WWE SmackDown has a host of big-name bouts that will pave the way to future tournaments and pay-per-view events through 2025.
We look at the betting odds ahead of the crunch matches that include the King and Queen of the Ring qualifiers and a possible upset for the Undisputed WWE Championship holder.
Friday Night SmackDown odds
Since its inception, the King of the Ring has been a much vaunted moniker that professional wrestlers see as a gateway title toward squared-circle stardom. It was first taken seriously when the legendary Harley Race stood with cape and scepter in hand in 1986.
From then, the likes of Macho Man Randy Savage, Bret and Owen Hart, and Stone Cold Steve Austin have all donned the cape and crown on their way to making history at the likes of Wrestlemania. Monday Night Raw and SmackDown have been the testing ground for the men’s and women’s divisions seeking to be crowned King and Queen, respectively, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 28.
“El Generico” Sami Zayn has odds of +500 to overcome “The Viper” Randy Orton +200, as both face off in the Semi-final match in the King of the Ring tournament.
The winner will face the outcome of Cody Rhodes and Jay Uso, but it looks likely that the son of Dusty Rhodes will come out on top.
The Semi-final match in the Queen of the Ring tournament pits the recently returned Asuka Vs Alexa Bliss. Asuka is a fan favourite, and the Japanese is a thrilling watch on her day; they are +600 and +400 respectively in a hard-to-call tie.
Roxanne Perez takes on Jade Cargill in the other semi-final, but that looks very much a foregone conclusion in favour of the latter.
In the headline slot, Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings and John Cena’s turbulent storyline might come to a close on Friday.
CM Punk cut an acerbic promo on Cena, and Killings took the opportunity to again ambush the reigning Undisputed Champion, leading to this match by Nick Aldis, the SmackDown General Manager. Cena is -500 and Killings is +325 to have any hope of getting one over on the champ.
Featured image: WWE official.
