
Monday Night RAW delivered championship-level action from Columbus, Ohio, as the King of the Ring tournament reached its climactic semifinal round. The Nationwide Arena crowd witnessed an instant classic between two of WWE’s most beloved superstars, with a coveted spot in the tournament finals hanging in the balance.
High Stakes Semifinal Sets Stage for Saudi Arabia Showdown
The June 23 RAW episode centered around determining Cody Rhodes’ opponent for the King of the Ring finals at Night of Champions. Rhodes had already secured his spot and awaited the winner of what promised to be an emotionally charged encounter between fan favorites.
With Randy Orton confirmed as Rhodes’ finals opponent, the stage was set for a blockbuster conclusion to the prestigious tournament. The winner would earn more than just a crown – a World Title opportunity at SummerSlam awaited the victor.
Columbus Crowd Splits for Main Event Classic
The RAW main event showcased everything fans love about professional wrestling storytelling. Both competitors entered to thunderous reactions from the Ohio faithful, who remained divided throughout the contest.
The match began with a respectful handshake, setting the tone for a hard-fought battle between mutual respect. No elaborate introductions were needed – the electricity in the arena spoke volumes about the stakes involved.
Technical Excellence on Full Display
What followed was a masterclass in ring psychology and technical wrestling. Rhodes demonstrated his submission prowess early, trapping Uso in a punishing figure-four leglock that had the crowd on their feet.
The action intensified when Rhodes transitioned to a Kimura lock, prompting commentary to reference his previous victory over Brock Lesnar using the same hold. Uso’s ring awareness shone through as he countered into his signature sleeper hold – the same submission that helped him defeat GUNTHER in a previous encounter.
Momentum Swings Keep Fans Guessing
The match’s middle portion featured several near-falls that had the Columbus crowd at fever pitch. Uso’s explosive spear attempt seemed destined to end the contest, but Rhodes’ championship experience showed as he kicked out of the devastating maneuver.
In a surprising twist, Uso successfully executed Rhodes’ own finishing move, the Cross Rhodes, for a heart-stopping near-fall. The role reversal demonstrated the respect between competitors while showcasing Uso’s adaptability under pressure.
Climactic Finish Delivers Drama
The final sequence began with Uso landing his superkick-spear combination, appearing to have Rhodes defeated. However, both men found themselves battling on the top turnbuckle, where Rhodes’ veteran instincts took over.
An avalanche Cody Cutter from the top rope shifted momentum decisively in Rhodes’ favor. The American Nightmare capitalized immediately, delivering his Cross Rhodes finisher to secure the hard-fought victory and tournament advancement.
Night of Champions Awaits in Saudi Arabia
The June 28, 2025 Night of Champions event at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena will now feature the highly anticipated Rhodes vs. Orton King of the Ring finals. The all-American showdown promises to deliver another classic encounter between former Legacy stablemates.
With SummerSlam implications on the line, this tournament conclusion carries weight beyond ceremonial significance. The winner will challenge for WWE’s top championship at the company’s biggest summer spectacular.
Tonight’s semifinal proved that when WWE’s top talents are given time and stakes that matter, magic happens in the squared circle. Will experience triumph over hunger when Rhodes and Orton collide for the King of the Ring crown, or could we see another shocking upset in Saudi Arabia?
