WWE SmackDown Review (June 20, 2025): Highlights and Lowlights
Welcome to our weekly recap of "WWE SmackDown." This week’s episode featured plenty of discussion surrounding John Cena’s promotional efforts, alongside significant developments in the women’s division, including the Queen of the Ring semifinals and Naomi’s cash-in attempts. We also covered a match featuring Bronson Reed and Jacob Fatu against Solosicore, which made for an exciting night of champions.
This article will focus on the standout moments—both good and bad—from the three-hour event. Although it doesn’t capture every aspect (such as Sami Zain vs. Randy Orton’s King of the Ring semifinals), it highlights our strong reactions—positive or negative. Here are three elements we loved and three we disliked from the June 20th episode.
Dislike: Naomi’s First Failed Cash-In
This week’s segment with WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Miss Musn Mone left me feeling rather indifferent. While I’m not particularly excited for Stratton and Jax’s rematch next week, I understand WWE’s intent to build anticipation, especially as they prepare to revert to a two-hour format. Naomi’s ambitious cash-in attempt ultimately ended in failure, leaving many to wonder if her ambitions will result in a title victory in the future.
Dislike: Lackluster Women’s Wrestling Matches
It’s disappointing to critique the women’s division, but unfortunately, the matches this week didn’t hit the mark. The first was a semifinals match between Alexa Bliss and Asuka that lacked the intensity I hoped for, while Charlotte Flair’s bout against Chelsea Green felt uninspired. This disconnect leaves me puzzled as to how WWE is promoting these dynamics without building on the existing rivalries and character histories.
Love: Jacob vs. Night of Champions Set-Up
The storyline between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa is nothing short of compelling, showcasing Fatu’s rise within the division. Fatu has proven himself capable of holding his own without relying on family ties, establishing a strong narrative for the upcoming match. This evolving feud adds depth to the Bloodline saga, providing an engaging storyline that keeps fans invested.
Love: LA Knight’s New Direction
Despite suffering a setback against Bronson Reed, LA Knight appears to be stepping into a fresh storyline that goes beyond previous championship pursuits. His interaction with Seth Rollins shows promise for a compelling feud, bringing new energy to his character. This shift may present an exciting opportunity for Knight to showcase his skills and finally gain the spotlight he deserves.
Dislike: Cena’s Misguided Promo
John Cena’s attempt at channeling CM Punk’s iconic "pipe bomb" promo fell flat. It felt more like an uninspired echo of the original rather than a thoughtful continuation of the feud. The lines often seemed forced, reducing the intensity and genuine feel associated with Punk’s groundbreaking moment.
Love: Cena’s Effective Heel Turn
While I’ve never been a fan of John Cena’s heel persona, his recent promo showcased a much-needed change in tone. By addressing Punk in a way reminiscent of the original pipe bomb, Cena re-established a sense of authenticity on the mic. It seems like this new direction may potentially revitalize Cena’s character, striking a chord with fans who’ve been longing for real stakes in their storylines.
Fan Take
The ongoing developments in WWE, especially the fresh storylines and character evolutions, indicate a significant shift in the landscape of professional wrestling. As fans, this means we may be witnessing a resurgence of engaging narratives that elevate the sport, making it an exciting time for wrestling enthusiasts everywhere.
