The next WWE SmackDown episode is scheduled to air live from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. World Wrestling Entertainment is promoting rapper Jelly Roll on the event’s poster, alongside notable wrestlers including Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul. The company has also announced a WWE Tag Team Title match where The Wyatt Sicks will defend their championship against the newly crowned number one contenders, Andrade and Rey Fenix.
Return of Nick Aldis as SmackDown General Manager and Its Implications
Last week, Adam Pearce temporarily served as the acting General Manager of SmackDown in place of Nick Aldis. This week, Aldis is confirmed to resume his role, which could lead to consequential decisions affecting the WWE roster and upcoming events. The returning GM may take bold actions to reshape the direction of SmackDown prior to the SummerSlam Premium Live Event.
Possible Changes in the WWE Tag Team Division Before SummerSlam
Following Andrade and Rey Fenix’s recent emergence as top contenders, they are set to challenge The Wyatt Sicks for the Tag Team Titles during SmackDown. However, reports suggest Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, the current champions, could lose their belts unexpectedly. This shake-up would intensify competition within the SmackDown tag team division and potentially set up a thrilling rematch at SummerSlam. Despite this speculation, the likelihood seems slim, considering the horror-themed faction just secured the titles days ago.
Contract Controversy Surrounding Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena SummerSlam Match
The Cody Rhodes versus John Cena Street Fight is officially scheduled for SummerSlam 2025 after a contract signing segment aired on last week’s SmackDown. The event featured Rhodes forcing Cena to sign, but in real-world legal terms, contracts cannot be validated if signed under duress or physical force. This discrepancy could lead to serious questions about the match’s validity, possibly culminating in cancellation during Friday’s show. Nick Aldis may intervene by addressing Cena’s consent, which could result in Rhodes losing his chance to compete for the Undisputed WWE Title at SummerSlam.
Potential Impact on Randy Orton’s SummerSlam Tag Team Match
Jelly Roll and Randy Orton are slated to face Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul in a tag team match at SummerSlam. Recently, Jelly Roll performed a chokeslam on Logan Paul during a non-WWE event, igniting tension between the two sides. In retaliation, McIntyre and Paul may target Jelly at SmackDown, potentially injuring him and leaving Orton without a partner for the upcoming SummerSlam match. This scenario would significantly affect the dynamics of the tag team bout at the biggest event of the summer.
Solo Sikoa’s Arrest Storyline Raises Questions About His US Title Status
On last week’s SmackDown, Solo Sikoa was arrested as part of a storyline involving a false accusation against Jacob Fatu. No updates have been provided regarding Sikoa’s release or current status. This ambiguity raises the possibility that Nick Aldis may strip Solo Sikoa of the US Title as a consequence of the arrest angle. This punishment would impact the status of the championship and might result in the Solo versus Jacob SummerSlam bout being contested for the now-vacant US Title.
What These Developments Mean for WWE Fans and SummerSlam
The developments surrounding WWE SmackDown this week introduce uncertainty and tension, especially regarding key matches and title holders. Nick Aldis’s return as General Manager adds a layer of unpredictability that could reshape crucial storylines before SummerSlam. The potential cancellation of the Cody Cena vs. Rhodes match, changes in the US Title holder, and possible tag team disruptions highlight the high stakes and drama leading into WWE’s biggest summer event. Fans will be closely watching this Friday’s SmackDown for announcements and fallout from these unfolding storylines, which promise to have lasting impacts on WWE’s championship landscape.
