WWE’s June 20, 2025 episode of SmackDown in Grand Rapids, Michigan, delivered a roller-coaster of action. From the headline bout between Undisputed Champion John Cena and R‑Truth to intense King and Queen of the Ring semi-finals, this was one for the books. Let’s break down what happened—why it matters—and what’s next for WWE’s biggest storylines.
R‑Truth Shocks the Crowd with Heel Aggression
R‑Truth has become the wild card of Cena’s farewell tour. What started as a surprise return quickly turned dark. He’s attacked Cena not once, but twice—twisting Cena’s own STF submission hold against him. His antics have added real unpredictability to Cena’s retirement storyline, turning what once felt predictable into something unpredictable and thrilling.
This week, Truth delivered more than surprise ambushes—he stepped up for a singles match, headlining SmackDown against the Undisputed Champion. Fans tuned in to see how this fight would shake out—and it did.
Match Breakdown – Cena vs. R‑Truth
The match itself was electric. It started with Truth taking the fight to Cena—slamming him onto the announce table and apron, showing he wasn’t there to just make up the numbers . Cena responded with his signature Five Knuckle Shuffle and Big Attitude Adjustment—but this time, Truth ducked, countering with right hands and a corner splash that rocked the champion.
The twist came when Cena, frustrated, struck Truth with his title belt. The bell rang—Cena won by disqualification, but the real story was how shaken the champ looked. This wasn’t your grand finale—this was the beginning of something explosive .
Post‑Match: Cena’s ‘Pipebomb’ Moment
Right after the match, CM Punk’s music hit—cueing what came next. Cena unloaded—unleashing a brutal assault on Punk with the title belt, then smashed him through the announce table with the Attitude Adjustment. Then, Cena shattered the fourth wall with a “pipebomb” promo deeply reminiscent of Punk’s iconic classic—name-dropping Claudio Castagnoli, Nic Nemeth, and Matt Cardona .
It was raw. It was real. Cena brought intensity we haven’t seen from him in years—tone, volume, and swagger all dialed up to 11. Fans are buzzing—has Cena awakened a new, more unpredictable side?
King & Queen of the Ring Tournament Update
This SmackDown also featured pivotal semi-final matches:
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King of the Ring: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn
Orton took charge early, using sneaky tactics, then closed the deal with a Draping DDT and a snap powerslam—and yes, the ever-devastating RKO. -
Queen of the Ring: Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka
A back-and-forth classic. Bliss pulled off a surprise dropkick, but Asuka took over with German suplexes and a running knee. Asuka punched her ticket to the finals.
Here’s a quick recap:
| Match | Winner | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Cena vs. R‑Truth | Cena (DQ) | Truth’s table/apron offense; title strike |
| Orton vs. Zayn (King semi) | Randy Orton | Draping DDT → Snap powerslam → RKO |
| Bliss vs. Asuka (Queen semi) | Asuka | German suplex → Running knee |
Why These Developments Matter
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Cena’s Evolution: Sliding into heel-ish behavior and cutting blistering promos suggests WWE is reshaping Cena for one last redemption—or fall. This new intensity feeds into his upcoming Night of Champions match against CM Punk on June 28.
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R‑Truth’s Role: Originally set for release, Truth rebounded with astonishing fan support and now is a pivotal antagonist—tapping into his “split personality” and becoming Cena’s foil. Will he push Cena enough to cost him at Night of Champions?
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Rising Stars: Orton and Asuka advancing inject fresh excitement into King and Queen of the Ring. They’re now locked in for a finals showdown—Win the crown, earn momentum.
What’s Next—Storylines Heating Up
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June 27 SmackDown (Riyadh Tip-Off): Expect fallout from Cena’s promo, follow-up between Cena/Punk, possibly more Truth chaos, and final tournament bouts before Night of Champions.
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June 28 Night of Champions: Cena vs. Punk for the Undisputed Championship—after Cena’s pipebomb echoing Punk’s own history. The psychological stakes couldn’t be higher.
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King & Queen of the Ring Finals: Title shot awaits the winners—who will become the next monarch?
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
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Fans are cheering Truth’s unpredictability: “He’s the wild card” says one NY Post headline.
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The Cena heel moment and pipebomb promo have the internet lit—with comparisons to Punk’s 2011 “pipebomb” going viral.
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The tournament matches delivered serious buzz: Orton–Zayn and Bliss–Asuka were praised for pacing, athleticism, and storytelling.
In Summary
Friday’s SmackDown delivered in spades: R‑Truth injected chaos into Cena’s narrative, King/Queen tournament intensified, and Cena’s pipebomb moment packed emotional resonance. WWE is expertly balancing retirement arcs with fresh intrigue, keeping viewers invested and guessing.
Conclusion
June 20’s SmackDown was more than filler—it was pivotal storytelling. Cena’s darker edge, R‑Truth’s newfound menace, and tournament stakes have us primed for Night of Champions. If this is part of Cena’s final act, it’s shaping up to be side-achingly good—and full of surprises.