By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,353)
July 25, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Simulcast live on USA Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] Paul Levesque stood on the stage with the WWE roster and legends such as Jimmy Hart, Brian Blair, Ted DiBiase, Gerald Brisco, Jim Duggan, and Sgt. Slaughter for a Hulk Hogan tribute. Levesque said he grew up watching Hulk Hogan. He said they wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for Hogan. Levseque asked fans to observe the ten-bell salute, which they did respectfully. The fans applauded afterward, and then a “Hogan” chant broke out.
A video package aired on Hulk Hogan that was narrated by Levesque. Hogan’s big run in the AWA was ignored aside from a few seconds of footage. Levesque said Hulkamania was born when he defeated The Iron Sheik to win the WWF Championship. The NWO run in WCW was covered briefly, and it was noted that he “came home” in 2002.
Footage aired of Hogan’s match against The Rock from WrestleMania 18 and included commentary from Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. Hogan’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame was also documented. Levesque said Hogan was “the ultimate hero until the end.” Levesque said Hogan died at age 71, but Hulkamania will live forever.
The cameras cut back to the stage where the wrestlers and legends applauded, and another “Hogan” chant broke out heading into a commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: A classy tribute. I wish they had dedicated more time to Hogan’s rise in the AWA, but I’m not surprised that it was glossed over. By the way, Eric Bischoff noted on social media today that he was invited to take part in the tribute and wished he could have been there, but he wrote that he and Hogan would be there in spirit.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett checked in on commentary while the exterior of the venue was shown. They cut to a shot of the duo at their broadcast table. Tessitore spoke about the draw that Hogan was, listing him in the same category as “promotional titans” such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods…
Logan Paul was introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash. Paul came to the ring, where promotional photos for his podcast were set up. Paul said it was good to be home in Cleveland. Paul said the city didn’t raise him. Rather, Paul said he made the city.
Paul said he had nothing in common with the Cleveland fans because he made it out, and they did not. Paul said he was hosting a live edition of his ImPaulsive talk show. Paul started to rip Jelly Roll, but he was interrupted by one of his songs.
Jelly Roll walked out with a microphone and said they didn’t have to play that song for Paul to know who his daddy is. Jelly Roll said the only thing Paul ever inspired was little kids to make videos of themselves being assholes.
Paul spoke about how he gets to tag in Drew McIntyre, whereas Randy Orton will tag in Jelly Roll. Paul asked Jelly Roll who he thinks he is. Jelly Roll said he’s the guy who will put Paul in a bodybag and ship him back to Westlake.
Jelly Roll entered the ring while talking about how Paul has never faced adversity. Jelly Roll said he was representing kids who were picked on by high school by jocks like Paul. Jelly Roll said he had been a WWE fan his entire life. He said WWE represented him and all the fans.
Jelly Roll said Paul makes fun of his story, but it’s inspired millions around the world. Paul said it inspired rednecks around the world. Jelly Roll said Paul is soft as Charmin and called him a “prime peddling, punk-ass bitch.”
Drew McIntyre entered the ring and tore his t-shirt off while standing next to Paul. Jelly Roll said Paul and McIntyre made a mistake if they thought he came alone. Jelly Roll sang a line from his tag team partner’s entrance theme.
Randy Orton made his entrance and entered the ring, where he hit Jelly Roll with an RKO out of nowhere!!! Okay, not really. Rather, Orton hit McIntyre, and then all four men fought. McIntyre raked Orton’s eyes at ringside and then returned to the ring and hit Jelly Roll from behind.
Paul mounted Jelly Roll and threw punches at him. Orton pulled McIntyre to the floor, ran him into the barricade, and put the boots to him. Jelly Roll threw punches at Paul and knocked him down with a shoulder block.
Paul kicked Jelly Roll, who dropped to his knees. Paul waited for him to stand up and then went for his knockout punch, but Jelly Roll avoided it and put Paul down with a Blackhole Slam. Orton joined Jelly Roll in the ring while the heels jawed at them from ringside. Paul had some blood in his mouth…
Powell’s POV: Jelly Roll was good on the mic and he did okay in the ring aside from the weak shove he gave Paul to shoot him into the ropes. I’m surprised they didn’t put some heat on the heels during this segment, but perhaps there’s more to come tonight.
