‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (Jun 20th 2025)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Queen of the Ring Semifinal Match – Asuka def. Alexa Bliss
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the final moments of the first Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinal Match, Asuka got her knees up when Alexa leaped off the top rope with Twisted Bliss. She then finished Five Feet of Fury with the Empress Impact and secured her place in the Finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: King of the Ring Semifinal Match – Randy Orton def. Sami Zayn
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the first King of the Ring Tournament Semifinal Match, Randy Orton hit the RKO out of nowhere as Sami Zayn was attempting a Helluva Kick. Ooton picked up the three-count and, with the win, The Viper moved to the Finals of the King of the Ring Tournament.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #3: Charlotte Flair def. Chelsea Green
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Seconds after Charlotte Flair made Chelsea Green tap out to the Figure-Eight Leg Lock, Piper Niven and Alba Fyre attacked and set up a 3-on-1 post-match attack by Green and her Secret Hervice on The Queen. In response, Alexa Bliss suddenly charged down to the ring to save Flair. Despite the assistance, Flair refused to shake her hand and walked out of the ring.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: LA Knight def. Bronson Reed (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Following an altercation outside the ring at the start of the match, Bron Breakker Speared LA Knight during the height of The Megastar’s showdown against Bronson Reed. This forced the official to call for the disqualification but the action was not over. After the bell, a second Spear by Bron paved the way for three post-match Tsunamis by Reed on his fallen opponent.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Ron Killings def. John Cena (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In an explosive SmackDown main event, John Cena caused himself to lose the match to Ron Killings when he hit him with the WWE Title. CM Punk quickly emerged to engage the self-professed “Last Real Champion”, but Cena gained the advantage and delivered an Attitude Adjustment to put The Second City Saint through a table. As the smoke cleared, Cena took to the mic and mocked Punk by recreating The Second’s City Saint’s most famous mic moment from 14 years ago.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
This week’s show, for me, felt like a step backwards. While there were a few decent in-ring moments, the pacing dragged, and the creative direction lacked urgency. Several storylines spun their wheels without any meaningful development, and some questionable booking decisions left the crowd lukewarm. Despite the roster’s talent, the show struggled to capitalise on momentum from recent weeks. Until that final John Cena promo, Smackdown didn’t deliver the spark or surprises I always hope to see. Overall, apart from the aforementioned promo, this was a forgettable episode that failed to live up to its potential.
