The R-Truth versus Aleister Black match on last week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown ended abruptly after barely 90 seconds, a change that surprised many fans given the weeks of anticipation. The sudden briefness of this bout was caused by an earlier segment featuring Logan Paul and Jelly Roll that extended far beyond its scheduled time, forcing last-minute reductions in other parts of the show.
The anticipated outcome—with R-Truth securing the victory—remained intact, but the match’s overall length and in-ring action were considerably shortened. This adjustment happened live as the producers scrambled to keep the show on track following the unexpected time overrun.
Key Segment Featuring Logan Paul and Jelly Roll Runs Long
During the episode, an in-ring segment that included Logan Paul, Jelly Roll, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre went well beyond the allotted timeframe. This caused immediate scheduling pressure on the remaining segments, leading to considerable cutbacks. The match between R-Truth and Aleister Black bore the brunt of these cuts, losing much of its planned content.
One insider from WWE described this situation as a “necessary evil,” emphasizing that the shortened match was not indicative of the company’s view of either competitor’s abilities. Originally, the match was set to be much more competitive, featuring a balanced showcase of both wrestlers before R-Truth ultimately emerged victorious.
Reactions and Future Plans for R-Truth and Aleister Black at WWE SmackDown
Backstage responses conveyed surprise over the last-minute changes, especially considering R-Truth’s regained momentum since his return to television and WWE’s intentions to build Aleister Black as a rising star on the SmackDown roster. Despite the seemingly one-sided match outcome, WWE still plans to support both wrestlers’ progress moving forward.
The company’s commitment to these performers suggests that the brief match should not be seen as a reflection of their standing or the direction WWE is heading with them. Both are expected to continue receiving opportunities that align with WWE’s long-term strategies for SmackDown.
Upcoming WWE SummerSlam Event Featuring Logan Paul and Jelly Roll
Adding to the context, the tag team match of Jelly Roll and Randy Orton versus Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre has been promoted as a highlight of the first-ever two-night WWE SummerSlam event. This premium live event will take place on August 2 and August 3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Notably, Cardi B. is slated to host WWE SummerSlam 2025, adding further star power to the marquee event. This pairing underlines WWE’s continued investment in Logan Paul and Jelly Roll as prominent figures for the company’s live shows and special appearances.
Significance of the Changes and Looking Ahead
The extended Logan Paul and Jelly Roll segment that interrupted the scheduled programming highlights the challenges WWE faces in live show timing and production. Adjustments such as shortening a match mid-broadcast reflect the tensions behind the scenes as producers balance star appearances with match quality and narrative progression.
Although the R-Truth vs. Aleister Black encounter may have been abbreviated, WWE’s plans for both competitors remain ambitious. Fans can expect to see Aleister Black continue his ascent on SmackDown while R-Truth maintains his role as an experienced and reliable performer within the brand.
With the exciting SummerSlam tag team match involving Logan Paul and Jelly Roll on the horizon, WWE is clearly positioning its roster for dynamic storylines and memorable moments as it gears up for one of the biggest events in its calendar.