A promo video aired with Andrade and Rey Fenix talking about how it was only a matter of time before they have gold around their waists…
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair made their entrance. Tessitore set up an animated movie clip from The Bad Guys 2… [C] Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez made their entrance…
1. Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair) vs. Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez). Bliss hit Perez with a couple of early strikes. Perez went to ringside. Bliss performed a cannonball dive off the apron. Rodriguez approached Perez, but Flair walked over and cut her off heading into a picture-in-picture break. [C]
Bliss set up for Sister Abigail, but Perez raked her eyes. While the referee scolded Perez, Rodriguez choked Bliss over the bottom rope, which led to Perez getting a two count. Flair dumped Rodriguez into the timekeepers’ area.
Bliss went up top for Twisted Bliss, but she was distracted by Rodriguez attacking Flair. Rodriguez set up for a powerbomb. Bliss dove onto Rodriguez. Bliss came up holding her nose, which started bleeding. Bliss returned to the ring and was rolled up by Perez and pinned.
Roxanne Perez defeated Alexa Bliss in 7:20.
Powell’s POV: So Charlotte beat Rodriguez last week, and Perez beat Bliss this week. This was fine, but it didn’t make me more excited about the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match at SummerSlam.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Jade Cargill, who said she would show everyone at SummerSlam why she is a natural born champion.
Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, and Alba Fyre showed up after Jade was out of the picture. Green sent Niven and Fyre to secure the perimeter and get her coffee. Green badmouthed Jade, who came back and stood behind her. Green figured out that Jade was behind her. She turned and smiled, only to be punched.
Jade roughed up Green and then carried her through the Gorilla Position door and onto the stage. Jade threw Green inside the ring where a referee was conveniently standing. The referee called for the bell to start an impromptu match once Jade entered the ring.
2. Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven, Alba Fyre). Jade hit Green with a pump kick. Green rolled to ringside. Niven and Fyre came out as the show went to break. [C] Late in the match, Green went for her Unprettier finisher, but Cargill escaped and then hit Jaded for the win.
Jade Cargill beat Chelsea Green in 8:10.
After the match, Fyre entered the ring and superkicked Jade. Niven joined Fyre in working over Jade.
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton ran out and helped Jade clear Niven and Fyre from the ring. Jade picked up the WWE Women’s Championship belt from the mat and kissed it. Stratton went to take the belt back, but Jade held on for a couple of seconds. Jade exited the ring while Stratton held up her title belt…
Powell’s POV: I suspect this will lead to Tiffy and Jade teaming to face Niven and Fyre next week.
Alexa Bliss was backstage tending to her bloody nose when Charlotte Flair sat down next to her and said it couldn’t happen at SummerSlam. Bliss thanked Flair for being cool about it. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Flair asked. “I mean, we’re partners, aren’t we?” Bliss said Flair was going to say friends. Flair said she was not, but maybe after they become champions at SummerSlam…
Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage… [C] Footage aired of Hulk Hogan beating The Iron Sheik to win the WWF Championship, followed by a champagne celebration with Andre the Giant. A “career accolades” graphic listed Hogan as a six-time WWE Champion, six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and a two-time WWE Hall of Famer (once solo, once with the NWO)…
Cody Rhodes made his entrance. Barrett narrated highlights from last week of Cody forcing John Cena to sign the contract for their Street Fight for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
[Hour Two] Cody said yesterday WWE and pro wrestling lost one of its giants in Hulk Hogan. He said he knew that emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated, but what’s not complicated are his accomplishments and his contributions to pro wrestling and sports entertainment. Cody said they are staggering and indisputable. Cody said that as someone who gets to say he’s a WWE Superstar, Hogan was the original. “I just want take a minute to say thank you, Hulk Hogan,” Cody said.
