The night began with a strong highlight as Giulia successfully defended the Women’s United States Championship against Zelina Vega, showcasing a hard-fought bout that kept fans on the edge of their seats[1][4]. Giulia’s technical prowess and ring psychology reaffirmed her status as a top competitor in the women’s division. This match was a definite plus on a card stacked with anticipation for SummerSlam.
John Cena’s role reversal was the most buzzworthy moment of the evening. According to multiple reports from WWE.com and Fightful’s backstage sources, Cena officially ended his heel run, returning to his classic babyface persona in a heartfelt promo with Cody Rhodes[2][4]. Sources close to WWE insiders revealed Cena’s return to the heroic character was carefully planned to reignite fan support heading into SummerSlam, where Cody Rhodes faces a pivotal match against Cena. Their in-ring chemistry and verbal exchange set the tone for what promises to be a can’t-miss encounter this Sunday.
Damian Priest and Aleister Black squared off in a hard-hitting match that ended in a disqualification, adding suspense to their ongoing feud[1][5]. While the disqualification finish frustrated some fans craving a clean victory, it served its purpose to escalate tensions and set up a potential high-stakes confrontation at SummerSlam. Wrestling pundits on Powell’s live review pointed out that the booking here aimed to keep the narrative alive while protecting both wrestlers’ momentum heading into the weekend[4].
On the downside, there were a few drawbacks that dampened the overall experience. Firstly, the disqualification ending on the Priest vs. Black match left fans wanting a stronger finish, which many noted as a missed opportunity for either superstar to claim a definitive win before the big event[5]. Secondly, while the brawl involving Jelly Roll and Randy Orton backstage injected some physicality and excitement, several viewers criticized the overuse of security interference and chaotic staging that detracted from a cleaner storytelling approach. Fightful reported backstage frustrations with this segment’s pacing and how it felt jarring amidst otherwise smooth show flow[2].
Lastly, some segments leaned heavily on promo time without advancing key storylines efficiently. The Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul promo, for example, generated heat but failed to push the narrative beyond basic verbal sparring, according to analysis by Wrestling Headlines. Fans were hoping for more concrete developments or confrontations to capitalize on SummerSlam hype[1]. This prompted calls for tighter scriptwriting and increased focus on in-ring action rather than prolonged talking segments.
Despite these critiques, the episode delivered memorable moments that elevated WWE’s SummerSlam weekend kickoff. Randy Orton’s unexpected RKO on multiple security staff before Jelly Roll’s finishing choke slam was a highlight that got the crowd roaring and demonstrated WWE’s ability to blend surprise with storyline heat effectively[2]. Moreover, the chemistry between Cena and Rhodes in their promo segment was widely praised on wrestling podcasts and social media for capturing the essence of classic WWE storytelling — heroism, rivalry, and respect.
According to a WWE insider speaking to Fightful, the decision to pivot John Cena back to his babyface persona was a deliberate strategy aimed at restoring his iconic status and boosting SummerSlam viewership. “They wanted to remind the fans why Cena is still one of the biggest draws in WWE, especially with Cody Rhodes ready to step up — this sets the perfect stage,” the source noted.
In sum, WWE SmackDown on August 1, 2025, was a mixed bag of thrilling action and creative missteps. The high points included Giulia’s dominant title defense, Cena’s heartfelt heel-to-face turn, and the escalating drama between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. The low points, however, featured uninspired finishes, overbooked backstage brawls, and underdeveloped promo segments that slowed show momentum.
Looking ahead, all eyes remain locked on SummerSlam 2025, where these storylines are expected to culminate in exciting pay-per-view moments. With Cena and Rhodes poised to finally clash, and Black versus Priest’s saga unresolved, WWE fans anticipate a weekend of intense wrestling drama like no other.
For continued coverage and detailed analysis, visit WWE.com and follow Fightful and Wrestling Headlines, where backstage insights and expert reviews keep you at the forefront of WWE’s evolving narratives.