Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Episode: #1353
Theme: Tribute, Tension, and Tag Team Turmoil
🕊️ Opening Tribute: Remembering Hulk Hogan
SmackDown opened with a somber ten-bell salute for the late Hulk Hogan, led by Triple H. The entire roster stood on stage as a memorial video played, celebrating Hogan’s legacy while sidestepping the controversies that shadowed his later years. The crowd responded with heartfelt chants of “Thank you, Hogan,” setting a reflective tone for the night.
🎤 Impaulsive Chaos: Logan Paul vs. Jelly Roll
Logan Paul kicked off the show with a live edition of Impaulsive TV, but Cleveland’s own Jelly Roll wasn’t having it. What started as verbal jabs turned into a fiery promo war. Jelly Roll called Paul a “Prime-peddling, punk-ass bitch” and promised to represent every underdog who’s ever been mocked by a silver spoon bully. Randy Orton joined Jelly Roll, while Drew McIntyre backed Paul, teasing a massive tag showdown at SummerSlam.
Grade: C — Raw emotion, celebrity heat, and a crowd that ate it up.
🧠Cody Rhodes Addresses John Cena
Cody Rhodes appeared in a tracksuit (after opening in a suit for Hogan’s tribute) and delivered a passionate promo aimed at WWE Champion John Cena. He demanded the real Cena—the one who runs to the ring and wears the belt with pride—for their upcoming Street Fight at SummerSlam. Cody’s intensity hinted at a war brewing beneath the surface.
Grade: B — Strong delivery, but felt like the calm before the storm.
🩸 Roxanne Perez def. Alexa Bliss
In a short but chaotic match, Charlotte Flair’s interference distracted Bliss, allowing Perez to score a sneaky roll-up win. Bliss was visibly bloodied, adding grit to the finish. Flair and Raquel Rodriguez brawled ringside, setting up tension for the Women’s Tag Title match at SummerSlam.
Grade: B — Quick, messy, and storyline-rich.
đź’Ž Jade Cargill def. Chelsea Green
Backstage beef turned into an impromptu brawl and match. Cargill dominated Green, finishing her with Jaded in under five minutes. The crowd popped for Jade’s intensity, and her promo afterward promised a storm at Queen of the Ring.
Grade: C+ — Squash match with purpose.
🧨 Jacob Fatu def. The Miz
Cleveland’s own Miz got a hero’s welcome but couldn’t overcome the monstrous Fatu. Despite a valiant effort and a brief hometown rally, Fatu crushed Miz with a pop-up Samoan Drop. Post-match chaos erupted as Jimmy Uso and the MFTs brawled, teasing a brutal SummerSlam collision.
Grade: B — Great crowd energy and storytelling.
🏆 WWE Tag Team Championship: Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Wyatt Sicks (DQ)
This match had high stakes and wild energy. Andrade and Fenix dazzled with double-team offense, but Nikki Cross pulled the ref out mid-pin, causing a DQ. The crowd was furious. A massive brawl broke out as the entire tag division stormed the ring, ending the show in pure mayhem.
Grade: B+ — Hot match, cold finish, but the chaos worked.
đź”® Final Thoughts
SmackDown delivered a rollercoaster of emotion and hype. From honoring legends to building SummerSlam feuds, the show balanced nostalgia with forward momentum. Jelly Roll stole the night, Cody simmered with purpose, and the tag division exploded into full-blown war.
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