By John Moore, ProWrestling.net Staffer (@liljohnm)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,402)
Taped June 29, 2026, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at Boardwalk Hall
Aired July 3, 2026, on USA Network and streamed internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] Highlights from the WWE Championship match at WWE Night of Champions aired…
Michael Cole and Corey Graves were on commentary. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer…
Smackdown opened up with new WWE Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn making his entrance. Sami talked about how people in the arena are here to “ride or die with the last good guy”. Sami said all the support has touched him from the bottom of his heart and he thanks everyone. Sami acknowledged how he’s been booed out of the building for the last few months. Sami said it was ironic because those same people booing were people wanting to see him as champion a few years ago.
Sami said he can be petty to all those people who turned their backs on him. He said he can ask them to “kiss my ass”. He said he won’t be petty because he’s a good guy. Sami said he’s holding it because he won’t change. He said people told him to be more mean or cutthroat. He said he didn’t listen. He said he did it his way and he did it the right way. Sami said he can be petty to all those doubters who don’t think he’s championship material.
He said he can tell all of them again to “Kiss my ass”. He said he won’t because this is a celebration. Sami said soaked in “Sami” chants. He said we are celebrating “Sami” the new WWE Champion. He said we settled the debate that Sami Zayn will go down as one of the greats. Sami said he is a WrestleMania Main Eventer and Grand Slam Champion. Sami said no amount of booing, hate, and noise will take that away from him.
Former Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance. Sami asked Cody what he wants to talk about? Cody said Sami reminded him of when he won the title, and how Sami was the first person to come and celebrate with Cody. Cody said he wanted to return the favor and say “congratulations champ”. Sami accepted Cody’s handshake. Cody started to leave and Sami asked him “is that it?” and to come back.
Sami told Cody to drop the American Nightmare act, because he knows Cody is here for more. Sami said he knows that Sami has something Cody wants. Sami told Cody to be honest and tell him why he’s out here. Jey Uso made his entrance to interject. Jey hugged Sami and called him his dawg. Sami and Jey did their secret Bloodline handshake. Jey said he won’t run it back because it’s all about uce Sami Zayn now.
Jey said Sami deserves it, but Sami knows why he’s here. Jey said this was Bloodline buisness and a warning shot. Jey said he needs to bring the title back to the family. Cody asked Jey what year this is? Cody talked about Jey already winning the World title since the Bloodline days, and when did Jey revert to running errands to the Tribal Chief. Cody said it’s time to talk his rematch. Sami said he never stabbed Cody in the back when he was champ, and now it’s time.
Sami pointed out Cody saying the title will never be his if he holds it. Sami told Jey that the title is already in the family due to him being an honorary Uce. Sami said it’s over. Sami started to walk away, but was stopped by interim Smackdown GM Adam Pearce. Adam said he’s happy to be the GM after Nick Aldis was suspended. Pearce said his first order of business is to find Sami’s next opponent.
Sami wondered if he had a say in his Summerslam opponent. Adam said “who said Summerslam?”. Adam said that he’s going to have Sami wrestle on Monday to defend the title. Pearce booked Cody vs. Jey for later in the show to find out a number one contender…
Michael Cole and Corey Graves checked in on commentary. Cole sent the show to Cathy Kelley, who interviewed Charlotte Flair. Kelley asked Flair why she interfered in Jade Cargill’s match. Charlotte said she just returned the favor after Jade interfered in her business. Alexa Bliss showed up and said she was surprised Flair showed up at Night of Champions.
Alexa said a heads up would have been nice. Charlotte talked about Alexa teaming with Tiffany Stratton without informing her. Tiffany showed up and thanked Charlotte for her help. Chelsea Green cut in between to act friendly to everyone. Charlotte said she’ll see Green and Tiffany out there. Green said they’ll see Flair out there…
Charlotte Flair made her entrance…[c]
John’s Thoughts: An interesting dynamic to start the show, with Sami logically playing an unforced Tweener role. He was trending full heel before Night of Champions, but Night of Champions introduced a nice wrench into the story as to make it unconventional in a good way. The crowd reaction seemed 70:30 in favor of Sami, but that 30% was enough to be noticeable. I like that Sami didn’t flip the script to being a standard white meat babyface. He was being petty, while saying he’s not going to be petty. He was avoiding all challengers, rather than be your white meat fighting champion. Very interesting stuff with a character that can come off as “holier than thou”. I hope WWE takes advantage of this to tell a nuanced story.
Jade Cargill and her new baddies got a televised entrance. A replay aired of Charlotte getting jumped by Cargill and crew a few weeks ago…
1. Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill, Mia “Michin” Yim, and B-Fab. Stratton dropkicked Cargill to start, and Michin quickly tagged in. Michin got a two count on Stratton after a Sunset Flip. B-Fab tagged in and got a two count off a suplex. Charlotte tagged in and caught Fab with a crossbody. Flair knocked the other two off the apron. Charlotte caught Fab with a high kick. Charlotte hit Fab with her signature chops.
