Tag: King & Queen Of The Ring

WWE SmackDown live results: John Cena appears, King & Queen of the Ring matches

Posted on June 13, 2025June 14, 2025 by Marc Quill

After a confrontation that led to a title defense for this month’s Night of Champions, undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will return to WWE SmackDown tonight — the first since last Saturday’s Money in the Bank.

Cena was on this week’s Raw and was challenged by CM Punk for a title match with Cena saying it had to be in Saudi Arabia if it was going to happen.

The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments will also continue with three matches. On the men’s side, it will be Cody Rhodes vs. Andrade vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Damian Priest, and Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. LA Knight vs. Aleister Black.

For the women’s tournament, it will be Chelsea Green vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Candice LeRae.

After turning on Solo Sikoa at this past Saturday’s Money in the Bank, reigning United States Champion Jacob Fatu will explain his actions.

Naomi will also be on hand to celebrate her victory in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match that earned her an anytime, anywhere title shot.

**********

– After WWE’s signature open, we got the rundown for tonight’s King and Queen of the Ring qualifiers, as well as the arrivals of Jacob Fatu and Naomi to the arena. We then went to Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett at the commentary table as they teed up a recap of Money in the Bank and all that transpired last Saturday night.

John Cena opens SmackDown

The Undisputed WWE Champion entered the scene to the usual gamut of cheers and boos from the crowd. He instructed ring announcer Mark Nash to give him a very enthusiastic announcement before getting started with his promo.

Cena started off by talking about “Wrestling’s Mount Rushmore”, which he said consisted of nothing but him. He said that yes, there have been great wrestlers and great talkers, but that nobody in the past, present, or future is comparable to him. Cena said that he will always outmaneuver people not because he doesn’t give up, but because he’s smarter than us. Cena claimed that he was always a thousand steps ahead of everyone because he had six months to scout out his foes for his retirement tour. He knew that even if he lost the Royal Rumble, he could just use his seniority to guarantee himself a spot in the Elimination Chamber, and his unpredictability led to his WrestleMania victory. Cena suggested that he used the time teaming up with Logan Paul to force CM Punk into a corner by making him admit himself as a “hypocrite” (alluding to Punk’s infamous refusal to wrestle in Saudi Arabia).

Cena said that he wins matches before they even started and that he has cracked every puzzle and crunched every code, and that we wouldn’t appreciate him until three years after he was gone. He said that the math says that there will be nobody worthy to ever hold the WWE Title ever again. Enter Cody Rhodes.

The American Nightmare entered the ring and took a mic, as he started by facetiously asking Cena if everything he claimed he was about being smart “was true”. He said it was distressing that everything Cena said was right about his claims, and that while he had a grand master plan, Cena didn’t account for getting pinned last Saturday. Rhodes said that he wasn’t part of Cena’s plan, but that Cena was part of his own plan. “So, John Rushmore, where does that leave you and I?” asked Rhodes. The theme music of Randy Orton interrupted as the man himself walked down to a great ovation.

Orton said thad everyone who watched Backlash in St. Louis saw that he had Cena beaten and ready to be punted, right up until somebody “saved the day”, and it made him realized that he had to do whatever it takes to get Number 15. He said he loved Cody as a brother, but if it came down to things, he wouldn’t hesitate to put his friend down. Now it was LA Knight’s turn to interrupt proceedings.

Knight said that all week long, he heard the whole world saying “we want L.A. Knight” and that he was looking right at WWE’s “establishment” in the ring. Knight said that Cena’s master plan didn’t include him and he was going to throw that plan out the window. Knight said that he was going to drop Orton, Rhodes, and a “genius balding bitch” in Cena, with everybody saying “L.A. Knight, yeah!” Cena thought himself above all this and decided to make his exit.

As Cena left the ring, Ron Killings ambushed him from the stage as he laid into his former hero with blow after blow. Officials entered the scene to separate Killings from Cena, who was left down and out by the former R-Truth’s assault.

As a way to set up potential King of the Ring winners, this segment wasn’t bad in establishing Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight as favorites to win in a couple of weeks. Of course, I kind of expect some twists to be thrown along the way, particularly with Rhodes’ chances, as WWE might feel like delivering a curveball for his inevitable rematch against Cena.

I do have to address the implication of CM Punk’s morals being used as a storyline beat with Cena attempting to get Punk to admit he was a “hypocrite” by facing him in Saudi Arabia, however. To say it’s a “dicey” proposition to invoke the controversial nature of WWE’s Saudi Arabia shows as a storyline would be an understatement. I’m not sure how to feel about it in the grand scheme of things.

**********

– Backstage, John Cena was seen arguing with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about Ron Killings’s actions from before the break. We couldn’t hear a word said, but it was clear that Cena was certainly incensed with what happened to him at the hands of Killings.

King of the Ring Qualifying Fatal-Four Way Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

The bell rang as Hayes and Black faced off with one another as Knight and Orton just looked on briefly before they mixed it up in the ring. As Knight was fighting with Orton in the corner, Hayes attempted a roll-up pin, but Knight kicked out. Black threw Hayes out of the ring and fell victim to an apron moonsault from Black. Orton and Knight traded finisher attempts, as Black couldn’t connect with Black Mass. This led to a break in the action.

We returned with Hayes getting dropped by Knight, as he was then stomped in the corner by the former United States Champion. A prone Orton also suffered the same fate at the hands of Knight. Hayes bounced back and kicked Knight as he then twisted Black and connected with a springboard legdrop on Knight. Hayes was on fire with a Fosbury Flop on Black outside the ring. Orton made his way outside and hit his announce table backdrop on Black, but got shoved into the apron by Knight.

In the ring,. Knight propped Hayes up the top rope as the two dueled with strikes. Knight got the better of Hayes and tried for a superplex. Hayes blocked it and shoved Knight aside. Orton stepped in but also got pushed aside by Hayes. Black drilled Hayes with a knee, which appeared to open him up for a superplex, but Hayes once again got the advantage as he then hit a Frog Splash on Knight. One, two… Black broke up the pin, which led us to another break.

SmackDown returned from commercial with all four men in the ring. Knight rolled up Orton as he attempted a BFT on Black that couldn’t connected. Black opened things up with a knee and kick to the face of Hayes. Orton cut Black off at the pass as he delivered his signature offense, including a barrage of powerslams on his three opponents. Orton dragged Hayes over to the apron and looked to deliver his draping DDT. He held Black in position as he wanted to hit a double DDT, but Knight snuck up on Orton and hit a jumping neckbreaker for the close near-fall.

WIth all four men back in the ring, Knight connected with the BFT on Black. Hayes managed to break up the pin, but he paid for it with a slam from Knight. Up on the top rope, Knight tried to deliver his diving elbow, but Bronson Reed cut him off, as Bron Breakker hit a spear on Knight. Hayes looked to capitalize on the opportunity with a diving, but he caught by Orton for an RKO that sent Hayes crashing onto Knight. Orton with the cover on Knight and this one’s done. Randy Orton will now face Sami Zayn in the King of the Ring semifinals.

Randy Orton def. LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Semifinals

A very fun opening fatal four-way and the involvement from the two Brons from Seth Rollins’ faction in attacking LA Knight certainly does spice things up.

**********

– Jacob Fatu appeared backstage as we’d hear from him after the break.

Jacob Fatu addresses his Money in the Bank actions

The United States champion entered to a great ovation from the Lexington crowd as we got a recap of last week’s SmackDown and Solo Sikoa’s insulting remarks that led to the “I HATE YOU!” heard ’round the world at Money in the Bank a night after.

As the fans chanted for him, Fatu started off by saying that they were going to keep it 100. “Just because you’re family, don’t mean that you could go behind their back and try to snake ’em,” said Fatu. He noted that Solo Sikoa’s attempt to take all the credit for his success was exactly why he had to remind Sikoa at Money in the Bank what happens “when you don’t get in where you fit in,” Before Fatu could go on any further, Solo Sikoa interrupted on the Titantron.

Sikoa claimed that he brought Fatu in and made him into a superstar by helping him become the champion he could be. Sikoa said that next week, he was willing to take Fatu back next week and that he needed to hear four words from him: “I love you, Solo.” Sikoa warned Fatu that he brought him into this world, and that he could take him out of it just as easily.

Whether or not this segment between Sikoa and Fatu next week will bring the debut of another Bloodline member or the return of the Tongans to perhaps align against Fatu will be interesting, to say the least.

**********

– Nick Aldis was backstage with Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice of Alba Fyre and Piper Niven, as Green herself was FaceTiming and not in the arena. Aldis said that he was putting Fyre in Green’s place for the Women’s King of the Ring Qualifier match later tonight After Fyre and Niven left, Zelina Vega entered and wanted to face off with Giulia next week.

Queen of the Ring Qualifier Fatal-Four Way Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax vs. Michin vs. Piper Niven

As Jax and Cargill faced off, we got Niven and Michin duking it out as well. After Cargill and Michin took out their respective foes, they entered the ring and got themselves into a lockup. Cargill caught Michin for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, as she tried for a suplex. Michin avoided hit and delivered a running hurricanrana on Cargill followed by a dropkick. Niven pulled Michin out of the ring and slammed her right to the floor, along with a running senton on her fallen foe.

