WWE SmackDown Highlights: Cena vs. Punk, Rhodes Advances in King of the Ring

On June 13, 2025, WWE SmackDown aired an electrifying episode at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, intensifying the anticipation for the upcoming Night of Champions. The event prominently featured a high-stakes confrontation between wrestling icons CM Punk and John Cena, alongside pivotal matchups in the King of the Ring tournament.

The show commenced with John Cena delivering a compelling promo that outlined his illustrious 25-year career, prompting interruptions from fellow competitors Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight. Each competitor presented their case for dethroning Cena, who is slated to face CM Punk in an Undisputed WWE Championship match at Night of Champions on June 28. Despite the intention to build intrigue, the convoluted narrative surrounding multiple challengers appeared to dilute the focus on the main event, complicating the storylines leading up to the clash between Cena and Punk.

Cody Rhodes, who recently secured a victory over Cena at Money in the Bank, argued for his rightful claim to a championship match, while Randy Orton referenced his disrupted title opportunity from Backlash. LA Knight, despite a lackluster track record in high-stakes matches, also entered the fray, further complicating the championship narrative. This segment arguably undermined the anticipated feud between Cena and Punk, creating confusion about the direction of the storyline as the event nears.

As the night progressed, the King of the Ring tournament continued with intense matches. Randy Orton faced off against LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes in a Fatal 4-Way match, ultimately securing victory after a dramatic mid-frog-splash RKO on Hayes. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes triumphed in his match against Damian Priest, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Andrade, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Orton in the later rounds of the tournament.

On the women's side, Jade Cargill advanced past competitors Michin, Jax, and Piper Niven, signaling a clear path towards a significant match against Roxanne Perez in the semifinals. The dynamics of the women’s division were further complicated by Alexa Bliss’s victory over Candice LeRae, which contributed to the escalating tension between Bliss and Charlotte Flair.

In a notable heel turn, Naomi continued her narrative after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, engaging in a compelling segment with Tiffany Stratton. This storyline has the potential for an extended feud, echoing the complexities of the women’s division as it evolves.

The episode also featured the Wyatt Sicks, whose integration into the show appeared lackluster, failing to resonate with the audience despite their unique entrance. The tag team match involving Motor City Machine Guns and Joe Gacy/Dexter Lumis struggled to capture the crowd’s attention, highlighting the challenges in effectively portraying the Wyatt Sicks as a formidable force.

As the show concluded, General Manager Nick Aldis announced an upcoming match between Ron Killings and Cena, following Killings’ attempts to attack Cena earlier in the night. The strategic booking of this match could provide an opportunity for further character development and storyline progression.

Overall, this episode of SmackDown, while showcasing thrilling matches and engaging promos, encountered narrative challenges that could affect the build-up to Night of Champions. The convoluted storylines might necessitate clearer focus in the coming weeks to ensure that the audience remains invested in the unfolding drama. The show earned a Crown score of 7/10, balancing exciting matchups with some narrative missteps as WWE heads towards a crucial pay-per-view event.