WWE SmackDown taping at London O2 Arena preps Night of Champions

WWE taped a Friday SmackDown episode on June 23 at the O2 Arena in London, ahead of the Night of Champions premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27. The show opened with Trick Williams and Ricky Saints, featured the AAA Cruiserweight Championship where Rey Fenix retained against Nathan Frazer, and saw Jade Cargill defeat Chelsea Green. Paige beat Jacy Jayne for the Women’s Tag Team titles, and the War Raiders issued a challenge to Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R‑Truth.

A major storyline development occurred as Tama Tonga and Tanga Tonga officially split from Solo Sikoa, signaling a shift in the Bloodline faction. Blake Monroe made her main‑roster SmackDown debut, attacking Giulia and unveiling a new finishing move dubbed “The Neutralizer.” The final segment erupted into a brawl involving Jey Uso, Oba Femi, Gunther, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. After the taping, a dark match saw Seth Rollins and Oba Femi defeat The Vision.

The Night of Champions will host the finals of the 2026 King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, with Oba Femi vs Jey Uso and Iyo Sky vs Liv Morgan slated to determine future world‑title challengers. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.