The John Report: WWE SmackDown 08/08/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes teaming up against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.
It’s the first WWE SmackDown episode post-SummerSlam. The Cody Rhodes-John Cena match at SummerSlam was an outstanding five-star performance, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so about it. They delivered a classic Street Fight in the Sunday night main event. After the match, Brock Lesnar returned to WWE after two years away and dropped Cena with an F5, which will likely set up one more Lesnar-Cena match between rivals who go back two decades. Clash in Paris is on August 31st, so we’ll see how they set that show up in the weeks ahead.
Tonight’s SmackDown is in Montreal, in my home country of Canada, and I think it’s one of the best cities for WWE shows. The crowd is amazing there, so I’m looking forward to it.
From the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, this is SmackDown for episode #1355. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The show started with some WWE SummerSlam highlights while focusing on the Cody-Cena match and Lesnar attacking Cena after the match.
Let’s Hear from John Cena
The music of John Cena hit and the crowd exploded for him. The fans chanted “Cena” for him as Cena walked out there with his Montreal Canadiens-themed merchandise. There was a moment where Cena was looking up at the rafters, and he said “What the f**k” when he saw how packed the building was. Mark Nash did the special introduction for Cena as the Greatest of All Time, the never-seen 17, celebrating with all of you in Montreal for one last time, he is the last real champion…John Cena. The fans were going absolutely crazy for him.
Cena said that we have come a long way. Cena said that for the longest time, WWE was afraid to come to Montreal due to a lot of history in this building. Cena said they were afraid that they thought the audience would hijack the show. Cena claimed he was never afraid of that because he knows the audience is the show. Cena mentioned there are people everywhere, and the noise in here is deafening, while adding that you can feel the energy on TV. Cena said sometimes it can get scary when the fans start singing. They did the “Ole ole ole” chants. Cena claimed some performers might get scared and wonder what they should do. Cena said that even though he might be afraid, he faces his fears head-on, he goes like hell, he lets the fans do their thing, and embraces and enjoys every single second. Cena said it doesn’t last forever. The fans chanted, “Thank you, Cena,” for him. Cena thanked the fans for sharing a lot of moments with him.
Cena spoke about how, after tonight, he has 11 of these left, and the fans booed that a bit. Cena said that every time a day goes by, he gets more and more afraid. Cena said he’s afraid that he feels like he’s going to let you down in the time he has left. Cena admitted that he’s afraid that as WWE moves on, he thinks the fans are going to forget about him. Cena spoke about these fears he has while admitting he’s afraid of Brock Lesnar. Cena admitted that he would not choose to face Lesnar, but you know he would not back down from Lesnar. Cena said that he’s afraid that Lesnar got himself a John Cena Problem. Cena claimed that every WWE superstar got themselves a John Cena Problem. Cena said if you saw SummerSlam, he’s not going down without a fight. Cena said if Brock Lesnar wants some, then come get some. Cena told the locker room that if anybody steps for him, he plans on going down guns blazing. Cena said that the last time is now, so if you want some, come get some! Interruption time from Logan Paul.
Analysis: I think John Cena was genuinely overwhelmed by the love of the fans. This crowd was amazing and it looked like Cena was about to break down and cry. That’s genuine love from WWE fans for Cena, who absolutely deserves the love.
Logan Paul said that he respected Cena, but now he doesn’t even know him. Paul said at least he never switched up. The fans chanted “F**k You, Logan” which got bleeped on Netflix. Paul got into the ring and Cena said that you might have made the biggest mistake of your life. Paul said that Cena doesn’t know who he is, and the people don’t know who he is. Paul said, whether you like it or not, Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler, and that includes Cena. Cena admitted that he said it. Cena said that he also thinks that Logan Paul is the biggest dumbass he has ever seen in his life. Paul called Cena a liar. Paul said Montreal isn’t the show because Paul is the show. Paul said that Cena is a charity case giving out matches. Paul said he wants a match. Cena said that sounds pretty damn good. Paul asked how that sounds, and he suggested it in a French-speaking country in the middle of France – at Clash in Paris. Paul claimed that is box office and headline. Drew McIntyre showed up to hit Cena from behind with a forearm to the back of the head!
Paul and McIntyre stomped on Cena, so here comes the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Cody got in the ring and punched Drew while Cena punched Paul. Cody tossed Drew out of the ring while Cena tossed Paul out of the ring. Cena said that he accepts Logan Paul’s match for Clash in Paris. Cena said it seems like you two want to fight and it seems like Cena might have a partner. Cena announced the tag team match for tonight: Cena and Rhodes against McIntyre and Paul. Cena said, “The Champ Is Here,” and pointed at Cody to end it.
Analysis: That was a great way to set up a tag team match. There is also the Cena-Paul match at Clash in Paris on August 31st, which should be a lot of fun to watch. I thought Cena was terrific throughout the promo, the fans were by his side the whole way and Paul was annoying as a heel as usual. It was a 20-minute opening segment that was a bit long for sure, but I really didn’t mind it because of how hot the crowd was.
The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show.
The Motor City Machine Guns duo of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Shelley talked about how they know they have to get back up after the TLC match. Sabin said that they didn’t get the job done at SummerSlam, but they know what it takes, and their road back to the top begins.
The Motor City Machine Guns entered for tag team action.
A commercial aired promoting Survivor Series in San Diego on November 29th.
(Commercial)
Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. MFT – JC Mateo & Talla Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa & Tonga Loa)
It’s 30 minutes into the show as the first match begins. Shelley has his ribs taped and Sabin has his left shoulder taped, along with his right elbow bandaged up. Sabin hit a suicide dive on JC early on in the match. The Guns hit a double team splash/elbow on JC. Talla tripped up Shelley and sent Shelley hard into the barricade. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. The heel team of Talla and JC worked over Shelley to keep him isolated from his partner.
The match returned and Sabin tagged in with a cross body block on JC. Sabin tried clotheslines, JC didn’t bump to the mat and Sabin hit a superkick. Sabin hit a springboard DDT on JC for two. Shelley back in as the Guns hit multiple superkicks and Shelley got a two count. The Guns punched Talla, so JC hit a double clothesline to knock both Guns down. JC hit a spinning slam on Sabin for two because Shelley made the save. The Guns hit a double superkick on JC. Talla went in the ring after making the tag and kicked Shelley. Talla hit a Chokeslam on Sabin for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: MFT – JC Mateo & Talla Tonga
Analysis: **3/4 A dominant performance by Talla Tonga again. Every time Talla is in there, he is going to destroy people and it continued in this match. The Guns did a nice job of selling throughout the match and put up a fight, but it was all about Talla and JC looking strong.
The US Champion Solo Sikoa did a promo saying that this is what greatness looks like. Solo said you are looking at future WWE Tag Team Champions and Solo claimed he was the most dominant US Champion. Solo said he’s ready to fight while claiming there is nobody back there to fight him. Solo said that they are going to leave this crappy city because this is the last place he wants to wrestle at.
The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis appeared by the entrance. Aldis claimed he had a special guest in the house tonight whom Solo knows very well and Montreal knows well. It’s Sami Zayn!
Montreal’s own Sami Zayn made his entrance to a huge ovation. The fans were going crazy, singing his song. They went on a break for some fans while we got to see the rest of the entrance on Netflix. Zayn went into the crowd to greet fans. Zayn also kissed his wife and son at ringside. There were loud “Sami” chants.
Analysis: The Montreal fans reacting to Sami Zayn may be the biggest hometown advantage of them all. They love their guy Sami (and Kevin Owens). I’m reminded of Elimination Chamber 2023 when Zayn faced Roman Reigns in Montreal, and it was one of the best crowds ever.
Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Sami Zayn
This is not for Solo’s US Title. There were loud “Ole, Ole, Ole” chants for Zayn, who was fired up. Solo reminded them of their Bloodline days, but Zayn brought the fight with some punches and an elbow. Zayn worked over Solo with chops and punches. Solo ran over Zayn with a shoulder tackle. Zayn tripped up Solo by the turnbuckle, followed by Zayn blasting Solo with repeated punches. Zayn sent Solo out of the ring. Zayn ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive over the top onto Solo on the floor. MFTs were surrounding Zayn, who sent Solo back into the ring. Zayn elbowed Solo, who distracted the referee, so Talla did a cheap shot clothesline. That led to a break where Solo dominated for a few minutes.
Solo teased a move off the turnbuckle, but Zayn hit a sunset flip Powerbomb for a two count. Zayn always does that move so well. Zayn and Solo exchanged moves, leading to Solo hitting the Spinning Solo slam for two. Solo went for the Samoan Spike, but Zayn hit a boot to the face. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn punched Loa on the apron. Zayn gave Solo another Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. JC went on the apron, so Zayn punched him. Talla was on the apron, Zayn dared him and Solo hit Zayn hit a superkick. Zayn avoided a Samoan Spike and Zayn got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Solo for the pinfall win after 10 minutes. The fans loved it.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: *** That was a great example of how you work as a babyface like Zayn, who had to deal with three guys out of the ring and he found a way to get the win. It’s also a time where I approve of the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! as a finish because it works perfectly in that spot with Zayn finding a way to win. That should set up Zayn for a US Title match as well.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were backstage as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Flair claimed she had a birthday gift for Alexa’s birthday tomorrow. Flair had a good line saying she didn’t know it was her birthday, but she saw it on a calendar. Anyway, Flair said she’d show her out there.
A commercial aired for WWE Unreal on Netflix. I saw all five episodes and thought it was great. I also recommended it to casual WWE fans and people who stopped watching years ago. They liked it too.
(Commercial)
A video aired about WWE’s big news from earlier in the week, with ESPN becoming the streaming home of WWE PLEs in the US in 2026.
Analysis: Huge deal for WWE because they got a big pay raise for their PLEs in the US, and I think it should lead to more viewership than what they got on Peacock. It’s going to be more expensive for some people in some ways, but if you subscribe to ESPN, then it works out well for you. I’m in Canada, so it has no effect on me. I’m enjoying WWE on Netflix so far this year.
The Wyatt Sicks appeared in a grainy video with Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis holding the WWE Tag Team Titles. Uncle Howdy said they’ll never lead you astray, and they will speak the truth. Howdy said that is what they always sought out to do. Joe Gacy said that their power is a harmless illusion. Dexter Lumis said that they made them realize the true reality. Nikki Cross said that they made it very clear what this is about. Erick Rowan said that there are more lessons to be learned. Erick said that their story has only just begun.
Analysis: The Wyatt Sicks are cheered by the fans, but they won the TLC match by cheating thanks to Erick Rowan, Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross getting involved, so it was a bit heelish.
The Street Profits with B-Fab were in the locker room with #DIY and Candice LeRae. They argued about what happened in the TLC match while LeRae had a big bruise on her leg. Dawkins said nobody told LeRae to climb a ladder in the first place. Montez Ford said that you should be talking to the husband of the year, Johnny Gargano. Nick Aldis interrupted to say he’s going to get control of the tag team division. Aldis said next week it’s #DIY against The Street Profits, which #DIY wasn’t happy about.
Let’s Hear from Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
The Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance. They won the titles at SummerSlam. Flair was in her wrestling gear. They were in the ring with two tables, including a cake and a present.
Flair said that she was in a giving mood, so let’s start with a cake. The cake said “Congratulations Charlotte Flair” in big letters and it said “Alexa” in smaller letters. Flair had a present in a pink box. Bliss was scared of it, so Flair opened it. Flair gave Bliss a Lilly doll that said “We’re Not Friends” on it. Flair said she thought Lilly needed a tag team partner as well. Flair had a doll of her own called Charlie, so there was a “Charlie” chant. Flair said that they aren’t friends and neither are the dolls. Bliss said thanks. Flair told Bliss that she may hug Flair. Bliss didn’t think it was necessary, but Flair told her to bring it in.
It’s Chelsea Green with her Secret Hervice members Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. Green said that she’s a proud Canadian, but the fans cheering for these weirdos so it makes Green want to return her passport. Green said that since these fans cheer for the Habs (Montreal Canadiens), they don’t see champions often. Green said that they should be celebrating her homecoming in her home country. Green: “Celine Dion, who?” Flair said that she had one more gift for her, and that is kicking Green’s ass tonight. Green tried to leave.
Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, showed up again. Aldis said that he’ll tolerate wrestlers making matches this week. Aldis has a new referee and his first assignment is this match. Green was angry about it.
Analysis: I don’t think the gift-giving segment was that interesting, but the Montreal crowd is so good that they tried to support it as best they could. Flair telling Bliss to hug her was kinda funny because of how awkward that is. Chelsea Green was dressed to wrestle, and then she was mad about wrestling. Heels are weird like that. Anyway, happy 34th birthday to Alexa Bliss on Saturday.
(Commercial)
Carmelo Hayes was shown walking backstage, where he knocked on the door of GM Nick Aldis. The Miz walked out of the room. Melo wondered where Miz has been because Miz was supposed to help his career. Miz said that Melo deserves better. Miz complained about John Cena and Logan Paul. Miz claimed that he got himself a tag team match with Melo for next week. Miz said that they are Awes-him. Melo shook hands with Miz and left. Nick Aldis walked up, asking what that was about, and Miz said he wanted to talk to Nick in his office.
Analysis: Push Carmelo Hayes, please. He is the most poorly used guy on the roster.
Charlotte Flair (w/Alexa Bliss) vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)
Flair kicked Green and Green bailed to the floor. Green went back into the ring and sent Flair into the turnbuckle a few times. Flair kicked Green. Flair went to the apron where she kicked Niven and jumped over Fyre, trying a trip. Flair jumped off the top and hit a cross body block on Green for two. Flair did a hair pull to get some offense going, but Flair jumped over Green and got a rollup. Green kicked out and sent Flair into the middle turnbuckle. Green kicked Flair into the turnbuckle. It was mostly Green in control during the break for some fans, but Flair hit a belly-to-back suplex.
It was Flair taking control with chops while the fans chanted “Woo” for the chops. Flair did the cartwheel clothesline, along with a German Suplex. Green delivered a kick, but Flair came back with her own kick. Flair hit a Natural Selection neckbreaker for a two count. Flair has won many matches with that move, but not there. Flair hit a shoulder tackle to the ribs. Flair went up top, so Green slapped her in the face. Green hit a superplex from the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Green told Fyre and Niven to get the massive kick, so Green put the cake in the ring. Bliss hit a somersault dive onto Niven and Fyre. Green went for her finisher, but Flair hit her own version of the Unperttier. Flair applied the Figure Eight, took some frosting off the cake and Green tapped out. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by submission: Charlotte Flair
Analysis: *** It was an entertaining match. Green is so talented and makes anything work, whether it’s a serious spot or comedy. Flair did a nice job of making the comeback and finishing off Green clean. The bit with cake worked as a way to pop the crowd.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss celebrated the win. Wade said that it should be a DQ because if it were a steel chair it would be, so Joe argued that Green brought it into the ring. That was a funny argument.
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Stratton said she’s going to keep defending the title. Jade Cargill said that Stratton should feel lucky that her foot was on the rope. Jade said next time, the story will be different. Stratton said that the outcome will be the same with her as the WWE Women’s Champion.
Giulia, the US Champion, walked in with Kiana James, who represents Giulia. James gave Jade her card and suggested she call her. Jade said if she wins the title, then she’ll do it on her own. Michin walked over to Jade and asked if she could have the card because she wanted to call to get a Women’s US Title match.
This Monday on Raw: Seth Rollins and The Vision have the power, Naomi defends the Women’s World Title against Iyo Sky, and CM Punk kicks off Raw.
(Commercial)
Aleister Black was featured in a video talking about how he knows he can use violence to stop violence from happening. Black said that the fans cheered for Priest when he wanted to throw Priest through a table. Black said that he’s an eye for an eye guy, so that’s why he destroyed Priest. Black said that Priest was home nursing a hairline fracture in his jaw. Black said that when somebody pushes Priest, he pushes back. Priest said he pushes people off a cliff. Black said if that’s what makes people think of him as a scapegoat, then so be it.
Analysis: I’m all for an Aleister Black push as a heel. I know there are only so many spots, but that’s a guy who should be elevated in the months ahead.
John Cena was shown walking backstage, where he saw R-Truth. They stared at eachother, while moving their hands around like mimes. Truth said that you are really back. Truth said that if you are back, then he’s back. Truth hugged Cena. Cena said that he was worried about Truth, he changed his hair, beat people up, made a kid in Brussels cry, said you wanted to ruin wrestling and it’s good to have you back.
Analysis: That was a funny interaction to have Cena talk to Truth about how he changed for five months when it was really Cena who had changed. Well played for some laughs.
Logan Paul was up first for a rare TV match for him. Drew McIntyre was next as Logan’s tag team partner.
(Commercial)
John Cena made his entrance, and the fans popped for him again, just like earlier in the night.
The graphic was shown for WWE Clash in Paris on August 31st: John Cena vs. Logan Paul.
The two-time WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance, and the fans went wild for him as always. The fans were singing his “Kingdom” song. Cena posed with Cody for the “WHOA-OH” yell for the song.
Cody Rhodes & John Cena vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
There were only about ten minutes left until the top of the hour. Paul hit Cody in the ribs. The fans chanted “F**k you, Logan” again. Cody punched Paul and hit a delayed front suplex into a slam. Paul rolled up Cody to prevent Cena from tagging in. Drew worked over Cody with chops, but Cody came back with a powerslam. Wade referenced Cody and Drew as Tag Team Champions about 15 years ago. Cody punched Paul off the apron to the floor. Drew hit a headbutt (into the hand) to knock Cody down. Paul clotheslined Cody on the floor while the referee was looking at Drew talking to Cena. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. Drew stomped on Cody’s right hand. Paul tagged in for a double team suplex on Cody. Paul hit a gutwrench suplex on Cody for two. The fans chanted “We Want Cena” as Paul worked over Cody with punches.
The match continued as Drew tried to charge at Cody, who moved, so Drew hit the turnbuckle and bumped to the floor. Cena tagged in against Paul as the fans went crazy for Cena. Cena hit the two shoulder tackles and the belly-to-back suplex on Paul. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle to a huge ovation. Cena connected with the Attitude Adjustment on Paul for a two count because Drew made the save. Drew charged, Cody stopped that with a superkick and Cody clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Cody hit a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Paul hit a low blow uppercut punch on Cena for the DQ finish. It went about 8 minutes.
Winners by disqualification: Cody Rhodes & John Cena
Analysis: **1/2 It was a basic tag team match where they built up the hot tag to Cena, who hit all of his classic moves on Paul, including the AA, but Drew made the save. That was followed up with Paul doing the low blow for the DQ, so it gets heat on Paul and also protects everybody in the match by not having any of them get pinned.
Logan Paul attacked John Cena in the aisle, and they went fighting to the back. Cody was fighting with Drew around ringside. Cody cleared off the commentary table, but Drew nailed Cody with the WWE Title to the head. Drew stared at the WWE Title. Cody got back up, so Drew gave Cody a Claymore Kick to put Cody through the bottom of the commentary table. Cody was down on the floor as Drew taunted him and trash-talked him. There were officials at ringside to try to get Drew to back away. Drew told Cody that the WWE Title is his. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: That likely means we can pencil in Cody Rhodes against Drew McIntyre at Clash in Paris, which is certainly fine with me because Drew’s the best heel there is in WWE. It works as a WWE Title feud.
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Three Stars of the Show
- John Cena
- Sami Zayn
- Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2025 Average: 7.34
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
It felt like a good SmackDown episode, thanks in part to the hot crowd in Montreal. The babyfaces had a good night for most of the show. John Cena was by far the biggest star with the opening promo, where he spoke from the heart and then set up the tag team match later in the show. The main event was fun with Cody & Cena teaming up for the DQ win. That post match attack by McIntyre sets him up for a WWE Title match against Cody. I like that as a feud.
I liked the Sami Zayn match with Solo Sikoa, as Zayn found a way to win, and the fans loved it. Charlotte Flair’s match with Chelsea Green was also a lot of fun.
There might have been some fans tuning in to see Brock Lesnar attack John Cena again, but there was no sign of Lesnar.
The next WWE PLE is Clash in Paris on Sunday, August 31st. Here’s the lineup so far.
* John Cena vs. Logan Paul
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
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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