Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 08/29/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Aug 29, 2025 15:58 EDT
WWE SmackDown August 29 Review

This is WWE SmackDown featuring Solo Sikoa facing Sami Zayn, John Cena’s final words for Logan Paul, and more.

It’s an afternoon show review for me on Netflix since SmackDown in Lyon, France, so that means a 2 p.m. ET start time since it’s 8 p.m. locally. The Lyon, France crowd was amazing for Backlash France last year, so I anticipate they’ll be great again. The Clash in Paris PLE is on Sunday, and then Raw is in Paris on Monday as well.

From the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, this is SmackDown for episode #1358. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The superstar arrivals were shown of Solo Sikoa with the MFTs, Sami Zayn, and Cole said that Drew McIntyre will be here.

It’s Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary. Cole is filling in for Joe Tessitore because there’s a PLE in France, so it makes sense logistically. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

There was a video package that aired about the John Cena-Logan Paul confrontation from last week’s SmackDown. Cena verbally trashed Paul and also dropped Paul with an Attitude Adjustment. I thought Cena was incredible with his promo. At the end of the show, Paul cheap-shotted Cena with a punch to the jaw.

Logan Paul was shown walking backstage and he made his entrance to boos from the fans.

Let’s Hear from Logan Paul and John Cena

The fans booed loudly as Logan Paul made his entrance. Paul said he doesn’t know if the Frenchies know what he’s saying, but he’s an American and he’ll speak English. Paul said he’s not a parasite, he’s a disruptor. The fans chanted “F**k you Logan” and it was getting muted. Paul said that he was put in this ring to shake the core and the foundation of this company and he has. Paul claimed that he put WWE on Netflix and said $5 billion. Paul said he brought us to ESPN for $1.6 billion. Paul said that from six seconds to $6 billion is not bad, and by the way, you’re welcome, TKO – the WWE owners. Paul said he even brought Prime to WWE, the fan booed and Paul said you’re booing a hydration beverage. Paul said that he is the future of this company. Paul said that the one person who represented the outdated world to WWE is John Cena. Paul said that Cena wanted Paul to bring his A game, but Paul told Cena to bring his A game. Paul even spoke in French a bit to call Cena an imposter. Paul said that he is the future of this company because wrestling is changing, and he is wrestling, and if you don’t change with it, then you’ll be left behind.

John Cena made his entrance, and the fans popped huge for him. Cena had a unique French-style shirt and towel. The fans were singing Cena’s theme song as he ran down to the ring, and the ovation was deafening. The fans chanted “Cena” loudly, so Cena called for Nash to give the special introduction. Nash introduced Cena as the greatest of all time, the never-seen 17, celebrating with all of you in Lyon one final time, he is the last real champion…John Cena.

Cena said that Paul is stupid. Cena said that the fans are the ones who decide things here. Cena said that Paul won’t put in an ounce of effort to understand what it is that they do around here. Cena said that if this young man did his homework, he’d understand he’s not a disruptor, he’s a wannabe. Cena told Paul that he was an original disruptor. Cena talked about how he wore jorts, he changed title, he was upsetting critics, and he used brass knuckles that said “Word Life.” Cena said that Paul is nothing more than a dollar star John Cena.

Cena said that Paul claims that his influence carries WWE to where they are now, but Cena said that Paul’s influence isn’t what it was and we all know it. Cena claimed he saw a list of the Top 25 Influencers in the world while mentioning Druski, IShowSpeed and Kai Cenat, but Logan’s name was nowhere to be found. Cena said that Paul is now a 30-year-old who is searching for a new revenue stream, and Paul is here to use WWE. Cena said that these people don’t fear change. Cena spoke in French and the fans popped for that. Paul also spoke French and the fans booed. Cena said that Paul is a gimmick. Cena said until you are real, you will be a gimmick and the fans see you as fake. Cena told Paul that you give them no respect even though he is given opportunities. Cena said that this is a teachable moment, and he’ll show Paul what respect in this family is.

Cena left the ring, and he went up the aisle. Cena said that respect is saying you’re sorry. Cena went to the kid who was shown when Cena turned heel for that promo in Belgium earlier in the year, and Cena said sorry, he was having a bad day, and Cena thanked him for the support. The fan was happy to see that. Paul told Cena to wrap it up. Cena called him a “dickhead” and said Paul asked for this match. Cena said that Paul asked for this match and Paul has to polish himself before the match. Cena told Paul that he won’t ruin wrestling because wrestling will ruin you. Cena left the ring and hugged the kid in the crowd.

Analysis: Awesome promo from John Cena again. He is one of the greatest talkers of all time and he showed it again here. Cena trashed Paul in that promo last week and it was more of the same this week. I liked how Cena greeted the kid from Belgium who was shown in the crowd during Cena’s heel turn promo back in May. Yes, Cena’s heel turn may have been a mistake in the sense that the fans love the guy and didn’t want to boo him, but I still liked his heel promos. The babyface version of Cena is great too, of course. Anyway, this was more of the same from Cena trashing Paul.

The Street Profits were backstage with B-Fab with Cathy Kelley. Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford talked about how Melo and Miz are not it. Bo Dallis interrupted. Bo said that eight years is a long time. Bo said that The Wyatt Sicks are a real family. Bo said if you come for The Wyatt Sicks you will find out if Ford and Dawkins really are like brothers. Bo left while Dawkins and Ford looked at eachother.

Analysis: You don’t see Bo Dallas in that many segments except as Uncle Howdy, so that was cool to see. I think Bo’s words were interesting because it teases the idea that The Street Profits could split if they don’t become champions again.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss entered for tag team action. Flair arrived first, followed by Bliss. While they were in the aisle, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre attacked. Green did a chop block to Flair’s knee, so Flair was down. Security and officials showed up to break it up.

A commercial aired for the Wrestlepalooza PLE in Indianapolis on September 20, and it’s on ESPN streaming in the US.

(Commercial)

It was supposed to be Flair & Bliss against Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre (with Green replacing Piper Niven), but it was changed to a singles match instead. The story is that Flair is injured.

Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green (w/Alba Fyre)

The announcers argued about the title match being taken away, so Barrett said it wasn’t fair, and Cole said it was their own fault since Bliss was injured. It was Bliss in control early on, but then Green sent Bliss face first into the middle turnbuckle. Green hit a pump kick on Bliss to knock her down. Bliss came back with a headscissors. After Green went to the floor, Bliss went after Fyre and then Green sent Bliss into the steel steps. They went to a break for some fans as Green took control of Bliss for a few minutes.

It was Green still in control with a missile dropkick. Bliss was on the floor, so Green sent her into the commentary table. Bliss managed to send Green into the barricade at ringside. Bliss worked over Green with kicks, a shoulder tackle and a dropkick. The fans were very loud, cheering for all the strikes. Bliss hit a neckbreaker for two and the fans did the singing for the two count like they did at Backlash France last year. Green hit her own version of a neckbreaker for two. Green went to the turnbuckle, Bliss set her upside down and Bliss hit a running dropkick to the ribs. Bliss went up top, Fyre to the apron, Bliss kicked her down, and that allowed Green to get her knees up to block Twisted Bliss. Green and Bliss each went for finishing moves, Bliss got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! and leaned forward for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match between two veterans. The dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! strikes again. I thought maybe Green would get the win to give her side some more momentum, but they got the advantage after the match.

When Alexa Bliss left the ring, Alba Fyre hit a superkick to knock Bliss down. Green and Fyre beat up Bliss in the ring. Flair limped down to the ring, selling a left knee injury. Bliss knocked Fyre down and tried to fight Green, but Fyre got in a few shots. Green hit Flair with an Unpretty-her that didn’t look good because they mistimed it. Fyre hit a Gory Bomb on Bliss. The heels left happily.

Analysis: The heels stood tall because Flair was too hurt to fight. The feud will likely continue, probably whenever Piper Niven returns to challenge Fyre for the titles, as scheduled.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, and he said he was feeling great. Zayn said that he’s feeling confident, like when he was in the biggest moments of his career. Zayn spoke in French, saying he’s going to be a new champion. I still remember some words.

