The John Report: WWE SmackDown 07/18/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring a John Cena-Cody Rhodes contract signing, a 4-way tag team match, Charlotte Flair facing Raquel Rodriguez, and more.
We are on the road to SummerSlam, which is just two weeks away on August 2 and 3. The women’s only Evolution PLE last Sunday was a great show, while Saturday Night’s Main Event furthered the story that set up Randy Orton & singer Jelly Roll against Randy Orton and Logan Paul at SummerSlam.
From the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, this is SmackDown for episode #1352. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a car crash outside the arena with members of Solo Sikoa’s MFT group talking to some fake police officers who are likely indy wrestlers. One car was T-boned into the side of the other car. Cathy Kelley asked Raw GM Adam Pearce about the chaos. Raw GM Adam Pearce was there because SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has the week off. Cody Rhodes showed up, Pearce handed him the contract that needed to be signed, and Cody left. Pearce said he’d talk to him later. Pearce talked to the cops.
The SmackDown commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss spoke backstage earlier in the day. Flair was wearing a “We’re Not Friends” shirt. Flair said they didn’t win, but they also didn’t lose. Flair said that she got them a Women’s Tag Team Title match at SummerSlam. Bliss wondered how she got that. Giulia was in the background talking to Kiana James, who is back from injury. Bliss agreed to be her cheerleader and Flair said okay, but they are still not friends.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance with Alexa Bliss, who literally had pompoms with her and she was wearing the “We’re Not Friends” shirt.
The graphic was shown to make it official at SummerSlam: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.
Analysis: It’s a bit of a reach just to give Flair and Bliss a Women’s Tag Team Title match. Why not win a match to earn it? That’s a problem I have with the booking. They don’t always have people earn title shots. It’s not hard to do. It’s lazy booking.
Raquel Rodriguez (w/Roxanne Perez) vs. Charlotte Flair (w/Alexa Bliss)
There was a cartwheel by Flair, so Raquel did a hair pull and a shoulder tackle. Flair jumped off the turnbuckle, which led to a hurricanrana. Flair sent Raquel out of the ring. Flair used the ropes to slingshot over the top and knock Raquel down on the floor. Raquel nailed Flair with a clothesline on the floor. Raquel sent Flair face first into the ring post. They went on a break for some fans as Raquel worked over Flair with elbows. They fought over an abdominal stretch. Raquel hit an armdrag. Raquel grabbed a chinlock. Flair hit a jawbreaker, she ran the ropes, and Raquel hit a boot to the face for two.
Raquel was in control as she put Flair on her back and stretched her. Flair countered it into a sunset flip, but Raquel stomped on Flair to keep her down. Flair avoided a twisting elbow and hit a backbreaker-like move. The crowd was supporting Flair as Flair hit several chops, along with a cartwheel clothesline. Flair hit a German Suplex. Flair went to the apron, where she hit Raquel with a boot to the face. Flair jumped off the top with a cross body block, Raquel caught her and Raquel hit a spinning body slam for two. Raquel went for a lift, Flair got out of that and Flair hit a boot to the face. Perez went on the apron, Flair went after her and Flair kicked Perez. Bliss hit Raquel with a dreaded pompom, then Bliss did a necksnap on Raquel on the top rope and the referee never saw it. Flair superkicked Raquel and Flair got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Raquel for the win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Charlotte Flair
Analysis: *** A good match by two of the strongest women in WWE. I thought they matched up well. It was one of those matches where the loser Raquel was on offense for a lot of the match, but then she ended up losing. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! remains as deadly as ever. The win by Flair does give her team some momentum, but you should do that before announcing the Tag Team Title match is already booked for SummerSlam. Anyway, I expected this result for the match.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss put their hands together in a heart formation to show they are on the same page.
The police officers asked Adam Pearce where Jacob Fatu was because he’s a person of interest regarding the car crash. They found Fatu standing around. Fatu didn’t have anything to say to them. The cops left to talk with Fatu about it. Pearce looked frustrated.
(Commercial)
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill were featured in a video package talking about their SummerSlam match. Jade said she’s coming after what’s hers – the WWE Women’s Championship. Stratton said people have underestimated her, thinking she’s a dumb blonde or inexperienced. Stratton mentioned beating Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, and Nia Jax, and she’s standing tall. Jade said that Tiffany thinks she is another name. Jade said that she will end the list and she will end Stratton because a storm is coming.
