‘WWE Smackdown’ Review’ (Aug 1st 2025)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Women’s United States Championship – Giulia def. Zelina Vega
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Zelina Vega looked to regain the Women’s United States Title against fierce rival Giulia. Giulia locked in a surfboard submission move that left Vega writhing in pain but Vega was able to maneuver out of it. Vega kept up the offense, hitting an avalanche German Suplex, but the Beautiful Madness was able to kick out. Giulia nailed a super Butterfly Suplex, an Arrivederci Knee and a Northern Lights Bomb, but still Vega kicked out, erupting the WWE Universe with “this is awesome” chants. Despite the comeback from Vega, Giulia eventually hit a second Northern Lights Bomb to win the match in thrilling fashion.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: AAA Tag Team Championship – Los Garza def. Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
AAA Superstars Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown answered AAA Tag Team Champions Los Garza’s open challenge, igniting the WWE Universe. Once Mr. Iguana was tagged in, he was a house on fire as he and La Yesca flew all around the ring. Despite a game effort, Los Garza put away Psycho Clown the MTY to win the match.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Damian Priest def. Aleister Black (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Damian Priest and Aleister Black collided for the first time ever, one night before SummerSlam. Black neutralized Priest to start the match until The Archer of Infamy was able to bounce back, nailing Old School. Black went for a huge moonsault, but Priest moved out of the way before pouncing Black over the announce table. Just as Priest was about to use the announce table again, Black blasted Priest with a steel chair to cause the disqualification. After the match, Black continued the onslaught, leaving Priest down and out.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #4: Talla Tonga def. Jimmy Uso
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Talla Tonga made his in-ring debut, taking on Jimmy Uso. Solo Sikoa tried to interfere, but Uso was able to thwart his plans, hitting a Spear to leave Tonga laying. Tonga was able to shrug off Uso’s offense, catching Uso with a chokeslam to win his first match in WWE.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This week’s show had its moments, but overall felt like it fell just short of delivering on its full potential. John Cena’s face turn was a solid emotional beat, but the segment felt a bit rushed considering its importance. Giulia’s title defense against Zelina Vega was the clear highlight of the night, the two women given time and space to put on the best match of the show. The AAA Tag Open Challenge was a welcome surprise, yet the debuting team, while entertaining, didn’t leave a lasting impact. Talla Tonga’s dominant win was a highlight, but the pacing of the show dragged in places. The final brawl was chaotic fun, but overall the episode fell a little short.
