Cody Rhodes advances in King of the Ring tournament after a commanding win on SmackDown, joining other WWE superstars who secured their places in the next round of the King and Queen of the Ring events this week. The tournament qualifiers, staged across RAW and SmackDown, have rearranged the championship landscape as leading competitors move one step closer to the coveted crowns.
Major Competitors Progress After Fierce First-Round Battles
Last night’s SmackDown delivered four high-stakes first–round qualifiers, each with multiple top-tier WWE superstars vying for advancement. Randy Orton, making his return after a recent setback against John Cena at Backlash, overcame LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes, and Aleister Black to secure his second-round spot, earning the victory by pinning LA Knight. This win reinstates Orton as a direct contender amid a competitive field.
Cody Rhodes also moves forward in the King of the Ring tournament, overcoming Andrade, Damian Priest, and Shinsuke Nakamura in a multi-competitor showdown. Rhodes’ advancement adds momentum to his pursuit of WWE’s prestigious title, intensifying anticipation for the next phase of the contest.
The Queen of the Ring qualifiers featured another set of grueling matches, with Jade Cargill earning her place in the subsequent round after defeating Nia Jax, Piper Niven, and Michin. Alexa Bliss claimed a hard-fought win in her Fatal 4-Way match, securing victory by pinning Candice LeRae among competition from Charlotte Flair and Alba Fyre.
RAW Delivers More Tournament Shake-Ups
Earlier in the week on WWE RAW, two additional first–round qualifiers shaped the line-ups in both major tournaments. Sami Zayn was the first to clinch a second-round position in King of the Ring by besting Penta, Dominik Mysterio, and Bron Breakker in a contested Fatal 4-Way. This win positions Zayn closer to achieving his dream of a world championship, with a crucial match against Randy Orton looming in the semi-finals.
On the women’s side, Roxanne Perez advanced in the Queen of the Ring tournament following a victory over Kairi Sane, Rhea Ripley, and Liv Morgan. Perez’s next challenge will see her face Jade Cargill, adding intrigue to the upcoming semi-final clashes.
Semi-Finals Set to Elevate Competition
With these results, the next phase of the tournaments is now confirmed. Sami Zayn is set to compete against Randy Orton in the King of the Ring semi-finals, spotlighting two of WWE’s most dynamic performers. For the women’s tournament, Roxanne Perez faces Jade Cargill in a match that promises high drama and intensity.
Recent News from the WWE World
In other developments, a WWE superstar has reflected on the difficulties faced when transitioning from independent circuit wrestling after joining the organization. The Undertaker also underwent heart surgery soon after participating in numerous events during the WrestleMania 41 weekend, emphasizing the physical toll of career longevity. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns, absent from WWE TV since post-WrestleMania RAW, remains in hiatus following a significant betrayal at The Show of Shows.
Speculation continues about John Cena’s potential final opponent, as tensions persist with an unnamed heel character. Also, with Nikki Bella’s recent return, reports now suggest that WWE is in discussions regarding a possible comeback for Brie Bella. Moreover, news has surfaced of a key AEW lawsuit progressing to arbitration, while a rising wrestling star has confirmed a direct move to the WWE main roster, bypassing NXT entirely.
What This Means for the Championship Landscape
The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, highlighted by standout performances from the likes of Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Jade Cargill, and Alexa Bliss, have invigorated competition among leading WWE superstars. As the semi-finals approach, the outcomes of these high-profile matches will significantly shape the path to the respective titles. Fierce rivalries, pivotal returns, and the upward momentum of emerging stars continue to define WWE’s evolving championship race, setting the stage for climactic showdowns in the weeks ahead.
