KANSAS CITY — Night of Champions is drawing closer as WWE Smackdown broadcasts today – Friday, June 19 – from T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This episode is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.
If you can’t watch Smackdown on USA Network today at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) on cable, you can utilize free trials from FuboTV ($20 off first month) and DIRECTV ($35 off first month). In addition, you can take advantage of promotional offers from Sling TV.
In tonight’s jam-packed episode, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends his title against Gunther with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee, while Charlotte Flair squares off against Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring semifinals.
Rhodes and Gunther’s last match at Clash in Italy ended in controversy as the referee missed Gunther’s foot under the ropes during the final three count. That led to Gunther being given the right to pick the stipulation for the rematch. He chose the “The Last Real Good Guy” Zayn, who conveniently recently had a blowup with Rhodes in the ring.
Zayn has been on a rollercoaster of emotions in recent weeks, trying to find his fit while fighting back heel-like characteristics. Whichever Zane shows up tonight could alter the WWE Championship for the foreseeable future.
Flair and Morgan will be a finals-like encounter with the winner facing IYO SKY in the Queen of the Ring finals at Night of Champions. Will Alexa Bliss be able to keep the Judgement Day from causing chaos?
Watch WWE Smackdown for free on DIRECTV
Jey Uso will clash with Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring semifinals. The winner will face Oba Femi in the finals at Night of Champions. Will Uso return to the main event spotlight, or will his past catch up to him and ruin the opportunity?
The WWE Tag Team Champions will get a stiff test tonight as they put the belts on the line against the MFTs Talla and Tama Tonga. Will Royce Keyes make an appearance, or even blue-brand newcomer Finn Balor?
Carmelo Hayes battles Ricky Saints, with the winner becoming the No. 1 Contender for a future match against United States Champion Trick Williams.
Jade Cargill took out her frustrations on Chelsea Green and United States Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton after being eliminated from the Queen of the Ring Tournament. Will Tiffy Time give her a title shot?
Danhausen remains a hot commodity after uncursing the New York Knicks enroute to their first NBA championship in 53 years. Morgan sought his services last week before giving up after his long list of demandhausens.
Watch WWE Smackdown for free on FuboTV
Here’s more information on how to watch WWE Smackdown on TV and streaming services.
What: WWE Friday Night Smackdown
When: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central)
Where: T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, Mo.
Channel: USA Network
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $20 off first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month) and Sling TV
What is WWE Smackdown?
Smackdown is one of the longer running television programs in history. It first aired April 29, 1999. Through the years, it has been rebranded, first as Smackdown! from 1999 to 2008, and then Smackdown Live from 2016 to 2019.
Its companion program, WWE RAW, airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern. Didn’t see Monday’s show? Here’s a recap below.
