During the August 22 episode of WWE SmackDown, a segment featuring Logan Paul knocking out John Cena was reshot following a flawed execution of the punch. The first attempt, which aired on Netflix internationally, showed Logan Paul’s punch missing Cena, which <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE officials felt looked unnatural. This led them to reshoot the scene and change the angle of the knockout, ensuring a more convincing result for viewers watching the show on the USA Network.
In the revised version, instead of striking Cena from the side as in the original, Logan Paul pushed Nick Aldis aside and hit Cena from the front, creating a more impactful finish. Social media quickly highlighted the difference between the two versions, noting how the reshoot improved the visual authenticity of the punch.
WWE actually had to re-shoot the Logan Paul vs John Cena ending segment Logan’s first punch barely connected so they went back and cleaned it up to make it look crispYou’ll notice the difference when you see both version at same time 💀 —Jake Reigns Hive
Despite the correction, some fans preferred the original take, expressing their opinion that it looked better despite the apparent error. The split reaction among the audience sparked amusement rather than disappointment, as the incident added a layer of behind-the-scenes intrigue to the ongoing build-up between Logan Paul and John Cena.
Original looks a lot better and I’m not sorry
SmackDown Showcases Intense Promos Between John Cena and Logan Paul Before Clash in Paris
The August 22 SmackDown also featured a heated promotional exchange between John Cena and Logan Paul, who are set to face off at the upcoming Clash in Paris event on August 31. The rivalry between the WWE veteran and the YouTuber-turned-wrestler has been gaining momentum, and their verbal sparring on SmackDown intensified anticipation for their match.
Upon entering the ring, Logan Paul was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd. He fired the first salvo by labeling Cena a “corporate pawn” who complies obediently with WWE management. Cena responded with a fierce rebuttal, attacking Paul’s reputation and accusing him of exploiting WWE’s platform to market his Prime energy drink. Cena’s sharp criticism emphasized his view of Paul not as an outsider but as a major letdown.
Logan Paul is not an outsider. Logan Paul is a disappointment.
Unfazed by Cena’s verbal attack, Paul maintained his confidence and provocation. After enduring Paul’s taunts, Cena ended the segment by delivering his signature move, which ignited a wild reaction from the audience. The showdown clearly heightened excitement for their confrontation at Clash in Paris.
Logan Paul Declares His Ambition to Surpass John Cena as WWE’s Greatest
John Cena has long been considered the face of WWE, but Logan Paul has publicly vowed to dethrone the legendary wrestler as the organization’s greatest performer. On his podcast, Impaulsive, Paul made his intentions explicit, expressing determination to earn respect and cement his status as a top-tier WWE competitor through his upcoming match.
Whether he or the WWE fans like it or not, or will admit it or not, I will force them to put respect on my name.
Paul acknowledged Cena’s status as
“the greatest of all-time, for now,”
and stated his goal to one day be recognized as either the greatest or among the greatest in WWE history. He emphasized his desire to challenge Cena on every level—whether inside the ring, on the microphone, or backstage—to prove his legitimacy.
John Cena is the greatest of all-time, for now. I intend to be the greatest of all-time, if not one of the greatest of all-time. I want my name thrown into the hat. A way to do that is to go toe-to-toe with John Cena in every facet of wrestling. That’s on the mic, that’s in the ring, that’s even backstage interacting with people.
Recognizing Cena as the company’s longstanding leader, Paul believes he has learned enough from him to surpass his legacy. He pledged to use all the knowledge gained from Cena to secure victory at Clash in Paris and prove his rightful place within WWE’s ranks.
the guy who leads the company
Looking Ahead to Clash in Paris and Its Broader Impact
The reshoot of the knockout and the escalating rivalry between Logan Paul and John Cena underscore the high stakes surrounding the Clash in Paris event scheduled for August 31. Fans around the world will watch Paul and Cena face off in a singles match that not only tests their wrestling skills but also how well Paul can live up to his assertions of becoming WWE’s new top star.
This event will stream on Peacock in the United States and Netflix for international audiences, ensuring broad accessibility to what promises to be a defining moment in Paul’s WWE career and Cena’s enduring legacy. How Paul’s ambition will manifest in the ring and whether he can fulfill his vow to surpass Cena remains a compelling question as the event approaches.
