On July 11, 2025, WWE SmackDown will broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, delivering a key episode before the highly anticipated SummerSlam event. The focus centers on the intense Randy Orton Drew McIntyre brawl, alongside several high-profile matches designed to build momentum for Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) and Evolution, scheduled for the following nights.
High-Stakes Build-Up to Summer Events
Goldberg’s retirement match is generating significant buzz as fans look ahead to weekend events that promise star-studded lineups and gripping storylines. Notably, the women’s division will see Tiffany Stratton defend her championship against WWE legend Trish Stratus at Evolution. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton’s renewal of their rivalry is set to ignite at SNME, further intensifying their ongoing conflict.
Adding to the weekend’s excitement, Jimmy Uso is slated to compete for the United States Title against Solo Sikoa at SNME, aiming for his first singles championship. These matches underscore WWE’s strategic push to heighten drama and engagement heading into SummerSlam.
Tag Team and Rivalry Highlights on SmackDown
The Wyatt Sicks, led by the mysterious Uncle Howdy, will attempt to claim the WWE Tag Team Title from the experienced team of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, known collectively as The Street Profits. This contest promises a compelling clash between emerging forces and established veterans within the tag team division.
Last week, Drew McIntyre made a striking return on SmackDown, openly challenging Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes with pointed taunts. The confrontation culminated in Orton delivering an RKO to McIntyre, setting the stage for their rematch at SNME.
“Now that I’ve been out for 5 weeks, 6 weeks, I’ve taken a step back. I’ve looked at the landscape. I’ve seen what’s been happening recently and I’ve come back with a new mindset. I’m back to get what’s mine. It’s time for Drew McIntyre to be WWE Champion again. Get what I… pic.twitter.com/v3OBB98XdM” —☆Cell☆ (@CellIWC)
Potential Confrontation Between Orton and McIntyre on SmackDown
Expectations are high for the upcoming SmackDown episode, where Randy Orton may once again ambush Drew McIntyre, possibly sparking a furious brawl. This confrontation is anticipated to feature intense physicality, reflecting both competitors’ determination to assert dominance prior to their SummerSlam encounter.
Jelly Roll’s WWE Debut Could Add New Dimensions to SmackDown
Country music star Jelly Roll, who is also a committed WWE fan, is set to make a return on this upcoming SmackDown. Rumors suggest he is preparing for an in-ring debut at SummerSlam. His presence on the show may help establish the storyline leading to his first match, as tensions escalate with wrestler Grayson Waller.
Recently, Waller recalled an incident where Jelly Roll struck him with a steel chair, an event that could prompt a retaliatory attack during SmackDown, thus igniting a fresh feud heading into the summer’s biggest pay-per-view. Jelly Roll’s training and involvement signal WWE’s interest in blending entertainment with wrestling talent to broaden its appeal.
Significance of the Build-Up Before SummerSlam
This string of matches and story arcs on WWE SmackDown provides critical momentum for the forthcoming SummerSlam and weekend events such as SNME and Evolution. The Randy Orton Drew McIntyre brawl and title defenses by Tiffany Stratton and Jimmy Uso set the tone for high-stakes competition, while new additions like Jelly Roll’s debut expand WWE’s narrative scope. Fans can anticipate a mix of veteran clashes and emerging storylines designed to elevate the excitement as SummerSlam approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has John Cena ever beaten Randy Orton?
A. John Cena wins against Randy Orton again to keep his championship title. It was his first time defending the title since he beat Cody Rhodes.