Cody shifted his focus to his Street Fight with John Cena at SummerSlam. Cody said it wasn’t about virtue or victory, it’s about violence. Cody said he doesn’t want to wrestle “this John Cena.” Cody said he didn’t want to fight a guy who didn’t want the match in the first place or the guy who is counting the days he’s out the door.
Cody said he wants to fight the real John Cena. Cody said he wants the Cena who talks to the cameraman, wears the belt the right way, runs to the ring, and brings the hustle, royalty, and respect, and he said they could beat it out of each other. The fans chanted Cody’s name in European style. Cody went to the ropes for a moment to play to the fans.
Cody said he needs to face the real John Cena so that the story they have been a part of isn’t fantasy, not just legacy. Cody said he needs to know it meant something and that it was real. Cody said the only person who has the answer to that question is Cena. Cody said he’d see Cena next week and then dropped the mic…
Powell’s POV: Cody is doing his best to make this work, but I’m anxious for Cena to drop the championship, end his heel run, and end his career as a babyface.
Footage aired of last week’s car accident angle involving Solo Sikoa’s crew and Jacob Fatu…
Jacob Fatu delivered a backstage promo. He said he loved Solo Sikoa, but he tried to send him to jail after he told his family and everyone else that he was never going back. Fatu said he didn’t mind being locked down in the cage for the U.S. Championship. Fatu said he would dog walk Solo’s ass.
The Miz showed up and said he and Fatu had unfinished business. Miz said Fatu put him out just long enough for him to remember who he is. Miz said he’s not a target, he’s the main character. Miz said he went to Nick Aldis and got them a match.
Miz fired up about being in his hometown. “I’m The Miz and I’m…back,” Miz said before slapping Fatu across the face. Fatu laughed while asking if that’s what it was coming to. “Well come on with it,” Fatu said. Miz made his entrance while Barrett asked “what the hell” he just did… [C]
Powell’s POV: I don’t see this ending well for The Miz character, but I like the more serious approach he took during this promo and that he showed no fear when he slapped Fatu.
An Aleister Black and Damian Priest promo video aired. Black said Priest stuck his nose in his business, and the debt he wanted to collect has been inherited by him. Priest said Black is like a collector he knew in the streets.
Priest said he stepped in for one of his boys like he did for R-Truth. Priest said when he gave the collector his best shot, the man never collected from anyone again. Black and Priest both said they are not alike. Black said he would “unmake” Priest and show him himself. Priest said he wouldn’t hide who he is. Priest said he didn’t come to play peacemaker…
Barrett hyped Priest vs. Black for next week’s Smackdown… Jacob Fatu made his entrance…
3. Jacob Fatu vs. The Miz. Miz’s hometown fans chanted for Fatu. Miz avoided a hip attack in the corner, but Fatu put him down with a clothesline. Solo Sikoa’s entrance music played and then he walked to ringside with Talla Tonga, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa. Miz took advantage of the distraction and ran Fatu into the ring post. [C]
Fatu hit a suicide dive on Miz, Mateo, and Loa. Back in the ring, Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop on The Miz before pinning him.
Jacob Fatu defeated The Miz in 7:55.
After the match, Solo and his crew attacked Fatu. Jimmy Uso ran out and threw a chair at Mateo and then superkicked Loa at ringside. Jimmy cleared Solo from the ring and then hit Talla with chair shots. Talla shook off the chair shots and then dropped Jimmy with a big boot.
Solo entered the ring while Talla held Fatu. Fatu fought free and hit superkicks on Loa and Talla, and then hit Solo with a hip attack. Fatu picked up the chair and looked at Solo, who was seated in the corner.
Fatu wrapped the chair around Solo’s head. Solo backed up and then ran toward Solo, but Talla turned him inside out with a clothesline. Talla removed the chair and then helped Solo to his feet. Talla slammed Fatu to the mat. Solo picked up Fatu and hit him with the Samoan Spike. Solo held up the U.S. Championship belt and the fans booed. An uncensored “F— you, Solo” chant broke out…
Powell’s POV: The match finished with the expected outcome, and the post-match angle put some heat on Solo and his crew heading into his cage match with Fatu at SummerSlam.