In the ring, Jax recovered and went to work on Cargill, who tried to fight from underneath. Jax dropped Cargill with a Samoan Drop as Niven entered and hit a running senton on Cargill. As Jax and Niven faced off, they agreed on a truce against Cargill. That alliance seemed to go nowhere as Cargill fought both off. With all three fighting it out at ringside, Michin saw this as an opportunity to hit a moonsault from the apron as we went to a break.

Back from commercial as Niven and Jax’s alliance was starting to pay dividends at the expense of one Jade Cargill. The two women continued to punish Cargill with a flurry of running hip drops on her. Their truce broke down as Niven’s pinfall attempt was stopped by Jax. Their argument allowed Michin to enter the fray with hurricanranas on Jax and Niven. Michin tried for a rana on Cargill, who blocked that and turned it into a powerbomb for the two-count.

After Niven took out Cargill, Michin caught her with Sliced Bread. Jax broke up the count successfully, however. Niven and Jax saw Cargill prone outside the ring and once again teamed up as they threw her right into the commentary table, as Wade Barrett got inadvertently taken out in the process! In the ring, Michin tried her luck at fighting the two titans facing her, but she got dropped by a double chokeslam from Jax and Niven.

Jax turned against Niven with a headbutt to the cranium as she had Michin at her mercy with the Annihilator. Niven broke up the count, which led to her and Jax brawling it out at ringside. Niven used her strength to send Jax through the barricade. Inside the ring, Niven hit a Viper Bomb on Michin, but Cargill stepped in at the last second to finish things off with Jaded. One, two, three. This one’s done.

With Cargill’s victory, she will now face Roxanne Perez in the Queen of the Ring semifinals.

Jade Cargill def. Piper Niven, Michin, and Nia Jax via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring semifinals

A fun fatal-four way match with some nice highlights like Cargill getting thrown into the commentary table, as well as the impressive-looking Jaded on Niven that closed out the match.

**********

Naomi speaks about her Money in the Bank victory

Ms. Money in the Bank said that we were all looking real surprised, and real shocked but she didn’t know why. She said that she took what she deserved and now she had the Money in the Bank contract. Naomi talked about how throughout all the time she was fighting Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship, Tiffany Stratton was there to target her. And now she was out for payback, and it was going to feel so good when she hits Stratton with the Money in the Bank Briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion. This brought out Tiffany Stratton herself to interrupt Naomi.

Stratton said that Naomi talked a big game, and asked why she doesn’t just cash in that title right here and now. She said that Naomi was all talk and no action, and that it was her chance to prove everyone wrong. “Do I look stupid to you?” asked Naomi, as she said that she was going to cash in when Stratton least expect it. In the meantime, though, she was going to enjoy making Stratton’s life hell, as she then told her to “proceed with caution”.

As Stratton watched Naomi leave, Nia Jax attacked the WWE Women’s Champion as she then took her out with the Annihilator. Naomi looked like she was going to cash in, but Jax scared her off.

Not sure how I feel about another retread of Tiffany Stratton versus Nia Jax as hinted here, mainly because it’s a feud that’s kinda been run into the ground at this point, especially with Stratton having beaten Jax multiple times now.

**********

– Earlier today, Nick Aldis met with SmackDown’s tag division regarding what needed to be done with the Wyatt Sicks. We learned that we’d see the Motor City Machine Guns take on the Sicks in tag team action.

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy)

Gacy and Lumis started off fast with tandem offense that left Sabin flat-footed. As the legal man, Lumis dropped Sabin with a back suplex as Gacy entered the match and continued the Sicks’ advantage. Springboard moonsault by Gacy on Sabin maintained the attack against the tag veteran. Gacy and Lumis looked to have double team move, but Sabin avoided calamity as Shelley was tagged in. The Motor City Machine Guns took over with stereo crossbody presses on Gacy and Lumis as SmackDown took a commercial break.

We returned from the break with both Shelley and Gacy down in the ring as the former got the hot tag on their partner. A dropkick by Sabin sent Gacy back to his corner with Lumis tagging himself in. Sabin kept control over Lumis with a series of dropkicks as he then tagged in Shelley. On the apron, the MCMGs hit a double-team dropkick on a stunned Lumis outside the ring. Shelley and Sabin looked to have the Skull and Bones, but Lumis escaped as Gacy hit the Machine Guns with his springboard double clothesline.

Sabin escaped the clutches of the Sicks as he tagged Shelley back in. The veteran Motor City Machine Guns ratcheted in with a double team dropkick on Lumis as they once again appeared to have Skull and Bones lock and loaded. Gacy saved Lumis at the last second as the two looked towards Uncle Howdy for instructions. Lumis then headed up top for a legdrop on Sabin to score the victory for the returning Wyatt Sicks.

The Wyatt Sicks def. Motor City Machine Guns via pinfall (Joe Gacy pinned Chris Sabin)

It’s nice to see the Wyatt Sicks back after a long time away from the ring, and this story of them going after the entire SmackDown tag division does give them at least something to do. This tag match contained lots of fast-paced tandem offense between the two teams and I enjoyed it.

**********

– Backstage, John Cena confronted Jimmy Uso and asked if he saw Ron Killings. Cena said that he was on the way to the ring right now as he told Jimmy to tell Killings to meet him in the ring.

John Cena calls out Ron Killings; CM Punk appears

For the second time of the night, John Cena was out in the ring with a purpose. He got right to it as he said that there was a level of disrespect he could tolerate. Cena said that R-Truth crossed some lines as he then challenged him to fight right now. However, instead of Ron Killings, the static of CM Punk’s theme music interrupted. Punk himself appeared not long after to a great reaction from the Lexington crowd.

“Is it it great to be alive on a Friday night in Lexington, Kentucky or what?” asked Punk to start off his promo. He said that the people were tired of being disrespected by Cena and that with a microphone in his hand, there are levels of disrespect that haven’t been reached.

Maybe Punk was acting too much like Obi-Wan Kenobi looking for Anakin Skywalker inside Darth Vader, but that he was ready to put that aside so that Cena could give this great Lexington crowd a happy ending.

“Why?” asked Cena, as he said it would be a waste of his time. Cena said that the people don’t matter, basketball didn’t matter, and horse racing didn’t matter, only being champion mattered. Punk said that for the record, he did give Cena an out, but he chose to do things the “CM Punk Way” ironically. Punk said that he was going to get real right now and that the disrespect was about to begin.

“You tell a strong man a lie to offend him,” Punk noted, stating that it pissed him off when Cena called him a hypocrite. “Conversely you tell a weak man the truth, and that offends him,” Punk continued as he said Cena couldn’t beat him and if Cena was out to ruin wrestling, he was going to save it instead.

Punk talked about he might not be as confident a man dressed like he struck out at t-ball (as Cena is apparently dressed as tonight), which he pointed out made him sound like PG John Cena. He then dug further and said Cena’s talk about “ruining wrestling and taking away the title” made him sound like CM Punk, ironically enough.

Punk said that he was going to follow Cena to Mars or Hell just to beat his ass for the title. He said that he sees right through Cena and that he always has, and that was the truth.

And speaking of the Truth, Ron Killings once again snuck up on Cena and struck him from behind. Killings applied a STF on Cena as Punk mocked him, “and the Truth hurts.” Security and officials poured in to keep Killings away from Cena as the Champ retreated.

A good promo from Punk, but again, I’m not entirely too sure about the idea of his previous reluctance to wrestle in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent negative connotations about these WWE/Saudi shows being used in-story.

**********

– Ron Killings was pacing back and forth backstage as Nick Aldis admonished him for his attacks on John Cena. Aldis asked Killings what it is that Killings wanted, as the former R-Truth answered that he wanted a match against John Cena next week. Aldis obliged and made it official: John Cena vs. Ron Killings next week on SmackDown.

Queen of the Ring Fatal-Four Way: Alexa Bliss vs. Alba Fyre vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Candice LeRae

LeRae went after Bliss as Fyre targeted Flair in the early goings of this match. Flair fought off Fyre and threw Bliss onto LeRae in the corner before she tossed her out of the ring. Flair teed off on Fyre and LeRae with cascading chops, but the two ended up taking advantage as they teamed up on Flair. The two showed some surprising teamwork for a bit, but Flair managed to fight them off. Bliss re-entered the fray with a diving crossbody on Flair. An attempted Sister Abigail by Bliss was broken up by Fyre and LeRae as we got a break in the action.

Friday Night SmackDown returned with Flair on the top rope as LeRae and Fyre intercepted her at the pass. Bliss emerged and we got the Tower of Doom superplex that took everyone save for Bliss out on the canvas.

Bliss stood up first as she went to town on her competitors up until a codebreaker by LeRae stopped her advance. In the ensuing chaos, Flair hit Natural Selection on Bliss as she locked in the Figure Eight. LeRae broke it up with a springboard Lionsault as Fyre dropped Flair with a reverse facebuster. The cover, but Bliss broke it up in the nick of time. Bliss dropped Fyre with a DDT as she headed up top and connected with Twisted Bliss. One, two… Flair stops the count just in time! LeRae rolled up Flair, but to no avail. A spear by Flair on LeRae nearly had the match won. Flair locked in Fyre in the Figure Eight, but Bliss hit LeRae with Sister Abigail. The cover by Bliss and the three is enough as Fyre didn’t tap out in time.