Flair caught Fab with a Big Boot and followed up with a cannonball from the apron. Cargill caught Flair with a clothesline while she was gloating into the camera.[c]
Cargill caught Flair with a Fallaway Slam. Flair avoided a tackle in the corner. The heels cut the ring in half on Flair. Flair got the hot tag to Green. Green hit Michin with a enzuigiri combination. Green caught Michin with a Ruff Ryder for a nearfall. All six women took turns hitting strong strikes. Michin rolled up Green for a two count. Green hit Michin with a nice Old School into a Huracanrana.
Jade and Green reversed each other’s finishers. B-Fab got on the apron for the distraction. This allowed Jade to hit Green with Jaded for the win.
Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin defeated Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton, and Charlotte Flair via pinfall in 5:38 of on-air time.
John’s Thoughts: A simple and effective match in slowly adding heat to the Jade Cargill and baddie faction, who are meshing better and better week to week. Yes, they’ve taken lumps, but they are also shrugging those off too en route to the big Flair vs. Cargill clash. Meanwhile, Green benefits being the designated job person, as it will hopefully lead to Tiffany Stratton turning on her in the end.
A replay aired of the backstage altercation between Nick Aldis and Gunther at WWE Night of Champions, which led to Aldis being put “under administrative leave”. Cole noted that he received a statement from WWE higher ups
Sami Zayn caught up with Adam Pearce asking why he has to wrestle on Raw as a Smackdown wrestler. Pearce said he was giving Sami a great opportunity, in a great city, on a great show. Adam told Sami he’ll see him on monday and it’ll be great. Adam quickly dipped out.
Sami then ran up to Candace LeRae and a comatose Johnny Gargano, who was planked on a crate as usual. Sami credited Johnny with getting him the title win. Sami called Johnny his rock. Sami then handed Candace his phone so he and Johnny can take a picture…
AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix made his entrance…[c]
AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo del Vikingo was in the middle of his entrance. Graves talked about how Vikingo is more of a bad guy these days…
John’s Thoughts: Note, this match was taped before Vikingo was pulled out of his title defense on Tuesday’s NXT show.
2. Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo Jr. for the AAA Cruiserweight Championship. Vikingo worked on Fenix with a kick combination. Fenix missed a spinning back kick, but hit Vikingo with a Lethal Injection for a two count. Fenix went for a baseball slide, but was trapped in the apron by Vikingo. Vikingo hit Fenix with a wrecking ball kick and dive at ringside heading into break.[c]
Fenix hit Vikingo with an impressive drive by run while tightroping. Fenix got a two count off a dive. Vikingo set Fefnix up in the corner and hit him with a Meteora. Vikingo hit Fenix with a sweet looking 630 Dragonrana for a two count. Vikingo hit Fenix with a basement dropkick. Fenix recovered and brawled with Vikingo to the top rope.
Vikingo hit Fenix with a Super Poisonrana (completely safe looking too) for a good nearfall. Fenix dodged a Tightrope 450. Fenix slapped Vikingo on the top rope. Fenix hit Vikingo with aBlack Fire Driver for the victory.
Rey Fenix defeated El Hijo Del Vikingo via pinfall in 5:24 of on-air time to retain the AAA Cruiserweight Championship.