Cathy Kelley interviewed “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, and B-Fab about the WWE Tag Team Title match. B-Fab said the Wyatt Sicks are a different kind of enemy who need to be dealt with in a different kind of way. Ford said he didn’t understand why they weren’t in last week’s qualifying match.
“DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa showed up with Candice LeRae. Gargano told Dawkins to take his Cleveland Guardians jersey off. “I’m the Cleveland guy, you’re not allowed to wear that,” Gargano said. Gargano said the Street Profits had the titles and blew it.
Ciampa told them to step aside so they could fix the mess they made. The Profits and B-Fab laughed at him. Ciamapa told them to stay out of the way…
Tessitore hyped the “red hot world (tag team) championship match” that was coming up next… A WWE Unreal teaser focused on John Cena. The series premieres Tuesday on Netflix… [C]
Footage aired of Hulk Hogan beating Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3 in 1987. A graphic noted that he main evented WrestleMania eight times and had 16 WrestleMania appearances…
Zelina Vega approached Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia in the backstage area. Kiana James interrupted and told Vega that she represents Giulia, so Vega would have to go through her if she wanted to speak to Giulia. Vega blew off James and told Giulia she was there to talk about her rematch. James said she already spoke to Nick Aldis and said Vega would get her rematch next week. James said that when Giulia beat Vega again, Vega would be nothing more than a footnote…
Powell’s POV: It’s nice to see James back following a long injury layoff. James is a good talker and I like the idea of using her as Giulia’s mouthpiece. James worked a WWE Main Event match last week, so while she came off like a manager for Giulia, she is still wrestling.
The broadcast team ran through the SummerSlam lineup… Rey Fenix and Andrade made their entrances for the WWE Tag Team Championship match… [C]
Tessitore plugged Hulk Hogan Legacy merchandise, and added that all net proceeds will go to Hogan’s family…
The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance for the main event…
4. Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy (w/Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross) vs. Rey Fenix and Andrade for the WWE Tag Team Titles. Andrade had Gacy down. Fenix went up top for a move, but Lumis shoved him down. Gacy did a handspring into the ropes before clotheslining Andrade. Lumis dove onto Fenix on the floor heading into a PIP break. [C]
Gacy caught Fenix swinging in between the ropes with a kick that sent him to ringside. Andrade fought off both champions and sent Lumis to the floor. Fenix dove onto Lumis and then Andrade hit The Message on Gacy. Andrade had Gacy pinned, but Nikki Cross pulled the referee out of the ring for a disqualification.
Rey Fenix and Andrade defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy by DQ in 6:20.
After the match, Erick Rowan attacked the challengers. Axiom and Nathan Frazer came out. Rowan caught Axiom going for a top rope dive and then threw him at his partner. “The Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin came out, but Rowan also got the better of them initially. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ran in and ended up clearing Rowan from the ring.
Nick Aldis came out with “DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, who were hit by suicide dives by Axiom and Frazer. Dawkins hit a flip dive onto a group of wrestlers and clutched his knee. Ford performed a flip dive over the ring post onto a group of wrestlers.
Aldis got in the ring and said he’d had enough. Aldis booked all of the teams in a TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam. The brawl resumed and the executive producer credits were shown. Ciampa dove off the top rope onto a group of wrestlers on the floor, and the show went off the air…
Powell’s POV: The crowd got over the weak finish in a hurry, as there were “this is awesome” chants during the big show-ending brawl. The TLC match should be insane, but I continue to hope that some of these teams will be moved from the crowded Smackdown tag division to the depleted Raw tag division.
Overall, this was a solid show and a big upgrade over last week’s disappointing episode. I will have a lot more to say about Smackdown during my same-night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons), who are already listening to a two-hour Dot Net Weekly audio show that opens with Jake Barnett and I discussing the life and death of Hulk Hogan. Let me know what you thought of Smackdown by grading the show below.
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