Top five storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (August 8, 2025); 'Real' John Cena returns, SummerSlam fallout & more

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown will feature appearances from John Cena & Cody Rhodes!

The 2025 edition of WWE SummerSlam concluded this past weekend and edged its place in the history books being the biggest and the first-ever two-night SummerSlam, a format previously reserved only for WrestleMania.

Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown is set to air live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The promotion will likely kick off the build towards the upcoming Clash in Paris 2025. 

The newly crowned WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, is set to address the WWE Universe this week. John Cena is also set for an appearance on the show. Here are the top five storylines that will dominate the WWE SmackDown broadcast and shape the landscape going into WWE Clash in Paris.

5. SummerSlam 2025 fallout

The 2025 edition of WWE SummerSlam concluded on August 2 and 3, and emanated live from the same venue, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

The PLE featured multiple moments that will reshape many storylines and create new ones. Tonight’s show will feature the aftermath of the show and might kick off the build towards Clash in Paris.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (August 8, 2025) Preview, match card, news, timings, where to watch & more

4. And Still Tag Team Champions!

Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) defeated Andrade & Rey Fénix, #DIY, Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns & The Street Profits in a six-pack TLC match at Night 2 of SummerSlam to retain the WWE Tag Team titles.

However, the challengers are unlikely to back down and might rise up to challenge the status quo. It will be interesting to see how they can counter the numbers game advantage of Wyatt Sicks.

3. US Title scene

During Night 2 of SummerSlam, Solo Sikoa, with the help of his MFT (JC Mateo, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) defeated Jacob Fatu to retain the United States title.

However, with a little help from Jimmy Uso, Fatu dismantled Loa and Mateo after the match. Fatu is unlikely to back down until he gets his hands on Solo and regains the title.

2. What’s next for The Quarterback?

As mentioned, the newly crowned WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to make an appearance on tonight’s show.

The appearance comes after his win in the main event of Night 2 of the PLE, where he pinned John Cena to regain the title. It will be interesting to see what’s next in store for Rhodes, especially since WWE has no plans to turn him heel anytime soon.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (August 8, 2025)

1. ‘Real’ John Cena returns

Despite losing the title at SummerSlam, John Cena was cheered on by fans who were happy to see him turn face and make his ‘iconic’ entrance once again.

However, the moment turned chaotic as soon as Brock Lesnar’s music hit and the Beast Incarnate made his return after two years. Lesnar took out Cena with an F5, reigniting the feud. Cena will likely address the attack tonight.

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