On August 8, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Cody Rhodes made a significant appearance on WWE Smackdown, marking a key moment in the ongoing storyline involving John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Logan Paul. The event, broadcast live on the USA Network and streamed internationally on Netflix, drew an attendance of 12,964 fans, who witnessed a night filled with tense confrontations and escalating rivalries. Rhodes’s return heightened the drama as John Cena confronted multiple challenges, both in the ring and from emerging opponents.
John Cena Addresses the Montreal Crowd, Expresses Vulnerability
John Cena entered the ring to loud cheers, speaking directly to the assembled crowd and viewers at home about the history <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE has with Montreal, referencing the infamous “Bret HartMontreal Screwjob.” Cena emphasized how the crowd itself is the true centerpiece of the show, though he lamented this moment will not last forever. During his speech, Cena grew emotional as he acknowledged the fans’ mixed reactions to his limited remaining WWE dates—only eleven left on his schedule.
He expressed deep honesty and fear, sharing concerns about whether his final performances would satisfy fans or if he might be forgotten after his departure. Cena also openly admitted anxiety about facing Brock Lesnar, stating,
Image of: Cody Rhodes
“And I thank you for that,”
and later bellowed,
“Yes, I’m afraid Brock Lesnar just got themselves a big ol’ John Cena problem!”
He challenged Lesnar directly, promising to go down “guns blazing” and not without a fight.
Logan Paul Ignites Controversy and Sets Up Conflict
Logan Paul entered to a chorus of boos and immediately confronted Cena, claiming authenticity and loyalty to WWE since his debut. Fans responded with chants of disapproval, but Paul insisted that Cena was controlled by WWE management and suggested he was the true star of the show rather than Montreal itself. Cena responded cautiously, offering Paul the chance for a match, which Paul eagerly accepted, hinting at a potential showdown at the upcoming Clash in Paris event.
The tension exploded when Drew McIntyre attacked Paul from behind, prompting Cody Rhodes to rush out in defense. Cena then announced he would join Rhodes as a partner in a tag teammatch against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul later that night, igniting cheers from the crowd as he declared,
“It seems like I might have a partner.”
Cena further hyped Rhodes by calling him “The Champ,” setting the stage for a dramatic tag team encounter.
Tag Team Match and Backstage Perspectives
The event also featured The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, preparing for their own tag teammatch. Backstage, the duo spoke about their resilience and determination to reclaim championship gold, emphasizing the hard work required to rise back to the top. Their upcoming match against J.C. Mateo and Talla Tonga, accompanied by Solo Sikoa, marked their first team appearance in Canada for a WWE event.
The backstage atmosphere was charged with anticipation, highlighted by interviews where Shelley expressed pride in their persistence. The intense buildup to the main event, coupled with the rising tension around Cena’s retirement run and Rhodes’s presence, underlined a night fraught with emotional and competitive stakes.
Significance of Rhodes’s Return and Cena’s Farewell Tour
Cody Rhodes’s WWE Smackdown appearance in Montreal serves as a pivotal moment amid John Cena’s farewell storyline, reinforcing Rhodes’s role as a top contender and ally for Cena against Lesnar and others. Cena’s emotional vulnerability and explicit call-out of Lesnar introduce high tension, underscoring the urgency of his final matches and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. The escalating feud with Logan Paul adds further complexity, blending real and scripted drama in ways that captivate the audience.
This event also emphasizes the importance of crowd interaction and live energy in WWE’s storytelling, particularly as significant characters approach career crossroads. The upcoming Clash in Paris promises to deepen these rivalries, suggesting that the fallout from this Smackdown will shape WWE’s narrative direction into the coming months.
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division.
With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand.
Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage.
His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster.
From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