Analysis: I might go with Jade Cargill ending Tiffany Stratton’s title reign at SummerSlam. I like Tiffany, but I think WWE wants to put over Jade big.
The announced attendance, as reported by Joe Tessitore, was 15,112 people.
A clip aired from last week’s SmackDown when Aleister Black attacked Damian Priest in the backstage area.
Damian Priest was shown walking backstage earlier today. Priest asked Carmelo Hayes if he had seen Aleister Black. Hayes said even if he did, he wouldn’t say anything to Priest. Melo said he warned Priest that this would happen. Priest said that when he catches Black, he’ll pray for forgiveness. Priest said he didn’t know why he was playing peacemaker. Priest spoke about how he is the guy who shuts people’s mouths, and then he celebrates. Priest challenged Melo for a match, so Melo agreed and said it’s crazy that Priest wants to get laid out back to back. Priest told Melo to keep that energy, and he’ll see him in the ring.
Analysis: An easy way to set up a match. I like it for Melo even though he is obviously not the favorite to win.
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance for singles action.
A clip aired of Cody Rhodes with his unique look in The Naked Gun remake movie. It looks very funny.
(Commercial)
Damian Priest vs. Carmelo Hayes
Melo attacked Priest while Priest was finishing his entrance. Melo hit a running forearm, but Priest came back with a boot to the head. Priest worked over Melo with punches. Melo with a kick, so Priest punched him out of the ring. Melo blocked Priest from sending him into the ring post and Melo dropkicked Priest into the ring post. They went to break for some fans as the action continued. Melo was in control as he dropkicked a charging Priest into the turnbuckle. Melo hit a chop block and a superkick for just a one count. Melo did a hair pull slam into the mat. Melo grabbed a chinlock. Melo kicked the knee and hit a low dropkick for two.
Priest made a comeback as he punched Melo a few times and Priest spiked Melo with a flapjack. Priest hit a shoulder tackle to knock Melo down. Melo came back with a springboard clothesline. Melo set up for Sweet Chin Music, but Priest caught the foot and Priest wanted a slam. Priest hit a hand clap around the head, but Melo came back with La Mistica slamming Priest into the mat. Priest tried a lift, Melo slipped out and Priest hit the turnbuckle on a charge attempt. Melo countered Priest with a double knee attack. Melo went up top and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Priest was on the floor. Melo jumped off the turnbuckle, Priest punched him and Priest sent Melo into the commentary table. Priest grabbed Melo’s hand and tried a move off the top, but Aleister Black was there on the apron. Black tripped up Priest on the apron, so Priest was crotched along the top rope. It was a DQ finish. It went about 9 minutes. Black was wearing a black suit.
Winner by disqualification: Damian Priest
Analysis: *** They were on their way to a very good match when it ended suddenly. I was happy to see Melo get as much offense as he did because he’s a fun guy to watch. Black costing Priest continues their story, and at least Melo didn’t lose before Black showed up.
The fans chanted, “You suck” at Black. Black said that he believes that Priest was looking for him, so Black hit a Black Mass kick on Priest. Melo bailed from the ring.
Analysis: It further solidifies Black’s heel turn. The fans liked him as a babyface in the past, but I like him as a heel. Priest is popular, so it works as a midcard feud that can benefit both guys.
The Wyatt Sicks were featured in a video package with the WWE Tag Team Titles. Uncle Howdy said that they were where they belonged. Dexter Lumis said that they were built for this. Erick Rowan talked about the family that they are and the blood that they share. Nikki Cross mentioned the blood that they share. Joe Gacy said that they will strip these teams of their wicked desires. Howdy said you can let the Wyatt Sicks be your guide. All you have to do is follow.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 2 and 3.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa
The United States Champion Solo Sikoa entered for a promo with the MFT’s JC Mateo, Tonga Loa and Tala Tonga. Solo said that tonight is the perfect example of who Jacob Fatu really is. Solo said that without his guidance, Jacob is reckless because he doesn’t listen to anybody and all he cares about is himself. Solo claimed he brought Jacob to WWE, made him successful, food on his family’s table, he made Jacob a champion and Jacob deserves none of it. Solo said that Fatu was so damn selfish since he betrayed the only family that he had. Solo said once a criminal, always a criminal about Jacob.
