Overview
The August 1, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown (Episode #1354) was a pivotal show, acting as the final stop before the two-night SummerSlam extravaganza on August 2 and 3, 2025. Aired live on USA Network in the United States and simulcast on Netflix internationally, the episode featured a mix of high-profile promos, competitive matches, and storyline advancements. With a steel cage hanging above the ring, the show set an intense tone, delivering a blend of emotional moments, physical action, and narrative developments to hype SummerSlam. The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett provided insights, with Mark Nash on ring introductions and Cathy Kelley handling backstage interviews.
Key Segments and Matches1. John Cena and Cody Rhodes Face-Off
- Segment Recap: The show opened with Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena entering to a mixed but largely positive crowd reaction. Before he could speak, Cody Rhodes interrupted, setting the stage for a highly anticipated face-off ahead of their Street Fight for the WWE Championship on SummerSlam Night 2. Cena recounted how Rhodes “assaulted” him and “forged” his signature to secure this dangerous match, reflecting on his recent heel turn five months prior, where he tried to manufacture “shocking TV” and lost his authentic self. In a surprising twist, Cena thanked Rhodes for forcing him to rediscover his true identity, signaling a potential return to his babyface persona. The crowd rallied behind Cena, and the segment ended with Rhodes and Cena sharing beers, leaving fans questioning whether Cena’s face turn was genuine or a ruse for a possible double turn at SummerSlam.
- Analysis: This was the emotional centerpiece of the show, with Cena’s promo being a highlight for its introspection and storytelling. The ambiguity of his alignment added intrigue, as fans speculated about a potential heel turn from Rhodes or a swerve from Cena. The segment effectively built anticipation for their SummerSlam clash, with fans on X calling it “awesome” and “memorable” for setting up a face vs. face dynamic that felt fresh after Cena’s failed heel run.
2. Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Zelina Vega
- Match Recap: Giulia defended her Women’s United States Championship against former champion Zelina Vega in a highly competitive opener. The match was described as a “physical and tense affair,” with both women trading offense evenly. Vega escaped Giulia’s surfboard submission and hit an avalanche German Suplex, but Giulia countered with a super Butterfly Suplex, an Arrivederci Knee, and a Northern Lights Bomb to secure the victory, retaining her title. The crowd erupted with “this is awesome” chants, reflecting the match’s intensity.
- Analysis: The match set a high bar for the night, showcasing Giulia’s dominance as champion and Vega’s resilience. Fans appreciated the 50/50 booking, which kept the outcome unpredictable. The 15:58 duration (as noted on WWE’s official site) allowed both competitors to shine, reinforcing Giulia’s credibility as champion while keeping Vega strong in defeat.
3. AAA Tag Team Championship Open Challenge: Los Garza (Angel & Berto) (c) vs. Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown
- Match Recap: AAA Tag Team Champions Los Garza issued an open challenge, answered by AAA superstars Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown. The match ignited the crowd, with Mr. Iguana’s high-flying antics stealing the show. Despite a strong effort from the challengers, Los Garza retained their titles with their signature MTY move on Psycho Clown. The match was rated ¾ by TJR Wrestling, noting the crowd’s love for Mr. Iguana and the sensible booking of Los Garza’s victory.
- Analysis: The inclusion of AAA stars added a unique flavor to SmackDown, with Mr. Iguana’s popularity making him a standout. The match was a fun, high-energy affair, though the flat finish was noted as a minor drawback due to limited buildup. Los Garza’s win kept them strong as champions, while the AAA crossover hinted at future collaborations. Fans on X were thrilled, with one user highlighting Mr. Iguana’s appearance as a highlight.
4. Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
- Match Recap: Damian Priest faced Aleister Black in their first-ever singles match, a prelude to their SummerSlam appearances. The match saw Black take early control with kicks and a tope con hilo, while Priest fought back with a leaping elbow and a running splash. The bout ended in a disqualification, leaving no clear winner, which disappointed some fans but maintained both competitors’ momentum heading into SummerSlam.
- Analysis: The match was solid but hampered by the non-finish, which felt like a cop-out to protect both stars. The physical exchanges showcased their contrasting styles, with Black’s striking against Priest’s power moves. The disqualification ending was a point of contention, but it set up potential rematches or multi-man matches at SummerSlam.
5. Jimmy Uso vs. Talla Tonga
- Match Recap: Talla Tonga, accompanied by Solo Sikoa and The MFTs, made his in-ring debut against Jimmy Uso. Solo attempted to interfere, but Uso countered with a Spear. However, Tonga shrugged off the offense and won with a chokeslam, marking a strong debut.
- Analysis: The match served to establish Tonga as a credible threat within The MFTs faction. Uso’s performance kept him relevant in the ongoing Bloodline storyline, but Tonga’s victory was a smart move to build the newcomer’s momentum. The interference angle added drama, tying into the larger SummerSlam narrative involving Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
6. Steel Cage Match: Jacob Fatu & Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo & Tonga Loa
- Match Recap: United States Champion Solo Sikoa’s plan to trap Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage backfired as Fatu and Jimmy Uso dominated JC Mateo and Tonga Loa. The Samoan Werewolf and Uso laid waste to their opponents, furthering the tension between Fatu and Sikoa ahead of their Steel Cage US Title match at SummerSlam.
- Analysis: This segment was a chaotic showcase for Fatu, reinforcing his nickname as a destructive force. The cage setting amplified the intensity, and the outcome strengthened Fatu’s position as a fan-favorite challenger. The segment effectively built heat for the SummerSlam title match, with fans on X praising Fatu’s dominance.
7. Randy Orton, Jelly Roll, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre Brawl
- Segment Recap: Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre cut a promo mocking Jelly Roll, calling him an outsider unfit for WWE. They referenced earlier footage where they attacked Jelly Roll during his training session, with McIntyre hitting a Claymore Kick. Later, Jelly Roll arrived in a truck driven by Randy Orton, leading to a massive brawl with Paul and McIntyre. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and security intervened to separate the four men, with fans chanting for Orton.
- Analysis: This segment was a basic but effective hype for the celebrity-driven tag team match at SummerSlam. Paul and McIntyre’s heel promos were sharp, with personal jabs at Jelly Roll’s past and outsider status. Orton’s involvement added star power, and the brawl delivered the chaos expected from a go-home show. Fans on X appreciated the segment’s energy, though some felt it leaned heavily on celebrity appeal.
8. Other Notable Moments
- SummerSlam Tag Team TLC Match Hype: A video package promoted the six-team TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam, featuring The Street Profits, Fraxiom, #DIY, Andrade & Rey Fenix, Motor City Machine Guns, and champions Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis). The segment highlighted the match’s potential to be a show-stealer.
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Segment: A brief segment involving Flair and Bliss hinted at their alliance and potential pursuit of the Women’s Tag Team Titles, adding depth to the women’s division storyline.
- PJ Byrne Appearance: Actor PJ Byrne was spotted at ringside, receiving a shout-out from Tessitore, adding a minor celebrity element to the show.
Overall Analysis
- Positives:
- It got done on time.
- Negatives:
- Disqualification Finish: The Priest vs. Black match’s DQ ending was a letdown, as fans expected a decisive outcome given the SummerSlam buildup.
- Limited Build for Some Matches: While the main event and US Title storylines were well-served, other SummerSlam matches (e.g., Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill) received minimal focus, relying on brief mentions or video packages.
- Predictable Segments: The Orton-Jelly Roll brawl, while entertaining, followed a familiar go-home show formula, which some fans found formulaic
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