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Cena's next opponent, Lesnar's absence & Rhodes assaulted
Inside: What happened on SmackDown?
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In the aftermath of SummerSlam, John Cena appeared on SmackDown to speak candidly, dropping the larger-than-life persona and sharing a heartfelt moment with fans in Montreal. During this reflective promo, the 17-time world champion admitted he even worries about Brock Lesnar, only to be blindsided moments later by a newly formed alliance. Logan Paul initially teased a one-on-one showdown, but the confrontation was merely a trap as Drew McIntyre ambushed Cena from behind.
The chaotic scene brought Cody Rhodes rushing to Cena’s aid, turning the altercation into a preview for two upcoming showdowns. One bout will see Cena square off against Logan Paul at the upcoming Clash in Paris, while another will pit Cena and Rhodes against the recently formed team of Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. With Paul and McIntyre still riding high from their SummerSlam victory over Jelly Roll and Randy Orton, the pairing of Cena and Rhodes promises a high-stakes clash between WWE’s past and present icons.
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 In a backstage segment on SmackDown, Candice LeRae, The Street Profits and DIY addressed the fallout from their punishing TLC match at SummerSlam. All three teams revealed that they were dealing with injuries from that bout and therefore wouldn’t be competing on this week’s show, though they promised to meet again next week. LeRae underscored the severity of their condition by displaying a massive bruise on her leg. As the teams continued to bicker over their toughness, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis interjected and made their rematch official for the following week. The announcement sets up another high-stakes showdown, giving these battered competitors a chance to settle the score once they’ve recovered enough to return to the ring. |  SmackDown following SummerSlam 2025 saw Cody Rhodes come to John Cena’s aid after Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre ambushed the 16‑time champion. The intervention set up a tag‑team main event and simultaneously confirmed Cena versus Paul for the Clash in Paris premium live event. When that main event ended in a disqualification, McIntyre blindsided Rhodes with a brutal Claymore Kick that sent him through the announce desk before hoisting the Undisputed WWE Championship aloft, hinting at a future challenge. Rhodes’ rescue of Cena and McIntyre’s post‑match statement point toward the Scot becoming the American Nightmare’s first challenger as champion. It would be McIntyre’s third straight “Clash” world‑title opportunity and rekindles the pair’s shared past, as they once teamed together. With their history and McIntyre’s recent momentum, the prospective clash in Paris shapes up as a marquee encounter. |
FROM THE RUMOR MILL
A report clarified speculation surrounding Brock Lesnar’s recent absence from WWE. Contrary to rumors of a suspension, Lesnar remained under contract and continued to receive his downside guarantee while away from the ring. He resurfaced at SummerSlam to attack John Cena after his match, sparking talk of a rematch between the two titans at the upcoming Clash in Paris event.
Those hopes were dashed when Cena announced that his Paris opponent will be Logan Paul, confirming that Lesnar will not be involved in the premium live event. While the Beast Incarnate’s return created buzz, fans will have to wait for his next in‑ring appearance, as Cena’s match with Paul looks set to be one of his last before stepping away from the squared circle.
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The heated rivalry between Sami Zayn and Karrion Kross culminated at SummerSlam with Kross suffering a decisive defeat. The two competitors had split earlier meetings, with Zayn winning at Night of Champions and Kross evening the score on RAW, but their bitter feud ended in disappointment for the Herald of Doomsday. In the aftermath, reports surfaced that Kross’ contract was nearing its end, raising questions about his future.
Amid that uncertainty, Paul Heyman praised Kross in an interview, comparing the 40‑year‑old’s rise in popularity to Stone Cold Steve Austin and sparking speculation. Some fans wondered if Triple H might reprimand Heyman for openly supporting a talent whose status is in flux, yet other signs – including WWE promoting Kross’ book during the SummerSlam pre‑show – suggest the company could be building hype for a re‑signing rather than disciplining anyone.
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ANALYSIS CORNER
The post-SummerSlam edition of WWE SmackDown delivered big surprises and set the stage for intense upcoming rivalries. The night ended with Drew McIntyre brutally attacking Cody Rhodes, making it clear that The Scottish Warrior has his sights set on the Undisputed WWE Championship. This shocking assault leaves Rhodes with a dangerous new challenger hot on his heels.
In addition, John Cena’s in-ring future became clearer as his next match was officially announced, adding more intrigue following his high-profile loss and post-match beatdown by Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.
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