They showed the Instagram post from Brandi Rhodes announcing the birth of her daughter with Cody Rhodes. It’s their second daughter together and her name is Leilani. Congrats to Cody, Brandi and their family.

A clip was shown of Bianca Belair from the WWE Unreal docuseries on Netflix.

(Commercial)

Aleister Black was featured in a video surrounded by candles. Black talked about his issues with Damian Priest and how he’ll show the world how hollow and misguided Priest is. Black said Priest will hear him saying, “I warned you.”

Damian Priest was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Prist said that Black sounds like he’s educated. Prist said that he doesn’t make empty threats, but Black threatening him with violence proves how unprepared Black is to fight. Priest said that he’ll teach Black about pain. Priest said he’ll enjoy every bit of violence that he inflicts on Black whenever they step into the ring again.

Analysis: I like the feud. I want Black to win whenever they have a match. Black should be elevated.

Michin made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Kiana James (w/Giulia) vs. Michin

This is Kiana’s first match on SmackDown. Giulia is the Women’s US Champion and James is like her business adviser. James charged at Kiana with her purse, but Michin ducked it and Michin did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win in about 10 seconds.

Winner by pinfall: Michin

Analysis: There’s no point in rating that quick match. It was done to give Michin a win to earn a Women’s US Title. I feel bad for Kiana not getting a longer match, but it’s just a way to advance a story. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! won two matches in a row.

The win by Michin means she’ll get a shot at Giulia’s Women’s US Title. After the match, Giulia attacked Michin with a kick. James held Michin, so Giulia hit Michin with a knee to the jaw. Giulia held Michin’s arms and kicked Michin in the back so that Michin’s face went into the steel steps. Giulia trash-talked Michin to end it.

Analysis: It puts over how vicious Giulia is, and adds some sympathy for Michin. I don’t anticipate a title change whenever the title match happens.

Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

Analysis: There was only about 10 minutes of in-ring action in the first hour. Not great. I liked the Cena promo a lot, but it was also a very long segment.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre…and Randy Orton

The “Scottish Warrior” Drew McIntyre made his entrance to a huge ovation. The fans popped for him since he’s a big star, and there were some boos since he’s a top heel as well. A clip was shown of last week when Randy Orton dropped Drew with an RKO out of nowhere.

Drew McIntyre asked if anybody knew if Randy Orton was anywhere. Drew asked for a Cody Rhodes medical update, but Cole didn’t have one. The fans sang the “Oh Drew McIntyre” song. Drew called out Randy Orton, saying he just wants to talk, so give France what they want and let them sing your song.

Randy Orton made his entrance wearing his “RKO Everybody” shirt, and the fans popped huge for him. The fans were singing Orton’s “Voices” song just like they did in the past. It’s such a cool thing to see the fans singing Orton’s song like that, and you know Randy loves it as much as we do. Orton signed a young fan’s sign and Orton slowly walked down to the ring. The fans kept singing Orton’s song.

Drew: “Now wasn’t that special?” Drew said he wanted Orton to listen to him. Drew said if Orton attacked for himself or the loss at SummerSlam then it’s okay. Drew said if Orton attacked him because he thinks that Cody is his friend, Drew said you’re wrong. Drew said when Orton was out for two years, due to major back surgery, Cody used that info as intel. Drew mentioned that Cody beat Orton in the King of the Ring finals because Orton told Cody how to beat him. Drew said that if you believe Cody is your friend, then you are naïve. Drew told Orton that if he believes Cody is his friend, then Orton is an idiot.

Orton told Drew that he is wrong if he thinks that Orton dropped Drew because of Cody. Orton said he dropped Drew because he thinks Drew is a prick, so Drew hit a Glasgow Kiss headbutt. Drew does that quickly with a hand to the face. Drew went for a Claymore Kick, but Orton avoided it. Orton got a hold of Drew and hit a draping DDT off the ropes. Orton set up for an RKO, but security and WWE Officials like “Hurricane” Shane Helms went to the ring to stop Orton. Orton dropped two security guys with the RKO. Orton tapped Hurricane on the shoulder and then Orton hit an RKO on Hurricane. Orton teased the Punt, but Drew rolled out of the ring.

Analysis: A good segment to set up a match between Drew and Randy. Drew made valid points about Cody beating Randy in the King of the Ring finals, which continues the usual story about Drew speaking the truth whenever he does these promos.

The Miz was backstage when Carmelo Hayes approached. Melo said he didn’t like Miz stealing his wins. Miz said that they are winning, so that’s what matters. Miz said that they are a team and they share the glory. Miz said that they need to harness it as a team. Bo Dallas approached them. Bo said that perception isn’t reality. Bo asked Melo if he could handle that. Melo told Dallas not to write a reality check that he can’t cash.

The Street Profits entered for tag team action, joined by B-Fab. That match is after a break. I have gotten used to The Street Profits new song, but their old song was better.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton was backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Orton apologized for RKOing security guys. Orton gave Aldis some Fireball whiskey. R-Truth walked in asking if he was gonna drink that, Aldis said after the day he had, he would and Truth said, “My bad” as usual and left.

Analysis: I thought they would announce Randy Orton against Drew McIntyre at Clash in Paris, but it wasn’t announced here. It’s unfortunate that WWE hasn’t given Truth more to do in recent weeks and months.

The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (w/B-Fab) vs. Melo Don’t Miz – The Miz & Carmelo Hayes

The winners will get a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles held by The Wyatt Sicks at Clash in Paris.

Ford hit an impressive dropkick on Miz. The Profits hit a double team facebuster into the mat. Melo tagged in blindly, Miz didn’t like that, and Dawkins hit a double shoulder tackle. Dawkins hit a corkscrew splash on both opponents, along with a jumping kick on Melo. Miz grabbed Dawkins’ leg, and Melo hit a springboard leg drop to the back of the head. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. The heel side of Miz and Melo controlled the action for a few minutes.

(Commercial)

The fans were getting behind Melo, who hit a running dropkick on Dawkins for two. The two-count chants were going on during every match. Dawkins punched Melo and Dawkins hit a Big Ending style slam. Ford kicked Miz, followed by a top rope cross body block and a clothesline. Ford hit a belly-to-back suplex on Miz, along with a standing moonsault for two. Ford hit a step up enziguri, but Miz came back with a DDT for two as usual for that move. Melo tagged himself in when Miz was by the ropes and Ford hit a move like an Olympic Slam on Miz. Melo went up top with From The Heavens (Frog Splash), and Melo went up top with his own Frog Splash for a two count. Good nearfall. Melo went for a springboard attack, but Melo hit a jumping knee to stop that. Miz wanted a tag, but The Wyatt Sicks group showed up at ringside. It was all five members of the group. Miz was distracted by them, so Dawkins punched Miz off the apron. Dawkins and Ford hit a spinebuster/neckbreaker called the Revelation for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Analysis: *** It was a good match that was competitive the whole way. The Miz and Melo worked well together, they were in control, and then the Miz was distracted, so he wasn’t able to help Melo against a double team. I actually thought Melo & Miz may win to get them a title shot, but they came up short.

Post match, The Street Profits had a staredown with The Wyatt Sicks. At Clash in Paris, The Wyatt Sicks’ Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy will defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against The Street Profits.

Analysis: I don’t anticipate a title change at Clash in Paris, but it’s cool to see the match on a PLE.

Jade Cargill approached Tiffany Stratton backstage while Stratton was holding the WWE Women’s Title. Jade said she won last week, so she’s the number one contender. Stratton bragged about how she still would have beaten Jade at SummerSlam without the rope controversy. Stratton bragged about being undefeated this year. Jade said that she will prove that they are not on the same level.

Analysis: There’s not much of a storyline other than Jade thinking that she will beat Stratton, and it might happen whenever that happens.

Solo Sikoa was with the United States Title, and he had the MFTs behind him. Solo said he’s going to hit a Samoan Spike, and he’ll still be the US Champion.

Sami Zayn made his entrance to a huge ovation. There were a lot of “Ole” chants, and the fans were chanting “Sami” a lot.

(Commercial)

A clip aired from the Roman Reigns interview with Stephanie McMahon on her “What’s Your Story?” podcast. It’s a long chat. I haven’t seen it all yet.

There was a rundown of the WWE Clash in Paris lineup.

* Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

* John Cena vs. Logan Paul

* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. LA Knight vs. Jey Uso

* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks – Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

* Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Sheamus vs. Rusev

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella

Analysis: A six-match card is good. Better than just five matches. I’m a bit surprised and disappointed that there is only one women’s match.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance as the US Champion, joined by the MFTs.

United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn sent a charging Solo over the top to the floor. Zayn teased an attack on the floor, but Solo hid behind Talla and Zayn did a backflip back into the ring. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Solo was able to take control with a necksnap by the ropes and a clothesline. When Zayn tried to come back, Solo stopped that with an elbow to the face.

Solo remained with a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Zayn managed to knock Solo over the top to the floor. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top onto Solo on the floor. Zayn sent Solo into the ring, the referee was looking at Solo, so Loa and JC did cheap shots to Zayn. JC superkicked Zayn. Back in the ring, Solo hit a Spinning Solo for two. Jimmy Uso showed up at ringside to fight Loa and JC, but they overpowered Uso. Jacob Fatu made his entrance and the fans popped big for him. Fatu went after Talla with a punch, and then Fatu sent Talla into the ring post. Jimmy and Fatu took care of the others on the floor. Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on Solo for two, as usual for that move. Good nearfall. Fatu clotheslined Talla over the barricade and into the crowd. Jimmy jumped onto JC and Loa, so they left. Zayn wanted a Helluva Kick, Solo avoided it and went to the floor. Solo hit a Spinning Solo on Zayn onto the commentary table. It didn’t break the table, which is stronger these days. They went to break for some fans as Solo was in control again. Solo sent Zayn out of the ring and Solo hit a uranage/Spinning Solo on Zayn two more times. Zayn managed to get back in the ring before the ten count.

They battled by the turnbuckle, where Zayn flipped over to Solo’s back and Zayn hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for two. Zayn went up top, Solo was back up, Zayn jumped over him and Solo hit a popup Samoan Drop. Solo went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Zayn for a two count. Zayn got a rollup for two. Zayn hooked Solo and hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but Solo hit a superkick. Zayn avoided a Samoan Spike, and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick. Zayn hit a running Helluva Kick for the one…two…and three! Sami Zayn is the United States Champion! It went about 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW United States Champion: Sami Zayn

Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a great match that was put together very well. Solo isn’t known for having the best matches, but Zayn is an excellent performer and brings out the best in his opponents. The story was that Solo usually wins matches because of the MFTs, but those guys were taken out by Jimmy and Jacob, which let Zayn work over Solo and pick up the win with his finishing Helluva Kick twice in a row. I thought it was built up well, and it was the right time for a title change in front of one of the best crowds of the year.

Sami Zayn was presented with the United States Title. It’s his first time winning that title. The fans sang Zayn’s song as we saw replays of the key spots in the match. Zayn celebrated with the US Title while the fans continued to sing his song. There was some pyro that went off by the entrance. Zayn continued to celebrate. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I’m happy for Sami Zayn winning the US Title for the first time. Solo only held the title for just over two months, but I think it was the right time to do a title change to create a big moment in front of a hot crowd.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sami Zayn
  2. John Cena
  3. Alexa Bliss

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.32

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

This felt like a typical, solid edition of SmackDown with a better-than-usual main event as Sami Zayn took the US Title from Solo Sikoa.

I enjoyed the John Cena-Logan Paul promo again. Cena has been crushing it the last two weeks. The Drew McIntyre-Randy Orton segment was also well done and will likely set them up for a match soon.

It was an awesome crowd in Lyon, France, just like at Backlash France in 2024. They chant a lot, they sing, they react to everything and that helps the show overall.

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

* Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

* Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Sheamus vs. Rusev

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella

You can watch WWE Clash in Paris, streaming live on Sunday, August 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