WWE SmackDown on August 8, 2025, delivered a compelling follow-up to the dramatic SummerSlam Night Two, airing live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The night was headlined by WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes making his first appearance since dethroning John Cena, who also opened the show with an emotional promo addressing Brock Lesnar’s shocking attack on him at SummerSlam. The episode further featured a high-stakes tag team clash between MFT’s JC Mateo and Talla Tonga versus the veteran duo Motor City Machine Guns amidst the ongoing tag team division storyline. Fans witnessed intense action and storyline developments as WWE continued to weave its post-SummerSlam narrative[1][3][4].

Cody Rhodes Makes an Impact as Undisputed WWE Champion

Fresh off his hard-fought victory over John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes took center stage to solidify his reign. Cody’s appearance was met with intense crowd reactions at the Bell Centre, reflecting his rising stature as the face of WWE. According to WWE.com and multiple reports, Rhodes appeared confident and ready to take on all challengers, signaling a new era in WWE’s championship scene[1][4].

John Cena Addresses Lesnar’s Brutal Attack

John Cena opened the show with a heartfelt promo, addressing the stunning F5 delivered by Brock Lesnar following his respectful passing of the title to Rhodes. Cena’s words resonated deeply with fans, as he expressed resilience and determination to bounce back from the brutal assault. His promo set the tone for future conflict, hinting that Lesnar’s attack might spark a fresh high-profile feud. WWE insiders on the Fightful podcast confirmed backstage that Cena’s promo was carefully crafted to keep Lesnar relevant on the SmackDown landscape despite his recent absence, with speculation mounting over a possible rematch or extended storyline between the trio: Rhodes, Cena, and Lesnar[1][3].

Motor City Machine Guns vs. MFT: Tag Team Clash Highlights

In the ring, the tag team division took the spotlight with JC Mateo and Talla Tonga of MFT facing off against the legendary Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin). This contest served as a direct sequel to the teams’ summer battles, with MFT looking to rebound after Mateo’s recent loss in a Steel Cage match and the Machine Guns still reeling from their failed attempt to dethrone The Wyatt Sicks as WWE Tag Team Champions at SummerSlam’s TLC Steel Cage 6-Pack match[1][3].

Both teams displayed excellent chemistry and high-paced action, keeping the Montreal crowd engaged throughout the bout. Sources close to WWE revealed to Ringside News that this feud is set to intensify as both teams are critical pillars in WWE’s tag division heading into the fall, with championship opportunities likely on the horizon[4].

SummerSlam Fallout Dominates WWE SmackDown Storylines

The August 8 SmackDown was heavily focused on expanding the aftermath of SummerSlam’s major moments, especially in terms of title pictures and rivalries. The show did not promote many other specific matches in advance, opting instead for a “SummerSlam fallout” format similar to Monday Night Raw that week—a strategy designed to capitalize on the event’s emotional and storyline weight[3].

Additional matches and segments featured up-and-coming talent, but none overshadowed the significant build around Rhodes, Cena, and Lesnar’s triangle. Wrestling News and Last Word on Sports described the episode as a critical chapter in setting WWE’s direction for the rest of 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum for the new Undisputed Champion and the conflicted Cena character[1][5].

Backstage Insights and Future Implications

According to a WWE insider briefed by Fightful, behind the scenes there’s strong confidence in Cody Rhodes as the new face of the company, with WWE creative focusing on positioning him as a dominant champion throughout the year. The same sources imply that John Cena’s role will remain prominent, not only as a veteran presence but as the catalyst for future major storylines, potentially involving Brock Lesnar’s eventual return or increased presence[1].

Moreover, the tag team division’s resurgence through feuds like MFT versus Motor City Machine Guns is reportedly part of WWE’s plan to rejuvenate its tag titles and create compelling weekly programming that bridges established stars with rising talents. This mix is expected to be essential in building towards WWE’s next big pay-per-view events[4].

Key Matches and Results from WWE SmackDown August 8

• Cody Rhodes appeared as Undisputed WWE Champion, delivering a promo signaling readiness to defend his title.

• John Cena opened the show, addressing Brock Lesnar’s SummerSlam attack and teasing future confrontations.

• Tag Team Match: MFT (JC Mateo & Talla Tonga) defeated The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in an intense tag team contest.

• Additional matches featured emerging WWE talent, continuing various mid-card feuds without overshadowing the main storylines.

Looking Ahead

With Cody Rhodes now firmly established as the Undisputed WWE Champion and John Cena’s storyline heating up post-Lesnar attack, WWE SmackDown is set for intense rivalries and high-stakes matches in the coming weeks. Fans can expect continued crossover between these top stars alongside the developing tag team scene—making the road to the next WWE pay-per-view an exciting one.

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown underscored the company’s commitment to capitalizing on SummerSlam’s momentum and delivering fresh, dynamic storytelling that appeals to both longtime fans and new viewers alike[1][3][4].

Sources: WWE.com, Wrestling Inc., Fightful Podcast, Ringside News, The Ring Report, Last Word on Sports.