Alexa Bliss def. Candice LeRae, Charlotte Flair, and, Alba Fyre via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Semifinals

The finish with Bliss getting the pin while Charlotte attempted in vain to make Fyre tap out to her submission made for a good way to end this contest.

**********

– Backstage, CM Punk wished Cody Rhodes good luck in his main event King of the Ring qualifier match coming up next.

Next Week on SmackDown:

King of the Ring Semifinals 1: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn
Queen of the Ring Semifinals 1: Alexa Bliss vs. ???
Ron Killings vs. John Cena

King of the Ring Qualifying Fatal-Four Way Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest vs. Andrade vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The bell sounded and all four men simply sized each other up before Nakamura rolled out of the ring, but Rhodes took exception as he dove through the ropes to take him out. Andrade would then dropkick Rhodes to the outside as he and Priest duked it out in the ring. Priest hit a Broken Arrow on Andrade, which allowed Rhodes to strike. Outside the ring, Nakamura attacked both Priest and Rhodes as Andrade headed up top. An impressive moonsault from the post by Andrade took out Priest, Rhodes, and Nakamura as we got ourselves a commercial break.

Our main event returned with Nakamura sending Andrade to the outside, as he then hit a nice sliding German suplex on Priest. In the opposite corner, Nakamura stomped away on Rhodes, but missed out on a running knee strike, which opened him to a figure-four from the American Nightmare. Off the top rope, Andrade splashed onto Rhodes to break the hold, while Priest went to work on both men. Priest headed outside and leapt off the steel steps to hit an axe handle on Nakamura.

Priest tried to go for Old School, but Rhodes cut him off, which gave Nakamura a chance to break up the hold. Armbar by Nakamura is broken up by Rhodes, as the former Undisputed WWE Champion pulled out the Slim Jim-branded table and set it up at ringside. Rhodes grabbed Andrade and looked to deliver a superplex, but couldn’t. Priest joined in, but Nakamura stopped the attempt. Nakamura then dropkicked Rhodes from the apron, which sent him right into the Slim Jim table. That took us to the final commercial break of the night.

We returned from break with Andrade and Nakamura in a standoff at the top rope until Priest interrupted the proceedings. After Priest dropped Nakamura with a slam, Andrade soared with a moonsault as Nakamura recovered to kick Andrade in the face. At that moment, Cody Rhodes recovered and went on a tear against his three opponents. Disaster Kick to Andrade, followed by an attempted Cross Rhodes on Nakamura, but that gets countered. Modified Kinshasa by Nakamura wasn’t enough as Andrade broke up the pin.

With Nakamura in the corner, Andrade hit the running Meteora. He tried to do the same to Priest, but he was interecepted. Spinning elbow by Andrade on Priest was followed by The Message. Nakamura, however, broke up the pin attempt by Andrade. As Rhodes stirred back up, Nakamura and Andrade dueled, which opened them up for a double Cody Cutter. Priest’s Razor’s Edge was reversed into a Cody Cutter. Rhodes delivered Cross Rhodes onto Andrade as Nakamura snuck up on him and looked to finish off the American Nightmare. Rhodes escaped and hit Cross Rhodes. One, two, three, and that’s it, over. Cody Rhodes wins and advances to the King of the Ring Semifinals.

Cody Rhodes def. Shinsuke Nakamura, Damian Priest, and Andrade via pinfall

Certainly an expected outcome in SmackDown’s main event, but it was at least a fun one. The unpredictability will come if Cody advances to the King of the Ring finals and faces either Orton or Sami Zayn.

All in all, a standard SmackDown show that was at least engaging at some points, with some entertaining in-ring action and a nice followup on the Ron Killings/John Cena story. The build towards King of the Ring is looking a bit predictable, but it should be interesting if there’ll be a curveball or two thrown our way to spice things up.

Fight Game: What should main event AEW All In?

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked off the show by giving out our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before hitting the major AEW and WWE topics of the week.

Here are some of the things we talked about:

A very heat heavy AEW Summer Blockbuster and how having too major many angles may have lessened the importance of each angle
AEW Grand Slam Mexico preview
What should be the main event for AEW All In?
Gunther beating Jey Uso to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion once again
WWE King and Queen of the Ring brackets
Jasper Troy’s match with Oba Femi on NXT TV

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF – Exclusive Subscriber only Podcasts

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WWE addresses controversial finish of King of the Ring finals

Posted on May 25, 2024May 25, 2024 by Joseph Currier

WWE has put out a video addressing the controversial way its King of the Ring tournament ended.

On Saturday, Gunther was crowned King of the Ring by defeating Randy Orton in the tournament finals. The match appeared to go as intended — except for a botched finish where Orton accidentally had his shoulder up while being pinned.

Orton was selling storyline knee and back injuries throughout his match against Gunther. He hit an RKO near the end of the match but couldn’t get leverage on the cover due to his hurt knee. Gunther then trapped Orton in a crucifix pin. The referee counted to three, but Orton’s shoulder was clearly up.

After the show, WWE uploaded an interview with Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressing the way Gunther vs. Orton ended. Levesque said the referee’s decision is final and Gunther is King of the Ring, but he’s sure Gunther will want to face Orton again in the future to prove that he’s the better man.

“Coming back here and seeing it back, I saw exactly what you saw. I saw what everybody saw. I saw what everybody is talking about. Didn’t really even seem controversial to me, just seemed like Randy Orton’s shoulder wasn’t down,” Levesque said. “But I’m going to say this: the referee’s decision is final. Gunther is your King of the Ring.

“That being said, especially after what I saw tonight, I certainly want to see that again. I think Randy Orton deserves to have another shot at that. And I think, if I know anything about Gunther, he will want to have another shot at that to take the controversy out — to take the asterisk off of the page where it says King of the Ring for him. I think he will want to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is better than Randy Orton.”

Levesque didn’t say when that potential Gunther vs. Orton match would be taking place. He noted that it will be “a moment or two” until Orton is ready to step back into the ring with Gunther.

“Having seen Randy back here, he’s pretty banged up,” Levesque said. “Both his knee and his back. I think it’s going to be a moment or two before he is ready to step back into the ring with Gunther. But when he is, let’s go.”

By winning King of the Ring, Gunther receives a World Heavyweight Championship shot at SummerSlam. He will challenge either Damian Priest or Drew McIntyre for the title. Priest is defending against McIntyre at Clash at the Castle in Scotland next month.

Queen of the Ring winner Nia Jax is also getting a SummerSlam title shot, challenging for the WWE Women’s Championship. Levesque appeared at King & Queen of the Ring and presented both Gunther and Jax with their crowns.

Nia Jax crowned WWE Queen of the Ring

Posted on May 25, 2024May 25, 2024 by Joseph Currier

Nia Jax is heading to SummerSlam for a shot at the WWE Women’s Championship.

Jax was crowned WWE’s Queen of the Ring by defeating Lyra Valkyria in the tournament finals on Saturday. In addition to the Queen of the Ring crown, Jax receives a WWE Women’s World Championship match at SummerSlam this August. Bayley is the current champion.

The Queen of the Ring tournament saw Jax pick up victories against Naomi, Jade Cargill (by disqualification), Bianca Belair, and Valkyria. Valkyria, a recent NXT call-up, was presented as the underdog in the finals, desperately fighting to put away the more powerful Jax. She went for a sunset flip powerbomb near the end of the match, but Jax blocked it and squashed down on Valkyria with the Annihilator to get the victory.

After the match, Paul “Triple H” Levesque entered the ring and presented Jax with her crown. Levesque also sent out a tweet congratulating her.

An Irresistible Force has taken the throne. Congratulations to your new Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax. #WWEKingAndQueen pic.twitter.com/8LfJxMQosb
— Triple H (@TripleH) May 25, 2024

Jax is the second wrestler to ever wear the crown. In 2021, Zelina Vega won the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament. The name of the tournament has since been changed to Queen of the Ring.

SummerSlam is being held in Cleveland on Saturday, August 3. Before that, it looks like Bayley may have a title defense against Piper Niven at Clash at the Castle in Scotland this June.

Liv Morgan wins Women’s World title at WWE King & Queen of the Ring

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Joseph Currier

After botched interference by Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan is the new Women’s World Champion.

Morgan won the title on Saturday by defeating Becky Lynch at WWE King & Queen of the Ring. Morgan hit a DDT onto a steel chair, followed that up with Oblivion, and then pinned Lynch to get the win.

On the pre-show, Dominik told Morgan that he flew all the way to Saudi Arabia to make sure she doesn’t win the Women’s World Championship. He got involved in the match, but his interference only helped Morgan. Lynch got distracted when Dominik appeared. He then threw a steel chair in the ring seemingly hoping Lynch would use it as a weapon. But Morgan used it instead, giving Lynch a DDT onto the chair while the referee was focused on Dominik.

DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!@YaOnlyLivvOnce beats @BeckyLynchWWE! She is the NEW Women's World Champion 😱#WWEKingAndQueen pic.twitter.com/g7cYjCFvkD
— WWE (@WWE) May 25, 2024

In storyline, Morgan has been attempting to woo Dominik so that she can take him away from Rhea Ripley. Dominik’s interference benefitting Morgan was presented as being an accident, not like he was actually trying to help Morgan.

Ripley had to vacate the Women’s World Championship this April due to a shoulder injury. Lynch then won the vacant title in a battle royal on the April 22 episode of Raw.

A feud between Ripley and Morgan was taking place when Ripley suffered her injury. It should resume once Ripley is able to return. Ripley is expected to be out of action for “quite a few months.”

This is the second Women’s Championship reign of Morgan’s career. Her first reign took place in 2022, lasting three months.

Women’s tag title match set for WWE King & Queen of the Ring pre-show

Posted on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 by Joseph Currier

A championship match will take place on the pre-show for WWE King & Queen of the Ring.

In their first title defense, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill are facing off against Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell. It will be part of the two-hour Countdown to King & Queen of the Ring broadcast that streams live starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time this Saturday. Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Big E, Kayla Braxton, and Wade Barrett will be panelists for the pre-show.

The Women’s Tag Team title match was set up on Friday’s SmackDown. Belair lost to Nia Jax in the Queen of the Ring semifinals on the episode. Backstage after the match, LeRae & Hartwell approached Belair and mocked her. Cargill then stepped in to defend Belair.

Cargill said she was going to speak with Nick Aldis about getting a tag match against LeRae & Hartwell. Later in the show, it was made official.

"Excuse me!" 👀

Get yourself a friend like @Jade_Cargill 💪 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/HX659joLOK
— WWE (@WWE) May 25, 2024

The Belair vs. Jax match on SmackDown included Belair selling a storyline knee injury. Belair’s hurt knee caused her to lose, giving out when she went to hit the KOD on Jax.

Cargill & Belair won the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles from Asuka & Kairi Sane at Backlash three weeks ago.

A title defense against Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark will be awaiting the team that leaves King & Queen of the Ring with the Women’s Tag Team titles. On Raw this past Monday, Baszler & Stark won a number one contender’s match.

King & Queen of the Ring is being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The main card begins at 1 p.m. Eastern.

WWE King & Queen of the Ring 2024 (Saturday, May 25) —

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Logan Paul
Women’s World Champion Becky Lynch defends against Liv Morgan
King of the Ring tournament finals: Gunther vs. Randy Orton
Queen of the Ring tournament finals: Lyra Valkyria vs. Nia Jax
Triple threat match: Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defend against Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell (pre-show)

WWE King & Queen of the Ring preview & predictions: Does Gunther take the crown?

Posted on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 by Ian Carey

Saturday’s King & Queen of the Ring (1 PM Eastern on Peacock/WWE Network) should continue WWE’s trend of solid premium live events.

Similar to Backlash and other recent non-WrestleMania PLEs, Saturday’s lineup is a tight five matches that will all be given the time they need. The Paul Levesque era has seen him keeping the shows under three hours as well, helping to keep live crowds hot throughout.

Where Saturday differs from other recent WWE PLEs is in terms of its predictability. Other than Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul, these matches could go any of a few different ways. Below are previews and predictions for each match at WWE King & Queen of the Ring.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Logan Paul

For the second time in about a year and a half, Paul will headline a WWE show in Saudi Arabia. Considering his level of fame outside of wrestling, it made all the sense in the world to have him go up against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2022 and it makes all the sense in the world for him to challenge Rhodes on Saturday.

Love him or hate him, he is a guy who draws interest when his face is plastered on posters. However, much like in 2022, he is not going to win the title. His role is to create a few viral moments during the match and then lose after having given a valiant effort.

The betting world currently lists Rhodes as a -5000 favorite and it’s hard to disagree with that. There is no logical reason to believe Paul has any chance of walking out of Jeddah with the title. Still, it should be a fun match.

Prediction: Rhodes retains

WWE World Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Liv Morgan

When Rhea Ripley fell victim to the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour and had to vacate her title, a lot of people thought the belt would end up on Morgan. It still might. When Ripley returns, the match to make is her vs. Morgan for the belt she never lost.

When a battle royal was made to determine a new champion, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to put the belt on Morgan without having to beat someone like Lynch. But maybe that’s why she didn’t win. Her first title reign was portrayed as a little bit of a fluke as well as most MITB cash-ins are. She would have the title, but without beating a top-tier talent for it, she wouldn’t be a strong champion going into a program with Ripley.

There is a longterm story building that only makes sense if Morgan is the champion. We’ve seen little hints of this. Dominik’s bandana being spotted hanging out of Morgan’s pocket, Finn Balor and Morgan casually getting out of the same car during a backstage shot on Raw are all lining up for Morgan to replace Ripley in Judgment Day. Ripley goes babyface, possibly Priest too, and the rest of the group stays heel.

Morgan won’t beat Lynch clean for the title, and it might not even happen on Saturday, but it’s happening eventually.

The betting odds have Lynch as a small -190 favorite. Betting on wrestling is a fool’s game, but if it wasn’t, I’d put my money on Morgan to win the title here.

Prediction: Morgan is the new champion

WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed in a triple threat match

Anytime a triple threat championship match is booked, it’s an opportunity for a sneaky heel to get a cheap title win. I’m just not sure that is what will happen here, though.

The typical “heel steals victory from babyface” finish isn’t as perfectly set up here as it first appears on paper. Reed giving the Tsunami to Zayn but Gable sneaking in and stealing the victory would be a possible finish If Reed was the babyface in this story, but he’s not. Zayn having Reed beat only for Gable to come in and steal the win is possible, but then why use someone like Reed to take the fall when you could use someone less Godzilla-like?

The idea of Zayn retaining in a similarly sneaky fashion is possible but feels unnecessary. With Zayn being the big fan favorite in Saudi Arabia, I think he’s just going to get a relatively clean win on Saturday. The finish will have to be something where Gable’s character can still claim he was cheated, even if he really wasn’t, and thus deserves a singles match against Zayn for the title, possibly at SummerSlam.

Prediction: Zayn retains

King of the Ring Finals: Gunther vs. either Randy Orton or Tama Tonga

At the time of this writing, Orton and Tonga have yet to meet in the tournament semifinals on SmackDown. There’s a shot that Tonga follows in his father King Haku’s footsteps and becomes a second-generation WWE king, but it feels much more likely that Orton advances to the finals.

Triple H announced the winners of the King & Queen of the Ring receive SummerSlam World title shots against the champion of their respective brands. That last bit is important. Gunther winning the King of the Ring would feel like a lock if it were to lead to him challenging Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, but based on what Triple H said, it would lead to him facing Damian Priest or whoever has the World title at that point instead. That doesn’t make a lot of sense. The World title scene on Raw feels like it’s a pretty crowded party with Drew McIntyre and CM Punk expected to be in the mix when they return from their respective injuries.

Orton vs. Rhodes at SummerSlam could be good with the story that Rhodes is facing his old mentor. Orton could even turn heel in the lead-up.

Still, I just can’t see a scenario where Gunther loses. Even with the stipulation that the winner faces their brand’s champion at SummerSlam, I still think Gunther will win this tournament. I just don’t know what they do after.

Prediction: Gunther

Queen of the Ring finals: Lyra Valkyria vs. either Bianca Belair or Nia Jax

Triple H’s announcement on Thursday factors into this match in a big way too. The World title picture on Raw seems to be the Lynch and Morgan show until Ripley returns. I don’t see much of an opportunity for them to squeeze in a Valkyria match at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, the WWE Women’s title scene on SmackDown is more open.

The winner of Belair vs. Jax on SmackDown should go on to win this. They have been teasing that Belair doesn’t trust Bayley because of all she had to deal with from Damage CTRL over the last couple of years. Bayley vs. Belair at SummerSlam seems the most likely result of this tournament. I just don’t know what that means for Belair’s team with Jade Cargill.

Prediction: Belair

WWE King & Queen of the Ring winners earn SummerSlam title shots

Posted on May 23, 2024May 23, 2024 by Ian Carey

Triple H says the “stakes just got higher” for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments.

Speaking at an event in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, WWE’s Chief Content Officer revealed that the winners of the tournaments will both receive world title shots at SummerSlam on August 3 in Cleveland.

Triple H said:

“In the past the King and Queen of the Ring, it was such an honor to be in that tournament and to win that tournament on your own, to have that launch you to another place, but I wanted that tournament to kind of stand on its own and I didn’t want to announce this part of it until we got here. But, I’ll let all of you know tonight that the winner of the King of the Ring tournament and the winner of the Queen of the Ring tournament will both go on to receive championship matches with the title of their respective brands. They will both get world title shots, either WWE or World title at SummerSlam.”

The stakes just got even higher.

The winners of this Saturday’s King and Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals will each secure a championship opportunity at #SummerSlam. #WWEKingAndQueen pic.twitter.com/Ts1FZSGU8G
— Triple H (@TripleH) May 23, 2024

The final semifinal matches in the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments are scheduled for Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown, which will take place in Jeddah. They are Tama Tonga vs. Randy Orton and Nia Jax vs. Bianca Belair. Gunther and Lyra Valkyria from Raw have already qualified for the finals. Chelsea Green vs. Bayley and The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa vs. The Street Profits are also set for the show.