The police car was shown driving up to the building, and the fake cop told Jacob that they had seen the footage and determined that Jacob was not the person of interest. Jimmy Uso was back there shaking hands with Jacob. Solo could be heard saying, “We paid him off” referring to the cop.
Jacob Fatu made his entrance while Jimmy Uso was on the other side of the ring. Fatu and Jimmy got into a fight with the MFT’s. Jimmy hit superkicks while Fatu hit a running elbow. Tala pulled Jimmy out of the ring and hit a boot to the head. There was a loud leg slap while the foot didn’t touch Jimmy. Tala cleared off the commentary table and wanted to slam Jimmy, but Fatu hit a suicide dive to knock Tala over the commentary table. Tala got up quickly and went after both guys, but Fatu and Jimmy hit four superkicks to stagger Tala. Jimmy gave Tala a cross body block over the barricade. Fatu went into the ring and punched Solo a few times. Jimmy brought a chair into the ring, Solo tried to live, but Jimmy threw Solo back in. Fatu hit a superkick and a running hip attack on Solo. JC went back into the ring with punches on Fatu. Jimmy superkicked Loa and Fatu kicked JC down. Jimmy went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Tama. Fatu hit a Mighty Moonsault onto JC. Solo and Tala were watching from the aisle. Fatu hit JC with a chair to the back and Fatu hit Loa with a chair to the back. Fatu hit two more chair shots to the back.
Adam Pearce said that Solo Sikoa tried to frame an innocent man and get him locked up. Adam informed Solo that he’ll defend the US Title against Jacob Fatu at SummerSlam in a Steel Cage Match. The fans cheered that. The three indy wrestlers dressed as police officers “arrested” Solo and took him away. Fatu posed with the US Title in the ring.
Analysis: It was different from what we usually see since Solo’s group usually looks dominant, so at least it was Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso’s turn to get the advantage. I wouldn’t say the arrest storyline was riveting television, but it turned out to be something that made the fans happy since Solo was “arrested” to end it. The Steel Cage Match at SummerSlam was reported earlier in the day by Wrestlevotes, so kudos to them for getting that right. A Steel Cage match makes sense because the idea is that it keeps others from interfering in the match. That makes sense for this storyline.
A recap was shown of Jelly Roll interviewing Randy Orton on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. Drew McIntyre interrupted and fought with Orton. Logan Paul showed up to trash Jelly, so that ended with Jelly giving a Chokeslam through the table. The fans loved it.
Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance for singles action. She is normally a Raw superstar, but it’s not like the brand split is strict.
(Commercial)
There was a recap of the Solo Sikoa-Jacob Fatu story from before the break.
It’s official for SummerSlam: Solo Sikoa defends the US Title against Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage Match.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Alba Fyre (w/Piper Niven)
Vaquer got a rollup for two. Vaquer went for a bridging pin for two. Vaquer headbutted Fyre, who sent Vaquer to the apron. Fyre superkicked Vaquer to the floor. Fyre hit a suicide dive onto Vaquer on the floor. Fyre tried a Swanton Bomb, but Vaquer stopped it with double knees. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smashing and Vaquer smacked the mat every time to make noise. Vaquer went for a move, Fyre fought out of it and Vaquer hit SVB (backbreaker onto the knee) for the pinfall win after two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: *1/2 A squash match to give Vaquer a win and give her more momentum. Fyre is good, but they don’t push her, so she’s just there in a supporting role.
After the match, Niven went into the ring and ran over Vaquer. Niven pulled Vaquer to the turnbuckle, so Vaquer got up and shoved Piper to knock her down. Vaquer kicked Niven down to the floor.
Analysis: That could lead to Vaquer facing Niven next. I expect Vaquer to keep winning.
The Street Profits were backstage with B-Fab hanging out with them. Cathy Kelley asked how they are feeling after losing the WWE Tag Team Titles. Montez Ford said that The Wyatt Sicks used underhanded tactics to take the titles. Angelo Dawkins said they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and they are getting the titles back. Kelley asked if they are upset about not being in the number one contender’s match. #DIY interrupted to say that they love the tag team division. Tommaso Ciampa said they knew The Street Profits wouldn’t hold the titles. Candice LeRae told B-Fab to pay attention because you might learn something. B-Fab threatened her, but Ford stopped that.
The #DIY boys Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa entered, along with Gargano’s wife Candice LeRae.
