WWE SmackDown Notes: Raquel Rodriguez Advances in 2026 Queen of the Ring, Kiana James Splits From Giulia & Giulia Responds Attacking James, Chad Gable & War Raiders Appears, Dominik Mysterio Advances in 2026 King of the Ring, 6/12 Show Card

WWE
Jun 5, 2026

Raquel Rodriguez Advances in 2026 Queen of the Ring

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show at the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy featured one First Round match for this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament.

This match was Raquel Rodriguez defeating Bayley, Jacy Jayne, and Kiana James in a Fatal Four-way match.

As a result of her victory, Rodriguez will be facing off against IYO SKY in the Semifinal Round of this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament.

Kiana James Splits From Giulia & Giulia Responds Attacking James

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Kiana James splitting up from her partnership with Giulia.

James splitting with Giulia had been teased over recent weeks shows over James and Giulia’s growing tensions with each other. Following James’ loss in the First Round of this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament, an upset James confronted Giulia in the ring and got into an argument. Giulia attempted to try to talk it out with James only for James to respond telling Giulia that they are finished as a team. Guilia gave a sad reaction over the news but this turned out to just be a ruse and laid out James with some punches as the crowd cheered on.

Chad Gable Makes Surprise Appearance

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Chad Gable making a surprise appearance.

During the show, Sami Zayn was seen backstage with Johnny Gargano venting his frustrations over his recent issues with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther. This led to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis showing up and told Zayn to stay out of Rhodes and Gunther’s business. Zayn attempted to have a talk with Aldis who responded back telling him that he has other important business to attend to, which was revealed to be him having a meeting with Gable in his office to discuss things.

In a follow-up segment, Gable went up to Rey Fenix backstage after Fenix’s chat with Axiom and Nathan Frazer. Gable proceeded to apologize for his actions as Original El Grande Americano and his mockery of the lucha libre tradition while he was under the mask.

War Raiders Makes Surprise Appearance

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured AAA World Tag Team Champions War Raiders (Ivar & Erik) making a surprise appearance.

During the show, WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Damian Priest were seen backstage. Truth and Priest tried to continue to resolve their differences regarding Truth wanting Royce Keys to be part of their group and Priest not trusting Keys due to Solo Sikoa and the MFTs always beign around him.

After Priest walked away, the War Raiders showed up and confronted Truth issuing a challenge to him for the WWE Tag Team titles.

Dominik Mysterio Advances in 2026 King of the Ring

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured one First Round match for this year’s King of the Ring tournament.

This match was Dominik Mysterio defeating Damian Priest, Bron Breaker, and Trick Williams in a Fatal Four-way match.

As a result of his victory, Mysterio will be facing off against Oba Femi in the Semifinal Round of this year’s King of the Ring tournament.

Current Card for Next Week’s Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured two new matches announced for the card of next week’s show on June 12th at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhodes Island.

Current card for June 12th WWE SmackDown show:

  • 2026 King of the Ring Tournament First Round Fatal Four-way match – Jey Uso vs. LA Knight vs. Royce Keys vs. Finn Balor
  • 2026 Queen of the Ring Tournament First Round Fatal Four-way match – Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill
  • Gunther’s rematch stipulation for Undisputed WWE Championship match to be revealed
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