Randy Orton advances to WWE King of the Ring final following a hard-fought victory over Sami Zayn at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on June 20, 2025, marking a pivotal night on WWE SmackDown as storylines intensified and rivalries erupted. The event, broadcast live on USA Network and Netflix internationally, featured a passionate crowd, dramatic matches, and emotional confrontations, with Orton’s win positioning him just one step away from crowning himself as King of the Ring.
SmackDown Delivers High Stakes and Intensity in Grand Rapids
WWE SmackDown returned to the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids with over 10,000 fans in attendance as reported by WrestleTix, with the energy amplified both by the crowd and the high stakes throughout the night. The event opened with a spectacle, showing arrivals from top stars like Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and R-Truth. The storyline threads between contenders became immediately apparent, setting the tone for a night that demanded attention from start to finish.
The entrance of LA Knight set off passionate audience chants, building on his ongoing rivalry with Bronson Reed and interference that altered the King of the Ring tournament for both. Knight voiced his determination, calling out Seth Rollins and challenging the unpredictable presence of Paul Heyman. Their heated exchange was marked by underlying threats, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans and setting up matches laced with tension.
“It ends with me and it ends with Seth Rollins,”
—LA Knight
“What better place than right here and right now.”
—LA Knight
The bickering continued as Heyman, in his role as Wiseman for Seth Rollins, attempted to stir the pot, while LA Knight refused to back down, pushing for a confrontation. This encounter eventually led to a ringside melee involving Knight, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker, with Knight wielding a chair in defense, electrifying the already fervent atmosphere.
Women’s Division Heats Up: Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss and Fallout
The night’s first marquee match saw Alexa Bliss take on Asuka, both multiple-time world champions, for a spot in the King of the Ring finals. The action was fast-paced and hard-hitting, with each athlete showcasing resilience and tactical prowess. Asuka’s relentless offense and penchant for counterattacks kept Bliss off-balance. Notably, Bliss attempted her signature Twisted Bliss, only for Asuka to counter by lifting her knees and swiftly securing victory with a hip attack and pinfall. The aftermath featured visible tension, including ringside confrontation, with the referee voicing clear agitation by Asuka’s actions and the victor celebrating by shouting in commentator Tessitore’s face.
Asuka’s win drove immediate backstage responses, with Jade Cargill expressing interest in advancing to challenge Asuka after her own upcoming semi-final match against Roxanne Perez. The rivalry set the stage for a fever-pitch showdown in the finals, with championship implications and personal pride on the line. Cargill boasted about her championship pedigree and readiness to take on all challengers, describing herself as “the storm” meant to rule the division.
Escalating Drama in Tag Team and Women’s Feuds
Backstage segments carried on the emotional momentum. Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin not only reacted to results but plotted future paths, as Michin eyed the tag titles and Jade emphasized her destiny for greatness. Elsewhere, Chelsea Green confronted Alexa Bliss, demanding rematches and acknowledgment for past encounters, while Charlotte Flair interjected, reigniting her own claims to the throne. This convergence of personalities brewed friction, with Charlotte promising to make Green tap out while Bliss and Flair locked eyes, both signaling no interest in alliances or gratitude—only in personal glory.
The Charlotte Flair vs. Chelsea Green match showcased competitive intensity. Charlotte’s power and technical skills earned her a decisive win, but the post-match breakdown—featuring interference by Piper Niven and Alba Fyre, and a late appearance by Bliss—escalated the chaos. Charlotte’s refusal to accept Bliss’s handshake highlighted the emotionally charged undercurrents running through the women’s roster.
Rising Stakes and Fierce Confrontations in Men’s Competition
Amid the evolving rivalries, Cody Rhodes entered to raucous chants, quickly followed by Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and eventually Randy Orton. The four men shared mutual respect, references to shared histories, and the burning desire to seize gold at upcoming pay-per-views. Sami Zayn reminded the group of his own unfinished business and quest for a first world title, while Orton focused his sights on championship glory at Summerslam and signaled that he’d be ruthless toward anyone in his path, regardless of history or family ties.
“We’ve both been to the mountain top,”
—Jey Uso
“I love you and I’m proud of you,”
—Sami Zayn
“But Summerslam is not that day.”
—Randy Orton
This memorable moment laid the groundwork for the night’s marquee contest in the King of the Ring semi-finals: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn. The bout started with stiff chops and aggressive tactics from Zayn, but Orton replied with his trademark brutality, slamming Zayn onto the announce desk—twice—to the crowd’s delight. As the pace quickened, both men delivered near falls, counters, and high-impact moves. Sami Zayn came close to toppling Orton with his Helluva Kick and Blue Thunder Bomb, but it was Orton’s perfectly timed RKO that ended the match and sealed his advance to the tournament final.
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu: Family Ties Reach Breaking Point
During the third hour, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu addressed their complicated relationship in a segment that vividly displayed betrayal, loyalty, and family legacy. Solo entered seeking peace, emphasizing the importance of family unity and declaring his love for Fatu. He argued that families fight and forgive, and he pleaded for Fatu to return to his side in pursuit of shared success.
