SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
AUGUST 22, 2025
DUBLIN, IRELAND AT 3ARENA
AIRED ON USA NETWORK AND ON NETFLIX INTERNATIONALLY
Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 9,069 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 13,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Eric Corbridge to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed the exterior of the arena. Then they showed Logan Paul arriving, then the Street Profits, the MFTs, Charlotte, Piper Niven with Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre.
-They went to Tessitore and Wade Barrett standing at ringside. Tessitore touted the energy in the arena.
-Becky Lynch made her ring entrance to her new theme. She was wildly cheered. She talked about being a fan who attended matches there. She said she always dreamed they could have TV there. She then said, “And now that’s happening, I finally get to say, you don’t deserve it,” she said. Fans booed. She said she petitioned the back to try to get the show cancelled. Fans chanted, “We want Lyra!” She said none of them have a face for TV. She said they don’t appreciate her. She said she is aghast at the lack of media coverage she received in Ireland. “I am your hero,” she said. “I shouldn’t even have to tell you that I’m your hero because that’s not how heroing works, but here we are.” Fans booed.
Becky said people often talk about being let down by their heroes, but the tide has turned because she’s let down by each of them. She said she’s the best female wrestler of all time, including Sports Illustrated. She said she has achieved things people thought was impossible.
She listed her title wins. She said she makes history every single year. “On top of all that, I have a very hot American husband!” she said. Fans booed and then chanted, “C.M. Punk!” She said she deserves a parade or a mural or a street name. She riffed on local athletes that got the fans riled up. Tiffany Stratton interrupted. She slapped hands, had some words for Becky, and then posed in the ring for fans. Fans chanted, “Tiffy time!” Becky told the crowd, “You disgust me.”
Tiffany said she doesn’t understand how she could be so ungrateful to Dublin. “And not only that, but you’re on the wrong show, sweetie,” she said. She said she should leave or she’d make her leave. Nia Jax then marched out to her music.
Jax asked why Tiffany was concerning herself with this. “She has a point about Dublin,” Jax said. “It sucks.” She shoved Tiffany and then stomped on her. Becky joined in stomping on her. Jade Cargill then charged out and went after Jax. Tiffany dropkicked Jax off the ring apron. Nick Aldis walked out and said he thought it’d be fun to have Big Time Becks on Smackdown in Dublin. He said he just talked to Adam Pearce who signed off on a tag match with those four. (Shock!)
-Backstage, Axiom told Carmelo Hayes he looked great last week. Nathan Frazer warned him that Miz is a schemer. Miz walked up to them and took exception to that. Hayes said Miz is smarter than everyone, which is why they’re in the position they’re in. Miz said, “We’re Melo Don’t Miz and We’re Awe-Him!” As they turned to leave, Axiom gave Frazer a hard time for stirring up trouble.
-Carmelo Hayes and Miz made their entrance to Hayes’s music. [c]
-A commercial aired for Wrestlepalooza on ESPN on Sept. 20 with the narration celebrating the alliance of WWE and ESPN as a monumental moment in sports.
(1) MELO DON’T MIZ (Carmelo Hayes & Miz) vs. THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
The MCMG’s ring entrance aired next. The bell rang 25 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted, “We Want Miz!” Melo teased tagging in Miz, but pulled away. Fans gasped and booed. Melo ran the ropes and Miz tagged himself in. Fans cheered. The MCMG’s slidekicked Miz and Melo at ringside. Sabin then dove through the ropes and tackled them at ringside. They cut to a break at 3:00. [c/db]
They returned from the break with Sabin getting a hot-tag. Melo was going to leap off the top rope a minute later, but Miz tagged himself in. Melo took exception. Sabin shoved Melo into Miz, knocking Miz off the ring apron. Melo caught Sabin with a lung blower. Shelley then charged in and clotheslined Melo over the top rope. Then he slingshot himself onto Melo at ringside. Miz then pinned Sabin mid-ring.
WINNERS: Miz & Hayes in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Miz and Melo are such an odd tag team, but Melo’s loyalty to him even with moments of frustration seems endearing and naive at the same time.)
-Cathy Kelley asked Jimmy Uso about everyone’s reaction to the news of Naomi being pregnant. Sami Zayn ran up to him and hugged him. He said he’s crying his eyes out and said he always has an uncle in Sami Uso. In walked Solo Sikoa with the MFTs. Solo told Cathy Kelley to leave. He told Jimmy he’d give him a blessing and name him after his favorite uncle, Solo. Jimmy said he had a good answer for him. Sami said it’s “no yeet.” He told Solo he needs to focus on keeping his U.S. Title. Solo said he’d see him later. Fans sang Sami’s song.
-Tessitore hyped Charlotte vs. Piper. [c]
(2) CHARLOTTE FLAIR vs. PIPER NIVEN (w/Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre)
A clip aired of what Chelsea, Fyre, and Green attacking Liv Morgan last week. Barrett said it left her uncleared to wrestle this week. The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 1:00 after Niven landed a turning Bossman Slam after a distraction by Green on the ring apron. [c]
After the break, Charlotte avoided a swing-splash out of the corner by Niven. Charlotte chopped away at her chest and then landed a clothesline and big boot. She crotch-chopped Chelsea at ringside and followed up with a top rope moonsault for a two count at 6:00.
Charlotte speared Niven for a two count seconds later. As she set up a figure-four, Chelsea jumped onto the ring apron. Charlotte knocked her off the ring apron. On the other side of the ring, Fyre distracted the ref as Charlotte applied the Figure-Eight. Chelsea raked Charlotte’s eyes. Niven then landed a corner splash and her Michinoku Driver for a three count.
WINNER: Niven in 8:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Even with the interference, it was quite a moment seeing Niven score a three count on Charlotte. It’s good to book her to get a win like that to keep her feeling relevant in matches like this.)
-Kiana James was pitching Giulia when Michin walked up to them and told Giulia she wants a title match. Kiana said you have go through her first. Michin said she’d be fine having two matches, not just one. Giulia said she’s not worried.
-Tessitore hyped John Cena would be out next. [c]
-Another video touted the WWE-ESPN deal. Tessitore plugged that WWE PLEs now are part of ESPN’s “Direct to Consumer” streaming platform.
[HOUR TWO]
-John Cena made his ring entrance to cheers from the fans. The ring announcer gave the usual glowing introduction for Cena. Logan Paul came out to his music next. He took some digs at the Dublin fans. He talked about his talents and success. He asked when fans will accept him. He said he’s been doing this longer than half the people in the locker room now. He said if he wants attention, he doesn’t have to get naked at the Oscars to get it. Fans chanted “Cena! Cena!” Logan said Cena is a “moment-maker” and an “eye-ball magnet.” Logan told the fans to shut up.
Logan said they can play a game. He said one of them is the imposter. He asked if it’s the guy who risks his life at every PLE for their viewing pleasure or the guy who has been doing the same five moves for the last 25 years. He said he’s real and Cena leaves to pretend to be others. He said he is there to stay and it’s his house now. Fans chanted, “Wanker! Wanker!”
Cena said, “Logan Paul is an undeniable presence. Logan Paul is a tremendous athlete. Logan Paul is a future WWE Champion. Logan Paul is a future WrestleMania Main Event.” Logan smiled and nodded. Cena said those are things he believes to be true and it makes him upset. He said there’s one term for Logan. He said the fans apparently think it’s “wanker,” but it’s “outsider.” He said he is a disappointment because when Logan arrived, they opened their arms to him. He said instead of respecting their house, “you use us as some branding opportunity.” He went over and knocked over his energy drink display at ringside.
He said Logan has had 23 matches whereas he has put his heart and soul into WWE for 23 years. He said he has done it at events without cameras present, including in that arena against Sheamus in 2010. He said every time he steps in the ring, whether he has 100 moves or five moves or one move. (He made a gesture off camera that fans reacted to.) He said what he always asks himself is, “What can I give to this business?” He said Logan’s question is what can you take from this business. He told Logan, “I’m dropping some wisdom on you, so shut your mouth.” He was in preacher mode now. He said the people can see through b.s. and they know he’s there for the wrong reasons. He said Logan isn’t an outsider, he’s a parasite. He said that tracks and it sounds good.
Cena said he sucks everything out of the business he can. Fans chanted “Logan sucks!” and then “A.J. Styles!” Cena said they think he’s wasting his time with him because they want to see legendary matches. He said he’s a man of his word and Logan got lucky and he was first in line and asked for a match and now he’s got it. He said Clash in Paris is the most important of his life. He said he knows a lot about hustle, but nothing about loyalty or respect. He said he should understand “this is never your house.” He said he learned the hard way that this is their world; he pointed at the crowd.
Cena closed with: “As far as that co-habitation agreement, read the news, homie, you’ve got plenty of legal trouble.” Cena said the only agreement they have is he better bring his A-game to Paris. He said his opponent is the greatest of all-time. He said Logan is a back-flipping YouTuber selling salt water, and he won’t let him and his drone fly into Paris and beat him. He said he will either understand what it means to give of himself to the business he loves “or I’ll beat the ever-livin’ shine out of you.” Logan knocked Cena’s hat off his head and poked his chest. Fans chanted, “Wanker! Wanker!” again. Cena lifted Logan and delivered an Attitude Adjustment.”
Tessitore said that was “an Attitude Adjustment for someone who needs one.” Cena’s music played.
(Keller’s Analysis: There’s still too much met “for the industry” stuff from Cena, but this had top-level energy and passion from Cena and drew the line well between two contrasting people and in the end built up a fight with pride at stake in a big way. Logan is a really good foil for Cena and it brought out the best delivery and content from Cena this year. It was focused and on point.) [c]
-Tiffany approached Jade stretching backstage. Jade said she ran out there so that when she beats her, there will be no excuses. She said she’s coming for her title.
-The Street Profits made their ring entrance. [c]
-Logan met Drew McIntyre backstage. Drew asked, “What the hell was that?” He accused Logan of being scared of Cena and his mystique. He said it’s not 2010 and that’s not Super-Cena. He said he’s still Cena, but he told Logan that he (Logan) is still in his prime. “He embarrassed you, so you’re going to make this right tonight, no matter what it takes.” And then Logan said, “Yes, sir.” Drew emphasized, “Whatever it takes.”
(3) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins w/B-Fab) vs. TONGA LOA & J.C. MATEO (w/Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga)
The bell rang 26 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c/db]
Ford avoided a charge in the corner by Mateo. Tonga tagged in and took over against Ford. Ford tossed Mateo out of the ring and then crawled over and then leaped to get the hot-tag to Dawkins. Dawkins leapfrogged Mateo and landed a flying elbow and then a tornado corner splash. He lifted Mateo onto his shoulders. Mateo slipped out of the electric chair.
Ford tagged in and the Profits took him down with a double-team move. Tonga (sorta) broke up the cover. Ford clotheslined Tonga over the top rope. Ford then landed a flying knee to Mateo. Ford set up a top rope move, but Talla knocked him down. Mateo gave Ford a Tour of the Islands for a near fall. Tessitore gave away the pending kickout by saying it was over.
Jimmy Uso then went after Talla with a chair. Talla blocked it and knocked Jimmy over the ringside barricade. They brawled into the crowd. As Solo stood on the announce desk, Sami came out and tripped him and nailed a Helluva kick. Sami bolted. Ford landed a dive over the top rope onto Mateo. Dawkins then gave Mateo a sidewalk slam. Ford landed a top rope splash for a three count.
WINNERS: The Profits in 10:00. [c]
-Aleister Black made his entrance. Truth appeared on the big screen and apologized that he flew to Dublin, Georgia instead of Dublin, Ireland. He said he made a call to one of his good friends, though. Out came Damien Priest instead.
Priest ran out and attacked Black. Security ran out to pull them apart. Black rolled into the ring. Priest broke free from security and kicked Black. Black rolled out of the ring. They fought at ringside.
-As a recap aired of Drew’s attack on Cody, Drew came out through the crowd and entered the ring. He said Cody is “a little bitch.” He said he did Cody a favor so he can spent more time with his newly won title. He said he can sleep with it, and he should cherish the time he has with it before he takes it from him. He said nobody backstage told him off for what he did to Cody because they all want his spot. Orton came up behind Drew and then gave him an RKO Out of Nowhere. Fans popped. Orton’s music played.
(Keller’s Analysis: Although Drew got a lot of cheers there, they did pop big for Orton.)
-Becky yelled at Jax backstage. She frantically told Becky they need to be on the same page today even though they’re mortal enemies. She said she needs a win tonight to prove to the fans who don’t appreciate her that she is their hero. [c]
(4) BECKY LYNCH & NIA JAX vs. TIFFANY STRATTON & JADE CARGILL
The bell rang 52 minutes into the hour. Tiffany took it to Becky early. They cut to a very early double box break. [c/db]
Back from the break, Becky rolled out of the ring after blind-tagging in Jax. Jax attacked Cargill and went for an Annihilator. Cargill powerbombed Jax. Tessitore said Becky left ringside. Tiffany landed a Best Moonsault Ever. Cargill landed a top rope splash for a three count.
WINNERS: Tiffany & Jade in 7:00.
-They cut to Cena backstage for no discernible reason as he walked out of his locker room. Aldis then ran around the corner and said he just heard from Brock Lesnar. “The thing is,” he said, at which point Logan showed up and hit him with a big right cross. Cena went down and Logan yelled, “See you in Paris!” He let out a celebration yell and then Aldis called for medics.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Eric Corbridge to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE
LINK TO BE A VIP CALLER: https://streamyard.com/iiw6a7z82h
Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
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