'WWE SmackDown' Results: 2 Semifinals for King and Queen of the Ring, John Cena Meets 'R-Truth' Again

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Jun 21, 2025 - 07:30
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'WWE SmackDown' Results: 2 Semifinals for King and Queen of the Ring, John Cena Meets 'R-Truth' Again originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Before WWE heads to Riyadh, the stars of "Friday Night SmackDown" will be in action inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

A marquee match set for the show will be Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena facing Ron "R-Truth" Killings in a non-title singles match. While Cena scored a victory over Killings at Saturday Night's Main Event, he will be dealing with someone who has renewed focus after getting his job back with WWE. 

Could CM Punk make another surprise appearance to fluster his "Night of Champions" opponent ahead of what could be their final match together before Cena retires?

There will also be King and Queen of the Ring semifinal matches. Randy Orton and "WWE Raw's" Sami Zayn will share the ring for a spot in the King of the Ring finals. Alexa Bliss and Asuka are set to go toe-to-toe, with the winner advancing to the finals of the Queen of the Ring.

The rivalry between WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax still hasn't been resolved. While Stratton recently pinned Jax to successfully retain her gold, the two can't seem to put their feud to rest. Last week, Jax refused to allow MITB briefcase holder Naomi to cash in on "Tiffy Time" because she wanted Stratton alone in the ring. What will transpire between the three on Friday?

WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu has a decision to make. After turning on Solo Sikoa by putting him through a ladder at "Money in the Bank 2025," Fatu has been given a chance to apologize. If "The Samoan Werewolf" refuses to say he loves Sikoa, there could be repercussions.

"SmackDown" airs live on USA Network at 8 p.m. ET. Athlon Sports will be providing updates here throughout the show.

'WWE SmackDown' Live Results

LA Knight made his entrance for the opening segment.

Knight gave the fans his signature "Let me talk to you" line. He mentioned Seth Rollins' faction costing him a spot in the King of the Ring semifinals. He then bragged about costing Bronson Reed a spot in retaliation. Knight demanded that Rollins make his way out.

Instead, Knight was interrupted by Paul Heyman. "The Wiseman" was not happy that fans in Grand Rapids booed the mention of Rollins. Knight told Heyman to shut up and get to the point.

Heyman got in the ring and claimed to be the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE. He even said Knight's "Yeah" line. Heyman then said that Rollins has a message for Knight, and that is to leave Grand Rapids or something bad will happen to him before the end of the night.

Knight gave Heyman a free shot at him, but "The Wiseman" left the ring. Heyman said his threat wasn't a prediction; it was a spoiler. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker then marched down to the ring.

Breakker and Reed attacked Knight, who rebounded by sending both men reeling from chair shots to end the segment.

LA Knight Will Face Bronson Reed

Backstage, Heyman told Breakker and Reed that everything remains in their control. Bryon Saxton informed Heyman that Reed will go one-on-one with LA Knight in a singles match.

Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka

Asuka landed a combination, but Bliss landed a basement dropkick. Asuka went for a German suplex, but she ate a back elbow. Bliss was knocked off the ring apron by a hip attack.

Bliss avoided an Asuka Lock, and she connected with a blockbuster. She then scored a knee, followed by a senton for a two-count. Asuka kicked her opponent in the midsection before landing a German suplex.

Bliss attempted the Sister Abagail DDT, but Asuka countered with a rollup attempt. Asuka missed a missile dropkick, and Bliss hit a DDT for a near fall. Bliss looked for Twisted Bliss, but Asuka was playing possum, and she locked in a flying armbar.

Asuka hit a hangman's neckbreaker for a two-count. Bliss countered Empress Impact. She got her opponent in a tree of woe and hit a basement dropkick. Asuka got the knees up when Bliss went for Twisted Bliss. She then hit Empress Impact to score the pin.

