The WWE SmackDown, July 11, 2025, served as the go-home show for both July 12th’s Saturday Night’s Main Event and July 13th WWE Evolution 2025. It marked a return to the two-hour streamlined format after a period of three-hour broadcasts. It emanated live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. With a mix of championship matches, a celebrity angle, and intensifying rivalries, the show set the stage for a massive wrestling weekend.
Matches Recap
Fatal 4-Way Match: Alexa Bliss defeated Roxanne Perez, Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca
The opening match saw Alexa Bliss triumph over Roxanne Perez, Kairi Sane, and NXT’s Sol Ruca in a high-energy Fatal 4-Way contest. Sol Ruca, making her main roster debut, showcased her athleticism with a double Sol Snatcher on Sane and Perez. However, Alexa Bliss, with an assist from Charlotte Flair, countered Kairi Sane’s Insane Elbow and secured the victory with her Sister Abigail DDT. This win earned Bliss and Flair a spot in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Fatal 4-Way Match at WWE Evolution 2.
This match served multiple purposes: it elevated Alexa Bliss as a key player in the women’s tag team division, introduced Sol Ruca to the main roster audience, and furthered the uneasy alliance between Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Ruca’s performance was a highlight. It signaled her potential as a future star, but her loss kept her protected by not taking the pin. The involvement of Flair hints at tension in their partnership. The lack of focus on current champions Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, as noted by Wrestling Inc., suggests a potential shift in storyline direction.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis) defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) (C)
In a highly anticipated rematch from two weeks prior, The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis) dethroned The Street Profits to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships. The Street Profits started strong, leveraging their synergy with a series of high-flying and power moves. However, interference from Erick Rowan, who pulled Montez Ford out of the ring after a Frog Splash, shifted the momentum. Gacy and Lumis capitalized with their assisted powerbomb, securing the victory and the titles as Uncle Howdy watched ominously from the ramp.
The Wyatt Sicks’ victory marks a significant moment for the faction, establishing them as a dominant force in the tag team division. The interference-heavy finish aligns with the group’s chaotic heel persona. The Street Profits’ loss ends their reign. The Wyatt Sicks’ eerie presentation continues to captivate, but their in-ring work needs to evolve to maintain credibility as champions. This win also sets up potential clashes with other teams, such as Los Garza or Motor City Machine Guns at SummerSlam.
Singles Match: Ron Killings defeated Aleister Black
In a surprisingly quick match, Ron Killings (also referred to as R-Truth) defeated Aleister Black via a roll-up. Black, seeking payback for prior encounters, dominated early but was caught off-guard by Killings’ veteran savvy. Post-match, an irate Black attacked Killings backstage. He was confronted by Damian Priest, leading to a heated altercation.
This match was more about advancing the storyline than delivering a competitive bout. Killings’ upset victory keeps him relevant as a beloved babyface. Black’s post-match aggression signals a brewing feud with Damian Priest. The backstage brawl suggests this program is heading toward a larger confrontation with Priest defending Killings’ honor. The inconsistency in Killings’ name (R-Truth vs. Ron Killings) noted by Cageside Seats reflects WWE’s occasional creative indecision, which could confuse casual viewers.
Promos and Segments
LA Knight Opened the Show, Then Was Confronted by Solo Sikoa
LA Knight kicked off SmackDown with a fiery promo. He targeted Seth Rollins, calling him “washed” and vowing to defeat him. Paul Heyman briefly appeared, but Solo Sikoa, accompanied by JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, and Tonga Loa, interrupted. The segment escalated when Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed ambushed Knight on behalf of Rollins.
LA Knight’s promo solidified his status as a top babyface. His crowd connection rivals that of Cody Rhodes or John Cena. The interruption by Sikoa’s new Bloodline faction reinforces their heel dominance. The ambush by Breakker and Reed adds layers to Knight’s storyline, positioning him as an underdog against a powerful heel coalition. This segment effectively built heat for the upcoming event. Knight’s inability to break into the main event scene remains a creative challenge.
Jelly Roll’s Celebrity Angle with Logan Paul and Randy Orton
Country singer and Nashville native, Jelly Roll, made a special appearance. He received a massive hometown pop. Logan Paul interrupted him. He mocked Jelly Roll’s legitimacy in WWE and labeled him a “fraud.” Jelly Roll fired back, leaning on his local roots for crowd support. The segment took a dramatic turn when Randy Orton intervened. He confronted Paul and accused him of being the real fraud. As Orton was distracted, Drew McIntyre attacked with a Claymore. This allowed Paul to capitalize with a post-segment beatdown. Jelly Roll, initially hesitant, pulled Logan Paul off Randy Orton. This hinted at his involvement at SummerSlam.
This segment laid the groundwork for Jelly Roll’s rumored SummerSlam debut match. Wrestling Inc. criticized the segment for feeling lackluster despite its star power. They noted that Paul’s hypocrisy (as a former influencer-turned-wrestler) undermined his promo’s credibility. Orton’s involvement elevates the angle. McIntyre’s attack keeps his feud with Orton alive. The segment’s “unserious” tone may appeal to casual fans but risks alienating hardcore viewers if the payoff lacks substance.