John’s Thoughts: While I agree with Jason Powell that it’s getting a bit crazy across multiple companies with the amount of belt McGuffins they introduce, I don’t mind putting an exception on the AAA Cruiserweight title if that’s the only title that’s going to be defended on multiple shows (Though WWE already showed they’re also introducing the other AAA belts like the tag and Latin American, which I hope stay away from multiple shows). The AAA Cruiserweight title can serve as a substitute for the old WWE Cruiserweight title that pops in and out of the company, which can offer a match style that actually draws eyes. This was a fun match. Vikingo continues to show he’s the best high flyer in the world by doing things you don’t see the best athletes do, and it’s fun seeing him having fun being a heel these days (I like that there’s no nervousness there). Rey Fenix meanwhile is someone I’ve called the best all round strong style and high flyer dating back to 2015. I like him being presented on Smackdown as a champion too, as it will hopefully rehabilitate his image after being trapped in WWE C-show hell.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Giulia about getting attacked by Blake Monroe in her last match. Giulia said she doesn’t back down from any fight. She said if Monroe stopped being a coward, she’ll fight her anytime, anywhere. Kiana James walked in and did a golf clap. Kiana said Giulia only got lucky a few weeks ago. Blake Monroe showed up out of nowhere and tossed Giulia into a production crate. James tried to gloat on Giulia, but Monroe also tossed James into the crate
Michael Cole hyped up a replay of Seth Rollins confronting Roman Reigns from Monday…[c]
[Hour Two] A replay aired of the Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins confrontation from WWE Raw. Graves hyped Roman vs. Seth for Summerslam…
Royce Keys met up with Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso backstage. Keys mocked Jacob for following Roman’s orders. Jimmy said he and Jacob are on a mission to snuff out Solo Sikoa. Jimmy said if Royce doesn’t know where Solo is, they he and Jacob can handle family business on their own. Royce said blood don’t make you family, loyalty do. Royce said he’s been Jacob’s day one for the last 14 years. He said he’s always been loyal to Jacob, so as long as he’s concerned, “I’m your family”. Jimmy said “not no mo, right Jacob?”. Jacob didn’t answer and walked off with Jimmy…
John’s Thoughts: The background between Jacob and Royce is legit. They’ve been traveling and wrestling in the same indie promotions for the last two decades. First time I saw Jacob Fatu wrestle was at an All Pro Wrestling show in Daly City where Royce Keys also had a match (where Royce was a part of the Lion Power tag team with Nor Cal indie standout Marcus Lewis). This was also the same indie promotion Cody Rhodes wrestled at, so they can easily weave him into the picture if they want.
WWE United States Champion Trick Williams and his manager Lil Yachty made their entrance. Corey Graves said Lil Yachty was out here lookin’ like Steve Lombardi Kim Chee. Before they could say anything, Trick’s old homie and former US Champion Carmelo Hayes made his entrance. Melo said it was time to get to business. Melo noted that Ricky Saints couldn’t get the job done on Saturday, and it was time to run things back between he and Trick if Trick’s bout it bout it.
Melo pointed out Trick won’t answer him. He said he’ll give Trick his flowers. He said the title looks great on him and the crowd loves him, but that’s only because Melo didn’t decide to stop him yet. Melo said he made the championship into a championship, while Trick made the title into an accessory. Melo said if Trick and Yachty want a title, he’ll give them a discount code for a replica on WWE shop. Melo said the US title is the workhorse, match of the night title, and the title for hungry guys.
Melo said Trick’s out here like he had too much to eat. Melo told Trick to prove him wrong. Melo asked Trick to put the title against somebody who knows him better than anybody. He said he’s not buying Trick trying to be the best US champion of all time. Melo said Trick may walk the walk and talk the walk with “them”; but he has two left feet and a mouth full of marbles when he’s in there with “HIM”. Yachty asked Melo who’s he talkin’ to?
Yachty said that Trick has been nothing “short” to pure greatness, shot at Melo. Yachty asked the crowd if they should give this young small man a match. The crowd cheered “yes”. Yachty said not to blow a blood vessel. Yachty said Melo has a match next week, but not for the title. Yachty said titles are earned and not given, so no handouts. Yachty said he’s giving the match to give Trick his reps.
Yachty said when things get tricky, Melo will have no excuses as to why he can’t get the job done. Trick said he does know Melo like the back of his hand. Trick faked walking away and gave Melo a backhand pimp slap to leave Melo on his knee. Trick and Yachty were leaving. While they were dapping. Melo hit Trick with a Flip Dive…
John’s Thoughts: Awesome stuff, and I really liked that Trick minimized his talking here as it allowed Carmelo to get his stuff out on the mic, as well as Lil Yachty being able to shine. Lil Yachty has low key been a bit of a revolution in pro wrestling, in that he’s showing was a serious pro wrestling manager can deliver. Yachty is proof as to why WWE needs to maybe try to cultivate some young talkers down in the performance center, maybe even bring in some public speaking specialists, poets, and or rappers as prospects. People who cut promos in life. Melo really found his voice in NXT 2.0 (back when Trick was his manager) and I’m happy he was able to show some of it here. I’m really looking forward to this Trick Melo feud lasting years and years if done right.
Danhausen was in his “lab” with the “zombified” Kit Wilson and Miz hooked up to a machine. Matt Cardona walked in. Kit and Miz did Zach’s old “woo woo woo, you know it”. Danhausen talked about having a match against big head JD McDonagh at Madison Square Garden. Matt Cardona said he’ll back up DanHausen if he needs it. Danhausen said he already has backup. Danhausen told “Zack Ryder” to turn on his new machine. Cardona turned it on and it started to “electrocute” (or body swap?) Kit and Miz…
Brie Bella and Paige made their entrance. Cole noted that Brie will wrestle her first singles match in a decade…[c]
John’s Thoughts: The Danhausen cheese is hit or miss, and not for all. I got a kick out of the cheesy zombie segments, especially since everyone involved has good comedic timing. Bonus points for everyone calling out Cardona for being Zack Ryder.
