WWE Raw emanated from the O2 Arena in London, England, on June 22, 2026, featuring a special early start time of 2 p.m. Eastern to accommodate the international broadcast schedule. The episode served as a key stop on the road to the upcoming Night of Champions premium live event, with the King of the Ring finalists setting the stage for their title contention.
As the Sports Editor for World Today Journal, I have followed the tournament progression closely. The broadcast team, led by Michael Cole and Corey Graves, centered much of the evening’s narrative on the high stakes surrounding the King of the Ring tournament and the defense of multiple tag team championships.
Oba Femi Sets Sights on Night of Champions
The program opened with a segment featuring “The Ruler” Oba Femi, who addressed the London crowd following his advancement in the King of the Ring tournament. Femi is scheduled to face Jey Uso in the tournament finals this coming Saturday at WWE Night of Champions, an event officially slated for a 1 p.m. Eastern start time according to official WWE scheduling updates.
During his address, Femi reflected on his trajectory within the promotion, citing his recent victory over “The Beast” as a turning point in his career. The competitor questioned his future direction should he secure the tournament victory, specifically debating whether to pursue the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship. The live audience at the O2 Arena expressed a clear preference, vocalizing their support for a challenge toward the World Heavyweight title.
Tag Team Title Implications and Roster Arrivals
The June 22 broadcast placed a heavy emphasis on the tag team divisions. Pre-show arrivals confirmed the presence of key contenders, including The Usos, IYO SKY, and The Street Profits. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Brie Bella and Paige, were also noted as being in attendance for scheduled title defenses, highlighting the company’s focus on the international market during this London residency.
For fans following the promotion’s global tour, these segments underscore the strategic importance of the European market. The coordination of a 2 p.m. Eastern start time for a show originating from the United Kingdom is a logistical maneuver designed to maximize viewership across both North American and European time zones. According to WWE’s event portal, such scheduling adjustments are becoming more frequent as the company expands its international premium live event footprint.
Tournament Stakes and What Happens Next
The primary conflict heading into the weekend remains the clash between Oba Femi and Jey Uso. While Femi has been vocal about his perceived destiny, Jey Uso’s path through the bracket has established him as a significant fan favorite, evidenced by the crowd reaction during the opening segment of the broadcast.
The resolution of the King of the Ring tournament will likely dictate the landscape of the championship picture for the remainder of the summer. With the World Heavyweight Championship currently serving as a focal point for the audience, the winner of Saturday’s match will hold significant leverage in selecting their next opponent. As is standard for the promotion, further updates regarding match stipulations and card changes will be released via WWE’s official news channels in the days leading up to the Saturday broadcast.
Readers interested in the latest developments are encouraged to monitor the official WWE website for real-time adjustments to the Night of Champions card. I will continue to provide analysis on these developments as we approach the weekend. Please share your thoughts on the potential outcomes of the tournament finals in the comments section below.