The August 1st, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a mix of excitement and controversy, highlighted by John Cena’s surprising return to his heroic babyface persona. Fans witnessed high-stakes matches and intense backstage confrontations, setting the stage for a stacked SummerSlam. Here’s a detailed look at the three biggest positives and negatives from the night, sourced from WWE.com coverage, Fightful reports, and insider commentary.
Three Things We Loved
- John Cena’s Babyface Revival
After a lengthy heel run, John Cena’s clean-cut return delighted longtime fans. His in-ring promos showed the classic charisma and motivational spirit that made him a fan favorite. According to reports from Fightful and WWE.com, Cena’s renewed babyface character appears poised to lead into a high-profile SummerSlam encounter against Cody Rhodes, amplifying fan anticipation ahead of their marquee showdown[2][3].
- Giulia vs. Zelina Vega: Championship Quality
The women’s title match saw Giulia successfully defend the Women’s United States Championship against Zelina Vega in a rematch that elevated both competitors’ status. Wrestling Headlines praised their work for blending crisp technical wrestling with dramatic storytelling, underscoring SmackDown’s commitment to empowering its women’s division[1].
- The Heated Randy Orton-Jelly Roll Backstage Brawl
Emotions ran high when Randy Orton showed up alongside Jelly Roll to confront Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre during a post-promo confrontation. The ensuing scuffle, which ended with Jelly Roll executing a striking choke slam on Orton, was one of the night’s most talked-about moments, capturing the raw intensity expected to explode at SummerSlam. Audio from WWE’s official YouTube highlights captured the venom in this heated feud, signaling a must-watch conflict[2][5].
Three Things We Hated
- Overcrowded Segments Diluted Storytelling
While the brawl involving Orton, Jelly Roll, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre created buzz, some critics noted the segment felt overcrowded, limiting individual character moments. As noted in Cageside Seats’ reactions, the chaotic nature somewhat undermined the storyline momentum, leaving some fans wanting a clearer narrative focus heading into SummerSlam[4].
- Underutilization of Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest Match
The main event between Damian Priest and Aleister Black promised a technical masterpiece but fell short in pacing and crowd engagement, according to Wrestling Headlines and PW Torch’s Keller report. Both athletes showcased talent but the match lacked the finishing impact necessary to resonate deeply with viewers on a big SmackDown night[1][3].
- Mixed Reactions to Cena’s Heel-to-Face Turn Execution
Though John Cena’s switch back to a babyface was welcomed by many, some fans expressed skepticism over its timing and abruptness via social media and podcast discussions. Critics from Fightful and Twitter chatter highlighted that Cena’s character transition felt rushed and could benefit from more nuanced storytelling in upcoming episodes[2][4].
Backstage Insight and SummerSlam Build-Up
Sources close to WWE insiders have indicated that Cena’s face turn is part of a strategic angle aimed at rekindling nostalgia while elevating Cody Rhodes as the young face of the company. A WWE insider shared exclusively with Fightful: “Cena’s return to his hero roots is designed to create a classic SummerSlam moment. Both he and Cody are being positioned for a big-time showdown that fans will not want to miss.”
Additionally, the escalating tension between Orton, Jelly Roll, and their rivals Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre appears destined for a high-stakes payoff at SummerSlam. Backstage whispers suggest WWE creative is emphasizing raw emotion and real physicality, banking on this conflict to draw crossover attention from mainstream audiences and music fans alike.
Final Thoughts
WWE SmackDown’s August 1st episode was a mixed bag—but one that undeniably moved key storylines forward ahead of one of the biggest nights on the wrestling calendar. John Cena’s return to babyface status reignited excitement, matched by the championship clash between Giulia and Zelina Vega. Meanwhile, backstage mayhem involving Randy Orton and Jelly Roll provided a wild, unpredictable edge.
Fans eagerly await the resolution of these rivalries at SummerSlam 2025, which promises to blend athleticism with explosive drama. For ongoing SmackDown updates and SummerSlam predictions, follow WWE’s official platforms and trusted wrestling news outlets including Fightful, PW Torch, and Wrestling Headlines.