The July 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a packed show with Drew McIntyre making a significant return and new rivalries heating up in preparation for SummerSlam. This event took place shortly after the July 4th holiday, airing from Pittsburgh with the <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE roster gaining time off, and was centered heavily around tag team competition alongside major singles segments. The WWE SmackDown July 2025 Review highlights a night that mixed intense confrontations, important title matches, and the buildup of future encounters.
Throughout the show, the focus revolved around key figures like Cody Rhodes, who recently won King of the Ring, while WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Queen of the Ring Jade Cargill progressed toward an upcoming Evolution event. The tag team division was prominently featured, including multi-team bouts and rivalries emphasizing group dominance in the company. This episode was taped promptly after Raw to give the talent rest during the Independence Day weekend.
Opening Action Sets the Tone with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu Clash
SmackDown kicked off with a dramatic scene as US Champion Solo Sikoa arrived carrying the title, quickly followed by an aggressive attack from Jacob Fatu on JC Mateo and Tonga Loa. Fatu delivered a headbutt to Solo while the latter was still seated in his vehicle, prompting security, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, and WWE officials to intervene. This sequence established immediate tension and foreshadowed the faction conflict that continued throughout the night. The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett accompanied viewers, with Mark Nash serving as the ring announcer.
Cody Rhodes Addresses the WWE Universe Following His King of the Ring Victory
King of the Ring winner Cody Rhodes entered in casual dress attire without his suit jacket, holding the crown in his hands as a symbol of where his career has progressed and where it is headed. He dedicated a moment to recognize a child named Cam in a hospital, wearing a support bracelet as the crowd cheered. Rhodes reflected on his grueling battles with Jey Uso and Randy Orton to achieve this moment, paying homage to past kings like Booker T, Bret Hart, and Steve Austin. His promo firmly put forth his upcoming challenge at SummerSlam against John Cena for the WWE Undisputed Title, marking a rematch of their WrestleMania 41 encounter.
Before Cody could continue, Randy Orton interrupted, entering in gym clothes. Orton praised Rhodes for his tenacity and assured him that, despite their rivalry, he supported Rhodes in kicking John Cena’s ass at SummerSlam. Orton’s gesture showcased complex loyalties amid competing rivalries.
Drew McIntyre Makes a Strong Comeback and Fuels New Rivalry
The Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre, returned after approximately six weeks away, appearing in a “Bored At Work” T-shirt – a clever nod to his previous WrestleMania selfies. McIntyre delivered a blistering promo targeting both Orton and Rhodes. He criticized the perceived “beta male” energy in WWE and declared himself the returning “Alpha,” taking aim at Orton for hesitating to punish Rhodes following Night of Champions, where Orton chose not to perform his signature Punt Kick. McIntyre’s words struck a chord, labeling Orton’s legend as dead and positioning himself as the rightful contender to challenge Rhodes for the WWE Title at SummerSlam. The segment reached a climax when Orton silenced McIntyre with an RKO, leaving the audience energized for their impending feud.
Emerging Tag Team Alliances and Intrigue Build Around Evolution Title Opportunities
Backstage footage revealed General Manager Nick Aldis arranging tag team matchups targeting the Women’s Tag Team Championships at the upcoming Evolution pay-per-view. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who showed a tentative partnership backstage, were placed in a triple threat match alongside Secret Hervice and Michin. Alexa’s comment that
“you haven’t been in the spotlight for a long time”
drew an icy response from Flair, though the two agreed to form a team despite their contrasting personalities.
Secret Hervice, featuring Chelsea Green in a patriotic ensemble, also featured prominently, preparing the audience for the high-stakes tag battle. Meanwhile, McIntyre secured a Saturday Night’s Main Event match against Orton in Atlanta, further intensifying the rivalry that started earlier in the show. Jacob Fatu’s challenge for a tag team match against Solo Sikoa’s group was accepted by Jimmy Uso, adding more family drama to the ongoing storyline.
Women’s Tag Team Title Contention Heats Up in a Fast-Paced Multi-Team Match
The triple threat tag match saw Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss face Michin’s representatives and Secret Hervice’s Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. Early dominance came from Flair, who aggressively controlled the pace with chops and forearms before Michin mounted a comeback. The high-flying moves included suicide dives and moonsaults from all teams, though some spots appeared less coordinated.
Bliss and Flair eventually synchronized their efforts despite earlier friction. Bliss executed her signature moves, including a leg whip, neckbreaker, and the finisher Twisted Bliss, securing the victory over Fyre. The teamwork’s evolution from reluctant partners to a winning duo mirrored many historical WWE stories where initially incompatible pairs grow into formidable teams. This win guaranteed their spot in a Fatal Four-Way Women’s Tag Team Title match at Evolution.
Wyatt Sicks Dominate 8-Man Tag Match by Capitalizing on Internal Discord
Before the next match, Aldis confirmed an eight-man tag team contest pitting Montez Ford, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin, and Berto against the Wyatt Sicks—Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy, accompanied by Nikki Cross. The structured match highlighted fierce combat, including superkicks, clotheslines, and signature slams.