Jey Uso was warming up backstage…
Fatal Influence got their full entrance this week. A replay aired of Paige defeating Jacy Jayne in her home country last Friday. Michael Cole noted that Lainey Reid has been in WWE for less than 3 years (Wrestling for less than 3 years too as she is one of WWE’s NIL prospects that picked up wrestling fast)…
3. Brie Bella (w/Paige) vs. Lainey Reid (w/Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley). Reid started the match with a hook to the chin. Brie dodged an elbow drop. Reid worked on Brie with kicks in the corner. Reid dragged Brie to the top rope. Brie caught Reid with a Missile Dropkick. Brie hit Reid with Yes kicks. Henley got on the apron for a distraction. Brie reversed a suplex and dragged Reid into a Yes Lock.
Paige tossed Henley and Jayne aside. Henley tossed Paige into the ringpost. Brie tossed Henley around at ringside. The distraction allowed Reid to hit Brie with a running knee for the win.
Lainey Reid defeated Brie Bella via pinfall in 3:18.
John’s Thoughts: It’s kinda a bit wild how it seems Lainey Reid is further along ahead in the ring than the wife of arguably the greatest technical wrestler in the world (Nikki was always the better in-ring worker of the two in the long run). As Cole alluded to, Lainey is fresh out of College with only 3 years of pro wrestling training/experience. Anyways, Yeah, another tired distraction finish in wrestling, but at least they gave Fatal Influence a bit of heat back. They still really need to put in some work to give Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid personalities and ethos. Make them more than just being henchwomen. Especially Fallon Henley, who was one of the strongest in-ring and character workers in NXT.
R-Truth and Nathan Frazer had a hot dog eating contest while their tag team partners watched. Truth won and offered Damien Priest a hot dog. The War Raiders pulled up. Erik asked the tag champions if they’re taking them up on their offer, or just going to shove hot dogs in their face. Ivar snatched Truth’s hot dog and bit it. Truth told Priest “he just bit your wiener!”.
Ivar spat the dog out. Truth said you’re supposed to swallow. Oh lord! Truth then agreed to a hot dog contest with the tag titles on the line. Priest cut in and said he’s down, but they need to wait until Aldis gets back and the match has to happen on Smackdown. Truth said the War Raiders will soon lose their Luchador status. Erik berated Ivar for randomly eating the hot dog…
Cole hyped a replay of the Brock and Oba confrontation from Monday after the break…[c]
A replay aired of the Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar highlights from Monday Night Raw. Michael Cole hyped Oba vs. Brock for SummerSlam in a Hell in a Cell match…
Finn Balor caught up with Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody welcomed Finn to Smackdown. Finn said he came to Smackdown hoping to face Cody as champion. Finn told Cody to go out there and get the title back! Cody left. Finn’s old Bullet Club homie Tama Tonga pulled up and told Finn that he got some advice from the elders last week.
Finn asked what that has to do with him? Talla Tonga snuck up from behind and tossed Finn into a production crate. Talla choked Finn on the crate. Tama said he’s closing the books on everything from his past, and Finn’s next…
Jey Uso made his yeet dance entrance from the concourse to the ring…[c]
Cody Rhodes made his entrance…
4. Jey Uso vs. “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes to become number one contender to the WWE Undisputed Championship. Jey reversed an early Cross Rhodes into a staredown. Cody worked on Jey with methodical strikes and holds. Jey backdropped Cody to ringside and hit him with a Suicide Dive.[c]
Cody reversed Yeet punches into the Goldust Hook. Cody hit Jey with a Cody Cutter for a nearfall. Jey ran into Cody’s kick at ringside. Jey recovered and slammed Cody on the announce table. Cody blocked a Suicide Dive with a right hand. Cody tossed Jey into the timekeepers area. Cody and Jey took each other out with clotheslines.[c]
Back from break, Jey hit Cody with an Uso Splash for a nearfall. Cody recovered and hit Jey with a Super Cody Cutter for a nearfall. Jey reversed a Disaster Kick into a Superkick and Spear for a nearfall. Cody avoided a Splash and hit Jey with a Spear and Cross Rhodes. Jey kicked out. Cody went for a Uso Splash but Jey got the knees up for a roll up and two count. Jey and Cody traded Yeet-Yay right hands.
Jey put Cody in the Sleeper. Cole noted that the sleeper was what won Jey the title at WrestleMania. Cody escaped and hit Jey with a Cross Rhodes for the easy victory.
Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso via pinfall in 9:00 of on-air time to become number one contender to the WWE Undisputed Championship.
The announcers hyped Sami vs. Cody for Monday Night Raw. The executive producer credits aired to close the show…
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