The Big Picture
The June 5 episode of SmackDown in Bologna, Italy, served as a hard reset for several key storylines. As the brand navigates its post-Draft landscape, the shifting alliances and long-awaited returns are defining the current hierarchy.
1. Chad Gable
Chad Gable finally reclaimed his identity on the June 5 broadcast, shedding the mask to compete under his own name for the first time in nearly a year. His return to the main roster included a public apology to Rey Fenix, signaling a character shift that prioritizes long-term narrative over short-term gimmicks. Excluding his period of forced anonymity, Gable remains the most technically proficient worker on the blue brand. He bypasses the rest of the roster because his creative trajectory is the most clearly defined arc in the building.
2. Raquel Rodriguez
Rodriguez secured her spot in the Queen of the Ring tournament bracket with a hard-fought victory in the four-way match. Her athleticism makes her the clear favorite to challenge IYO SKY in the next round. While some critics argue her booking has been stagnant, this tournament run provides the necessary stakes to elevate her back into championship contention. She is effectively positioned as the juggernaut of the division.
3. Kiana James
James executed a calculated turn on her former partner, Giulia, during the most recent television taping. This betrayal brings immediate heat to a division desperate for fresh, compelling antagonists. By ditching the partnership, James forces the creative team to push her as a singles entity. It is a risky move, but one that puts her directly into the spotlight of the SmackDown mid-card.
4. Giulia
The spotlight on Giulia has intensified following the unmasking of Kiana James as her rival. Entering the main roster as a high-profile signing, her progression has been largely tied to her tag team work. Now forced to operate in isolation post-split, her ability to carry a solo feud against a villainous James becomes the biggest variable for SmackDown in June. The transition from tag threat to solo prospect will either define or derail her momentum.
5. IYO SKY
SKY remains the gold standard for high-work-rate performances, holding her position despite the volatile nature of the bracket. Her upcoming clash with Raquel Rodriguez is the most anticipated female bout on the horizon. She ranks in the top five because she is the rare talent who gains credibility regardless of whether she wins or loses. Her presence anchorsthe division during the grueling European tour.
6. Blake Monroe
Monroe made his intentions clear by putting Tiffany Stratton on notice during the latest episode. While he is still untested against upper-tier opponents, the aggression shown in his challenge adds a much-needed layer of intensity to his character. Placing a rookie directly against an established star like Stratton is a classic booking strategy to establish a floor for his future. Expect this feud to serve as his proving ground through late summer.
7. Tiffany Stratton
Stratton finds herself in the crosshairs of a newcomer, a position that serves as both a sign of her importance and a frustrating roadblock. Being targeted by Blake Monroe implies she has the status others want to hijack. However, the lack of a clear championship direction for her is a failure of the current booking process. She remains a star, but she is currently drifting without a concrete objective.
8. Rey Fenix
Fenix occupies this spot primarily due to his involvement in the Chad Gable narrative. As a receiving end of the recent apology, he is being positioned as a credible authority figure within the locker room. His in-ring performance remains technically elite, yet he lacks a signature victory that would launch him toward the top of the card. He is reliable filler until the creative team finds him a permanent rival.
9. Finn Balor
Balor’s arrival from Raw was one of the most significant shifts on the roster, yet his influence has been minimal in the immediate aftermath of his move. Transitioning between shows should have been a focal point of the broadcast, but he has been relegated to the background while KOTR/QOTR matches take precedence. Unless he inserts himself into the title picture, he will continue to fall down these rankings. Stagnation is the enemy of momentum.
10. The War Raiders
The duo remains a physical threat, but they have yet to establish a true identity on the main roster that sticks with the casual viewer. Their matches are competent, yet they lack the story-driven stakes of their counterparts on this list. They are currently locked in a cycle of mid-card exhibition bouts that struggle to move the needle. A high-profile loss or win is required to cement their status.
Honorable Mentions
Randy Orton remains on the peripheral because his physical return status remains an unresolved question, despite appearing on some internal advertisements. We also have to mention the recent dive into 2016 archival footage, which highlights how far the product has evolved—for better or worse—since the era of Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose.