A commercial aired for Netflix’s WWE Unreal show, showing behind-the-scenes WWE footage. It debuts on July 29th.
(Commercial)
Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano (w/Candice LeRae) vs. Fraxiom – Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
This is a #1 Contenders match for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Champions. Two men are legal in the ring and the others wait on the apron.
Sabin and Frazer exchanged moves, but the #DIY went in to break that up by attacking both guys. Fenix and Andrade cleared the ring, but Fraxiom stopped that with superkicks. The Guns hit dropkicks on #DIY on the floor. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto #DIY on the floor. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. The Guns made quick tags as they worked over Frazer, but Frazer came back with a kick to Shelley’s head. Gargano tagged in with a slingshot Spear and a superkick. Ciampa worked over Shelley by choking him against the ropes. The #DIY boys worked over Shelley in their corner, including a backbreaker by Ciampa. The referee told them 30 seconds as Ciampa hit a running knee on Shelley and Gargano covered for two.
Shelley started the comeback with a combo move that he did with Sabin, so it was Shelley hitting a DDT to break free. Axiom tagged in with a German Suplex. Frazer hit a DDT on Ciampa. Axiom dropkicked Fenix out of the ring. Axiom and Frazer each hit two suicide dives in a row. Axiom hit a missile dropkick off the top while Frazer did a sweep kick, so Andrade broke up the pin. Fenix tagged in with a cross body block off top, along with a spinning kick. Andrade hit the Three Amigos suplexes and Fenix tagged in for a Frog Splash off the top, but the other teams broke up the pin. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. The eight guys were in the ring brawling. Four of the guys bailed from the ring. Shelley and Sabin hit superkicks on Frazer, but Axiom was back in the ring. Frazer hit a Slingblade. Fenix and Andrade each hit running splashes. Fenix kicked Axiom and Andrade hit an elbow. Ciampa tagged Fenix to become legal and Gargano hit a jumping DDT on Andrade. Axiom got a cradle on Ciampa for two. Ciampa hit a clothesline. Ciampa hit Project Ciampa on the double knees for two on Axiom. They took another break. Ciampa picked up Axiom on the middle turnbuckle, and Ciampa did a Kryptonite Crunch onto the other guy on the floor. That was a rough spot, but it looks like everybody was okay. Ciampa hit a knee smash on Axiom. Gargano was back in for a superkick/Fairy Tale Ending combo. Sabin made the tag. Sabin jumped off the top with a cross body block on both #DIY guys.
The Guns hit their combo move as Shelley held Gargano, and Sabin hit a dropkick. Andrade tagged himself in, leading to a forearm smash. Andrade went up top, but Axiom was back up to kick Andrade’s leg. Frazer made the tag as Axiom hit a Spanish Fly, Ciampa tagged in, and Frazer hit a Phoenix Splash. Ciampa cleared the ring, and Fenix broke up the pin attempt with a Codebreaker and landed on Ciampa for two. Fenix hit a spin kick on Ciampa. Fenix hit a springboard twisting cross body block on the guys on the floor. LeRae went on the apron to distract, so Ciampa rolled up Andrade for two. Gargano went for a superkick, and Andrade avoided it, and Gargano kicked Ciampa. Andrade hit a spinning elbow on Gargano. Fenix jumped over the top with a somersault dive onto Gargano. Andrade hit The Message on Ciampa for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Andrade & Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***1/2 Great match that was full of action. The Andrade/Fenix team has picked up a lot of wins since they became a team, so now they are set for a Tag Team Title match next week. I thought it was well done, with all four teams looking like they had a shot to win. The #DIY guys were terrific as usual, but I think Fenix stood out the most with his high spots. The fans loved him the most too.
Next week on SmackDown:
* The Wyatt Sicks defend the Tag Team Titles against Andrade & Rey Fenix
* Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez
* Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, Randy Orton and Jelly Roll will be there.
Cody Rhodes was shown with the contract in his hand. Cody wears some big glasses. Just saying. Cody is up next.
This Monday on Raw: Roman Reigns will be there.
(Commercial)
Contract Signing: John Cena And Cody Rhodes
The Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring to moderate the WWE Championship contract signing. Cody brought the contract with him as he wore a suit and the fans sang his song. There was a table in the ring along with two office chairs. They had the black carpet in the ring. Cody shook hands with Pearce. Cody signed the contract.