Winner: Asuka

Jade Cargill Vows to Win Queen of the Ring

Bryon Saxton interviewed Jade Cargill about facing Roxanne Perez in the semifinals on Monday. Cargill admitted Perez has potential, but she's still trying to prove herself. Cargill said the Queen of the Ring was built for her.

Charlotte Flair Defends Alexa Bliss?

The Secret Hervice mocked Alexa Bliss backstage. Charlotte Flair intervened and vowed to submit Chelsea Green. Bliss told Flair that she didn't need her help, but "The Queen" said she wasn't helping her.

Ron Killings Snaps Again

Elton Prince was set for a singles match with Aleister Black, but Ron "R-Truth" Killings ambushed Prince and put him in an STF. WWE road agent Jamie Noble calmed Killings down.

Damian Priest Talks to Ron Killings

Backstage, Killings told Noble that he wants John Cena. Black approached "R-Truth" and asked him why he's getting involved in his matches. The two had an intense staredown before Damian Priest intervened.

Priest told Killings that the anger and negativity should be focused on Cena. He then offered Killings to celebrate with him once his match with Cena is over.

Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso Meet Before King of the Ring Semifinals

Cody Rhodes' music hit, and he entered the ring for a promo. "The American Nightmare" wasn't alone, as Jey Uso walked out from the crowd.

Uso said both he and Rhodes continue to fight in the trenches. He said that there's only room for one of them in their King of the Ring semifinals on "Raw." Uso said he knows this isn't personal, but he plans on winning this Monday.

Sami Zayn then made his entrance in his gear, as he's ready to face Randy Orton in his own semifinal match. Zayn said he's happy to share the ring with "two great friends." Zayn said of the three of them standing in the ring, he's the only one who has never won a world title.

Zayn said he was there when both Rhodes and Uso had the biggest moment of their careers. Zayn said now it's his time to finish his story. Randy Orton then joined the party.

Orton reminded Rhodes there's no line he will not cross to get to John Cena at "SummerSlam." Orton said he respects Uso, but even he can get an RKO. He then turned his attention to Zayn and said he believes he will be a world champion one day, but not at "SummerSlam."

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn targeted the arm of Orton. He then landed multiple chops in the corner. Orton rolled outside of the ring, and Zayn faked a suicide dive. Orton got in a poke to the eye when the referee wasn't looking, but Zayn poked him right back.

Orton slammed Zayn down onto the apron. "The Viper" then landed a backdrop on Zayn onto the announce table. Fans asked Orton to do it again, and "The Viper" obliged.

Zayn used his feet to bounce off the ropes and over his opponent. This allowed Zayn to deliver a clothesline to Orton. Zayn ducked a clothesline and went for Blue Thunder Bomb, but Orton fought him off.

Outside of the ring, Zayn delivered his own backdrop onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton charged in, but he hit the ring post. Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but he ran into a snap powerslam.

Orton went for an RKO, but Zayn caught him in a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two-count. Zayn shoved Orton off during an RKO attempt. He ran in for the Helluva Kick, but Orton hit the RKO this time for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

Tiffany Stratton Interrupts Nia Jax

Nia Jax was in the ring to address her attack on Tiffany Stratton last week. Jax admitted that Stratton is thriving, but she takes credit for her success. Stratton then interrupted Jax.

Stratton questioned why Jax won't admit that she's better than her. The WWE Women's Champion said she will put her title at stake against Jax next week. Stratton said it'll be a last woman standing match.

The two brawled before Jax slammed Stratton down to the mat. Jax then landed two leg drops. Naomi went to cash in, but Jax prevented her for the second straight week. Stratton dropkicked Naomi, who fell off the apron and onto Jax.

Video Package for John Cena vs. CM Punk

WWE commentator Corey Graves narrated a video package hyping up the "Night of Champions" match between John Cena and CM Punk. The history between Cena and Punk was recapped in the package.

Charlotte Flair vs. Chelsea Green w/The Secret Hervice

Commercial break in progress.

Related: 'WWE SmackDown' Preview: John Cena vs. Ron Killings, King and Queen of the Ring 2025 Semifinals

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

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