The July 18 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a night full of intense developments, including the dramatic signing of the SummerSlam 2025 contract by John Cena under pressure from Cody Rhodes. Amid escalating tensions between factions and surprise match outcomes, WWE SmackDown SummerSlam 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive events in recent memory.
Car Crash Sparks Intense Rivalry Between MFT and The Bloodline
SmackDown opened with a gripping incident involving a suspicious car crash affecting members of the MFT faction: JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, and Tonga Loa. Police presence accompanied WWE official Adam Pearce as they investigated the incident, which appeared to be a deliberate attack. The investigation soon focused on Jacob Fatu, who seemed to have orchestrated the crash targeting the MFT faction. After being taken into custody, Fatu was later cleared by police, only to return alongside Jimmy Uso and launch a vicious assault on MFT.
In the midst of the chaos, a major announcement was made: Solo Sikoa, leader of MFT, and Jacob Fatu will clash at SummerSlam inside a Steel Cage for the United States Championship. The drama escalated further when Sikoa was suddenly arrested for allegedly faking the car accident, adding another layer to their feud.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Secure Tag Team Victory
On the women’s side, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss faced Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez in a highly charged tag team match that delivered excitement and surprises. Flair, known as the Queen of WWE and daughter of Ric Flair, dominated the contest with strategic precision. The match remained fiercely competitive, with Perez and Rodriguez keeping up relentless pressure through quick tags and aggressive offense.
The climax came when Charlotte Flair executed a roll-up pin on Raquel Rodriguez, securing the win for her team. This victory confirms Flair and Bliss as formidable contenders heading into their SummerSlam tag title match, positioning them well for a critical victory in the women’s tag division.
Damian Priest Triumphs Over Carmelo Hayes Before Aleister Black’s Interference
Fans expected a match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black, but WWE altered plans when Priest encountered Carmelo Hayes instead. After a tense backstage exchange where Hayes feigned ignorance about Black’s whereabouts, the confrontation turned into a high-intensity match. Both wrestlers showcased exceptional skills and tenacity, delivering an intense back-and-forth battle in the ring.
Priest appeared to seal victory by slamming Hayes through the commentary table. However, the match ended in disqualification when Aleister Black returned for a shocking interference, striking Priest with his signature Black Mass move. This brutal surprise attack intensified the simmering rivalry between Priest and Black, signaling further conflict ahead of SummerSlam.
Stephanie Vaquer Defeats Alba Fyre Amid Post-Match Chaos
In another heated bout, Stephanie Vaquer took on Alba Fyre in a contest marked by relentless energy and skill. Both competitors pushed their limits, trading blows and performing impressive maneuvers. Vaquer ultimately secured the win with her signature package backbreaker.
Immediately following her victory, Vaquer was ambushed by Piper Niven, who struck her with a devastating running senton. The attack almost escalated further, but Niven’s own Secret Hervice partner intervened, preventing more damage. This surprising post-match event added new layers to ongoing tension within the women’s division.
Andrade and Fenix Earn Number One Contender Status in Tag Team Clash
A fast-paced tag team match featured impressive performances from Frazer and Sabin, who initially controlled the tempo with their technical prowess. However, the entry of #DIY injected chaos that shifted the match dynamics. Andrade and Fenix fought to maintain control amidst the disorder.
In the end, Andrade sealed the victory by executing The Message finisher, securing the number one contender spot for the WWE Tag Team Titles. This win sets up Andrade and Fenix for a potential title shot, ramping up excitement in the tag team division as SummerSlam approaches.
Cody Rhodes Forces John Cena to Commit to SummerSlam Match
The highlight of the evening came during an intense confrontation between John Cena and Cody Rhodes. Their rivalry, marked by Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber and his historic 17th world title win over Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, reached a fever pitch. At SmackDown, Cena shocked the audience by initially refusing to sign the contract for their SummerSlam 2025 match, citing filming commitments for a Netflix movie.
Cody Rhodes did not back down and pursued Cena, sparking a fierce brawl inside the arena. Rhodes eventually overpowered Cena, taking a daring leap from the top rope to incapacitate him. With Cena incapacitated, Rhodes compelled the 17-time world champion to sign the contract, officially cementing their match for SummerSlam.
“Yeah, it was that intense.” —Narrator
“Solo Sikoa ripped into Fatu, saying he was selfish and had turned his back on the very family that brought him into WWE.” —Narrator
“Stephanie Vaquer’s package backbreaker was just too much for Fyre to handle.” —Narrator
Implications and What to Expect Before SummerSlam 2025
This edition of SmackDown has laid significant groundwork for SummerSlam 2025, ensuring anticipation is high among WWE fans. The escalating conflict between MFT and The Bloodline, highlighted by the Steel Cage match between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, promises intense storyline progression. Meanwhile, the women’s tag team division continues to heat up with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss emerging as serious contenders.
The rivalry between Damian Priest and Aleister Black also appears to be intensifying, hinting at more brutal encounters in future episodes. Additionally, Andrade and Fenix’s ascent in the tag team rankings adds another exciting angle for viewers.
Cody Rhodes and John Cena’s confrontation has once again expertly combined personal history with professional stakes. This power struggle will undoubtedly be a focal point at SummerSlam, alongside Roman Reigns’ involvement in faction warfare and the ongoing battles within the women’s division featuring Naomi, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton.
With storylines intertwining and tensions running high, WWE is clearly orchestrating a dramatic and action-packed SummerSlam. The buildup curated by Triple H suggests the event will be a significant chapter in WWE history, with many compelling matches and storyline conclusions on the horizon.
