John Cena has officially signed a contract on WWE SmackDown on July 18, setting the stage for his highly anticipated match against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. This signing event will formalize their rematch, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two as they prepare to face off at <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE‘s historic two-night SummerSlam on August 2 and August 3.
The John Cena WWE SmackDown contract signing comes after Cena captured his 17th World Championship at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Rhodes with support from Travis Scott. Since that loss, Rhodes has fought his way back into the championship picture by winning the King of the Ring tournament, giving him the number one contender status for Cena’s title. Cena has since successfully defended the title against Randy Orton and CM Punk.
Confirmed Matches for SummerSlam Shape Up as a Star-Studded Event
In addition to Cena versus Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, several other championship matches have been set for SummerSlam, bringing the current total to six. The card features Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk, while Naomi, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley will compete for the Women’s World Championship. Tiffany Stratton will face Jade Cargill for the Women’s Championship. Becky Lynch is scheduled to defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Lyra Valkyria. A tag team match is also planned, featuring Randy Orton and Jelly Roll against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
Although Cena is slated to return to SmackDown on August 1 ahead of SummerSlam, he is not currently advertised to appear on the July 25 episode. WWE has not announced any further matches or segments for the July 18 episode aside from the contract signing between Cena and Rhodes.
Developments in WWE Beyond the Cena-Rhodes Rivalry
Other news from WWE includes updates on various wrestlers and backstage stories. A WWE legend recently confirmed that his relationship with the company has ended after his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
There is also renewed attention on a strict rule from Vince McMahon’s era, which prohibited WWE performers from dropping their microphones in the ring—a sign of the tightly controlled environment that once existed in the company. CM Punk praised Triple H’s efforts for changing WWE’s culture, highlighting the evolving dynamics behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Omos may return to wrestling soon, though possibly with another promotion rather than WWE. Jelly Roll is undergoing focused training at WWE’s Performance Center, receiving mentorship from veterans including Undertaker and Jacob Fatu. The AEW scene also saw a notable moment with Hangman Adam Page and Jon Moxley competing again on AEW Dynamite following their encounter at AEW All In Texas.
CM Punk remarked on the impact of Liv Morgan’s absence on WWE RAW, emphasizing the effect injuries can have on live shows. Separately, an insider revealed suspicions surrounding the unaired farewell speech of Goldberg, hinting at possible backstage conflicts involving Triple H dating back 25 years.
SummerSlam Contract Signing Signifies Rising Excitement and Stakes
The contract signing for the John Cena WWE SmackDown match with Cody Rhodes marks a critical moment in the buildup to SummerSlam, one of WWE’s flagship events. With their championship rivalry reignited, both Cena and Rhodes will have the chance to further define their legacies in what promises to be a high-stakes clash. The presence of other title matches and notable storylines only adds to the growing anticipation for this major wrestling event.
As the July 18 SmackDown episode approaches, fans will be keenly watching to see if any surprises accompany the contract signing and how Cena’s appearance will influence the momentum leading into SummerSlam. This event will play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the championship bouts and further story developments in WWE’s summer season.
