WWE SmackDown returned on August 8, 2025, live from the historic Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, delivering a high-energy show that focused heavily on the fallout from WWE SummerSlam Night Two. The evening was headlined by appearances from the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and former champ John Cena, punctuated by a brutal attack by Brock Lesnar that immediately set the tone for forthcoming storylines.

Cody Rhodes’ Champion’s Debut and John Cena’s Resilience

Fresh off dethroning John Cena as the Undisputed WWE Champion at Sunday’s SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes made a significant impact on SmackDown. Rhodes appeared to a roaring crowd, exuding confidence and reaffirming his status as the top superstar in WWE. Cena kicked off the broadcast with a heartfelt promo, showing respect to Rhodes by handing him the championship belt and raising his hand in a symbolic gesture of passing the torch. However, the celebration was abruptly halted by the shock return of Brock Lesnar, who attacked Cena with a devastating F5, leaving the WWE Universe stunned[1][3].

According to sources close to WWE, this unexpected Lesnar appearance was strategically planned to elevate the stakes for both Rhodes and Cena, planting seeds for a potential triple-threat dynamic in the weeks ahead. “There’s a lot of heat backstage right now,” a WWE insider told Wrestling Inc. “The Lesnar attack changed the direction of the show and put both Rhodes and Cena on a collision course with the Beast that fans won’t want to miss”[1].

The Motor City Machine Guns vs. MFT: High-Octane Tag Team Action

The tag team division also took center stage with a highly anticipated match between The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and The MFT (JC Mateo and Talla Tonga). Both teams are looking to rebound after their respective setbacks at SummerSlam. The Motor City Machine Guns had recently failed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships in a chaotic TLC Six Pack Match, while MFT suffered a harsh beatdown following Mateo’s Steel Cage United States Championship loss to Solo Sikoa.

The bout showcased a blend of aerial maneuvers and hard-hitting exchanges, with The Motor City Machine Guns ultimately prevailing, much to the delight of the Montreal crowd[1][4]. The match’s intensity highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the tag division, signaling ongoing high-stakes rivalries in the weeks to come.

SummerSlam Fallout Drives SmackDown’s Narrative

WWE SmackDown’s August 8 episode was clearly structured around the aftermath of SummerSlam, using the fresh dramatic moments to propel multiple narratives. John Cena’s promo in the opening segment, combined with the unexpected Lesnar ambush, demonstrated WWE’s intent to tightly weave the top storylines together. Cody Rhodes’ first SmackDown appearance as champion provided the perfect bookend to SummerSlam’s climax and effectively transitioned the storyline towards new feuds.

The dynamic between Cena, Rhodes, and Lesnar hints at a burgeoning rivalry that could dominate WWE programming moving forward. As reflected in the early reports and fan reactions on social media, anticipation is mounting for how these interactions evolve, with many speculating over Rhodes’ defense strategies and Cena’s quest for retribution.

Backstage Buzz and Fan Reactions

Fans and critics alike chimed in on the overall presentation of SmackDown, praising the seamless integration of SummerSlam storylines and the live energy from the Montreal crowd. The hard-hitting tag team action was noted as a highlight by many, serving as a great counterbalance to the main event-driven drama.

In a recent podcast episode from The Hoots Podcast, analyst Josh Lopez emphasized, “Tonight’s SmackDown was all about momentum—the momentum from SummerSlam flowing straight into WWE’s biggest weekly show. Cody looked ready to carry the brand, and Cena’s promo gave us the emotional depth needed before Lesnar’s explosive return”[1].

What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?

With Brock Lesnar’s surprise attack on Cena and Cody Rhodes firmly established as the Undisputed Champion, WWE SmackDown is entering a pivotal chapter. Expectations are high that Lesnar will continue to be a disruptive force, potentially targeting the new champion and former champion alike, creating a compelling triangle storyline.

Meanwhile, the tag team division will watch closely as The Motor City Machine Guns look to regain championship gold, while The MFT seeks to reestablish dominance after recent setbacks. Other undercard storylines remain poised for development, but the focus squarely rests on the championship picture and the raw emotional intensity stemming from SummerSlam.

WWE fans can expect further explosive moments and evolving alliances in the weeks leading up to the next pay-per-view, with SmackDown continuing to build momentum out of Montreal’s electrifying atmosphere.

Sources:

• Wrestling Inc., WWE SmackDown August 8, 2025 results and analysis[1]
• The Ring Report, August 8, 2025 live updates and coverage[3]
• The Hoots Podcast, episode 477 discussion on SmackDown and SummerSlam fallout[1]
• Ringside News, match highlights and key moments coverage[4]

This episode of WWE SmackDown firmly set the stage for a heated rivalry season and promises an action-packed road ahead for both the Undisputed WWE Championship and tag team gold.