WWE SmackDown recap & reactions (June 19, 2026): I Want to Believe

Key Points:

• Sami Zayn served as a special guest referee in the Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther WWE title match but struggled to remain impartial, ultimately interfering and costing himself credibility, leading to a triple threat announcement for Night of Champions.
• The King/Queen of the Ring matches were impacted by pre-match injuries, with Liv Morgan defeating an injured Charlotte Flair and Jey Uso overcoming Je’Von Evans, though both matches lacked excitement and felt telegraphed.
• The Bloodline storyline featured midcard drama involving attempts to recruit Solo Sikoa back, which distracted tag team challengers Talla & Tonga Loa and contributed to their loss, but the angle has yet to gain significant momentum.
• Ricky Saints became the #1 contender for the United States title after a controversial win over Carmelo Hayes, who was hindered by an accidentally exposed turnbuckle; Saints’ character and potential remain uncertain.
• Overall, the episode was considered mediocre, with the Sami Zayn storyline providing the most engaging content, while other matches and segments failed to generate strong interest or excitement.