WWE Smackdown’s June 25, 2015 edition aired on SyFy, featuring key developments involving Seth Rollins, Kane, Ryback, and Dean Ambrose. This WWE Smackdown June 2015 Review covers the aftermath of recent heated rivalries, including Rollins’ aggressive maneuvers as WWE World Champion, the escalating tension between Kane and Ryback, and the intense personal conflict between Rollins and Ambrose. The episode was taped two days prior at Toledo, Ohio, and brought several matches and backstage segments that set the stage for upcoming WWE pay-per-view events.
Opening Segment Sets Intense Tone with Rollins, Kane, and Joey Mercury
The show opened with Seth Rollins alongside Kane and Joey Mercury. Commentary featured Tom Phillips, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and Jimmy Uso, while Byron Saxton was absent. Rollins took the microphone and emphasized how The Authority had
“burned Suplex City to the ground”
earlier in the week. He reflected on how difficult it was to leave The Shield and his pride in becoming WWE World Champion. Unlike his previous appearances, Rollins showed respect towards Mercury and Kane, dedicating the episode to an injured Jamie Noble, explaining the injury with slow-motion replays from Monday’s Raw.
Seth Rollins also referenced Kane’s powerful chokeslam on Dean Ambrose, calling Kane “the Devil’s Favorite Demon.” Kane then addressed the absence of Big Show, who was attacked by Ryback on Raw, and directly challenged Ryback for an in-ring confrontation that night. Ryback emerged quickly, justifying his actions by saying Big Show wanted to test him, and expressed disdain for Rollins’ attitude, calling him “gutless.” Kane and Rollins then set the evening’s matches: Kane vs. Ryback, followed by Rollins vs. Ambrose, highlighting the building animosity.
Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus Clash Amid Rusev’s Disrupted Return
Dolph Ziggler faced Sheamus in a match that was interrupted early when Rusev appeared on crutches, pleading for Lana’s return, which she firmly refused. The match paused during this confrontation, adding tension backstage to the ongoing Lana-Rusev storyline. Once active, Sheamus controlled much of the match, applying strong holds and targeting Ziggler’s offense.
Ziggler demonstrated resilience with repeated sleeper holds and surprise roll-ups, earning near falls. Despite Ziggler’s efforts and a flurry of superkicks, Sheamus ultimately hit a Brogue Kick, securing a pinfall victory at 9:48. While Ziggler continues to face rumors of a departure from WWE, his performance showed no lack of effort or determination.
Backstage, Rusev displayed frustration by shouting at a production assistant and shaking fencing, with Summer Rae calming him, remarking that Lana “is not worth it.”
Ryback and Kane Battle in a Heated Match Marked by The Authority’s Interference
Before the scheduled match, Big Show ambushed Ryback on the stage and ramp, delivering a brutal attack that drew heated reactions from the crowd. Despite the referee’s slow reaction to break up the assault, the match officially began once Kane arrived, instructed the referee to ring the bell, putting Ryback at a severe disadvantage.
In the match, Kane dominated early with powerful chokeslams and uppercuts. Ryback mounted a comeback with a spinebuster and a Meat Hook clothesline, looking revitalized. However, the match ended in disqualification when Big Show interfered again, kicking Ryback and prompting the referee to call the match. Post-match, Show and Kane continued to assault Ryback, including multiple chokeslams, underlining the harsh dynamics within The Authority’s faction.
The Women’s Division Showcases Wrestling Prowess in Alicia Fox vs. Naomi
Alicia Fox battled Naomi in a fast-paced matchup that displayed athleticism and evolving character dynamics. Naomi, supported by Tamina and accompanied by The Bellas ringside, engaged in several high-impact exchanges, including a bulldog and headscissors takeover. Tensions flared when Naomi clashed with the Bellas, leading to Tamina superkicking Brie and Nikki Bella, prompting a chaotic confrontation.
Fox capitalized by kicking Naomi mid-ring and executing a facebuster for the pin at 3:10. While some sequences lacked fluidity, the match was noted as an exciting encounter between two of the division’s most athletic performers.
Tag Team Drama: New Day and Bo Dallas Clash with Prime Time Players and Lucha Dragons
In a multi-man tag team encounter, The New Day and Bo Dallas teamed up against The Prime Time Players and The Lucha Dragons. Early moments saw Titus O’Neil dominating with a chest chop and Darren Young applying a sit-down splash. The heels controlled the pace with constant tagging and coordinated attacks, targeting Kalisto often.
As the match progressed, high-flying moves by The Lucha Dragons and New Day’s teamwork electrified the audience. Kalisto’s springboard 450 splash sealed the victory for Prime Time Players and Lucha Dragons at 10:03. The bout effectively utilized all competitors, highlighting teamwork and in-ring versatility.
Backstage Conflicts and Bray Wyatt’s Haunting Influence on Roman Reigns
Backstage segments highlighted internal WWE tensions. Roman Reigns, visibly disturbed by Bray Wyatt’s psychological tactics, confronted Ambrose about a strategy to counter Wyatt’s mind games. Reigns urged Ambrose to focus on The Authority, while he himself pursued Wyatt. Reigns’ growing anger caused Kane to label him a workplace danger, resulting in Reigns being forcibly removed by security, an uneasy development underscoring fracturing alliances within WWE.
Main Event: Seth Rollins Defeats Dean Ambrose in a Brutal Contest
The show’s climax was a high-stakes match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, stemming from their intense rivalry. As the bout progressed, both wrestlers exchanged aggressive maneuvers and near falls, including clotheslines, suplexes, and high-risk top-rope moves. Rollins focused on weakening Ambrose’s left leg, while Ambrose retaliated with momentum swings and impactful hits like a neck-breaker and tornado DDT.
Throughout the match, interference from Mercury and distractions kept Ambrose off balance. Ambrose rallied with a Dirty Deeds setup, but Rollins countered with a powerbomb attempt followed by a decisive Pedigree. Rollins secured the pinfall at 13:18, reaffirming his dominance as WWE World Champion. The Authority celebrated post-match over Ambrose, signaling continuing conflict ahead.
Seasonal Context and Anticipated Trajectory for WWE Storylines
This WWE Smackdown June 2015 Review illustrates a pivotal chapter in WWE’s ongoing narratives. Rollins’ victory over Ambrose and his cooperation with The Authority emphasizes his role as the faction’s linchpin, while Kane and Ryback’s chaotic encounter, marred by Big Show’s interference, intensifies their unresolved feud. Tag team competition remains fierce as The New Day faces persistent challenges from rivals, and the women’s division continues to showcase new rivalries and in-ring skills.
Backstage dynamics, especially concerns involving Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt, suggest shifting alliances and psychological tactics that will influence upcoming pay-per-view events such as Battleground. Overall, this episode laid the groundwork for escalating rivalries to develop in the weeks ahead, keeping viewers engaged with layered storytelling and physical spectacle.
