER.

Who will challenge Trick Williams for the United States Championship?

Ricky Saints and Carmelo Hayes face off in a Number One Contenders match to determine the next challenger for Trick Williams. Both athletes have expressed interest in the title over the last several weeks, per Wrestling Inc.

🔴 WWE Smackdown Live Stream | CODY RHODES vs GUNTHER – WWE Championship | Watch Along June 19, 2026

Saints enters the match with a recent victory over Hayes. The two previously met in a singles match on June 5, which Saints won.

What is happening in the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments?

Two semifinal matches are scheduled for the June 19 event. In the King of the Ring tournament, Jey Uso of The Bloodline faces Je’Von Evans. In the Queen of the Ring tournament, the Women’s World Champion and member of Judgment Day faces Charlotte Flair.

The winners of these matches will advance to the finals at WWE Night of Champions on June 27. According to Wrestling Inc., the Queen of the Ring finalist will face IYO SKY, while the King of the Ring finalist will face Oba Femi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the June 19 episode of SmackDown taking place?
The event is held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Who is the special guest referee for the Undisputed WWE Championship match?
Sami Zayn will serve as the special guest referee.

When are the King and Queen of the Ring tournament finals?
The finals are scheduled for June 27 at WWE Night of Champions.

Who do you believe will emerge victorious in the King and Queen of the Ring semifinals?