The June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown concluded with a major title match and an unexpected surprise, as Brock Lesnar returned.
Roman Reigns defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Riddle on Friday night. The match marked Reigns’ first appearance on the show in weeks; he had been absent since the May 20 episode of WWE SmackDown, when he helped The Usos attack RK-Bro after they defeated the latter duo to unify WWE’s tag team championships. Riddle has been determined to avenge Randy Orton, who has been sidelined since this assault, by dethroning Reigns. He earned a shot at the gold by beating Sami Zayn on the June 10 episode of WWE SmackDown.
On Friday night, Riddle threw everything he had at “The Tribal Chief.” He got several near falls, as he almost pinned Reigns with an RKO. Though he withstood almost everything the champion threw at him, a mid-air Spear put “The Original Bro” down for the count.
What a spear! @WWERomanReigns #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ced0PfXHU0
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2022
After the match, Reigns said there’s no one left. He stated that he “wrecked” everyone, just as he said he would, so he’s leaving. Reigns told the crowd to acknowledge him, but he was interrupted by the return of Brock Lesnar.
“The Beast Incarnate” came to the ring and offered Reigns a handshake before he pulled him in for an F5.
?????@BrockLesnar is BACK and he's taking #TheBloodline to Suplex City! #SmackDown @WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/tapTH04RO0
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2022
Lesnar hadn’t been seen since Reigns defeated him to unify the world titles at WWE WrestleMania 38.
Update: WWE announced that Reigns will defend the titles against Lesnar in a Last Man Standing Match at WWE SummerSlam.
RELATED: WWE SmackDown Results (6/17/22)
