Friday Night SmackDown took over the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 25, and there was plenty that fans loved from the show as WWE moves very quickly towards the first ever two-night SummerSlam premium live event, taking place next week on August 2 and 3.
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In the aftermath of the passing of the iconic Hulk Hogan, WWE offered up a nice tribute amidst all the build to the next big show. We will take a look at some of the key moments that helped serve WWE’s biggest storylines, character developments that we loved, and more from this episode of the blue brand.
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SmackDown July 25 Match Results |
Notes |
|---|---|
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Roxanne Perez defeated Alexa Bliss |
Singles match |
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Jade Cargill defeated Chelsea Green |
Singles match |
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Jacob Fatu defeated The Miz |
Singles match |
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Andrade & Rey Fenix defeated The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) via DQ |
WWE Tag Team Championship match |
Jelly Roll Shows Some In-Ring Skills
- Jelly Roll performed a good promo on SmackDown.
- He showed off his punches and wrestling moves on Logan Paul.
- He is set to team with Randy Orton for a celebrity match at SummerSlam 2025.
Friday Night SmackDown saw a live episode of Impaulsive with Logan Paul, as he ran down his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, once again showcasing his arrogant heel character work that has served him so well throughout his WWE career. This eventually brought out Jelly Roll, who issued an impassioned promo on Paul. It was simple, but the delivery was intense and fluid, with Jelly Roll easing into the WWE style of mic work with ease.
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre emerged, igniting a brawl between all four men ahead of their tag team match at SummerSlam. Jelly Roll was given a chance to show off some of the in-ring work he’d been training for at the WWE Performance Center, dishing out a nice flurry of punches and a Bossman Slam, sending Paul and McIntyre packing. This bodes well for his celebrity match in a week’s time.
Hulk Hogan Tributes
- Hulk Hogan passed away this week.
- SmackDown opened with a tribute to Hulk Hogan.
- WWE always hits the mark with video packages.
WWE paid homage to the late Hulk Hogan on Friday Night SmackDown. Say what you will about Hogan, but the Hall of Famer was hugely impactful, if not the most impactful wrestler in WWE’s history. WWE opened the show with a stirring video package that served as the best way to somehow sum up his whole career, in addition to an emotional ten-bell salute.
On stage were tearful legends such as Jimmy Hart, Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, and Ted DiBiase, as well as the whole SmackDown roster. There were more Hogan tributes throughout the night, including a mention in a promo with Cody Rhodes. WWE has always been strong at giving wrestlers brilliant send-offs and tributes, and this was no different.
Kiana James Is Giulia’s Mouthpiece
- Kiana James is back on WWE programming after being out due to injury.
- WWE has paired her with Giulia.
- This partnership is perfect for both women.
Giulia only got a sprinkle of TV time on Friday Night SmackDown, but it was a very important sprinkle to say the least. After it was teased last week, it was revealed on SmackDown that the returning Kiana James was now representing Giulia, serving as her mouthpiece in a masterful development for the United States Champion. Giulia isn’t seasoned on the microphone as of yet, so using James in this role not only allows her to showcase her own skills on SmackDown, but it serves to protect and help Giulia too. In a backstage segment with Zelina Vega, fans got their first taste of what could be a long-term partnership
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Tag Team TLC At SummerSlam
- The Wyatt Sicks vs. Andrade & Fenix ended in a DQ.
- The whole SmackDown roster brawled on SmackDown.
- Nick Aldis announced TLC for SummerSlam.
The main event of SmackDown ended in chaos as the men’s tag team division engaged in a massive brawl following the frustrating DQ finish to The Wyatt Sicks vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix. Nick Aldis emerged to announce that all six teams gunning for the gold would meet at SummerSlam… in Tables, Ladder and Chairs.
This was a hugely popular decision, especially after the previous acclaimed TLC tag team match was snubbed from the WrestleMania 41 card. The SmackDown tag team division has more than earned a spot on a PLE card, and they’ll get to do so in the most chaotic match possible. This is long overdue for all of these wrestlers, so to see this match announced was something we loved.
