Cody Rhodes, Gunther Set for World Title Rematch on June 19 SmackDown

WWE Friday Night SmackDown took place on June 12, 2026 at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. The episode concluded the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring qualifiers. Cody Rhodes entered the arena carrying the world title at the start of the show.

He is scheduled to face Gunther for the world title on the June 19 episode. Gunther informed WWE official Aldis that he wanted to choose the referee for the title match. Gunther later selected Sami Zayn as the special referee for the June 19 contest.

Jey Uso told Cody Rhodes he would challenge for the world title after winning the King of the Ring tournament. Jey Uso defeated Royce Keys, Finn Balor, and LA Knight in a fatal four-way King of the Ring qualifier. Cody Rhodes told Sami Zayn he is "whiny" and "not the Sami" fans fell in love with, and that Sami would never hold the WWE title.

Sami Zayn slapped Cody Rhodes across the face during their confrontation. Cody Rhodes slapped Sami Zayn in response, leaving a visible red mark on Zayn's face. Sami Zayn stood on the ring apron holding a steel chair before throwing it down and walking away.

Charlotte Flair defeated Sol Ruca, Jade Cargill, and Lyra in a fatal four-way Queen of the Ring qualifier. Tiffany Stratton interfered to neutralize Michin and B-Fab during the match. Charlotte Flair will face Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring semi-finals.

Com reported that the June 19 title match stems from Gunther earning the right to set the stipulation after a controversial loss to Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy.