WWE SmackDown Results (July 25): Touching tribute to Hulk Hogan, Cody Rhodes wants 'real' John Cena at SummerSlam and more

Time of India

2 days ago

SmackDown paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan with a heartfelt ceremony and video montage. The show then transitioned to SummerSlam hype, featuring Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and a brawl. Plus, Cody Rhodes challenged John Cena to bring his best. The tag team title match ended in disqualification due to interference, leading to a TLC match announcement for SummerSlam.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
This week's SmackDown episode opened on a somber note, with the roster and several legends gathered on the stage to honor the late Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at the age of 71. Triple H addressed the sellout crowd at Rocket Arena, reflecting on Hogan's legacy before a 10-bell salute."The truth is, he captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe," Triple H said while surrounded by WWE wrestlers past and present. "We would not be standing here right now, all of us together, if it was not for him."A moving tribute video followed, narrated by Triple H, highlighting key moments from Hogan's iconic career. Jimmy Hart, visibly emotional, stood among those paying respects.Following the tribute, the focus shifted to SummerSlam buildup. Logan Paul made his return to Cleveland and delivered his signature mix of hometown praise and insults. He brought out musician Jelly Roll, who wasted no time trading barbs with Paul from the aisle, calling him a 'silver spoon kid'. Tension escalated as Drew McIntyre joined Paul in the ring. The crowd erupted when Randy Orton entered, sparking a brawl. Orton and Jelly Roll sent Paul and McIntyre retreating, wrapping up a solid - albeit predictably placed - segment ahead of SummerSlam.The women's division was in the spotlight next as Alexa Bliss, accompanied by Charlotte Flair, took on Roxanne Perez, who had Raquel Rodriguez in her corner. Both competitors, known for battling larger opponents, showed off moves better suited to working with someone their own size.Bliss launched a strong comeback after the commercial break, but interference from Flair and Rodriguez escalated into a ringside scuffle. Amid the chaos, Perez used the ropes for leverage to roll up Bliss for the pin, leaving Bliss bloodied in the loss.Backstage, Jade Cargill brawled with Chelsea Green and dragged her to the ring. The bell rang after Green was tossed in, making the match official. After a break, Cargill maintained dominance in what turned out to be a one-sided squash. Though Green managed a brief flurry, Cargill hit Jaded for the win. Post-match, Secret Hervice attacked, only for Tiffany Stratton to storm the ring and make the save.While the show had its predictable moments, it successfully pushed forward key SummerSlam storylines and delivered a heartfelt tribute to a wrestling legend.Cody Rhodes made his entrance and addressed the crowd, starting with a heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan. Acknowledging the complexity of Hogan's legacy, Rhodes emphasized that his impact on WWE and entertainment is undeniable.Shifting focus to SummerSlam, Rhodes said the event isn't about virtue or victory - it's about violence. He referenced last week's clash with John Cena and said he's not interested in facing a half-hearted version of the legend."I don't want the Cena who's counting the days until retirement," he said. "I want the Real John Cena - the one who ran to the ring, wore the title with pride, and embodied hustle, loyalty, and respect."If this is his final SummerSlam, Rhodes wants it to be unforgettable. "Let's beat the respect out of each other," he declared, calling on Cena to bring everything he's got to MetLife Stadium.Jacob Fatu was delivering a promo when The Miz interrupted, saying Fatu sidelining him for six weeks helped him rediscover himself. After booking a match between them, Miz shocked everyone by slapping Fatu.Though he tried to escape, The Samoan Werewolf eventually cornered and beat him down. Fatu was sent into the ring post just before the commercial break.After the break, Solo Sikoa and his crew arrived, but Fatu fought them off and landed a Samoan Drop for the win. Sikoa's group attacked post-match until Jimmy Uso ran in with a steel chair, helping even the odds in a heated feud.Andrade and Fenix earned their shot at the tag team titles after winning a thrilling Fatal 4-Way, setting the stage for their clash with champions Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy this week.The match started with strong back-and-forth action, showcasing the challengers' chemistry and speed. However, momentum shifted when Lumis took out Fenix at ringside, allowing the Wyatts to seize control heading into the commercial break.After the break, Andrade's efforts to mount a comeback fell short as Lumis and Gacy displayed impressive teamwork. With quick tags and effective double-team offense, they kept Andrade isolated and Fenix neutralized.Just as the match built toward a possible finish, Nikki Cross interfered, yanking the referee out of the ring and forcing a disqualification - robbing fans of a clean result.Chaos erupted post-match as the rest of the tag division stormed the ring to confront the Wyatts. Things escalated further when Fraxiom ambushed DIY, igniting a massive brawl.SmackDown GM Nick Aldis then announced a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at SummerSlam featuring all the teams involved.