The first episode of Friday Night SmackDown following the massive two-night SummerSlam is tonight, and the show is loaded with major appearances. The broadcast will feature the fallout from the event’s biggest moments, including an address from John Cena regarding the shocking return of Brock Lesnar, and an appearance from the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
John Cena To Address The Brock Lesnar Attack
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has announced that John Cena will be live on SmackDown tonight to address the shocking conclusion of SummerSlam. After his Street Fight loss to Cody Rhodes, Cena was brutally attacked by a returning Brock Lesnar, who laid him out with an F5. Tonight, Cena will speak on the attack for the first time, and WWE fans will be waiting to see if “The Beast Incarnate” also makes his presence felt in Montreal.
The New Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Appears
Also on tonight’s show, the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, will make his first appearance since winning the title. “The American Nightmare” defeated John Cena in a brutal Street Fight in the main event of SummerSlam Night Two to once again become the champion. His appearance tonight will mark the beginning of a new era for the top title on the blue brand.
In addition to the major appearances, the show will also feature tag team action. The veteran duo of the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) are scheduled to take on #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) in a showcase match between two of the brand’s top teams.
Tonight’s SmackDown will set the stage for the road to the next premium live event, Clash in Paris, at the end of the month. Friday Night SmackDown airs live tonight at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network.
It's the #SmackDown after #SummerSlam and @RealNickAldis has some HUGE news regarding what will be an eventful night in Montreal! 👀
📺 8ET/7CT on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/w6E0qjixim
— WWE (@WWE) August 8, 2025