WWE Raw live results: King & Queen of the Ring continues

Posted on May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 by Steve Khan

Date: May 13, 2024
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC

**********

Show Recap —

Gunther, Kofi Kingston, Jey Uso (with his son), Ilja Dragunov, and Drew McIntyre (in his gear) were shown arriving at the arena.

In fact, the shot of McIntyre was live and the camera followed him as he made his way to the ring. McIntyre was greeted with loud CM Punk chants by the Greenville crowd.

McIntyre said Punk only made big towns like Atlanta and Charlotte and wasn’t showing up tonight. Punk once said the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing everyone that he didn’t exist. But the greatest trick Punk ever pulled was looking like a drug addict without ever taking one.

McIntyre said another trick he pulled was getting the fans to trust him no matter how many times he broke their trust. Management and the fans both kept taking him back no matter how many times he betrayed them.

McIntyre didn’t want to talk to people like they were stupid, “But if you’re a CM Punk fan, you’re stupid.” McIntyre noted that Punk played dumb by pretending he did see him leave last week when he showed up seconds later. McIntyre accused Adam Pearce of being Punk’s stooge on the inside.

McIntyre would eventually get his hands on Punk and when he did, Punk would be begging him to tear his triceps. But McIntyre wasn’t going to waste his time with someone who wouldn’t get cleared for another 20 years.

McIntyre moved on to Jey Uso who lost another title match—a match that should have been McIntyre’s—and took his spot in King of the Ring. McIntyre would deal with Jey later.

The number one thing on his list was the World Heavyweight Championship and the paper champion Damian Priest.

Priest interrupted. Priest dared McIntyre to finally say something to someone’s face. McIntyre said he would love to but Punk kept running away. McIntyre gave Priest credit for stepping up to him now and put him over for paying his dues — but he still didn’t deserve to be champion. McIntyre’s neighbour Dave also had an inspiring story but he shouldn’t be champion either.

The title was making the man in this case but the Raw title was in its initial stages and it needed the man to make the title. It needed Drew McIntyre.

McIntyre spoke about Priest’s cash-in but Priest cut him off. Priest said McIntyre chose this life and chose to be a WWE superstar. Priest urged him to look in the mirror and blame the asshole looking back.

Priest wanted to cash in on Seth Rollins and have a main event match against McIntyre, but it was McIntyre who stopped him. McIntyre finally achieved his goal at WrestleMania and all he had to do was leave with his wife but he saw Punk and made Punk more important than himself, the championship, and his wife. He also got his ass whooped by a one-armed man.

Priest agreed to give McIntyre a title match once he’s cleared. Priest said McIntyre could call him a paper champion but he would eat those words.

********

Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark and Damage CTRL were shown arriving at the arena earlier. They showed up at the same time which led to a confrontation between Shayna Baszler and Iyo Sky.

(I’m glad they mixed this up a bit by having one of these arrivals lead to something. Same with McIntyre’s entrance to open.)

Queen of the Ring quarterfinal: Iyo Sky defeated Shayna Baszler (10:43+)

Sky entered for the match but was attacked from behind by Baszler. Baszler booted her until referees stopped it.

The match started during a break and Baszler was in control, targeting Sky’s arm. Sky dumped Baszler over the top and hit a springboard moonsault, leading to another break.

Sky hit a springboard dropkick and a running double knee strike to the back for two. Baszler tried to get her knees up on a moonsault but Sky saw it coming. Sky kicked Baszler and tried a cradle but Baszler reversed into Kirifuda Clutch. Sky reversed that into a crossface but Baszler fought out and hit a running knee for two.

Baszler went for another knee strike but Sky hit a dragon screw, Meteora into the corner and a moonsault for the pinfall win. The crowd got into this, which helped.

— Jackie Redmond interviewed Sky in the ring after the match. Sky took the mic and said she would win (in Japanese).

********

A QR code appeared on the screen as the opening match got going and the announcers acknowledged it.

********

Carlito was with Judgment Day backstage and they were approached by Priest. Carlito said they could use extra muscle with Rhea Ripley out. Priest said the rest of Judgment Day could work with Carlito if they wanted but as far as he was concerned, Carlito wasn’t welcomed there. Carlito knew Priest didn’t trust him but thought he would at least trust his boys. Carlito said even the most stubborn minds can be changed and maybe one day they can be amigos.

********

Chad Gable told Maxxine Dupri she blew her QOTR opportunity and embarrassed Alpha Academy. Gable said they could make up for it tonight. Gable got matches for Otis and Akira Tozawa. He initially said Otis would face Bronson Reed but changed his mind and said his match would be against Sami Zayn.

Gable wanted the serious version of Otis to soften up Zayn and didn’t want to see the worm or any hip swivelling. Otis understood. Gable wanted to hear him say the words and Otis said, “No matter what.” Gable told Tozawa not to blow it against Reed.

Ivy Nile approached Dupri after the rest of the Academy left. Nile said she could have helped her train for QOTR. Dupri said Gable didn’t want her training outside the Academy. Nile told Dupri she didn’t need to listen to Gable.

Gable came back and told Dupri to go train or do anything. Gable had some free advice for Nile: stop wasting time with Taylor Not So Swift.

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods (who had a crutch). Kingston said tonight was about payback and giving Gunther what he deserved for what he did to Woods. Kingston went toe-to-toe with the greatest Luchador of all time Rey Mysterio and it reminded him that there was no room for fear, self-doubt or failure in the ring. He knew what this tournament meant to Woods.

Woods said KOTR brought honour but he couldn’t defend that honour thanks to Gunther. Gunther would get his ass beat by one of the greatest champions ever in Kingston and he would learn why New Day rocks.

********

Samantha Irvin introduced “legendary” ring announcer Lilian Garcia who received a nice ovation. Garcia put over Irving before introducing the next match.

********

R-Truth met with Pearce backstage. Miz approached them and was nervous that Truth put them in a title match. Pearce assured him they weren’t defending the titles tonight, they just needed new contenders. Miz was still nervous.

Kiana James entered. She looked forward to working under Pearce and would prove why she was the 1%. Pearce told her not to hesitate to contact him. James said he doesn’t hesitate, she adjudicates. Truth didn’t know what that meant and thought her comment was not PG.

********

King of the Ring quarterfinal: Gunther defeated Kofi Kingston (13:49)

Kingston attacked Gunther before the match, specifically targeting his leg. Kingston drove Gunther’s leg into the ring post and dropkicked it into the rope.

With Gunther down and favouring his leg, the referee thought this was a good time to start the match. Kingston hit a diving leg drop for two.

Kingston tried a suicide dive but Gunther caught him and proceeded to give Kingston what he deserved. Gunther dropped him back-first onto the barricade and announce table. Gunther applied a Boston crab on the announce table as they went to break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Gunther remained in control until Kingston started going after his leg again. Gunther blocked an SOS but Kingston hit a flying crossbody. Gunther applied a Boston crab but Kingston slipped out and hit an SOS for two. Gunther dropkicked Kingston’s back and clotheslined him for two.

Gunther wrapped Kingston around the ring post and stretched him but Kingston blocked a powerbomb moments later and flung Gunther into the post. Kingston followed with Trouble in Paradise outside the ring and Gunther just barely beat the ref’s ten count.

Gunther avoided a Trouble in Paradise in the ring and hit a powerbomb. Kingston kicked out but Gunther immediately transitioned into a Boston crab and Kingston tapped out.

The match itself was good and the crowd was into it.

This didn’t do Kingston any favours, though. I appreciate Kingston was out for revenge, but Woods was injured because Gunther beat him clean in a wrestling match. Gunther didn’t do anything underhanded in the match.

********

Redmond interviewed Lyra Valkyria. Lyra said she sent a message to Damage CTRL last week and they better get used to her. Lyra also had Becky Lynch’s back. Lynch appeared and wished her luck tonight. Lynch left and the interview continued but Liv Morgan interrupted.

Morgan said Lyra would have fun on Raw. Lyra appreciated it. Morgan asked her if Lynch has always been such a bitch. Lyra said Morgan could ask Lynch herself.

The camera expanded to show Lynch standing behind her (which was a funny visual because Lynch exited on the other side). Lynch decked Morgan with a right hand (which didn’t look good). Lynch said she wasn’t the one scared of a face-to-face fight and called her a bitch.

********

Karrion Kross approached Kingston. He called it a tough loss but said there was always time to turn things around. Woods appeared and gave Kingston some ice. Woods asked what Kross wanted and Kingston wasn’t sure.

********

Bronson Reed defeated Akira Tozawa (w/Chad Gable) (1:12)

Reed won with a Death Valley Driver and Tsunami. Gable berated Tozawa.

********

Kelley approached Gunther for an interview but he blew her off so Ludwig Kaiser took over. Kelley mentioned that Ilja Dragunov beat Gunther the last time they wrestled, while Gunther’s win over Jey Uso was partially thanks to Jimmy Uso. Gunther’s win over Sheamus last week was also thanks, in part, to Kaiser.

