Three Things We Hated and Loved About WWE SmackDown 6/5/26

WWE SmackDown delivered a night of mixed reactions on June 5, 2026, as the show highlighted both frustration and excitement among fans and critics alike. The episode, which saw continued progress in the King of the Ring (KOTR) and Queen of the Ring (QOTR) tournaments, sparked debate over the direction of key storylines and the pacing of major title conflicts. Wrestling Inc. Staff outlined three aspects of the show that drew criticism and three that were praised, offering a snapshot of the episode’s polarizing impact.

The Hated: Stagnation and Overused Narratives

The first point of contention centered on the World Heavyweight Championship picture, which critics described as “Groundhog Day” in terms of its lack of forward momentum. Three reigning champions—Cody Rhodes, GUNTHER and Sami Zayn—were present but failed to make meaningful progress in their ongoing conflicts. Rhodes’ rivalry with GUNTHER, which originated from his controversial win over the “Ring General” at Clash in Italy, remained unresolved, with Zayn once again inserting himself into the feud. The staff noted that this dynamic “leaves much to be desired,” as the historic title’s narrative stagnated amid repeated callbacks to past storylines.

Another criticized element was the handling of the Queen of the Ring tournament. While Giulia advanced, her victory over Kiana James was marred by a controversial moment: James turned on Giulia after losing, a move that felt overly scripted and detracted from the tournament’s competitive spirit. The review suggested that such dramatic twists, while common in wrestling, felt unoriginal and disruptive to the event’s flow.

The third disliked aspect was the underwhelming match between Talla Tonga and Royce Keys. Despite the potential for high-energy action, the bout was described as “lackluster” and “disjointed,” failing to capitalize on either competitor’s strengths. This contrasted sharply with the more engaging bouts highlighted later in the show, leaving fans questioning the booking decisions for lower-card matches.

The Loved: Tournament Momentum and Undercard Highlights

For fans of the KOTR and QOTR tournaments, the episode was a positive development. The continued advancement of competitors, including Dominik Mysterio’s surprising victory over Damian Priest, Bron Breakker, and Trick Williams, was praised as a “stark contrast to the title picture’s stagnation.” Mysterio’s win, in particular, was noted for its unpredictability and the energy it brought to the show, signaling potential for future developments in the tournament.

The Queen of the Ring tournament also received acclaim, with Raquel Rodriguez’s progression highlighted as a standout moment. Her performance was described as “consistent and impactful,” offering a refreshing contrast to the more dramatic, less athletic matches that had dominated earlier episodes. The staff emphasized that Rodriguez’s presence provided a much-needed focus on in-ring skill, a trait they felt had been overshadowed by overreliance on story-driven sequences.

A third point of praise was the dynamic between the Judgment Day faction and other superstars. The continued tension between The Judgment Day members and external rivals, such as the ongoing clashes involving Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER, was seen as “a breath of fresh air” for the show’s narrative. This conflict, while contentious, provided a clear focal point for the episode and set the stage for future high-stakes matches.

Context and Implications for Future Storylines

The episode’s focus on the KOTR and QOTR tournaments underscored WWE’s strategic emphasis on these events as a platform for emerging talent. The progression of competitors like Mysterio and Rodriguez suggested a shift toward showcasing undercard stars, a move that could help diversify the roster’s appeal. However, the unresolved tensions in the world title picture left many wondering how WWE would address these conflicts in the coming weeks.

For the Queen of the Ring tournament, the advancements of Giulia and Rodriguez highlighted the competitive depth of the women’s division. The staff speculated that this momentum could lead to a “more balanced and exciting” final stage, though they cautioned that the tournament’s narrative would need to avoid over-reliance on dramatic twists to maintain its credibility.

Looking ahead, the ongoing feud between Rhodes, GUNTHER, and Zayn is expected to remain a central storyline. The staff noted that this rivalry “has the potential to redefine the World Heavyweight Championship’s significance,” provided WWE avoids repeating the same narrative beats. Similarly, the success of the KOTR and QOTR tournaments could influence the booking of future episodes, with a focus on balancing character-driven drama with in-ring action.

As the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments progress, fans will be watching closely to see whether WWE can translate the episode’s positive elements into sustained momentum. For now, the show’s mix of frustration and excitement reflects the broader challenges of maintaining viewer engagement in a competitive wrestling landscape.