“So let’s move forward together Jacob,”
—Solo Sikoa
“And to be honest, I don’t have anybody else,”
—Solo Sikoa
“You’re all I have, Jacob. Man, you’re all I need. So come back to the family.”
—Solo Sikoa
Fatu’s skepticism was palpable; he accused Solo of using him for power and championship gold, suggesting the dynamic had changed since Fatu captured the U.S. Title. Fatu’s challenge for a title fight led to an immediate outbreak of violence. Solo’s attempted Solo Spike was countered by a crushing headbutt, and the altercation only intensified when J.C. Mateo and Jimmy Uso entered, resulting in chaos as Fatu and Jimmy fended off Solo and Mateo, and Fatu reclaimed his United States Title belt.
Chaos and Controversy Across the Card
Elsewhere, the ongoing feud between LA Knight and Bronson Reed escalated further. Their match was disrupted by outside interference, with Bron Breakker’s intervention leading to Knight’s defeat by disqualification. What followed was a display of dominance from Reed and Breakker, who subjected Knight to three consecutive Tsunami splashes as officials failed to restore order, ultimately requiring Knight to be escorted backstage for medical evaluation as speculation built about his condition and future involvement.
The Tag division’s drama also unfolded in backstage confrontations surrounding J.C. Mateo, Solo Sikoa, and the volatile presence of Jacob Fatu. Solo’s admonition to Mateo to avoid the explosive situation with Fatu reflected deep-seated anxieties and doubts within their ranks.
Spotlight on John Cena and C.M. Punk: Legends’ Rivalry Reignites
In another major highlight, John Cena squared off against R-Truth. The match was aggressive from the outset, with R-Truth dominating early, but Cena turned the tide and resorted to underhanded tactics—striking Truth with the title belt to escape with a disqualification loss rather than risk defeat in the ring. The aftermath brought C.M. Punk into the arena, sending the crowd into a frenzy as he sought retribution. Yet Cena struck back ruthlessly, assaulting Punk with the championship belt and sending him crashing through a table via Attitude Adjustment, leaving Punk motionless as Cena delivered a scathing promo.
“Somebody’s afraid of what I’m going to say,”
—John Cena
“I like him more than anyone you’ve shared a locker room with you; that’s for sure.”
—John Cena
“the best bullshitter in the world.”
—John Cena
“but they don’t believe a god damned word you say.”
—John Cena
“You’re not a Punk, you’re a capitalist,”
—John Cena
“You’re not against TKO, dude. You are Mr. TKO, because they knocked your balls technically off your body.”
—John Cena
“for seven minutes, 14 years ago.”
—John Cena
“well, I guess it’s a small world afterall.”
—John Cena
“the mood is starting to change.”
—John Cena
“but I know even you idiots are smart enough to see the truth – the champ is here.”
—John Cena
“Thanks for letting me rip off your promo to make you look even more foolish.”
—John Cena
Cena targeted Punk’s authenticity and legacy, mocking his “voice of the voiceless” tagline, referencing ex-WWE names, and accusing Punk of hypocrisy—a sequence leaving the audience buzzing and raising questions about how Punk will respond and whether their verbal showdown has ended or escalated.
Additional Fallout and What Lies Ahead
The night wrapped up with news and developments for upcoming events. Backstage, Jacob Fatu announced plans to defend his United States Title against Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions. Meanwhile, other matches and rivalries were previewed for next week’s WWE SmackDown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where new grudge matches and title opportunities await.
The tag team scene also simmered with intrigue, as The Street Profits and The Wyatts were promoted for future clashes. Nia Jax, who suffered betrayal at the hands of Tiffany Stratton, was granted her request for a Last Woman Standing match. Naomi’s intervention, with the intention to cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase, underscored the wild unpredictability of the women’s title scene, further inflaming existing rivalries.
Throughout the night, storylines involving Wade Barrett, Joe Tessitore, Paul Heyman, and Nick Aldis threaded the narrative—a reflection of passionate competition and emotionally charged ambition coursing through every division. Commentary on officiating, crowd reactions, and post-match assaults further contributed to the persistent intensity in the building.
Significance of Orton’s Victory and Next Steps in King of the Ring
Randy Orton’s triumph over Sami Zayn cements his place as a formidable contender, intensifying anticipation for the King of the Ring final, where the Viper seeks to etch another milestone into his already storied legacy. The win not only solidifies Orton’s momentum heading toward WWE’s global events but also underscores the emotional stakes for all involved—with old wounds being reopened, new rivalries forged, and the quest for both gold and respect hanging in the balance.
With Night of Champions, Summerslam, and other high-profile events on the horizon, fans can expect tensions and story developments to reach explosive heights. John Cena’s verbal demolition of C.M. Punk promises more confrontations, while the fallout from the LA Knight-Bronson Reed feud and the chaos within The Bloodline signals shifting alliances and unpredictable outcomes. As WWE SmackDown continues to unfold, the intensity and passion displayed in Grand Rapids confirm that the road to championship glory will be paved with hard-fought battles, stinging words, and unforgettable moments.