Kaiser reminded her that Gunther was the most successful Intercontinental Champion in history. Sheamus was delusional if he thought he lost to Gunther thanks to him. Sheamus has accomplished a lot but he has never beaten Gunther. If Sheamus had a problem, Kaiser had no problem exposing him.

*******

Redmond was with Pearce who had an announcement regarding the tag titles. An overly eager Tyler Bate barged in and dragged Pete Dunne in with him. Bate wanted him to know they appreciated the opportunity to be on Raw. Dunne dragged him out of the room.

Pearce announced to Redmond that there will be a fatal four-way to determine the new tag title contenders between the New Catch Republic, Authors of Pain, The Creed Brothers and Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh.

Redmond asked why Bron Breakker wasn’t in KOTR. Pearce said Breakker had unlimited potential but the Raw wrestlers in the tournament earned their opportunities. Pearce didn’t want to shove Bron into the deep end.

Breakker appeared. Bron said his opponents in KOTR would’ve been in the deep end with him. He would’ve watched them drown and smiled why they did. He said, “I should have been in the damn tournament,” and left.

********

Queen of the Ring quarterfinal: Lyra Valkyria defeated Zoey Stark (8:58)

This went through an early break and Lyra fought back when they returned, spiking Stark with a tornado DDT. They traded counters until Stark hit a reverse suplex for two. Lyra hit a spinning heel kick but Stark suplexed her into the turnbuckle for two. Lyra blocked a Z360 and hit Nightwing for the pinfall win.

— Redmond interviewed Lyra in the ring. She called herself a former NXT Champion who travelled as the crowd flew — straight to the top.

********

Jey Uso cut a backstage promo. He said he was in the tournament because McIntyre couldn’t cut it and Bálor received a Yeet-down last week. He welcomed Dragunov to Raw but he would get a Yeet-down just like Gunther would next week. Jey would get that crown and become King of the Ring. Yeet.

********

Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable) in a non-title match (2:02)

Zayn took a big corner bump which usually leads to Otis doing the Caterpillar. Otis couldn’t help but start gyrating but Gable hopped the apron and told him to stop. Otis ripped off his shirt and did the Caterpillar anyway. Gable was pissed and told Otis to go to the ropes. Otis missed a Vader Bomb and Zayn hit Helluva Kick for the pinfall win.

— Gable berated Otis and shoved him while he was seated in the ring. The crowd booed until Zayn marched back down and suplexed Gable. Zayn went for Helluva Kick but Gable bailed.

Otis helped Gable to his feet but Gable told him this was his fault and slapped him. The crowd chanted for Otis as he left with Gable.

********

That was a long second hour.

[THIRD HOUR]

Backstage, Braun Strowman put over the Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile and told them he enjoyed what they were doing. JD McDonagh confronted Strowman. McDonagh told him Judgment Day ran Raw and they didn’t appreciate him sticking his nose in their business. McDonagh called this a warning. Strowman did not take this seriously.

*******

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Becky Lynch defeated Dakota Kai (w/Damage CTRL) via disqualification (9:59)

They had an unentertaining match that ended in a DQ.

Kai gained control briefly after a distraction but it didn’t matter because Lynch fought back. They were off the mark with one sequence that did not look good at all. Moments later, Kai missed a running boot in the corner and Lynch followed with a thrust kick (which may have been the sequence they tried hitting earlier).

After a break, Kai stomped Lynch as she was draped over the middle rope. Lynch avoided a second attempt at this and hit a diving leg drop as Kai was draped over the middle rope.

Lynch hit a superplex and transitioned into an armbar for two. Kai tried a few counters but Lynch applied a Disarmer. Sky and Kairi Sane attacked Lynch for the DQ.

Damage CTRL attacked Lynch until Lyra ran out to make the save.

With their backs turned, Morgan jumped Lynch from behind and tossed her into the ring post. Morgan bailed as Lyra checked on Lynch.

********

Redmond interviewed Ilja Dragunov backstage. He said it was a dream for others to be in this spot but it wasn’t enough for him just to be here. He was there to make a moment night in and night out. He was the Czar of the ring. He knew just when to strike in his win over Ricochet last week and he would do the same to Jey Uso tonight.

He let us all know that he beat Gunther and it was not over between them. Gunther suddenly appeared beside him. Gunther smiled at him and left.

********

Truth and Miz watched the upcoming number one contender’s match from ringside.

Fatal four-way: Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh defeated New Catch Republic, Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) and The Creed Brothers (10:42)

The smaller wrestlers wrestled for a bit until AOP laid them all out. They launched McDonagh over the top into everyone else ahead of a break. (Bálor was not among those in the collision.)

AOP stood tall before the break but Bálor and McDonagh were in control after the break anyway. Julius Creed tagged in and gave Bálor and McDonagh a double Northern Lights suplex. Bálor came back with a slingblade and running dropkick. Dunne and Bate wiped out AOP with dives as Julius ran up the ropes and hit Bálor with a nice superplex for two.

AOP powerbombed Bálor and McDonagh before chucking Dunne and Bate from the ring. Brutus Creed suplexed Akam before wiping out Rezar, Dunne and even Julius with a Brutus Ball to the outside. Dunne gave Akam an airplane spin which delighted the crowd. Dunne and Bate gave Bálor a double-team suplex but McDonagh broke up the cover. Bate wiped him out with a dive.

Dunne went after McDonagh on the table but was attacked from behind by Carlito. Carlito gave Dunne a backstabber on the table. (This was obviously silly because it would hurt Carlito more than Dunne, but they can explain it away by saying Carlito was sacrificing himself for Judgment Day).

McDonagh headbutted Bate and tossed Dunne in the ring. Bálor hit Dunne with a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. Judgment Day are the new number one contenders.

This was a chaotic but fun match.

********

Ricochet approached Dragunov as he warmed up. Ricochet wanted to show respect as they had a hell of a match but told him that the outcome of their match will be different when they did it again. Ricochet wished him luck and told him to get the crown.

********

Priest was with Dominik Mysterio backstage and he asked if everything was good with Ripley. (Dom didn’t answer.) Bálor, McDonagh and Carlito joined and they were very excited about the win.

Carlito was worried Priest wasn’t happy but Priest said what he did was “cool.” They were all happy for a moment until Priest told Carlito he needed to handle his business with Rey Mysterio. Priest wasn’t interested in doing business with him if he let them down.

********

Raw next week:

IC Champion Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable – non-title
QOTR semifinal: Lyra Valkyria vs. Iyo Sky
KOTR semifinal: Gunther vs. Jey Uso ~~or Ilja Dragunov~~

********

King of the Ring quarterfinal: Jey Uso defeated Ilja Dragunov (12:49)

Jey knocked Dragunov off the top and hit a suicide dive, sending him into the announce table. Dragunov came back with a boot and cleared the table. He tried an H-Bomb off the barricade but Jey moved and speared him over the table.

After the break, Jey hit strikes as the crowd chanted “Yeet,” but Dragunov cut him off with a boot and German suplexes. Jey blocked a third German suplex but Dragunov hit an enziguri and clothesline for two. The crowd chanted “Let’s go Uso,” before Dragunov chopped Jey in the corner and hit a running boot. Jey came back with consecutive superkicks for two.

Dragunov blocked a spear and hit a running knee and powerbomb. Dragunov hit an H-Bomb but was in too much pain to make a good cover so Jey kicked out.

Dragunov went for another H-Bomb but Jey speared him and hit an Uso splash for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big for the win.

— Gunther marched to the ring for a staredown with Jey as the show ended.

This started well with the physicality outside the ring but it turned into a fairly normal Jey Uso-style main event and it was fine in the end.

That said, the right guy probably won. I know a lot of people expected McIntyre to cost Jey Uso, but they referenced earlier that Gunther has been winning a lot due to interference, so they could be saving it for next week.

Logan Paul to challenge Cody Rhodes at WWE King & Queen of the Ring

Posted on May 10, 2024May 10, 2024 by Joseph Currier

Logan Paul is next in line for a shot at Cody Rhodes.

Friday’s SmackDown opened with the announcement that Paul will challenge Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 25. It was indicated that Paul’s United States title will be on the line as well, but that has not been confirmed.

After dethroning Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rhodes made his first title defense at Backlash last weekend, defeating AJ Styles. General manager Nick Aldis then kicked off SmackDown tonight and introduced Paul as Rhodes’ next challenger.

"I have been the rocket fuel for the spaceship that is WWE"

BIG claims and BIG plans coming from @LoganPaul 😳 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SweQT080ZM
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024

Paul said he’s the person who has fueled the success of WWE’s new era, not Rhodes. He vowed to knock Rhodes out at King & Queen of the Ring and walk out of Saudi Arabia as Undisputed WWE Champion.

Champion vs. Champion

It’s going to be @CodyRhodes vs @LoganPaul at #WWEKingAndQueen 👊 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Q0dSNRlZGz
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024

Rhodes praised Paul as a wrestler, but he also called Paul disrespectful, self-centered, delusional, and said Paul can’t go a single match without cheating.

“And you are out here taking credit for something that doesn’t belong to you, doesn’t belong to me,” Rhodes said. “This right here is a team. And at the Queen & King of the ring in Saudi Arabia, you are going to find out where you stand on that team.”

