"WWE SmackDown" will air in its usual Friday night spot on USA Network, but stars on the blue brand won't be performing live on a holiday.
The Independence Day edition of "SmackDown" was taped on Monday following "Raw." There are major implications for "Evolution 2025" following the taping. There was also a surprise return from a top main event player who had been healing from an injury.
During the "SmackDown" taping, a title match was announced for the "Evolution" PLE. A big match was also added to the upcoming "Saturday Night's Main Event" card set for July 12.
Wrestling journalist John Clark provided spoiler updates on his X account.
The show began with Cody Rhodes, who secured an Undisputed WWE Championship match by winning the King of the Ring tournament at "Night of Champions." Randy Orton interrupted "The American Nightmare" and made him promise that he will defeat John Cena at "SummerSlam."
Drew McIntyre then made an unexpected return. He attempted to manipulate Rhodes and Orton into fighting, but he ate an RKO for his efforts. Later on in the night, Orton vs. McIntyre was made official for "Saturday Night's Main Event."
Drew McIntyre has returned!!!#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/lSWZ8zAllU
— Luke Andruscik (@LukeAndruscik) July 1, 2025
"SmackDown" general manager Nick Aldis had a conversation with Charlotte Flair backstage. He urged "The Queen" to team with Alexa Bliss for a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Flair and Bliss ended up defeating The Secret Hervice.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/2wXGJLPcFf
— Brian Ely ✊ (@BrianEly357) July 1, 2025
Given the friction between The Wyatt Sicks and the rest of "SmackDown's" tag division, Aldis booked the faction against a random quartet of names from different teams. The Wyatt Sicks ended up defeating Montez Ford, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin, and Berto.
Wyatt Sicks entrance at #Smackdown in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/Y4mlUEzHwR
— Ravus (@ravus999) July 1, 2025
WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton made her way out for an in-ring promo, but she was interrupted by Jade Cargill. While Cargill has a guaranteed title shot at "SummerSlam," Stratton said she wants to defend her gold at "Evolution." She laid out the challenge to WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who accepted the title match.
Tiffany Stratton vs Trish Stratus for the Women’s Title at Evolution
— Jordan Watt - Pittsburgh Weather (@Jordan77191670) July 1, 2025
Trish Stratus makes an appearance as well.#SmackDown @PittsburghWWE pic.twitter.com/UXyeyekWtA
After defeating DIY last week, Andrade and Rey Fenix were in tag team action again. They took on Fraxiom, a team that could've made a case for a tag team title rematch. Ultimately, Andrade and Fenix scored a big victory.
Andrade and Rey Fenix make their entrance as a tag team at #SmackDown in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/S4lfk5F8Sf
— Ravus (@ravus999) July 1, 2025
Damian Priest and Aleister Black had another backstage encounter, just as they did last week. Priest informed Black that he'll be in singles action against R-Truth next week. Priest and Black got a bit more testy with one another this time.
Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo were in tag team action against Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso. This is believed to be the main event for Friday's episode of "SmackDown." Fatu scored the pin over Sikoa, but he didn't get to celebrate. The night ended with Sikoa and his group, which includes Mateo, Tala Tonga, and Tonga Loa, putting Fatu through the announce table.
#SmackDown SPOILERS: This is how SmackDown went off the air. Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso came out after the credits and saved the day.
— Juice Springsteen ️ (@JuicySteen) July 1, 2025
Looks like Jacob Fatu, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos vs. Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Tanga Loa, and Tala Tonga POTENTIALLY at #SNME. pic.twitter.com/dMyknUM37K
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!