WWE SmackDown Preview (June 19, 2026): Stacked Night of Championship Action
The road to the next premium live event runs straight through a loaded edition of Friday Night SmackDown. With two massive championship matches on the marquee, a high-stakes contender's bout, and the explosive fallout of a major division rivalry, WWE is pulling out all the stops.
Here’s your full preview with my predictions for a stacked night of action, plus my latest podcast episode. I’d really appreciate if you gave it a listen — maybe hit like and drop a comment — it helps a ton.
Enjoy the article and the show! #AutismAwareness
WWE SmackDown 6/5/26 Lineup
Special Appearance: Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley Face-to-Face
The women's division is on absolute fire, but things have turned deeply personal between Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley. Following a brutal, chaotic attack that left the WWE Universe stunned, both powerhouses are advertised to be in the building to address each other.
When these two forces collide, words usually give way to flying fists. Expect fireworks, security disruptions, and a potential physical escalation that could alter the landscape of the division.
United States Championship #1 Contender's Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ricky Saints
The spotlight is blindingly bright for this one. Carmelo Hayes prides himself on being "HIM" and delivering on the biggest stages, but he faces a hungry, lethal opponent in Ricky Saints.
With a future championship opportunity hanging in the balance, neither man can afford a single mistake. Expect a high-flying, fast-paced clinic where the winner cements themselves at the front of the line.
Tag Team Championship Match: R-Truth & Damian Priest (c) vs. The MFTs
An unlikely brotherhood puts the gold on the line. The unique, crowd-pleasing dynamic of R-Truth and the raw, punishing power of Damian Priest has kept them at the top of the mountain.
However, they face their most chaotic test yet against the relentless ferocity of The MFTs. The champions will need to stay completely on the same page to survive the numbers game and the pure unpredictability of the challengers.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
A premium live event-worthy main event on free television. Cody Rhodes puts the richest prize in the business on the line against the most efficient, brutal machine in modern wrestling: Gunther.
"The American Nightmare" has shown incredible resilience as champion, but he has never faced the sheer, unyielding physical punishment that Gunther inflicts.
Can Cody find a way to chop down the Ring General, or will Gunther's relentless precision usher in a new era of dominance?
SmackDown Predictions
Number 1 Contenders: Ricky Saints defeats Carmelo Hayes during the match Trick Williams screws Carmelo Hayes
Charlotte Flair defeats Liv Morgan
Damian Priest and R-Truth defeats The MFTs
Je'Von Evans defeats Jey Uso During the match LA Knight screws Jey Uso.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defeats Gunther after Sami Zayn is taken out and then CM Punk becomes the new special guest referee to help Cody Rhodes win and retain over Gunther.
Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley tried to go face-to-face then The Judgment Day's Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez double-teamed Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill until Iyo Sky made the save
WWE SmackDown is one of WWE's flagship weekly programs, showcasing the biggest Superstars on the SmackDown brand in explosive matches, heated rivalries, intense promos, and major storyline advancements that shape the future of WWE.
It airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network (in the US), with episodes also available on demand shortly after the live broadcast on Peacock (in the US) and on WWE Network or Netflix internationally (depending on the region).