Rhodes pointed out that winning the United States title from Paul would make him a Grand Slam champion. The segment ended with Rhodes and Paul going face-to-face and posing with their respective belts.

Rhodes tweeted:

2 belts
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) May 11, 2024

A contract signing for Rhodes vs. Paul will take place on SmackDown next Friday.

Paul has been United States Champion since winning the title in Saudi Arabia last November.

Rhodes is signed to a sponsorship deal with Paul’s Prime Hydration company.

King & Queen of the Ring streams live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 1 p.m. Eastern time on May 25. Here’s the updated card:

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against United States Champion Logan Paul
King of the Ring tournament finals
Queen of the Ring tournament finals
Women’s World Champion Becky Lynch defends against Liv Morgan
Triple threat match: Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed

Impending WWE & Saudi Arabia contract ‘enhancement’ could include major PLE

Posted on May 8, 2024May 12, 2024 by Josh Nason

According to the chairman of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, an “enhancement” to the existing deal between WWE and the Saudis will be announced this month: one that could see a major WWE PLE head overseas.

It’s assumed the new deal will be announced during King & Queen of the Ring which comes to Jeddah on May 25th.

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger posted on X that Turki Alsheikh is “is looking to bring January’s annual Royal Rumble or WWE’s top event, WrestleMania, to Saudi Arabia.”

.@Turki_alalshikh tells ESPN an enhancement to Saudi Arabia's existing agreement with WWE will be announced later this month. Specifically, Alalshikh is looking to bring January's annual Royal Rumble or WWE's top event, WrestleMania, to Saudi Arabia.

Since 2018, WWE has held at… https://t.co/cU5A7lTUst

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 8, 2024

The news comes on the heels of the UFC and the Saudis announcing an extension of their existing deal, one that will see both UFC and Power Slap return to the country during their annual Riyadh Season festival (October through March) in addition to sponsorship of the UFC’s debut at The Sphere in Las Vegas for UFC 306 this September.

The UFC will debut in Saudi Arabia this June.

WWE and Saudi Arabia’s controversial partnership began in 2018 with two events brought there annually with the exception of 2020 and 2021 (one each). While shows like the Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel are exclusive to Saudi Arabia, PLEs like Elimination Chamber (2022) and Night of Champions (2023) have also been held there.

Based on previous SEC reports, WWE is believed to take in $50 million per show as part of the deal. Of note, Vince McMahon, the man that orchestrated that deal and also helped in a connection with the UFC’s debut there, is no longer with TKO after he stepped down as TKO executive chairman following the emergence of the current Janel Grant lawsuit.

WWE Raw live results: King & Queen of the Ring tournaments begin

Posted on May 7, 2024May 10, 2024 by Steve Khan

Date: May 6, 2024
Location: XL Center in Hartford, CT

**********

Show Recap —

There was a recap of Backlash that very much played up the crowd in France. Perhaps because this aired on Raw, Damian Priest’s win over Jey Uso was shown last (instead of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles).

Michael Cole said that three first round matches would take place tonight for the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments (instead of all four). The fourth for each will take place at a “live event” over the weekend. Cole also announced that Drew McIntyre was out of the tournament because he was not medically cleared.

Judgment Day entered to start the show. Priest said everyone loved Jey Uso but it didn’t matter because he was still el campeón. Priest wanted to address what happened after his match with Judgment Day. Finn Bálor apologized but Priest said he was the one that needed to apologize. Priest appreciated their help and he was still champion thanks to them.

Priest said he appreciated JD McDonagh and he called Bálor his brother. He hugged them. Dominik Mysterio was just standing there so he joined the hug.

Priest said Bálor would be the next King of the Ring. Bálor said he got a first round bye because McIntyre wasn’t cleared and this was the first step toward the Prince becoming a King. Bálor wanted Samantha Irvin to announce it now.

Before she could, Adam Pearce entered to inform Bálor that he was not getting a bye. His opponent was Jey Uso.

********

King of the Ring – First Round: Jey Uso defeated Finn Bálor (13:36)

Bálor cut off Jey’s comeback attempts before and after a break. Jey fought back with right hands and a flying crossbody for two. Bálor cut him off again with a clothesline but Jey came back with strikes and a superkick. Bálor dodged a splash and hit a dropkick. Jey dodged a Coup de Grace and hit a spear for a nearfall.

Drew McIntyre marched through the crowd which distracted Jey. Bálor applied a schoolboy for two before hitting a slingblade. Jey cut him off with another spear for the pinfall win.

— McIntyre (who got “CM Punk” chants) entered the ring but Jey bailed and celebrated with the fans.

This was an ordinary match where each guy did their signature moves until one guy won.

********

Ivy Nile and Zoey Stark were shown warming up. Becky Lynch was shown arriving. She has an interview with Cole tonight.

There was a video package of Gunther’s win over Sheamus at Clash at the Castle in 2022.

********

CM Punk segment

In the back, McIntyre complained to Pearce about being replaced by Jey Uso of all people. Pearce said this wasn’t about Jey, this was about McIntyre’s arm. Nobody knew McIntyre was hurt until he said something, so he had medical check him out and he wasn’t cleared. McIntyre was pissed and he left in a black Corvette. (The screen glitched as he left.)

As soon as McIntyre’s car disappeared out of the garage, CM Punk pulled up in a 1980 Camaro. Punk asked Pearce where McIntyre was and Pearce said he just missed him. Punk was disappointed but asked Pearce to play his music.

The camera followed Punk as he made his way through the back. He took a dig at Jackie Redmond over the Toronto Maple Leafs losing. Chad Gable was nearby berating Alpha Academy.

Punk entered the ring. He mentioned being stuck at WWE headquarters and said he was let out just a few hours ago. He planned on picking a fight with McIntyre tonight. Punk cut a quick promo last week but he was willing to stick around to give McIntyre enough time to turn his car around.

He asked everyone to Tweet at McIntyre to let him know that Punk was waiting. Punk wanted to fight McIntyre on top of the same ice that Gordie Howe skated on for the Hartford Whalers.

Punk said McIntyre didn’t end his WrestleMania dreams, he only postponed them. Punk called himself a five-tool player but McIntyre was just a tool. McIntyre picked a fight with the pettiest man on the roster. Maybe even on earth. McIntyre was a hater who hated everything about Punk. But all McIntyre did was talk about him. Punk wondered if McIntyre hated him or if he hated himself.

Punk broke McIntyre’s elbow and the next time he showed up, Punk would break his face. He would also break his heart. Punk kept looking at his watch as he awaited McIntyre who never showed and Punk said McIntyre must be afraid of him.

(Punk is a great promo but this was just ok. The point of this promo was that Punk was killing time for McIntyre to return. Unfortunately, it really felt like Punk was killing time.)

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Ricochet about KOTR. Ricochet was ready to define a legacy for himself. Braun Strowman showed up to embrace Ricochet. Strowman wanted him to remind everyone why he was called King Ricochet.

Queen of the Ring – First Round: Iyo Sky (w/Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane) defeated Natalya (10:24)

Pat McAfee mentioned that tomorrow would have been Owen Hart’s birthday.

[SECOND HOUR]

Natalya hit a superplex after a break for two. She fought out of a crossface but Sky followed with a double foot stomp and dropkick for two. They traded reversals until Natalya hit a sit-out powerbomb for two.

Natalya applied a Sharpshooter but Sky quickly countered and drove her into the bottom turnbuckle. Sky followed with a Meteora in the corner and a moonsault for the pinfall win. This was pretty good for the TV time they had.

— After the match, Dakota Kai announced she was taking the place of an injured Asuka against Lyra Valkyria. Kai issued a warning to Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill and Becky Lynch because Damage CTRL were coming for everything.

********

There was a video package for Ilja Dragunov.

King of the Ring – First Round: Ilja Dragunov defeated Ricochet (16:34)

After a break, Ricochet tried a moonsault off the apron but Dragunov caught him and hit a release German suplex on the mats. Dragunov followed with a springboard dropkick for two. Ricochet hit a hurricanrana off the top, consecutive suicide dives and a flip dive.

After a second break, Dragunov hit a leaping senton off the top for two. Dragunov followed with chops but Ricochet hit a superkick. They traded kicks until Ricochet hit a Finlay roll and Lionsault for two. Dragunov responded with a running knee strike but Ricochet hit a poison-rana. Ricochet tried another Lionsault but Dragunov knocked him out of mid-air with an uppercut.

Dragunov hit an H-Bomb and went for Torpedo Moscow but Ricochet countered with a Recoil. Ricochet went to the top but Dragunov brought him down with a superplex. Dragunov hit one more H-Bomb for the pinfall win. This was a strong match.

Dragunov shook hands with Ricochet after the match. He will face Jey Uso in the next round.

********

Redmond interviewed Sheamus. Sheamus mentioned going through several medical procedures just to return to the ring. He didn’t like Gunther. They have had banger after banger but tonight, he planned on kicking Gunther’s ass.

Queen of the Ring – First Round: Zoey Stark defeated Ivy Nile (5:19)

Nile hit a delayed vertical suplex early on, which is a good power spot for someone who happens to be smaller than her opponent. Stark came back with a springboard dropkick for two. Nile hit a bulldog off the top for two. Stark hit a sliding kick for two. Stark knocked Nile off the top, hit a reverse suplex and Z-360 for the pinfall win.

