WWE SmackDown Preview - August 1, 2025: Final Face-Off Cody Rhodes & John Cena Set SmackDown Ablaze Ahead of SummerSlam
WWE SmackDown Preview – August 1, 2025
📍 Live from Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
🗓️ Final stop before the historic two-night SummerSlam
As the clock ticks toward WWE’s first-ever two-night SummerSlam this weekend, tonight’s SmackDown is no ordinary go-home show—it's a high-stakes battleground where unfinished business explodes and overlooked stars fight for redemption.
🚨 Main Event: Cody Rhodes & John Cena – One Last Showdown
After Cody KO’d John Cena and forced his hand into signing the Street Fight contract, the 16-time world champ returns tonight looking for payback. With the WWE Championship on the line at SummerSlam, can Cena get the last word—or will Cody drop another bomb before the rematch of a generation?
👊 Giulia Defends Her Gold
The inaugural Women’s United States Champion Giulia puts her title on the line in a rematch against Zelina Vega. With Kiana James now at Giulia’s side, Zelina is a massive underdog—but could she pull off a miracle and crash the SummerSlam spotlight?
☠️ Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
Priest has been hunting Aleister Black for weeks—but each time, Aleister has left him laid out in the shadows. Tonight, the two finally collide. Will Priest unleash his rage and score a pre-SummerSlam statement victory, or will Aleister’s mind games win again?
🏆 Los Garza Lay Down the Gauntlet
The AAA World Tag Team Champions issue an open challenge on SmackDown. Could we see a shocking debut, NXT call-up, or maybe even a dream tag team clash to rattle the eve of SummerSlam?
🔥 Other Segments to Watch
- Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill: After last week's tug-of-war over the WWE Women’s Championship, will tensions boil over tonight?
- Jelly Roll returns: After getting steamrolled last week, has he added any moves to his arsenal… or will he just take another hit?
- The Wyatt Sicks prepare for their TLC title defense. Expect chaos—and maybe a multi-man preview.
- Alexa Bliss was left bloodied last week. Will Roxanne Perez and Isla Dawn mock the injured vet before their SummerSlam clash?
- Solo Sikoa's MFTs overwhelmed Jimmy Uso & Jacob Fatu. Can the babyfaces shift the numbers game before the steel cage battle for the U.S. Title?
- Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice & The Miz look for redemption… or another beatdown.
- Where is LA Knight?! The megastar has vanished since his Raw loss on July 14. Is a surprise return in the works?
🗣️ Wrestling.News | Backstage Take
WWE’s final SmackDown before SummerSlam plays out more like a strategic pre-show than a throwaway episode. By placing top-tier talents like Giulia and Priest on this card instead of the premium live event, WWE is testing how much the brand alone can carry—and how much these stars can prove themselves when snubbed. Expect them to wrestle with a chip on their shoulder—and don’t be shocked if a few moments tonight steal the spotlight from SummerSlam itself.
