On August 1, 2025, WWE fans gathered at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as Friday Night SmackDown delivered its final episode before the highly anticipated SummerSlam event. The show was marked by John Cena’s heartfelt babyface turn WWE fans have eagerly awaited, along with several intense matches and storyline developments setting the stage for the weekend’s big event at MetLife Stadium.
John Cena’s Return to Heroism Energizes the Crowd
John Cena’s reunion with his heroic persona was the highlight of SmackDown as he shared an emotionally charged promo before his match against Cody Rhodes. After a challenging heel run that began at the Elimination Chamber, Cena embraced his true self once again, thanking Rhodes for helping him find clarity and reigniting his passion. He admitted that Rhodes’s challenge forced him to realize the false promises he’d been chasing, particularly those associated with The Rock, and motivated him to compete with renewed purpose.
Cena expressed that his ultimate goal is to win the WWE Title at SummerSlam not to disrupt wrestling but to leave a lasting legacy with the fans. This sincere turnaround was warmly received, providing a comforting return of a beloved hero and reinvigorating interest in the upcoming title showdown.
“I want to walk away with the WWE Title, but only so the fans remember me forever, and not to ruin wrestling.” —John Cena
Giulia and Zelina Vega Deliver a Standout Women’s United States Championship Match
The Women’s United States Championship received much-needed spotlight with the bout between champion Giulia and challenger Zelina Vega, which quickly became the night’s best match. Their contest featured striking displays of athleticism and near-falls that had the crowd fully engaged throughout the bout’s duration. Giulia’s hard-fought victory underscored her dominance and skill, breathing new life into the title’s prestige.
Unlike the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, which has struggled to capture consistent excitement, this match could mark a turning point for the US Women’s Title, showcasing it as a significant and competitive prize on the SmackDown roster.
Surprise Debut of Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown Brings Excitement for AAA Tag Titles
In a thrilling moment for lucha libre fans, Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown made their SmackDown debut by answering an open challenge from AAA World Tag Team Champions Los Garza. Their entrance sparked the largest crowd reaction of the night, signaling strong enthusiasm for this cross-promotional rivalry.
Although the match had some rough spots, the energy and interaction between the teams made the contest enjoyable. Mr. Iguana’s continued popularity from the Worlds Collide event earlier this year was clearly on display, and the enthusiastic Newark crowd embraced the newcomers wholeheartedly.
Intense Rivalry Culminates in Brawl Involving Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Jelly Roll, and Randy Orton
Earlier in the show, the partnership of heel duo Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre created chaos by ambushing Jelly Roll, intensifying their SummerSlam feud. Paul delivered an entertaining promo filled with sharp taunts and personality, even calling out “Green Shirt Guy,” while McIntyre showcased strong chemistry with Paul as they built momentum toward their upcoming clash.
The night concluded with a heated brawl as Jelly Roll and Randy Orton confronted Paul and McIntyre. The fight escalated beyond the ring as the group clashed with security guards, thrilling the audience and leaving them eager for the continued rivalry to unfold at SummerSlam.
“Paul cut an enjoyable heel promo, finding the perfect balance between trash talk, showcasing personality, and building to a match – he also called out Green Shirt Guy!” —Anonymous Source
Additional Notable Matches and Moments from SmackDown
Other significant bouts included Giulia successfully defending her title against Zelina Vega, and Los Garza retaining their AAA World Tag Team Championships against Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown. Aleister Black faced Damian Priest in a singles match that ended in a disqualification, while Talla Tonga secured a win over Jimmy Uso. These matches, combined with the opening segments and backstage interactions, helped build numerous storylines heading into the SummerSlam pay-per-view event.
Overall, SmackDown on August 1 provided a balance of thrilling in-ring action and powerful storytelling moments, reinforcing the momentum WWE needs as SummerSlam 2025 approaches. John Cena’s heartfelt babyface return served to excite fans and elevate the energy, while other matches and surprises added anticipation for the weekend’s marquee matches at MetLife Stadium. The go-home episode demonstrated WWE’s ability to blend star power with emerging talent, creating a compelling atmosphere for one of the company’s biggest events of the year.
