Friday Night SmackDown returned tonight, lighting up the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The energy was high as WWE brought fans closer to the huge SummerSlam event that would soon be held at MetLife Stadium. WWE SmackDown on August 1 was full of surprises and strong matches. The show had big names like John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Logan Paul, plus exciting championship fights. Fans saw new storylines, shocking moments, and action for this WWE SummerSlam go-home show.
John Cena Turned Babyface?
John Cena walked out to the ring, but Cody Rhodes came out before he could speak. Cena reminded Cody that he was too tired to fight at SummerSlam, but Cody did not listen. Cody attacked, faked his signature, and got himself into a tough match. Instead of being mad, Cena thanked Cody for pushing him.
Cena talked about how he lost his way. He forgot about hard work and respect and tried to shock people for TV ratings. His friends left him, and he felt alone. Cena said he does not want to hurt wrestling or keep the title for himself. He wants to be remembered after his last match.
Cena said Cody made him face the truth by forcing him into this fight. Now, Cena is ready for the street fight Cody wanted. He told the fans they are the real winners, no matter who wins. Cody brought out beers, and he and Cena shared a drink, showing respect and setting up their big match.
Grade ?
Analysis
What did WWE just do? Is it a betrayal of the Rock by John Cena? Or will he go baby face from now on? WWE will take the Championship from John Cena for now. Wait and watch WWE SummerSlam to get the winner because this baby face turn is premature.
Giulia vs Zelina Vega for WWE Women’s United States Championship
Vega and Giulia start by dodging each other’s moves and trying for quick attacks. Giulia almost wins with a clawhold STO, but Vega fights back with elbows, chops, and a suplex. Vega sends Giulia to the floor with a dropkick and hits a Meteora before the commercial break.
After the break, Giulia locks Vega in a tough chinlock and surfboard stomp, but Vega escapes and fires up with fast moves. They trade big suplexes and near falls, but Giulia stays strong. In the end, Giulia hits the northern lights bomb and pins Vega to keep her WWE Women’s United States Championship.
Winner: Giulia
Grade B+
Analysis
Both these women performed extraordinarily in this match. It was the best match on this episode. Vega showed some resilience, and Giulia brought out his viscous side. They tore the house down with the little time allotted for the match. WWE must give them a few other outings to showcase their brilliance.
Backstage on WWE SmackDown
Backstage, Solo Sikoa denies asking for a cage in his match and jokes about his brother, saying “Big” Jim Uso is his little big brother, while predicting Talla Tonga will destroy him. Legado del Fantasma then arrives for Los Garza’s open challenge for the AAA World Tag Team Championship, followed by a recap of Los Garza’s recent title win. In the ring, Santos Escobar invites any team to challenge Los Garza, encouraging the crowd to respect the champions. Suddenly, Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown appear surprised, signaling an exciting challenge on SmackDown.
Los Garza vs Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown for AAA World Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
The match started with Psycho Clown fighting Garza. Clown hit big punches and a quebradora, then pulled down his straps and ripped part of his mask off, showing his face. He almost won, but Carrillo stopped him by tagging in. Los Garza worked together to keep Psycho Clown down, taking turns attacking him and cutting off his partner.
Psycho Clown finally tagged in Mr. Iguana, who came in fast with high-flying moves. He bit Garza’s hand and hit a big Frankensteiner. Iguana almost pinned Carrillo, but Los Garza caught him on a dive and threw him into Psycho Clown. After more quick moves and tags, Los Garza hit their big move, the MTY, on Psycho Clown. They pinned him and kept their AAA World Tag Team titles.
Winner: Los Garzas
Grade C+
Analysis
Two spots did not go as planned. Otherwise, the action was smooth. Mr Lguana is an interesting character. He will get a good reaction every time WWE brings him on the main roster. Los Garzas retained their championship in a good booking. It was a fun tag team match.