Nashville’s own Jelly Roll nailed Logan Paul on the July 11th WWE SmackDown
Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus War of Words
Wade Barrett hosted a tense interview between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and her Evolution 2 challenger, Trish Stratus. Stratton explained her choice of Stratus as her opponent. She cited her desire to defeat a legend as a means to cement her legacy. Stratus responded with a confident but underwhelming promo. Naomi interrupted. She reminded them of her Money in the Bank briefcase. Then Jade Cargill attacked her from behind, reinforcing the briefcase’s threat.
This segment aimed to build anticipation for Stratton vs Stratus but fell flat due to a lack of heat. Stratton’s babyface turn feels forced. She has a natural “mean girl” persona. Stratus’ return is a nostalgic draw, but her promo lacked the fire needed to sell the feud. Naomi and Cargill’s involvement keeps the Money in the Bank storyline active. The segment’s lack of intensity suggests WWE may be rushing this matchup without sufficient buildup.
Storylines and Character Developments
The Wyatt Sicks’ Rise to Power
The Wyatt Sicks’ tag team title win solidifies their dominance in the tag team division. Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis presented a united, menacing front. Their targeting of the entire division, as seen in prior weeks, continues to build their aura as unstoppable heels. The faction’s success is a tribute to Bray Wyatt’s legacy, but their repetitive interference tactics risk becoming stale. Their championship reign opens opportunities for feuds with teams like The Street Profits, Los Garza, or even a returning DIY. WWE must balance their supernatural gimmick with in-ring credibility to sustain fan interest.
Solo Sikoa’s New Bloodline
Solo Sikoa, alongside JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, and Tonga Loa, continues to assert dominance as a revamped Bloodline. Their interruption of LA Knight’s promo and the subsequent ambush by Breakker and Reed suggest a broader heel alliance forming. Sikoa’s character has evolved into a cocky, lighthearted heel. The inclusion of new members like Talla Tonga strengthens the faction. However, their feud with Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu needs clearer direction. The alliance with Rollins’ group could lead to a major faction war.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair’s Uneasy Alliance
Bliss and Flair’s victory in the Fatal 4-Way and prior Triple Threat Tag Team Match highlights their “alliance of convenience.” Flair’s disrespectful tag-in during the WWE SmackDown July 4th episode and Bliss’ reliance on her for the win on July 11th hint at underlying tension. This storyline is one of the most compelling on SmackDown, blending Flair’s arrogance with Bliss’ manipulative tendencies. Their potential title win at Evolution 2 could either solidify their partnership or lead to a dramatic betrayal, adding intrigue to the women’s tag division. The lack of focus on champions Perez and Rodriguez suggests a possible title change to further this narrative.
LA Knight’s Main Event Push?
LA Knight’s opening promo and subsequent ambush by Breakker and Reed underscore his status as a top babyface. His inability to secure a main event spot remains a point of contention. His feud with Seth Rollins and potential clashes with Sikoa’s Bloodline are central to his storyline arc. Knight’s charisma and crowd support make him a standout. However, WWE’s reluctance to elevate him to the world title picture is puzzling. Knight needs a defining victory to cement his status.
Jelly Roll’s Integration into WWE
Jelly Roll’s appearance and confrontation with Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre kickstarted a SummerSlam storyline. His physical involvement in pulling Paul off Orton suggests a match, likely a tag team. While Jelly Roll’s hometown pop was electric, the segment’s execution drew mixed reactions. Fans on Reddit expressed disdain for another celebrity angle. They fear it could overshadow established stars. WWE must tread carefully to ensure Jelly Roll’s involvement enhances the product rather than diluting it.
Overall Verdict
The July 11th SmackDown was a solid go-home show. The return to a two-hour format eliminated a lot of filler. It kept the pacing tight. The Wyatt Sicks’ title win was the night’s biggest moment. The Alexa Bliss-Charlotte Flair storyline continued to intrigue. LA Knight’s prominence and Jelly Roll’s debut added star power.
However, the show wasn’t without flaws. The Tiffany Stratton-Trish Stratus segment lacked the intensity needed for a major title feud. The Ron Killings-Aleister Black match felt like a means to an end rather than a standalone highlight. Fan reactions reflected frustration with certain booking decisions, such as Wyatt Sicks’ reliance on interference and the lack of main event stars like Cody Rhodes and John Cena.
Looking ahead, SmackDown is well-positioned to capitalize on its storylines at SummerSlam and beyond. The Wyatt Sicks’ reign, Sikoa’s Bloodline, and Knight’s pursuit of the main event are compelling threads. However, the women’s division needs stronger feuds to match the men’s momentum. WWE’s challenge will be balancing its star-studded roster with coherent storytelling to maintain fan engagement.
