Four Major Missteps WWE Made on SmackDown After SummerSlam

• Aug 09, 2025

The SmackDown episode following SummerSlam featured memorable moments, but also several questionable booking decisions that left fans divided. John Cena opened the night by thanking the audience for their support and declaring he was not afraid of Brock Lesnar, though Lesnar did not appear. Cena issued an open challenge, which was answered by Logan Paul. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair presented birthday gifts to her tag partner Alexa Bliss but made the moment largely about herself.

While some segments landed well, WWE made four key mistakes on this post-SummerSlam show.

#4. Jacob Fatu’s absence despite strong SummerSlam showing

Jacob Fatu lost a Steel Cage match to Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam but emerged looking dominant, executing multiple moonsaults, including one from the top of the cage. Despite finishing the match relatively unscathed, Fatu was nowhere to be seen on SmackDown. His absence was surprising given his popularity and momentum, and he could have logically answered Sikoa’s challenge.

#3. Uneven spotlight for Women’s Champions

Women’s titleholders Giulia and Tiffany Stratton were relegated to a shared backstage segment, while tag champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss had three separate appearances, including an in-ring segment and Flair’s singles match win over Chelsea Green. The imbalance left some champions underrepresented, despite their recent major wins.

#2. Solo Sikoa’s credibility hit with loss to Sami Zayn

After boasting that no one wanted to challenge him, Sikoa was confronted by Sami Zayn in his hometown of Montreal. Zayn overcame interference from multiple stars and rolled Sikoa up for the victory. Coming off a SummerSlam win, Sikoa’s immediate loss further weakened his credibility as U.S. Champion and diminished the title’s prestige.

#1. John Cena vs. Logan Paul set for Clash in Paris

Cena’s retirement tour has been mostly positive, but booking him against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris was seen as a missed opportunity. Paul initially declined to face Cena, only for the match to be made later after an in-ring confrontation. Critics argue that Cena’s limited remaining appearances should be reserved for matches against top-tier opponents such as Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Gunther, Bron Breakker, or Roman Reigns.

Overall, while SmackDown delivered star power, these missteps in booking and talent utilization left room for improvement heading into WWE’s next big event.