SmackDown Preview: King & Queen of the Ring Tournaments Kick Off in Providence!
After a hot European tour, WWE is back on U.S. soil this Friday night with a stacked episode of SmackDown. The King and Queen of the Ring 2026 tournaments are officially underway, and the first round is already delivering absolute fire with two massive Fatal 4-Way matches.
Here’s the current announced card (expect more segments and matches to be added throughout the week), along with my predictions and latest podcast. #AutismAwareness
WWE SmackDown 6/12/26 Lineup
King of the Ring 2026 – First Round Fatal 4-Way: Jey Uso vs. LA Knight vs. Royce Keys vs. Finn Bálor
This one is going to be chaotic in the best way. Jey’s popularity is sky-high right now, LA Knight is always must-see TV, Finn brings that veteran slickness and experience, and Royce Keys has been a breakout star lately. Who walks out with the huge momentum boost heading into the next round?
Queen of the Ring 2026 – First Round Fatal 4-Way: Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill
This might be the match of the night. You’ve got athletic freaks in Sol and Jade, the technical wizardry of Lyra, and the 14-time champion Charlotte Flair who’s always a threat to steal the show. Expect big spots, big drama, and someone making a major statement.
Additional Hype
Gunther is also scheduled to appear and reportedly name the stipulation for his massive Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes on June 19.
After everything that’s gone down between these two, whatever Gunther picks is going to set the tone for what could be one of the biggest title matches of the year.
*Late addition
Tag Team Champions Paige and Brie Bella battle Fatal Influence in a non-title match
SmackDown Predictions
Charlotte Flair defeats Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca and Jade Cargill Post-Match Sol Ruca turns on Lyra Valkyria to join Jade Cargill.
LA Knight defeats Jey Uso, Finn Balor and Royce Keys Post-Match Jey Uso cheers up Royce Keys by helping him Yeeting the crowd.
WWE Women's United States Championship: Jacy Jayne defeats Tiffany Stratton and Blake Monroe to win the title.
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Trick Williams defeats Kit Wilson
Backstage: Nick Aldis reads: "Gunther does not pick a stipulation and we have informed that however Nick Aldis picks a stipulation for Cody Rhodes and Gunther."
Gunther didn't pick a stipulation, He was at his house and then he was not happy that he did not pick a stipulation due to Nick Aldis picking it and then Cody Rhodes trapped Gunther on the garage door.
Backstage: Gunther frustrates himself after the seeing the paper that he does not pick a stipulation and then Gunther flips the finger on Nick Aldis on the camera.
Paige and Brie Bella defeats Fatal Influence by DQ
Segment: Rhea Ripley confronts Jacy Jayne but after The Fatal Influence comes out, Fallon Henley betrays The Fatal Influence to join The Judgment Day.
Main Event: Cody Rhodes and CM Punk defeats JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio
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).
