Tonight’s SmackDown episode, airing live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, serves as the last major broadcast before the highly anticipated SummerSlam 2025 event, scheduled for August 2 and 3. The focus of this SummerSlam 2025 SmackDown Preview centers on why two notable WWE talents, Damian Priest and Women’s United States Champion Giulia, are absent from the main SummerSlam card despite their ongoing storylines.
Giulia’s First Title Defense Highlights Tonight’s Card
Giulia, who reclaimed the Women’s United States Championship in June, will make her first title defense tonight against former champion Zelina Vega in a rematch that is unlikely to end in Vega’s favor. Giulia has recently aligned with Kiana James, who now acts as her manager and mouthpiece, strengthening her position as champion. This bout, placed on the go-home SmackDown instead of the SummerSlam main event, underscores the unexpected sidelining of Giulia from wrestling’s biggest weekend.
Damian Priest Seeks Revenge in a Singles Match Against Aleister Black
Meanwhile, Damian Priest finally squares off against Aleister Black in a singles match after weeks of tension and failed attempts to catch him. Black has continuously outmaneuvered Priest and delivered multiple decisive blows in previous encounters. Tonight’s match provides Priest a chance to settle the score before SummerSlam, though both competitors face the pressure of having their feud relegated to the final SmackDown episode rather than the premier event itself.
SmackDown Serves as a Crucial Pre-Show for SummerSlam’s Two-Night Format
This year’s SummerSlam marks the first time WWE has expanded the event to two nights, increasing spotlight on marquee matches while leaving mid-card wrestlers like Priest and Giulia off the main card. The show tonight, therefore, functions almost like an extended warm-up, offering intriguing bouts while giving the WWE brand momentum heading into the weekend. The decision to keep certain rising stars off SummerSlam emphasizes Triple H’s strategic placement of talent, often moving mid-tier wrestlers around to maintain audience interest for both television ratings and the live pay-per-view.
Additional Storylines to Watch on Tonight’s SmackDown
The episode also features Los Garza defending the AAA World Tag Team Championship in an open challenge, raising speculation about a possible surprise entrant as the wrestling world prepares for SummerSlam. WWE Champion John Cena and Cody Rhodes are both present, adding tension after Cody’s recent knockout of Cena, which forced Cena into signing the contract for their SummerSlam Street Fight rematch. Fans eagerly await what John Cena will say and how he plans to respond before their big showdown.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill continues after a recent confrontation over the title. It remains uncertain whether either superstar will escalate their feud physically before SummerSlam. Jelly Roll’s recent performance, marked by standing his ground amid chaos, also prompts questions about his development during Drew McIntyre’s absence in the UK.
The Wyatt Sicks prepare to defend their WWE Tag Team Championships in a perilous TLC match at SummerSlam, while speculation surrounds tonight’s booking—possibly involving members from each rival team in an intense lead-up contest. Alexa Bliss, nursing a broken nose following her recent loss to WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Roxanne Perez, could face the champions tonight, who may look to capitalize on their momentum and humiliate Bliss further.
Conflict and Chaos Build Ahead of SummerSlam
On the men’s side, the alliance known as Solo Sikoa’s MFTs overwhelmed Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu last week, intensifying anticipation for the upcoming steel cage match between Fatu and Sikoa. Observers will be keen to see if the babyfaces adopt new strategies to even the playing field by weakening Sikoa’s enforcers ahead of the big battle.
Additionally, Chelsea Green’s Secret Service and The Miz remain frequent targets of relentless attacks, raising questions about which babyfaces will step up to confront them during tonight’s show. Meanwhile, LA Knight’s absence from WWE programming since his July 14 Raw loss leaves fans wondering about his status and what plans WWE has for him moving forward.
What’s at Stake Tonight in the Path to SummerSlam
As the roster wrestles with the reality of their placement—whether featured on SummerSlam’s prestigious two-night show or confined to tonight’s SmackDown—there is an unsettling tension permeating the arena. This episode promises high stakes as wrestlers fight not only for victories but for recognition on the grand stage of SummerSlam. The outcome tonight could set the tone for their momentum heading into the weekend, making this SmackDown broadcast a critical junction for careers and storylines alike.
Will Giulia, Zelina Vega, Damian Priest, and Aleister Black use tonight’s matches as motivation to prove their worth despite missing the SummerSlam spotlight? Fans must watch closely to see how these competitors rise or falter under pressure, just hours before WWE’s biggest event of the summer kicks off.
