Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown this Friday for the first time since his controversial win over Gunther at Clash In Italy, and the fallout from that Undisputed WWE Championship victory headlines a packed June 5 episode.
WWE has announced that Rhodes (c) will appear, along with Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. Both segments unfold alongside the continuation of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, with two four-way first-round matches set for the show.
Per WWE, the full lineup for the June 5 episode is as follows:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes (c) appears
- WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley (c) appears
- King of the Ring Tournament first round: Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Bron Breakker
- Queen of the Ring Tournament first round: Bayley vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The Rhodes appearance carries the most weight heading into the show. His Clash In Italy win over Gunther was clouded by controversy, and Friday marks his first chance to address the crowd since leaving Italy with the title still around his waist.
The tournament action gives the night its competitive stakes. The King of the Ring four-way pits Damian Priest, Trick Williams, Dominik Mysterio, and Bron Breakker against one another, while the Queen of the Ring bracket opens with Bayley, Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, and Raquel Rodriguez.
For full start time, channel, and viewing details, see our complete SmackDown preview for June 5. SEScoops also has the prior week’s SmackDown rundown for those catching up on the road to these tournament brackets.
