WWE SmackDown Results & Highlights (8/1/25): John Cena becomes a babyface again ahead of SummerSlam 2025, AAA stars debut, and more

WWE SmackDown emanated from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, this week. This was the go-home edition of the first-ever two-night SummerSlam. The show opened to a surprising face turn by John Cena, explosive in-ring action, AAA stars debuting, and ended with an all-out brawl, giving a preview of SummerSlam.

Opening segment

John Cena and Cody Rhodes' confrontation opened the show. Cena admitted that his plan to ruin wrestling and become obsessed with himself was not the right decision. He thanked Cody Rhodes for being the wake-up call and promised that the real John Cena would appear for the Street Fight at SummerSlam. The segment ended with Cena and Rhodes sharing a beer and Cena greeting the fans on his way to the backstage area, much to the loud cheers and signaling going back to being a babyface.

Giulia vs Zelina Vega

Giulia, accompanied by Kiana James, defended her WWE Women's United States title against former champion Zelina Vega. The match was an evenly matched contest as both women came at each other with everything in their arsenal. Moreover, the match also received loud cheers from the fans. The ending saw Giulia diffuse Vega's valiant effort with a Northern Lights Bomb to win and retain her title.

Los Garza vs Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown

AAA stars Mr Iguana and Psycho Clown answered the open challenge by Santos Escobar for his Los Garza members' AAA Tag Team titles.

The AAA stars received loud chants, and the match itself was an exciting display of lucha libre from both sides. In the end, Los Garza executed a double team move on Psycho Clown to score the pinfall and retain their titles.

Damian Priest vs Aleister Black

The two young and rising stars delivered a hard-hitting showdown on SmackDown. However, Aleister Black decided to throw the match in the end by throwing a chair towards Damian Priest. He did not stop there and continued the assault on Priest after the bout ended in a disqualification.

Talla Tonga vs Jimmy Uso

This was a singles match with Solo Sikoa in Talla Tonga's corner as he faced Jimmy Uso in his debut performance. He put in an impressive showing and emerged victorious in the bout after delivering a chokeslam. After the match, the Steel Cage hanging above began to lower, but Jacob Fatu made it in time to the ring. While Solo and Talla escaped, Fatu launched an assault on J.C. Matteo and Tonga Loa.

Final segment with Randy Orton & Jelly Roll and Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul

Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre came out to fire shots at their SummerSlam opponents. Following that, Randy Orton and Jelly Roll came down, and a brawl ensued between both sides. Security and officials intervened but Orton took out all of them with a pair of RKOs.Also read: WWE Summer Slam 2025 Day 1 and Day 2 Full Schedule, Date, Start timings, How to Watch and More