Add as a preferred source on Google WWE will present another episode of Friday Night SmackDown this Friday night from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The show will air at 8 p.m. and will be headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther.
The key wrinkle is that Sami Zayn will serve as the special guest referee. Gunther was given the chance to choose a stipulation for the rematch and decided to put Zayn in that role, even after the “Last Good Guy” became involved in recent issues with Rhodes, including a slap exchange on last week’s SmackDown.
.@CodyRhodes battles @Gunther_AUT in an Undisputed WWE Title Match with Special Guest Referee @SamiZayn TONIGHT on #SmackDown!
— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2026
📍: Kansas City, MO
🎟️: https://t.co/xOf1s87SlN
📺: 8 ET/7 CT on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/eKZ6VSLxLn
Beyond the world title match, the show will also feature two King and Queen of the Ring tournament semifinals. On the men’s side, Jey Uso will face Je’Von Evans, with the winner advancing to face Oba Femi in the final at Night of Champions. On the women’s side, Liv Morgan will take on Charlotte Flair, with the winner moving on to face IYO SKY.
The tag team division will also be in the spotlight. Damian Priest and R-Truth will put the WWE Tag Team Championship on the line against Talla Tonga and Tama Tonga of MFT. The other announced match will see Carmelo Hayes face Ricky Saints, with the winner earning a future shot at Trick Williams for the United States Championship at Night of Champions.