The Miz made his first WWE television appearance since May 30 during the recent episode of SmackDown, reigniting tensions by confronting Jacob Fatu, the very opponent who previously defeated him. His return was marked by a sudden slap across Fatu’s face, setting the stage for their anticipated rivalry. Meanwhile, Kiana James re-emerged on SmackDown as the spokesperson for WWE Women’s United States Champion Giulia, announcing a title rematch against former champion Zelina Vega slated for August 1.
Earlier in the broadcast, WWE Superstars gathered to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, acknowledging his influential role in the wrestling world. The Miz’s return follows a hiatus spent hosting American Gladiators and working on his golf show. Kiana James, after recent in-ring appearances on WWE Main Event, solidified her presence by speaking on behalf of Giulia during the confrontation with Zelina Vega.
Cody Rhodes Honors Hulk Hogan While Preparing for SummerSlam Battle with John Cena
Cody Rhodes delivered an in-ring promo paying respect to Hulk Hogan’s complex legacy before turning his focus toward his upcoming Street Fight with John Cena at SummerSlam 2025. Rhodes recognized Hogan as one of the greatest entertainers and wrestlers, thanking him for his lasting contributions. Shifting gears, Rhodes emphasized the significance of his match against Cena, stressing that this clash goes beyond legacy or nostalgia, aiming for authenticity and meaning.
Rhodes reminded the audience that last week’s events gave Cena a preview of what’s to come but made it clear he desires the true version of Cena in their rivalry. He concluded by promising to face Cena again the following week, highlighting the intensity building ahead of the premium live event.
Logan Paul and Jelly Roll Ignite Tensions with Heated Encounter Leading into SummerSlam
The rivalry between Logan Paul and Jelly Roll escalated during SmackDown’s latest episode, culminating in a physical confrontation in Paul’s hometown of Cleveland. Paul claimed credit for raising the city’s profile, prompting Jelly Roll to challenge him directly on the microphone. Jelly Roll framed himself as a representative of those bullied by individuals like Paul and expressed his lifelong commitment to WWE.
As tensions rose, Drew McIntyre entered the ring to support Logan Paul, only for Jelly Roll to reveal he had backup in the form of Randy Orton. The segment erupted into a brawl, climaxing with Jelly Roll delivering a Boss Man Slam to Paul. This confrontation sets the scene for a high-profile tag team match at SummerSlam, where Jelly Roll and Orton will face Logan Paul and McIntyre.
Context and Upcoming Wrestle Events Shape WWE’s Road to SummerSlam
The ongoing storylines on SmackDown reflect WWE’s preparation for the SummerSlam pay-per-view, one of the year’s most significant wrestling events. The return of prominent figures like The Miz and Kiana James, along with the escalating tensions among top wrestlers—including Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Logan Paul, and Jelly Roll—adds depth to the matches scheduled for the event.
While WWE focuses on these major clashes, reports indicate that a WWE late-night event featuring Tony Hinchcliffe originally planned for SummerSlam weekend has been canceled due to low ticket sales. Additionally, backstage updates reveal that AEW wrestler Jay White faces an injury that may result in an extended absence, further affecting wrestling dynamics.
The tribute to Hulk Hogan has also resonated throughout the wrestling community, drawing reactions from legends such as Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Donald Trump, Undertaker, and Ric Flair. Hogan’s passing marks a significant moment in wrestling history, recognized widely during WWE broadcasts and beyond.
Significance of the SummerSlam Clash and What Lies Ahead
The Logan Paul WWE SummerSlam Clash and accompanying storylines symbolize WWE’s blend of star power and compelling narratives, enhancing fan engagement as the event approaches. The involvement of celebrities like Paul and musicians such as Jelly Roll underscores WWE’s strategy to attract diverse audiences, while the renewed rivalries and returning superstars heighten anticipation for the matches.
SummerSlam will not only showcase athletic competition but also serve as a platform for evolving character arcs, with the outcomes potentially shaping WWE programming in the weeks to follow. Fans can expect intense physicality and dramatic moments, particularly as wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and John Cena bring personal stakes to their face-offs.