Cody Rhodes asked San Antonio, what do you wanna talk about? Cody said that his father and brother are Texans. Cody talked about how he became the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody spoke about how he posted a message on social media while it was being dissected. Cody said that his message said do not flinch and thank you for riding with him. Cody talked about how he did not flinch when he came back home at WrestleMania. Cody talked about how he did not flinch against Seth Rollins, against Brock Lesnar, when he won two Royal Rumbles, he did not flinch against Jey Uso, he did not flinch against his mentor Randy Orton, and he did not flinch when The Rock came for his spot. Cody said he flinched at WrestleMania 41 against one of the most beloved wrestlers in the history of our sport, against John Cena. Cody said that it is an unenviable task that he has to try to take it away from somebody like Cena. Cody said it’s one match for the rest of his life. Cody said he has signed, but it takes two for this dance to work, and he told Pearce to do the introduction, so Pearce did.
John Cena made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion and got a huge reaction full of boos and cheers. Fans sang “John Cena sucks” at him. Cena had a San Antonio Spurs-style “Last Time Is Now” shirt on.
Cena sat down and told Cody to sit down across from him. Cena said that he had some bad news tonight. Cena told Cody he is not going to be at SummerSlam. Cena said that it’s a tough decision and he had to take it to the top for a change of command. Cena said he’s filming a movie for Netflix in New York City. Cena said he is emotionally exhausted. They showed Cody staring at Cena on a split screen. Cena said that he is exhausted. Cena said that they can do the rematch in Paris or Perth, but there is no way in good faith that he can sign this contract. The fans booed. Cena claimed there was nothing we could do. Cena said that if his name goes on the contract, then he has to be at SummerSlam. Cena claimed emotionally he’s out of it, but this is what’s best for business right now. The fans booed. Cena discussed how difficult it was to be there tonight. Cena claimed he wanted to give the fans fireworks and a night to remember. Cena said right now, physically and emotionally, this is all he can give you guys. Cena thanked the fans and appreciated their understanding of this matter. Cena didn’t sign the contract. Cena said that Cody is going to get that rematch, but not at SummerSlam. Cena left.
Analysis: That’s a cowardly heel act by Cena. Good way to get heat.
Cody attacked Cena in the aisle. Cody punched Cena and Cena fought back. Cena sent Cody hard into the steel steps. Cena grabbed the WWE Title and went back into the ring. Cody ducked a belt shot, kicked Cena, and got the WWE Championship. Wade told Cody to do it, so Cody hit Cena with the WWE Title. Cody put Cena on the table and Cody climbed to the top rope with contract in hand Cody hit a Superfly Splash off the top onto Cena through the table. Cody the pen in Cena’s right hand and Cody signed the contract with Cena’s hand. Cody: “John Cena, check the fine print. It’s not just a match for the title at SummerSlam. It’s a Street Fight!” The fans loved that. Cody looked very serious while Cena was down on mat. Cody held up the WWE Championship while the announcers signed off. Cena remained out on the mat. Cody posed again. End of show.
Analysis: The Street Fight stipulation adds to the Cody-Cena match, and it should be a lot better than their WrestleMania match. It will also allow the guys to use some weapons around the ring and have more of a classic main event brawl. I like that. I think Cody might win at SummerSlam, which could then lead to Cena becoming a babyface again in the final months of the year. Anyway, I’m all for the Street Fight stipulation because I think it will be a better match.
Whether @JohnCena likes it or not he will be at #SummerSlam… in a STREET FIGHT 🔥@CodyRhodespic.twitter.com/chAaNXXMOX
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2025
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Three Stars of the Show
- Andrade and Rey Fenix
- Cody Rhodes and John Cena
- Charlotte Flair
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.36
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
There were parts of this show that dragged and weren’t that exciting, but I think the last match, which was the 4-way and the main event segment, really helped the show. The 4-way tag team match was great, while Andrade & Rey Fenix got the big win.
That segment with Cody Rhodes and John Cena worked very well. Cena came across as the cowardly heel champion while Cody was so likable as the babyface who attacked the heel champion. That was well done.
I don’t think the arrest storyline involving Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu was a good idea, but it sets up their SummerSlam match.
The next WWE PLE is SummerSlam from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2 & 3. Here’s the lineup so far.
* WWE Championship Street Fight: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
* United States Championship Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
You can watch SummerSlam on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, streaming live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport