The John Report: WWE SmackDown 08/15/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring Drew McIntyre addressing Cody Rhodes, The Street Profits in action against #DIY, and a whole lot more
Last week’s WWE SmackDown saw the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes team with John Cena against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre in the main event. Paul got DQ’d in the match and brawled with his Clash in Paris opponent Cena. That left McIntyre and Rhodes at ringside, which led to McIntyre hitting a Claymore Kick that sent Rhodes crashing hard into the bottom of the commentary table. It looks like we’ll get Rhodes-McIntyre for the WWE Title at Clash in Paris, which should be an outstanding match between two of WWE’s best wrestlers.
I wasn’t home to review this show live, so I’m finishing the review on Saturday morning.
From the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, this is SmackDown for episode #1356. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Drew McIntyre was shown making his superstar entrance as we saw highlights of his Claymore Kick on Cody Rhodes last week.
It’s Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer. The great animated comedy show King of the Hill is the mid-ring sponsor this week.
Let’s Hear From Solo Sikoa With MFT
Solo Sikoa made his entrance as the US Champion, joined by MFT’s JC Mateo, Tonga Loa, and Talla Tonga. A clip was shown of Sami Zayn beating Solo Sikoa non-title last week. Solo and the MFTs got payback on Raw when they attacked Zayn.
Solo started his promo by claiming that they run SmackDown. Solo said “too bad” to anybody who didn’t like it, so the fans chanted “Solo Sucks” at him. Solo bragged about how they stomped Sami Zayn’s ass on Raw. Solo said Zayn has been stomped out, Jimmy Uso has been stomped out, and Jacob Fatu has been stomped out.
Sami Zayn interrupted the promo. There were “Sami” chants from the crowd. Zayn wondered if they could talk, so Solo told his guys to leave the ring. Zayn said that everybody has heard him talk about wanting to win the World Heavyweight Title. Zayn said if he beat Rusev, then maybe he would be fighting for the World Title at Clash in Paris. Zayn said now that can’t happen. Zayn said that he was spinning his wheels, but now he is liberated. Zayn said that now he can set out to do other things, so he said “thank you” to Solo. Zayn said it made him realize there are so many things that Zayn hasn’t done yet. Zayn talked about how, besides a World Championship, there is another title that he hasn’t held in WWE, and that is the United States Championship. Solo said that Zayn isn’t going to hold it any time soon. Solo told Zayn he’ll never get the title because he’s on Raw, not SmackDown. Solo told Zayn to get off his show. Zayn said that as of tonight, he is officially on SmackDown. Zayn said he’s coming for the US Title and he’s coming for Solo.
Solo tried a punch, but Zayn punched back. The MFTs went into the ring to beat up Zayn. Jimmy Uso made the save by trying to fight the MFTs, but Talla hit Jimmy with an elbow smash. Jacob Fatu was the next man up to make a save, and he got into the ring to tackle Solo, which led to punches. Jimmy superkicked Talla, and Jey & Zayn combined to superkick Talla. Fatu superkicked Talla as well. Zayn and Jimmy clotheslined Talla out of the ring.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, arrived to welcome Sami Zayn to the blue brand. Aldis said Zayn will be in the main event with Zayn, Fatu & Jimmy against any three of the MFTs.
Analysis: It sets the stage for a tag team match later in the show. It’s the same thing they did on SmackDown last week, Raw earlier this week and again here on SmackDown. How about some more creativity in the future? It feels like lazy booking to me. Welcome, Sami Zayn, to SmackDown. He’s a guy who makes every show better, so that’s good for the blue brand. I also wouldn’t mind Zayn beating Solo for the US Title, but it also feels early in Solo’s title reign.
Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who mentioned Piper Niven facing Alexa Bliss up next. Green said she bravely broke up a birthday celebration and he took a “Funfetti” cake to the face. Piper Niven and Alba Fyre said nobody gets away with humiliating Green like that.
Alexa Bliss made her entrance as one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, joined by tag team partner Charlotte Flair.
(Commercial)
It is the 129th televised event in Boston (19th SmackDown), and they have held 14 PLEs in Boston as well.
Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair) vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre)
Niven ran over her smaller opponent with a shoulder tackle. Bliss avoided a slam by Niven, and Bliss jumped on Niven’s back. Niven choked Bliss across the middle rope. Niven hit a Bossman Slam. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued. Niven was in control for most of the next three minutes. Niven took way too long to charge, so Bliss avoided a cannonball attack and Niven hit the turnbuckle.
Bliss got some offense going with strikes and a dropkick. Bliss hit three flipping sentons and a neckbreaker for two. Niven headbutted Bliss and connected with the cannonball against the turnbuckle. Bliss jumped off the turnbuckle, but Bliss avoided it and Bliss hit a DDT. Bliss went up top, so Green went on the apron and Flair tripped up Green on the apron. Fyre was on the other side, so Bliss punched her. Niven charged, Bliss avoided it, Niven hit the turnbuckle, and Bliss hit a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Niven for the win. It went about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss
Analysis: **1/4 It was okay for a match under ten minutes with Niven in control for most of it until Bliss found a way to make the comeback to win. Niven does a great job of selling moves, which some bigger wrestlers don’t always do well. Also, the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! strikes again.
After the match, Fyre superkicked Bliss. Flair made the save by going after Green and Fyre, but Niven knocked Flair down. Green tossed Flair over the barricade. Fyre hit a Gory Bomb on Bliss, and Niven hit a Vader Bomb off the turnbuckle on Bliss. The heels stood tall to end it.
Analysis: That’s a way to build up Chelsea and her Secret Hervice group as title contenders, even though Bliss beat Niven clean. I don’t see Flair and Bliss losing the titles to Secret Hervice.
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill argued with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Jade said that she had her match won and she wanted another shot. Stratton said she already beat Jade. Nia Jax walked in to complain about Jade not winning the WWE Title, so Jax wanted another shot. Stratton said she would prove it to Jax again. Aldis didn’t say anything after that.
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
There was a plug for the AAA TripleMania PLE on Saturday, August 16th. I may check it out. I’m not sure if I’ll review it.
Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Melo Don’t Miz – Carmelo Hayes & The Miz
They showed the Wyatt Sicks guys with the Tag Team Titles watching in the crowd, but then they were gone soon after. There were some fans chanting “We Want Melo” as Miz started the match. Anyway, Miz didn’t do much to start, so he brought Melo in and Frazer hit a DDT on Melo. Axiom hit a running kick on Miz. Axiom and Frazer each hit two suicide dives in a row. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued with Melo hitting a clothesline. Miz kicked Axiom to put him down. The Miz/Melo team was in control for a few minutes. The fans cheered Melo when he tagged in and they booed Miz when he was in there. Melo hit an impressive springboard lariat for two.
Melo was in control of Axiom as he hit a superkick. Axiom hit a hurricanrana on Melo for a two count. Melo hit a sitout Powerbomb on Axiom for two. Axiom hit a jumping kick to break free. Frazer hit a running forearm and a running Shooting Star Press on Miz for two. Frazer went for a splash off the top, but Miz avoided it and Miz hit a kick or a knee. Melo tagged in, Frazer met him on the middle ropes and Frazer hit a springboard Spanish Fly on Melo for two. Awesome spot. Axiom got the tag, Melo hit an elbow, Axiom hit a Spanish Fly on Melo off the top and Frazer was legal with a Phoenix Splash for two. Miz stepped on Frazer’s back to break up the pin and Miz hit a DDT on Axiom at the same time. Great save. Frazer hit a jumping kick on Melo. Miz gave Axiom a DDT on the apron to stop a double team move. Frazer went for a superplex, but Melo countered with a neckbreaker/Cutter style move and the fans popped huge for it. Miz tagged himself in (the fans booed) and hit a Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall win after 12 minutes. Melo had a frustrated look on his face.
Winners by pinfall: Melo Don’t Miz – Carmelo Hayes & The Miz
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match where the team of Miz and Melo found a way to win even though they didn’t get along the whole way. Melo didn’t like Miz tagging himself in, so it’s going to lead to problems for the team. I think this angle likely has the long-term plan to turn Melo babyface because the fans really like Melo and obviously like to boo Miz, so it’s a dynamic that should lead to good things for Melo. The Frazer/Axiom team is amazing and I love watching them, but they aren’t getting much of a push right now.
There was a video package about Drew McIntyre’s attack on WWE Champion Cody Rhodes last week on SmackDown.
(Commercial)
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage when Kiana James approached. James talked about how Stratton could get some backup in the form of James and Giulia. James suggested brand expansion and handed Stratton her business card. Stratton shut down Kiana’s help and left. Michin walked in to tell James that she has Giulia next. James said that it would be under advisement and left.
Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre
The “Scottish Warrior” Drew McIntyre made his entrance with a cocky look on his face. They replayed Drew’s Claymore Kick on Cody through the bottom of the commentary table again. There were a lot of replays of that throughout the show already.
Drew McIntyre said he has been asked all week why he hit a Claymore Kick on Cody Rhodes through the commentary table. Drew called for yet another replay, so the fans booed that. Drew said that he did not attack Cody Rhodes. Drew asked Joe Tess where’s the medical update, but Joe said there is no update. Drew said maybe management is hiding it because of what Drew did to their Golden Boy and it is Drew’s fault. Drew said that he feels sorry for Cody because he cares what the fans think and cares what the company thinks. Drew said that he was in Cody’s position five years ago. Drew said that when they retire, the fans forget about them, and the fans move on. Drew said he wants that WWE Title back again since he deserves it, he has earned it, and he has been screwed out of it. Drew said he needs it for himself, his family, and a big paycheck. Drew said that Cody needs that WWE Title.
Drew claimed he didn’t attack Cody last week because he claimed Cody attacked him. Drew said that during the match last week, Cody knocked him to the floor, and Drew was down on the floor when the match legally ended. Drew said that Cody sent Drew into the ring post. Drew said that Cody was going to put him through the commentary table and take him out. Drew claimed it was because Drew told Cody that he wanted to take the WWE Title from him. Drew said that he’s so good at taking people out. Drew claimed that he was not a bad guy, but if you provoke him then he’ll do violent things. Drew said if you provoke him, he’s the real nightmare. Drew left at that point.
Analysis: Great promo from Drew, who is one of the best talkers in WWE. I think it’s obviously leading to Drew challenging Cody for the WWE Title in a match at Clash in Paris. Since there was no Cody on the show this week, they can probably set that up next week, even though it’s just nine days before the Clash in Paris PLE. I can see the Cody-Drew WWE Title feud lasting two or three PLE’s and I wouldn’t mind seeing Drew win the WWE Title, but it may not happen.
The Street Profits were about to be interviewed by Solo Sikoa and MFT’s. Solo said if The Profits want the titles, then you have to go through MFTs. Angelo Dawkins said you aren’t going to stop them from doing what they do best. Montez Ford said it doesn’t matter what tag team it is. Ford said that they are still up and they want the smoke. After The Street Profits left, Talla Tonga looked in the background, Solo asked if he was alright, and the big man, Erick Rowan, was shown with a hammer in the background.
The #DIY team of Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa made their entrance, joined by Candice LeRae.
A commercial aired for Survivor Series on November 29th in San Diego. That will be John Cena’s last PLE match since there is no December PLE.
(Commercial)
It was announced that Naomi will be on Raw to address what’s going on with her.
The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (w/B-Fab) vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano (w/Candice LeRae)
Ciampa hit a boot on Ford’s face. Gargano tagged in with a jumping knee smash and Ciampa hit a running knee on Ford. Ford broke free to bring in the big man Dawkins, who nailed Ciampa with a punch to the jaw. Dawkins hit a flatliner on Gargano. Dawkins hit a splash on Ciampa, followed by a jumping kick to the nose. LeRae distracted Dawkins a bit, so Ciampa hit a knee smash to knock Dawkins off the apron. Gargano kicked Dawkins to knock him down. The #DIY guys were in control for the next three minutes of action that was during the break for some fans.
Gargano went for a leaping attack from the apron and Dawkins caught him with a neckbreaker. Ford hit a jumping kick on Ciampa, and Ford hit a cross body block off the top on Ciampa. Ford hit a running clotheslines. Ford avoided a move by Gargano and hit a Fameasser. Ford hit a Zig Zag on Ciampa, followed by a standing moonsault for two. Dawkins tagged back in, and the Profits hit a double team belly-to-back suplex. Ford kicked Gargano while on the apron. LeRae threw B-Fab into the steel steps to cause a distraction. Ciampa ducked a kick by Ford and Ciampa hit a knee smash on Ford. #DIY hit a superkick/Fairytale Ending combo on Ford for two because Dawkins made the save. Ford was sent out of the ring, Gargano tried a suicide dive, but Ford hit a punch to knock Gargano down. LeRae hit a hurricanrana on Ford onto Dawkins on the floor. Gargano hit a jumping DDT on Ford for two. B-Fab was back up with a pump kick to knock LeRae down. Ciampa tried to kick Ford, but Ford got a rollup. Ford hit a knee to Ciampa. Dawkins hit a spinebuster on Ciampa. Ford went up top and hit a Frog Splash on Ciampa for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
Analysis: ***1/4 A fun tag team match that was full of action, especially in the last few minutes. I certainly have no problem with the result because The Street Profits are an excellent team and it’s never a bad thing to see them win. The #DIY boys are so talented as well. They used Candice and B-Fab well on the floor, which was done to give #DIY some nearfalls, but then when B-Fab neutralized Candice, the Profits were able to get the win.
The Motor City Machine Guns were talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis when Carmelo Hayes was trying to ask for a US Title shot, but The Miz walked in. Chris Sabin wondered if Melo realized he was being used by Miz. Alex Shelley said that you are not on their level. Aldis booked the obvious tag team match with the Motor City Machine Guns against Melo Don’t Miz for next week’s show. Miz said that’s what we wanted, and Melo said that’s what you wanted.
Analysis: A very easy way to set up a match for next week. I think Melo Don’t Miz will get a few wins to earn a title match, but then it will fall apart and Melo will turn face.
A recap of the John Cena-Logan Paul story was up next.
This Monday on Raw: The Vision leads and chaos follows. Also, Naomi sounds off on the state of the Women’s World Championship.
(Commercial)
A video package aired recapping the John Cena-Logan Paul story from last week. They will have a match at Clash in Paris.
R-Truth was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked about John Cena’s literal attitude adjustment. R-Truth said that we are excited that we got our childhood hero back. Aleister Black walked in and wondered if Truth is excited about his other friend, Damian Priest. Truth said something about Black trying to tell Truth who he is and Black said he’ll see Mr. Killings next week.
Sami Zayn was in the locker room with Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu. Sami thanked Jimmy for having his back, and he thanked Jacob for helping him, too. Fatu said he was helping his brother Jimmy (who is his cousin). Zayn said that Jimmy is like a brother to him, too, so if you are good with him, then Zayn is good with Jacob, too. Fatu told Zayn to stay out of his way…Yaddadamean. Fatu left and Jimmy told Zayn that’s a good thing.
Solo Sikoa and MFTs entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Next week on SmackDown in Dublin, Ireland:
* John Cena returns
* Aleister Black vs. R-Truth
* Motor City Machine Guns vs. Melo Don’t Miz
The babyfaces were up next with Sami Zayn up first, followed by Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu.
Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo & Tonga Loa (w/Talla Tonga) vs. Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn & Jimmy Uso
Jimmy hit a spinning kick on JC. Zayn hit a double axhandle to JC’s shoulder. Loa tagged in to work over Zayn with punches. Loa sent Zayn out of the ring, so Talla hit a running boot to knock Zayn down on the floor. The referee never saw it, of course. They went into a break for some fans as Solo’s group dominated Zayn for the next three minutes.
Solo worked over Zayn with punches and some head slamming into the mat. JC sent Zayn into the turnbuckle, he tried a splash and Zayn avoided that. Solo was legal for his team as he knocked Jimmy off the apron. Zayn fought back with punches, along with a Tornado DDT. Fatu got the hot tag against Loa, so Fatu hit some punches and a clothesline. Fatu hit a senton splash. Fatu hit a running corner splash. Fatu headbutted Loa repeatedly, followed by the running hip attack. Fatu clotheslined JC out of the ring. Jimmy hit a dive over the top onto JC on the floor. Fatu hit a Samoan Drop on Loa for two. Fatu went up top, Solo grabbed Fatu’s leg, which delayed Fatu, and when he went for a Senton Bomb, it was blocked by Loa’s knees. Solo hit an Uso Splash off the top on Fatu. Solo and Fatu hit a double clothesline spot. Zayn was back up on the apron and he tagged in with a Blue Thunder Bomb on Solo for two because JC made the save. Jimmy hit a superkick on JC, Loa hit a forearm on Jimmy and Fatu superkicked Loa out of the ring. Fatu superkicked Talla and hit a suicide dive on Talla on the floor. Back in the ring, Zayn kicked Solo’s right arm. Zayn hit Solo with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. The fans were going crazy as Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Solo for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn & Jimmy Uso
Analysis: *** A solid tag team match to put over Zayn now that he’s a regular on SmackDown again. It was the second week in a row where Zayn pinned Solo so that obviously sets up Zayn for a US Title match against Solo at some point in the near future. Fatu was awesome after getting the hot tag as usual. It was the right call to have Zayn get the win, though.
After the match, Jimmy Uso celebrated with his team. Sami and Jacob smacked hands and hugged. The babyface trio of Jimmy, Zayn and Jacob celebrated the win. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Drew McIntyre
- Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn & Jimmy Uso
- The Street Profits
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The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.32
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
It felt like a solid show this week, but I’m not calling it great or anything like that. There were four matches this week, with three being tags, which made some of the matches feel repetitive. Speaking of repetitive, as I said earlier in the show, it’s the third straight main roster TV show with a show-opening promo leading to a tag team main event, so it’s not that compelling in terms of creative booking.
Solo Sikoa and the MFTs group get a lot of screen time every week, and I don’t think they are that interesting. It’s nothing close to The Bloodline in terms of compelling television. This is just a group that lacks personality and interesting storylines.
I think adding Sami Zayn to SmackDown is a good move for the blue brand because he can be a main event level guy on this show. With that said, there’s definitely a bit of a void on SmackDown when there’s no Cody Rhodes or John Cena on the show. Yes, the other babyfaces are popular and Zayn is well-liked, but it felt like a weaker show with bigger names missing.
The next WWE PLE is Clash in Paris on Sunday, August 31st. Here’s the lineup so far.
* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
* John Cena vs. Logan Paul
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
You can watch WWE Clash in Paris, streaming live on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
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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