Aleister Black vs Damian Priest
The match started with fast-paced action. Black was locked in an armbar, but Priest reversed with an arm drag. They traded hard leg kicks. Black dodged Priest’s big Cyclone Kill and rolled outside. Priest followed, jumping off the steps with a double ax handle. Back in the ring, Black hit a knee, but Priest blocked a kick and fired up. Priest hit a big drop, a corner elbow, a diving crossbody, and a lariat for a near fall. They traded more kicks. Black went outside.
Priest chased Black outside, but Black hit a big knee. Black went for a moonsault, but missed. Priest threw him over the announce desk. Priest tried to clear the desk, but Black threw a chair at him. Damian Priest won by disqualification. After the match, Black attacked Priest with a chair several times. He smashed Priest’s head into the steps and hit him with the Black Mass kick. The referee tried to stop him, but Black kept attacking.
Winner: Damien Priest by Disqualification
Grade B
Analysis
The match should happen at Summerslam. But, WWE may give them a spot in the coming PLE. Both wrestlers can give a 5-Star classic. That’s why WWE focused on furthering the story instead of a clean finish.
“Big” Jimmy Uso vs Talla Tonga
Uso started aggressively, cornering Tonga and landing mounted punches. He tried a top-rope move, but Talla Tonga swatted him out of mid-air and took control. Uso managed a low bridge and enzuigiri to knock Tonga outside, followed by a suicide dive, but Tonga stayed on his feet. Solo Sikoa held Tonga back as the show went to commercial.
Tonga remained in control. Uso slipped away, landing a kick and uppercut, but his fireman’s carry was swatted down. Tonga sent Uso to the apron, but Uso fought back with an enzuigiri and another top-rope attempt, only to be caught. Uso fired off a series of superkicks and a clothesline that sent Tonga to the floor. He fended off Sikoa with another superkick, then speared Tonga, but was caught again from the top with a goozle. Talla Tonga secured the win by pinfall after delivering a powerful chokeslam.
Solo Sikoa called for backup, bringing JC Mateo and Tonga Loa to join in a beatdown. As the steel cage lowered, Jacob Fatu ran in for the save. Solo and Talla retreated, but Fatu took out Loa and Mateo by himself, finishing with moonsaults on both.
Winner: Talla Tonga
Grade C+
Analysis
Talla Tonga is a giant, and a few of his moves looked sloppy. Jimmy was confused about how he should react after no sale from Tonga. Samoan Werewolf entered this segment late to deal with Solo Sikoa and MFTs. Sikoa saved him and Talla Tonga and left the ring. Fatu hit moonsaults on JC and Loa to make them stand tall.
Backstage
During a backstage interview, Charlotte Flair admits she never expected to tag with Alexa Bliss in 2025 but acknowledges that Bliss has earned her respect, even if she finds her annoying. Bliss playfully asks if that counts as a compliment, and Charlotte tells her to take it or leave it, which Bliss accepts. The two make it clear they are not friends. Bliss jokes that Charlotte does not like using the “f-word.” But despite their bickering, Charlotte emphasizes their focus on winning the tag team titles as they walk off together.
Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and Jelly Roll Close WWE SmackDown
Logan Paul comes out first, and Drew McIntyre joins him soon after. Paul grabs the microphone and insults the crowd, saying they do not understand wrestling. He jokes that Jelly Roll thought SummerSlam was a hot dog contest. Paul says he and Drew have worked hard to be here and are tired of outsiders trying to join WWE.
Paul continues, saying that Jelly Roll will never belong in WWE because he is a country singer, not a superstar. Drew McIntyre warns Randy Orton that he is responsible for what happens to “Smelly Hole” tomorrow. Drew says he is dangerous and has powerful connections.
Suddenly, a truck arrives, and Jelly Roll steps out. He meets Randy Orton, and they both head to the ring. A big fight starts, and security tries to break it up, but the chaos continues. Eventually, Orton and Jelly Roll work together, with Orton hitting RKOs on security, and Jelly Roll chokeslamming one of them.
Grade B+
Analysis
It was not a very good ending, and it was not bad either. WWE consistently gave chaotic segments in this feud. The tag team match will be fun because of the presence of Roll. I am still figuring out why Randy Orton and Jelly Roll attacked the security. It was all from WWE SmackDown August 01 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis.