********

R-Truth did some comedy with Miz and Dan Hurley – head coach of the UConn Huskies. Truth thought the NCAA was a small wrestling promotion.

Bron Breakker approached Pearce. Breakker wanted to know why he wasn’t in KOTR. Pearce said they could speak in his office.

********

Priest told Bálor he didn’t need to apologize for losing to Jey Uso. It was only one match. McDonagh said Bálor probably wasn’t 100% after Strowman attacked them. Priest said McDonagh could take care of Strowman.

Dom and his mustache entered with Carlito. Priest was pissed because Carlito cost him his moment at Backlash in Puerto Rico a year ago. Carlito said if he scratched their back, maybe they could return the favour. Priest didn’t care what Carlito had going on and told Dom to get him out of there.

********

Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed ended in a disqualification (1:42)

They rushed to show off some power moves and you could tell why they were rushing. Sami Zayn quickly ran in to attack Gable for the DQ. They traded some spots until Reed laid them both out.

Pearce confronted Reed in the back. Reed didn’t care about Gable or Zayn, he only cared about the IC title. Reed said Pearce knew what he had to do.

This was weak.

********

There was a video package for Lyra Valkyria.

[THIRD HOUR]

Gunther said he didn’t care about putting on bangers. He wanted to be the greatest of all time. He would have no problem exposing Sheamus as a weak-minded people-pleaser. Sheamus would be no obstacle for the Ring General.

********

Becky Lynch sit-down interview

Cole interviewed Lynch in the ring. He first asked Lynch about the big hat she wore to the Kentucky Derby and they showed a picture. I think this was meant to bring some levity to the segment before moving on to the real stuff but the crowd didn’t care about this at all.

They moved on to the championship. Lynch put over Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn, Kiana James and Lyra Valkyria. Lynch droned on about whatever until Liv Morgan interrupted.

Morgan was bored too and was annoyed that Lynch didn’t mention her. She was tired of being overlooked and overestimated. Morgan reminded Lynch that she was a former MITB winner, women’s champion and tag champion. She beat Nia Jax and took out Rhea Ripley. After all that, Morgan couldn’t believe Lynch still didn’t respect her.

Lynch said Morgan didn’t let her finish. Morgan was getting her title match at King & Queen of the Ring in three weeks. Lynch said Morgan has done a lot but she has never beaten her.

Morgan knew what she had been missing all this time: purpose. Now that she had her purpose, she knew she could beat Lynch. Her purpose was taking everything Ripley loved which meant winning the women’s title.

Damage CTRL interrupted. Kai reiterated what she said earlier and they surrounded the ring like the Shield.

Lynch and Morgan stood back-to-back ready to fight but Morgan suddenly bailed from the ring. She laughed and said this wasn’t her problem. Damage CTRL attacked Lynch until Valkyria jogged out to make the save.

This was another weak talking segment.

********

Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn. Zayn said his issues with Gable were personal, while Reed was all business. Zayn offered a triple threat match at King & Queen of the Ring. Zayn said he was knocked down tonight just like he has been many times before. But when the pressure was on, that was when he was at his best and he would walk out of Saudi Arabia still the Intercontinental Champion.

********

Queen of the Ring – First Round: Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai (8:46)

They aired an ad for a movie 30 seconds into the match and went to an actual commercial break a minute or two later.

Lyra was on offence after a break, hitting strikes, a flying crossbody and a fisherman’s suplex for two. With Lyra draped over the middle rope, Kai hit a stomp for two. Kai followed with a running corner kick for two. Kai missed a GTK but hit a scorpion kick. Lyra countered Kai’s next move into Nightwing for the pinfall win.

********

Kofi Kingston promo

Kingston cut a pre-taped promo in the back. He said this tournament was supposed to be where Xavier Woods became a two-time King of the Ring but Gunther took that away. Kingston didn’t know when Woods would return. If Gunther advanced, Kingston couldn’t wait to give him what he deserved.

But first, Kingston would have to beat Rey Mysterio — the legend and the icon and the man he looked up to growing up. He respected Rey, but he had to put him down unapologetically like his name was Kendrick Lamar or Drake. He had to win this tournament in honour of Woods because, after all this time, three words still rang true: New Day rocks.

This was good.

********

Next week on Raw:

KOTR quarter-final: Jey Uso vs. Ilja Dragunov
KOTR quarter-final: Gunther ~~or Sheamus~~ vs. Kofi Kingston or Rey Mysterio
KOTR quarter-final: Lyra Valkyria vs. Zoey Stark
KOTR quarter-final: Iyo Sky vs. Shayna Baszler or Zelina Vega

********

King of the Ring – First Round: Gunther (w/Ludwig Kaiser) defeated Sheamus (21:00)

They repeatedly smacked each other hard on the chest and Sheamus eventually got the better of Gunther ahead of a break with a tackle off the apron.

After the break, Gunther chopped Sheamus in the back (and sweat went flying). As Gunther held a rest hold, they zoomed in on Sheamus’ back and you could clearly see Gunther’s hand mark on his skin. Sheamus fought back with a backbreaker but Gunther responded with a clothesline for two. Sheamus hit White Noise for two and a powerslam for two.

Sheamus hit ten (seventeen) beats of the Bodhran but Gunther dodged a Brogue Kick. Gunther distracted the referee while Kaiser dropkicked Sheamus’ knee. The referee figured out what happened and tossed Kaiser from ringside. Gunther was happy because the damage was done. The ref checked on Sheamus as they went to break.

Gunther smashed Sheamus’ knee against the ring post during the break and held a leg lock when they returned. Sheamus fought to his feet but Gunther kicked his leg out of his leg. Gunther ripped off Sheamus’ knee pad and continued to target his leg.

Sheamus responded with a clothesline and a great-looking lifting knee strike for two. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick but his knee gave out and Gunther hit a powerbomb for two. (It often looks fake when a wrestler’s knee suddenly gives out but Sheamus sold it well.) Gunther applied a half-crab but Sheamus quickly got a rope break.

Gunther went to the top but Sheamus cut him off and hit a Celtic Cross for two. Gunther hit a German suplex but Sheamus no-sold it, popped up and hit a knee strike followed by a Brogue Kick. Sheamus took too long to make a cover and Gunther kicked out.

Gunther applied a half-crab and pulled Sheamus to the middle of the ring. Sheamus tried dragging himself back to the rope but he tapped out.

They were right up against the clock and the show ended as Gunther got to his feet to celebrate.

This was excellent.

WWE announces King & Queen of the Ring matches for Raw

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Bryan Rose

First round matches in the King and Queen of the Ring have been revealed.

During Saturday’s Backlash event, WWE revealed the opening round matches for both tournaments that will take place on Raw starting this Monday. They include:

King of the Ring tournament:

Drew McIntyre vs. Finn Balor
Kofi Kingston vs. Rey Mysterio
Gunther vs. Sheamus
Ricochet vs. Ilja Dragunov

Queen of the Ring tournament:

Zoey Stark vs. Ivy Nile
Shayna Baszler vs. Zelina Vega
Asuka vs. Lyra Valkyria
IYO SKY vs. Natalya

Tournament matches are also set to take place on SmackDown this coming Friday. The finals will take place at King & Queen of the Ring on May 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome.

This will be the first King and Queen of the Ring tournaments to be held since 2021 when the finals took place at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Xavier Woods defeated Balor to become King of the Ring, while Vega defeated Doudrop (Piper Niven) to win the first-ever Queen’s Crown.

Saudi Arabia to host SmackDown, new WWE PLE on back-to-back nights

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Joseph Currier

Next month, WWE will be presenting shows from Saudi Arabia on back-to-back nights.

A video aired during WrestleMania 40 night two confirming that a WWE King & Queen of the Ring premium live event will be held in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 25. The video also included the announcement that SmackDown will emanate from Saudi Arabia on Friday, May 24.

The city of Jeddah is hosting both shows.

BREAKING: #SmackDown and WWE King & Queen of the Ring will be LIVE from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia!

MAY 24 & MAY 25 pic.twitter.com/DL1ymu2DVN

— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024

This marks a change for WWE. In the past, SmackDown aired episodes that were taped a week in advance before the Saudi PLEs.

King & Queen of the Ring is a new WWE PLE name. The first King & Queen of the Ring event was originally scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2023 before WWE changed its plans.

The King of the Ring tournament is returning for the first time since 2021. This will be the first-ever Queen of the Ring, though a Queen’s Crown tournament did happen alongside King of the Ring in 2021. Xavier Woods and Zelina Vega were the winners of those tournaments.

Since 2018, WWE has regularly held events in Saudi Arabia as part of a deal with the Saudi government.

Here’s a look at WWE’s post-WrestleMania PLE schedule:

Saturday, May 4: Backlash (Lyon, France)
Saturday, May 25: King & Queen of the Ring (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Saturday, June 15: Clash at the Castle (Glasgow, Scotland)
Saturday, July 6: Money in the Bank (Toronto, Canada)
Saturday, August 3: SummerSlam (Cleveland, Ohio)
Saturday, August 31: Bash in Berlin (Berlin, Germany)