Latest news with #WWESummerSlam2025
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview: UK start time and segments currently announced
Your preview to this evening's all important episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes post SummerSlam Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The fallout from WWE SummerSlam 2025 continues this evening on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Both Cody Rhodes and John Cena are set to appear to address the conclusion of Sunday's main event, including one shocking return. Here's your preview for tonight's episode of SmackDown, the UK start time and how Disney are now involved with the WWE. It's been an interesting week in the world of the WWE; controversial returns, title changes and a brand new deal involving Disney. All just another week for the company, right? As the fallout from SummerSlam 2025 continues, Cody Rhodes kicks off a brand new chapter as your WWE Champion once again - no longer the Undisputed championship, as the WWE have now renamed the title after 'The American Nightmare's' win over John Cena. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But while some are asking what's next for Rhodes on the road to both the next PLE, Clash in Paris, others have questions about the return of one former WWE superstar, Brock Lesnar. The 'Beast Incarnate' made his shocking return to the company on Sunday evening, leaving John Cena in a pile in the middle of the ring after hitting him with his signature F5, prompting many now to believe that a Cena v Lesnar match in Paris could be on the cards. But that hasn't sat well with some wrestling fans, owing to Brock Lesnar's effectively being named in a civil lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, with some fans believing that his return is perhaps not warranted, but also tone deaf given the accusations levied against him. But, as Paul Heyman stated in his interview with Ariel Helwani earlier this week, the crowd seem into it - and in the business of wrestling, the heat from the crowd is all that matters... good heat, mind you. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As that quagmire continues, here's a look at tonight's announced segments for WWE SmackDown, the UK start time and a bit more about how Disney are now involved with TKO and the WWE. WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview - August 8 2025 After the conclusion of WWE's two-night SummerSlam PLE, there are far more questions than answers - will we get any on tonight's WWE SmackDown? | Elsa/Getty Images Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown as the WWE Champion After a brutal Street Fight at SummerSlam, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returns to the blue brand. He is now a two-time WWE Champion after dethroning John Cena in a hard-fought match that left both men battered and bruised. The victory marks a significant chapter in his story, as he finally reclaimed the title he lost at WrestleMania 41. Now that he's back on top, the question is what's next for 'The American Nightmare.' Rhodes is sure to have a target on his back, with the entire locker room looking to challenge the new champion. Tonight, he'll likely address his victory and the future, but will he be met with new challengers or an old foe? John Cena addresses the shocking return of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam The shocking conclusion to SummerSlam saw the surprise return of 'The Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar. After an emotional match that saw him lose the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, John Cena was left alone in the ring, basking in the applause of the WWE Universe, only for Lesnar to appear and lay him out with a devastating F-5. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a two-year absence from the company, Lesnar's return and targeted attack on Cena has left the WWE Universe with more questions than answers. With his retirement tour nearing its end, what does this mean for Cena's final chapter? Tonight, Cena will make his first public comments on the attack and the return of his long-time rival. Will he shed light on why Lesnar targeted him, or will he simply challenge 'The Beast' to one final battle? What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight? Though there are changes in broadcast times coming up in August, you're still going to have to either stay up late or wake up early. Tonight's episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown will air from 1am BST on August 9 once again on Netflix . But for those who can't stay up late, or want to lie in, you can watch the episode after it has been broadcast on demand through the streaming service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How are Disney now involved with the WWE? The House of Mouse's involvement with WWE is a result of a major new partnership with ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. In a landmark deal announced earlier this week, ESPN platforms will become the exclusive domestic U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including flagship events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam. This five-year agreement, valued at over $1.6 billion, is set to begin in 2026. This new deal is significant because it moves WWE's premium events from their previous home on NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming service to ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service. While some of the major events will have simulcasts on ESPN's linear television networks, the full experience, including pre-show and post-show coverage, will be a key feature of ESPN's streaming platform. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview: UK start time and segments currently announced
Your preview to this evening's all important episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes post SummerSlam Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The fallout from WWE SummerSlam 2025 continues this evening on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Both Cody Rhodes and John Cena are set to appear to address the conclusion of Sunday's main event, including one shocking return. Here's your preview for tonight's episode of SmackDown, the UK start time and how Disney are now involved with the WWE. It's been an interesting week in the world of the WWE; controversial returns, title changes and a brand new deal involving Disney. All just another week for the company, right? As the fallout from SummerSlam 2025 continues, Cody Rhodes kicks off a brand new chapter as your WWE Champion once again - no longer the Undisputed championship, as the WWE have now renamed the title after 'The American Nightmare's' win over John Cena. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But while some are asking what's next for Rhodes on the road to both the next PLE, Clash in Paris, others have questions about the return of one former WWE superstar, Brock Lesnar. The 'Beast Incarnate' made his shocking return to the company on Sunday evening, leaving John Cena in a pile in the middle of the ring after hitting him with his signature F5, prompting many now to believe that a Cena v Lesnar match in Paris could be on the cards. But that hasn't sat well with some wrestling fans, owing to Brock Lesnar's effectively being named in a civil lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, with some fans believing that his return is perhaps not warranted, but also tone deaf given the accusations levied against him. But, as Paul Heyman stated in his interview with Ariel Helwani earlier this week, the crowd seem into it - and in the business of wrestling, the heat from the crowd is all that matters... good heat, mind you. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As that quagmire continues, here's a look at tonight's announced segments for WWE SmackDown, the UK start time and a bit more about how Disney are now involved with TKO and the WWE. WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview - August 8 2025 After the conclusion of WWE's two-night SummerSlam PLE, there are far more questions than answers - will we get any on tonight's WWE SmackDown? | Elsa/Getty Images Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown as the WWE Champion After a brutal Street Fight at SummerSlam, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returns to the blue brand. He is now a two-time WWE Champion after dethroning John Cena in a hard-fought match that left both men battered and bruised. The victory marks a significant chapter in his story, as he finally reclaimed the title he lost at WrestleMania 41. Now that he's back on top, the question is what's next for 'The American Nightmare.' Rhodes is sure to have a target on his back, with the entire locker room looking to challenge the new champion. Tonight, he'll likely address his victory and the future, but will he be met with new challengers or an old foe? John Cena addresses the shocking return of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam The shocking conclusion to SummerSlam saw the surprise return of 'The Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar. After an emotional match that saw him lose the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, John Cena was left alone in the ring, basking in the applause of the WWE Universe, only for Lesnar to appear and lay him out with a devastating F-5. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a two-year absence from the company, Lesnar's return and targeted attack on Cena has left the WWE Universe with more questions than answers. With his retirement tour nearing its end, what does this mean for Cena's final chapter? Tonight, Cena will make his first public comments on the attack and the return of his long-time rival. Will he shed light on why Lesnar targeted him, or will he simply challenge 'The Beast' to one final battle? What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight? Though there are changes in broadcast times coming up in August, you're still going to have to either stay up late or wake up early. Tonight's episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown will air from 1am BST on August 9 once again on Netflix . But for those who can't stay up late, or want to lie in, you can watch the episode after it has been broadcast on demand through the streaming service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How are Disney now involved with the WWE? The House of Mouse's involvement with WWE is a result of a major new partnership with ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. In a landmark deal announced earlier this week, ESPN platforms will become the exclusive domestic U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including flagship events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam. This five-year agreement, valued at over $1.6 billion, is set to begin in 2026. This new deal is significant because it moves WWE's premium events from their previous home on NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming service to ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service. While some of the major events will have simulcasts on ESPN's linear television networks, the full experience, including pre-show and post-show coverage, will be a key feature of ESPN's streaming platform. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who do you think will be Cody Rhodes' next challenger for the WWE Championship now that he's vanquished 'evil' John Cena? Make your predictions on the next title match, or what other bouts could take place at Clash in Paris by leaving a comment wherever you've read this article.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
John Cena questions Brock Lesnar's motives following shocking WWE return
In a shocking turn of events for fans around the world, Brock Lesnar returned unexpectedly at WWE SummerSlam 2025. His appearance was right after the main event, as was speaking to the fans, which many are calling his last SummerSlam ever. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lesner walked to the ring without saying a thing, looked Cena in the eye, and left just as quickly as he had come, leaving the WWE Universe and Cena himself wondering what happened out of nowhere. Seemingly after finishing one of the most covered farewell tours in recent memory, John Cena didn't take the moment sitting down and just say goodbye. While they didn't exactly lay hands on each other, it wasn't the friendly rapport that fans had hoped for between two legends. Meanwhile, in a post-show press conference, Cena "responded" to the incident, taking a bit of a shot at Lesnar's habit of returning only when it benefits him and that he may not be simply entertaining the fans with his return this time around. A dozen appearances left before John Cena calls it a career 3x World Heavyweight Championship winner John Cena's retirement from the ring isn't until December 2025, so for now, he is focused on providing a few highlights for the fans watching at home. Many believed SummerSlam 2025 was the final match Cena would ever wrestle, so Lesnar's coming back was also a huge symbolic blow. In a reflective moment during his interview, Cena shared: 'I've been saying the same thing for 25 years. They deal 'em, I play 'em. You know, I'm just really excited. We got like 12 of these things left. I think SummerSlam was an indication from the audience where everybody kind of knows where we're closing our book. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And just because I close my book in December, that doesn't mean the WWE closes its books. They got to continue their programming going forward. So they're just trying to make the most exciting shows for the fans. A dozen of them I got left. They deal 'em, I play 'em.' What's next: A retirement match or something bigger? Now that John Cena and Brock Lesnar are front-and-centre once again, there's speculation that WWE is working towards a huge retirement match, possibly as soon as Survivor Series or Crown Jewel. While no one knows what Lesnar is up to, the fact that he is there seems to indicate something big is in the works. Also Read: We are in the Spring season of WWE that leads into SummerSlam, and whether this is a final clash of titans or a passing of the torch, there's sure to be fireworks in the weeks to come. We can be certain that Brock Lesnar will never return without a reason.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'He never looked out for anyone but himself': WWE veteran Bret Hart makes shocking claims after following Hulk Hogan's death
(Image via X) WWE veteran Bret Hart has made shocking claims following Hulk Hogan 's unfortunate death. Criticizing Hogan, he stated that the WWE Hall of Famer never looked out for anyone but himself before his passing. It is worth noting that Hulk Hogan bid farewell to the wrestling industry and the world at the age of 71, on July 24, 2025, leaving fans shocked and mourning. The WWE icon succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest at his Clearwater residence in Florida. As per reports, a private funeral service for Hulk Hogan is set for Tuesday in Clearwater. Let's take a look at what claim Bret Hart made about Hogan's death. WWE veteran Bret Hart makes shocking claims after following Hulk Hogan's death WWE veteran Bret Hart has recently made a shocking claim, criticizing Hogan following his sudden death due to a cardiac arrest. He made the claims while appearing on The Ringer Wrestling Podcast. WWE Hall of Famer Bret 'The Hitman' Hart paid tribute to Hulk Hogan. He said, 'RIP Hulk Hogan.' But, he next went on to criticize the Hall of Famer, stating that he never looked out for anyone but himself. Bret Hart BLASTS Hulk Hogan Over WWF Title Loss! During the interview, Hogan said, 'I always thought the day I won the belt, Hulk Hogan would come up to me and pat me on the back and tell me how glad he was I was the guy that they picked to pull the sword out of the stone for him. And unfortunately, that's not how it was. The second I won the belt, I was the enemy. And I had what he wanted, and we were never really friends again after that.' He also explained why he considered Hogan a 'roadblock' in his career. 