WWE SmackDown: Gunther wins gold, defeats Ricochet

By Ryan Satin
FOX Sports activities WWE Analyst 

A title change occurred on SmackDown this week after Gunther overpowered Ricochet to win the Intercontinental Championship.

Welcome again to a different SmackDown roundup, this time overlaying the June 10 episode that includes Gunther’s large victory, Cash within the Financial institution qualifying matches and Riddle incomes an Undisputed Common title shot.

Right here’s a fast recap of the match outcomes:

– Sheamus and Drew McIntyre fought to a double-disqualification 

– Lacey Evans defeated Xia Li through pinfall after hitting The Girl’s Proper 

– Ronda Rousey defeated Shotzi through submission 

– Gunther defeated Ricochet through pinfall to change into the brand new Intercontinental champion

– Riddle defeated Sami Zayn through pinfall to earn an Undisputed Common title shot in opposition to Roman Reigns

Second of the evening: Gunther wins gold 

This was inevitable as soon as Gunther obtained known as up from NXT.

It’s clear “The Ring Basic” is being groomed for large issues in WWE and a prolonged run with the IC title ought to be check for his future.

As for Ricochet, regardless that he wasn’t given a lot to work with whereas holding the belt, the 33-year-old proved his worth with every title protection. Hopefully he doesn’t get forgotten about once more now that it’s over.

He’s the most effective wrestlers on the earth and ought to be handled as such.

Finest match: Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre – MITB qualifier 

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus sq. off in explosive Cash within the Financial institution Qualifying Match I WWE on FOX

Former greatest pals Drew McIntyre and Sheamus locked horns on Friday Evening SmackDown in a Cash within the Financial institution Qualifying Match. The winner grew to become the primary entry within the 2022 Males’s Cash within the Financial institution Ladder Match.

These two by no means have a foul match in opposition to each other. Each time they’re on reverse sides of the ring, it’s hard-hitting, intense and insanely enjoyable to look at. 

This week’s Cash within the Financial institution qualifier was no completely different. 

Each Superstars utilizing their opponent’s signature strikes on one another additionally helped this one stand aside from their different matches. 

Sheamus hitting the Future Shock DDT and Drew touchdown a White Noise from the highest rope made it really feel such as you had been watching a match happen contained in the WWE Multiverse.

Further highlights: 

This is Riddle incomes an Undisputed Common title alternative.

Subsequent week’s match can be Roman’s first time defending the belts since successful them at WrestleMania 38 in April.

Lacey Evans certified for the Ladies’s Cash within the Financial institution match.

This was her first time again within the ring since February 2021.

Lacey Evans returns, battles Xia Li in Cash within the Financial institution Qualifying Match I WWE on FOX

Lacey Evans made her highly-anticipated return to the ring on Friday Evening SmackDown and went face-to-face with Xia Li in a Cash within the Financial institution Qualifying Match.

Lingering query: Can we get extra of Shotzi and Xia Li on SmackDown?

These two had been each featured in matches and did a incredible job of reminding viewers why they need to be on TV extra.

Shotzi has the kind of larger-than-life persona that thrives on WWE TV and her heel persona will get higher by the week.

She might be a participant on the present with the suitable tales.

As for Xia, this was solely her third match on the present since February, regardless of an preliminary push upon her debut. WWE ought to make investments extra TV time in her character. It’s distinctive and stands out from everybody else on SmackDown. Plus, her entrance guidelines.

Don’t neglect to observe all of your favourite WWE Superstars and exhibits within the FOX Sports activities app to obtain alerts on what they’re doing and extra.

Ryan Satin is a WWE analyst for FOX Sports activities. Satin beforehand appeared on FS1’s “WWE Backstage” and based Professional Wrestling Sheet, the place he broke numerous information tales as editor-in-chief.

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