Add as a preferred source on Google WWE dealt with a frustrating backstage situation this week after Friday’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown leaked online before its official airing.
According to PWInsider, there was internal unhappiness within the company because the entire show appeared in different places online before the broadcast. The episode was taped this past Tuesday, June 23, at The O2 Arena in London, England.
“There was internal unhappiness within WWE this week as apparently the entire episode of tonight’s Smackdown leaked online in different places.”
The situation stands out because this SmackDown is the final show before Night of Champions, which takes place this Saturday, June 27, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will feature the King and Queen of the Ring finals, along with Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Oba Femi and Sami Zayn.
There was internal unhappiness within WWE this week as the entire episode of tonight's #SmackDown leaked online in different places.
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 26, 2026
(PWInsider) pic.twitter.com/d0GBe7Md6Y
Tonight’s show also includes matches such as Giulia vs. Kiana James, Paige vs. Jacy Jayne, and Rey Fenix vs. Nathan Frazer. The episode airs in the United States on USA Network, while international viewers can watch on Netflix.
The leak is even more problematic because the show was taped three days before it was scheduled to air.
At this point, there is no indication that WWE will make any changes to the episode because of the leak. However, the situation could lead to more internal discussion about advance tapings during weeks built around major international events.