The bout’s turning point came when Gargano, displaying hesitation and discord, hesitated to tag out, undermining his own team‘s chances. The Wyatt Sicks showcased superior cohesion and power, with Rowan’s dominance culminating in a decisive Iron Claw Slam pinfall victory. This result reinforced the Wyatt Sicks as an imposing force within SmackDown’s tag division and set the stage for further conflict driven by fracture among the face team.</p>
Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill Escalate Women’s Division Rivalry With Evolution Stakes
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made a striking promo in platform shoes, announcing her intent to hold the title against Jade Cargill, the newly crowned Queen of the Ring, at SummerSlam. She also claimed the right to select her opponent for Evolution, directly referencing Iyo Sky’s similar choice on Raw. Jade appeared in response, carrying her crown and exuding confidence.
Jade acknowledged Stratton’s toughness but insisted that no matter the challenger, she would prevail. The segment took a surprising turn as WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus entered amid a raucous crowd reaction, emphasizing her legendary status in celebration of 25 years since her WWE debut. Stratton offered Trish a SummerSlam title match, prompting a respectful exchange that emphasized the historic intersections of eras and ambitions. This development adds a veteran presence to the evolving women’s landscape.
Solo Sikoa Establishes New Stable While Maintaining US Title Dominance
Solo Sikoa appeared in a backstage vignette introducing Tala Tonga as the latest addition to his faction, dubbed “My Family Tree” (MFT). Solo distinguished this group from the Bloodline, suggesting increased danger and loyalty between members, which includes JC Mateo and Tonga Loa. Their mandate was to dismantle rival Jacob Fatu’s faction, a mission they continued throughout the show.
Backstage Altercation Between Jade Cargill and Naomi Signals Further Feud Development
Following a backstage scene where Trish discussed her upcoming Evolution match with Jade Cargill, Naomi ambushed Jade with a surprise attack using a customized Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi’s maniacal laughter and warning to Jade suggested escalation in their rivalry. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis promptly agreed to discuss a match between the two, setting the stage for a no-holds-barred confrontation at Evolution.
Fraxiom Battles Notable Opponents Andrade and Rey Fenix in High-Octane Tag Match
Tag teams Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) faced Andrade and Rey Fenix in an action-packed contest filled with suplexes, dives, and a variety of signature moves. The match’s flow included dramatic momentum shifts, high-risk maneuvers like Spanish Fly slams and Phoenix Splashes, and frequent saves from pinfalls.
Despite Fraxiom’s impressive offense and fluid teamwork, Andrade and Fenix secured victory with Andrade hitting “The Message” finisher. Although the crowd‘s enthusiasm was subdued, the quality of wrestling remained high, further validating Andrade and Fenix as major contenders in the deep SmackDown tag team division.
Brief Exchange Between Damian Priest and Aleister Black Adds Character Layers
Behind the scenes, Damian Priest confronted Aleister Black about an upcoming match against R-Truth, suggesting Priest was setting Black up. Black dismissed Priest’s comments lightly, and the interaction injected a subtle tension into the show, hinting at future developments involving these characters.
Preview of Upcoming SmackDown and Evolution Matches
The next SmackDown episode in Nashville was teased with two confirmed matches: The Street Profits defending the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Wyatt Sicks, and Aleister Black facing R-Truth. Additionally, Evolution’s card was solidified to include Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Trish Stratus, and a No Holds Barred match between Jade Cargill and Naomi.
Post-Match Developments Add Fuel to Storylines With Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu’s Faction Warfare
The penultimate tag match featured Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo versus Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso in a family-centered rivalry. The match saw an intense back-and-forth, with Fatu securing the pin after a series of devastating moves, reclaiming momentum from his recent US Title loss. After the contest, a brutal assault followed with Solo’s stablemates attacking Fatu, culminating in Tala Tonga executing a triple powerbomb through a table. This violent close emphasized the faction war’s escalating intensity and left questions about Fatu’s future title chances.
Three Standout Performers and Overall Event Rating
Throughout the evening, the performances of Drew McIntyre’s return promo, the Wyatt Sicks’ dominant teamwork, and the Fraxiom vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix match stood out as key highlights. The event earned a 6.75 out of 10, slightly below recent averages, reflecting a solid yet not exceptional showing.
Reflecting on SmackDown’s Structure and Forward-Looking Expectations
While Drew McIntyre’s return and Trish Stratus’s presence added star quality, the episode suffered from a heavy tag team focus, with four matches dedicated to tag division competition. The Pittsburgh crowd’s low energy further impacted the show’s atmosphere, suggesting the need for strategic venue choices in future double-taping scenarios. With SummerSlam approaching as WWE’s first two-night event, the creative team faces pressure to develop stronger storylines and more compelling build-up to elevate the big event’s stature.
Upcoming WWE Events and Matches Focused on Women’s Wrestling Evolution
The all-women Evolution pay-per-view set for July 13 promises a stacked card featuring the WWE Women’s World Championship match between Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley, along with the highlighted women’s title defenses and the anticipated No Holds Barred contest between Jade Cargill and Naomi. The event also features a Battle Royal to determine a future Women’s World Championship challenger and the NXT Women’s Championship bout, reinforcing WWE’s investment in deepening its women’s division.
Evolution will stream live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally, expecting to draw significant attention from the WWE Universe preparing for the energized SummerSlam season.
