The first episode of Friday Night SmackDown, following a very headline-worthy historic two-night SummerSlam premium live event, took place in the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and it was a notable show with moments that fans loved. WWE began their build to the Clash in Paris 2025 PLE, and it featured a whole host of big names including John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and more. The following are some of the biggest standout moments from the August 8 episode that deserve mention, though it must be said that they mostly revolve around the main event scene.
‘Babyface John Cena’ Is The Best Version Of John Cena
- Cena cut a great babyface promo on SmackDown.
- Logan Paul vs. John Cena was made official.
- Cody Rhodes saved Cena from a beatdown by Paul and Drew McIntyre.
John Cena opened up Friday Night SmackDown, dishing out an emotional, rallying, cheesy, and entertaining babyface promo. After months of seeing a soulless heel version of Cena on TV, unlocking the best version of Cena has been joyous to see. He had a fine speech on SmackDown, talking about his fear of being forgotten, his fear of Brock Lesnar, but his unwillingness to ever back down.
Logan Paul interrupted Cena, challenging him to a match at Clash in Paris 2025, which was accepted. This will be a first-time-ever big match that is sure to create headlines. Cena has an extra spring in his step, as proven by his show-stealing performance at SummerSlam 2025 Sunday, now that he has shed his heelish side. The Canadian fans were given a treat as a major tag team main event was also set up as Paul and Drew McIntyre attacked Cena, only for Cody Rhodes to make the save. Later in the show, John Cena also came face-to-face with R-Truth. Cena being himself again snapped Truth out of this more unhinged persona he’d developed, also returning to his former and more loveable self.
Sami Zayn Has A Hometown Win Over Solo Sikoa
- The MFTs want more gold and are targeting the Wyatt Sicks.
- Sami Zayn arrived to take on Sikoa in his hometown.
- Zayn scored the win via a roll-up.
Solo Sikoa and his MFT faction emerged on SmackDown to issue a celebratory promo after successfully defending the United States Championship over Jacob Fatu at SummerSlam 2025. He issued his group’s intention to be WWE Tag Team Champions, adding another team to a strong division who showed out in a major TLC match at SummerSlam.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis would then bring out hometown hero Sami Zayn, much to the joy of the Montreal crowd. Zayn would then defeat Sikoa in singles action, perhaps thrusting himself into title contention.
John Cena & Cody Rhodes Team Up In The Main Event
- WWE booked an all-star main event on SmackDown.
- John Cena and Cody Rhodes faced Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
- The match ended in DQ but was still fun.
The crowd in Montreal were treated to a big time main event of Friday Night SmackDown – something the blue brand has undoubtedly needed for quite some time. John Cena and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes firmly put their differences aside to team up against new allies Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul, giving the fans in Montreal one final John Cena match.
It ended in a disqualification as Logan Paul gave a low blow to John Cena, with the two brawling to the back. Even with a frustrating result, it was nice to see some legit main eventers and big names wrestling on SmackDown, and it was good to see Cena’s bouts not just solely reserved for PLEs prior to his retirement in December.
Drew McIntyre Wants The WWE Championship & Destroys Cody Rhodes
- McIntyre attacked Rhodes after the main event on SmackDown.
- He is very clearly targeting the WWE Championship.
- This feud is the best scenario for both individuals.
The main event of SmackDown went off the rails, but the aftermath was very notable as Drew McIntyre nailed Cody Rhodes with the WWE Title belt, before Claymore Kicking his soul away as Rhodes was sent through the underside of the announce table in a brutal looking spot.
It has been a long time coming for McIntyre to re-enter the WWE Title picture and to look like a dangerous heel once again, so seeing this development was fantastic for him. McIntyre vs. Rhodes is a strong WWE Title feud that can last for months if booked right, and a strong way to kick off Rhodes’ reign.