'I will always shake my head and wonder why he was such a roadblock for me. He wouldn't do anything for me. And he made sure, and I know this as a fact, he made sure that when I was in WCW, he made sure that they didn't do anything with [me]. 'Don't do anything with him. Just leave him. Have him sit on the bench in the dressing room.' (source: Hulk Hogan's funeral set for Tuesday in Clearwater Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan will be laid to rest in a private funeral service on Tuesday, August 5, in Clearwater, Florida. The 71-year-old icon passed away on July 24 following a heart attack at his home on Clearwater Beach. Also read : WWE SummerSlam 2025 (August 3, 2025) Highlights and Results: Cody Rhodes wins the Undisputed title, AJ Styles loses, Naomi and Becky Lynch retain, and more | WWE News - Times of India Family and friends of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan said their final goodbyes Tuesday at a private funeral service in Clearwater. As tributes continue to pour in, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed a 'Hulk Hogan Day' and ordered flags lowered to half-staff in Pinellas County to honor his enduring legacy. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is Brock Lesnar's WWE return stirring controversy? Janel Grant's rep reacts to the Beast's glorified comeback
Brock Lesnar's return sparks reaction from Janel Grant's rep. Image via: Elsa/ Getty Images Brock Lesnar's shocking return at WWE SummerSlam 2025 set off fireworks in the arena and a firestorm outside it. As "The Beast Incarnate" dropped John Cena with his signature F5, the MetLife Stadium crowd roared. But the backlash was just as loud. Lesnar's comeback is far from an ordinary WWE surprise moment. It comes with serious controversy, legal implications, and fan outrage linked to ongoing allegations involving Vince McMahon and former WWE employee Janel Grant. Janel Grant's rep reacts to Brock Lesnar's surprise return Brock Lesnar was publicly named earlier this year in an amended federal lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Though Lesnar is not a defendant, the lawsuit alleges McMahon used Grant as a "s*xual pawn" in contract negotiations with Lesnar in 2021. The allegations are disturbing. Grant was allegedly asked to create "personalized s*xual content" for Lesnar, and a meeting was supposedly set up for a s*xual encounter that never materialized due to Lesnar's flight changes. Following his SummerSlam return, a spokesperson for Grant issued a strongly worded statement. "For far too long, abuse was allowed to thrive under WWE's leadership. Instead of righting this wrong, WWE has done nothing to ensure those responsible are held accountable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Signs Of Heart Attack That Shouldn't Be Ignored (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo This attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug will backfire. We look forward to the full set of facts, including those about Mr. Lesnar, coming out in a court of law where they belong but, in the meantime, we refer you back to Janel Grant's updated complaint, which outlines, in detail, the abuse she endured by McMahon and others while employed at WWE. " Lesnar's return was epic and it gave hardcore WWE fans something to cheer for but behind the spotlight, the comeback was always at the risk of controversy. Triple H opens up on keeping Brock Lesnar's return secret Brock Lesnar F5ed John Cena. Image via: Elsa/ Getty Images WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque offered insight into how Lesnar's return was orchestrated. According to Triple H, this wasn't just a creative decision as it was personal, which was rooted in John Cena's retirement run. "This is John Cena's wish list. It's him writing the last chapter of his book," said Triple H during the SummerSlam post-show panel. "One of the very first things I said to [Cena] is, 'Who do you want? And how?' and we're working through that." To preserve the shock factor, WWE went to extreme lengths to keep the comeback secret. Lesnar was flown into a private airport a day before the event and hidden at the venue. Even WWE writers and producers were kept in the dark. The company canceled its usual post-event press conference to avoid tough questions. Reports suggest WWE's legal team cleared Lesnar four weeks before the event. Could Vince McMahon find his way back after Brock Lesnar? Brock Lesnar's return is also raising a more uncomfortable question. Is this a prelude to Vince McMahon testing the waters for his own comeback? McMahon resigned from all WWE and TKO roles in early 2024, following the original filing of Grant's lawsuit. Public trust is fragile. WWE risks undermining its credibility if it treats such serious allegations as minor PR hurdles. While Lesnar himself has not addressed the lawsuit, and no s*xual contact is alleged to have occurred, his involvement in the narrative has already fractured the fanbase. If WWE were to extend the same treatment to McMahon, the blowback could be far more severe. Also Read: Brock Lesnar ends speculation, returns to SummerSlam 2025 to F5 John Cena McMahon's WWE return chances are slim to none at this stage as his case in the lawsuit is far more intense and complicated than Lesnar's. So, it is fair to assume that WWE or TKO would not risk a PR nightmare by putting McMahon back on the throne, especially when WWE is thriving. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
