WWE SmackDown on August 8, 2025, delivered a high-stakes night from Montreal’s Centre Bell, continuing the fallout from SummerSlam Night Two. The event featured standout moments including appearances by former and new Undisputed WWE Champions John Cena and Cody Rhodes, plus an intense tag team showdown between MFT (JC Mateo and Talla Tonga) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin).

Cody Rhodes and John Cena Confront SummerSlam Aftermath

Fresh off dethroning John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal Street Fight at SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes made his SmackDown return as the reigning champion. Rhodes addressed the WWE Universe, acknowledging the magnitude of his victory and the legacy of Cena, who had just conceded the title in a rare display of respect by raising Rhodes’ hand[1][4].

However, the night’s atmosphere turned tense when the long-absent Brock Lesnar re-emerged, delivering a shocking F5 to Cena right after Cena’s respectful gesture toward Rhodes during SummerSlam. This attack has stirred intense speculation about an imminent rivalry or a storyline reignition involving Lesnar, Cena, and Rhodes. According to sources close to WWE, backstage buzz suggests Lesnar’s return is primed to play a pivotal role in the weeks ahead, potentially targeting Rhodes as the new face of WWE while dealing with Cena’s comeback trajectory[1][3].

On SmackDown, John Cena addressed the audience for the first time since his title loss and Lesnar’s surprise attack. Cena appeared both reflective and resolute, reinforcing his enduring fighting spirit and teasing his next moves. An insider told Fightful in a recent interview that Cena is “focused on reclaiming his spot but aware this new landscape requires smarter, strategic steps.”[4]

MFT versus The Motor City Machine Guns: A Rookie-Vs.-Veteran Tag Match

In tag team action, JC Mateo and Talla Tonga of MFT squared off against veterans Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, The Motor City Machine Guns. This clash symbolized a battle for redemption on both sides following dramatic SummerSlam outcomes.

The Motor City Machine Guns had recently come up short in their bid to capture the WWE Tag Team Titles in a grueling TLC Six-Pack Challenge. Meanwhile, MFT’s Mateo and Tonga endured a harsh beatdown at the hands of Jacob Fatu after Mateo’s failed United States Championship challenge against MFT leader Solo Sikoa, whose dominance remains a key storyline focal point[1].

Tonight’s match was fiercely competitive, with both teams demonstrating why they are considered among the best tag teams in WWE for their contrasting styles—The Motor City Machine Guns relying on their veteran ring psychology and fast-paced offense versus MFT’s raw power and unity. The Motor City Machine Guns ultimately secured the win, but observers note that MFT put on a show that bodes well for their future prospects[1][3].

WWE.com highlighted that Solo Sikoa was notably watching ringside, emphasizing the mounting tension and possible future tag team or singles conflicts within these groups[3].

SummerSlam Fallout Propels WWE Storylines Forward

WWE SmackDown’s August 8 episode served not only as a continuation of SummerSlam’s dramatic events but also as a launching pad for fresh story arcs. The return of Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes’ confident reign as champion, and John Cena’s battle-worn but undefeated spirit promise a compelling WWE landscape through the rest of 2025.

In addition, the tag team division remains a hotbed of talent and unpredictable rivalry dynamics, as shown by the Motor City Machine Guns’ resilience and MFT’s rising momentum. Wrestling Inc. reports that industry insiders expect Solo Sikoa and his faction to impact tag team rivalries significantly in upcoming weeks[1][4].

Backstage Insights and Industry Speculation

According to a WWE insider cited by Wrestling Inc., “The post-SummerSlam environment is fertile ground for explosive storytelling. Cody has the charisma and fan support to carry the Undisputed WWE Title, but Lesnar’s return adds an unpredictable element. Cena’s role is less clear but critically important, balancing legacy with relevancy.”

Sources close to Cody Rhodes reveal he is “embracing the challenge of being the new face of the company, motivated by both his own ambition and the respect he maintains for Cena’s era.”[4]

Fightful’s podcast recently discussed John Cena’s mindset post-SummerSlam, describing him as “laser-focused with a reinvigorated passion for competition” and hints at a possible program with Lesnar in the near future[4].

What to Expect Next on WWE SmackDown

Fans can anticipate that the rivalries ignited or intensified on August 8 will unfold over the coming months:

• Cody Rhodes’ championship reign will be tested not only by Lesnar’s looming threat but also by emerging contenders within WWE’s deep roster.

• John Cena’s next move remains pivotal, potentially aiming for retribution against Lesnar or challenging Rhodes to reclaim his legacy.

• The tag team division, spearheaded by The Motor City Machine Guns and MFT, will continue to provide high-octane competition with Solo Sikoa’s faction closely involved in steering the narratives.

WWE.com confirms that Friday Night SmackDown continues to air weekly at 8 PM ET on the USA Network, promising more surprises as storylines develop[3].

The August 8 SmackDown was critical in setting the tone for WWE’s upcoming chapters, combining veteran presence, triumphant newcomers, and action-packed matches. As the WWE Universe absorbs the ramifications of SummerSlam, one thing is clear: the battle for supremacy in WWE has only just begun.