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- Cena's next opponent, Lesnar's absence & Rhodes assaulted
Cena's next opponent, Lesnar's absence & Rhodes assaulted
Inside: What happened on SmackDown?
TOP STORIES TODAY
Cody Rhodes has named Randy Orton as the modern-day equivalent of The Undertaker in WWE's locker room. While Cody is now the Undisputed WWE Champion and the face of the company on-screen, he believes it's Orton who has stepped into the backstage leadership role once held by The Deadman.
On his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Cody revealed that Orton is now the veteran figure that others look up to, keeping order and maintaining respect among the roster — much like The Undertaker did during his tenure. This came up during a conversation with guest Jelly Roll, who teamed with Orton at SummerSlam. Cody's comments underscore Orton’s respected legacy and continued influence behind the scenes.
 Zoey Stark has shared a heartfelt injury update with fans, confirming that she’s still on the long road to recovery. After suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match on the May 19 episode of RAW against Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley, Stark will be sidelined for the rest of 2025, with an estimated eight-month recovery timeline. In an Instagram post, Stark revealed that she’s been both physically and mentally exhausted. She admitted her rehab has been challenging, particularly because her knee isn’t bending enough to achieve full range of motion. Despite the setbacks, she remains determined to fight through the pain and keep moving forward. |  On a recent episode of his Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway podcast, The Undertaker revealed that if he ever returns to the ring, it would only be for one opponent, Gunther. Speaking directly to the RAW Superstar, The Phenom admitted that The Ring General is the sole talent capable of tempting him out of retirement. The Undertaker last competed at WrestleMania 36, where he defeated AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match. Since then, he has consistently stated he's content with his legendary career and has no desire to wrestle again. However, his comments to Gunther mark the first time he has openly considered a return, highlighting the respect he holds for the Austrian powerhouse. |
FROM THE RUMOR MILL
Karrion Kross' WWE future has been a topic of intense speculation recently, with reports suggesting his contract was set to expire this weekend and no renewal had been offered. His low-profile loss to Sami Zayn at SummerSlam only fueled rumors that he might be on his way out of the company. Many within the industry viewed the bout as an underwhelming exit for The Herald of Doomsday.
However, Dave Meltzer has now reported a significant update on Wrestling Observer Radio. According to Meltzer, WWE has in fact offered Kross a new contract, and he does not expect the star to leave. The company may even be planning to weave Kross' contract situation into a storyline, similar to how they previously handled R-Truth’s status. This development indicates that WWE likely still sees value in Kross and could have future plans for him on RAW.
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Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena in an intense Street Fight in the main event of Night Two at SummerSlam 2025 to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship. The American Nightmare delivered a career-defining performance, overcoming Cena’s offense and finally avenging his WrestleMania 41 loss.
However, Cody’s second reign as champion may be surprisingly short-lived. Reports suggest that Triple H and the creative team are considering a shocking twist, having Rhodes drop the title as early as this week’s episode of SmackDown. With several moving parts in play, including Brock Lesnar’s return and Cena’s unresolved storyline, a sudden title change could dramatically shake up the main event scene.
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Seth Rollins to Add a Female WWE Superstar to His Faction at Clash in Paris - The Visionary is always one step ahead.
ANALYSIS CORNER
After an action-packed RAW following SummerSlam, all eyes now turn to WWE SmackDown this Friday. The landscape of the blue brand has shifted dramatically in the wake of The Biggest Party of the Summer.
John Cena is no longer the Undisputed WWE Champion after losing to Cody Rhodes in a brutal Street Fight. Meanwhile, the shocking return of Brock Lesnar has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. The Beast Incarnate made a statement by attacking Cena post-match, signaling a possible new rivalry or unfinished business. With major changes unfolding, SmackDown promises high-stakes drama, potential confrontations, and the next chapter in several top storylines.
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