The July 25, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, broadcast live from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, was one of the most emotionally charged and chaotic shows in recent WWE history. It balanced a heartfelt tribute to the late Hulk Hogan with top-tier storytelling and major match setups for SummerSlam 2025.
The show opened with a powerful 10-bell salute for WWE legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025. Triple H led the tribute, stating:
“We honor not just the icon, but the man whose presence reshaped this industry.”
The video package chronicled Hogan’s:
- 1984 WWE Championship victory
- WrestleMania III slam on Andre the Giant
- nWo era in WCW
- WWE comeback in 2002
Crowds chanted “Hogan! Hogan!”, creating a moving moment that grounded the show in legacy and emotion.
Cody Rhodes cut an intense promo, saying:
“I don’t want this ‘make-a-wish’ version of John Cena. I want the man who went to war with Brock Lesnar.”
The promo deepened the emotional core of their SummerSlam Street Fight.
On Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive TV”:
- Randy Orton and Jelly Roll appeared as guests.
- Drew McIntyre interrupted.
- Jelly Roll shocked everyone with a Bossman Slam on McIntyre!
This set the stage for Orton & Jelly Roll vs. McIntyre & Paul at SummerSlam.
Result: Perez def. Bliss via O’Connor Roll with ropes leverage
Notes:
- Charlotte Flair showed concern for a bloody-nosed Bliss post-match.
- Raquel Rodriguez’s presence hints at tag team gold ambitions.
Result: Cargill def. Green with Jaded
Post-Match:
- The Secret Hervice attacked Cargill.
- Tiffany Stratton saved her—foreshadowing a Stratton vs. Cargill showdown.
Result: Fatu def. Miz with a Pop-up Samoan Drop
Chaos:
- MFTs ambushed Fatu.
- Jimmy Uso intervened wielding a steel chair, escalating the Bloodline vs. MFT storyline.
Result: Match ended in DQ after Nikki Cross interference
Aftermath:
- A massive six-team brawl broke out.
- Nick Aldis announced a Six-Pack Tag Team TLC Match at SummerSlam involving:
- The Wyatt Sicks (c)
- Andrade & Rey Fenix
- #DIY
- The Street Profits
- Motor City Machine Guns
- Fraxiom
- Miz confronted Fatu, hinting at a future grudge match.
- #DIY argued over lost opportunities.
- Giulia and Zelina Vega had a tense standoff backstage with Kiana James trying to play peacekeeper.
- Jade Cargill wore Queen of the Ring gear, reinforcing her elevated status.
- Commentary tied Cody Rhodes’ promo directly to Hulk Hogan’s legacy, blending personal and professional stakes.
| Match | Stipulation |
|---|
| Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena | Street Fight |
| The Wyatt Sicks vs. 5 Teams | Six-Pack Tag Team TLC Match |
| Solo Sikoa vs. Jacob Fatu | Steel Cage Match for the U.S. Title |
| Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill | Women’s Championship (TBD) |
| Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul | Tag Match |
SmackDown (July 25, 2025) did everything right: paid tribute to a legend, escalated feuds, spotlighted fresh faces, and delivered chaos worthy of a go-home show before SummerSlam. From Jade Cargill’s momentum, Rhodes’ searing promo, to tag team carnage, the episode offered unmatched emotional and narrative depth.
Fans will remember it not just as a buildup to SummerSlam, but as a night when past, present, and future collided in the squared circle.
