WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network | August 1st, 2025 — The Episode Preview:

Aleister Black, since his return to WWE, has been running hotshot, but Aleister Black and Damian Priest had some tension rising for weeks. Aleister Black struck first as he has had enough of Damian Priest and his games. Tonight on the Go-Home Episode of Friday Night SmackDown, we’ll see Aleister Black take on Damian Priest in a Singles Bout. Don’t miss Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network at 08:00 PM ET and 05:00 PM PT. (Photo by WWE)

The August 1st Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena will be live in the Prudential Center for SmackDown as he’ll go face-to-face with his challenger for SummerSlam in Cody Rhodes. After the chaotic contract signing weeks back, this will be their 2nd meeting face-to-face on the build towards SummerSlam. What’ll happen? Will it be peaceful, or will chaos strike? We will find out tonight on Friday Night SmackDown

• Aleister Black made his return in April of 2025. Since then, he has encountered a few people in his way, but nothing like Damian Priest. The two had brief interactions for weeks as Damian Proieest tried to calm down Aleister Black with the issues he had with Ron Killings. Still, once Aleister Black lost to Ron Killings on the July 11th Episode of SmackDown, he snapped and attacked Damian Priest. The following week, as Damian Priest was facing Carmelo Hayes, he attacked Damian Priest once again and hit a Black Mass. The two men have had it out for each other they go to blows tonight on the Go-Home Episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

• Giulia defeated Zelina Vega in June to capture the WWE Women’s United States Title from her to get her first piece of gold on the Main Roster. Zelina Vega got her revenge, taking Giulia out of contention at the WWE Evolution Battle Royale Match. Last week, after a brief confrontation, the match was made, but Giulia had some backup in Kiana James. As Zelina Vega is looking to recapture her title, what will it take for her to regain her title from the red-hot rising Giulia?

• Los Garzas in June gained the AAA World Tag Team Titles. They have issued an Open Challenge via on WWE Social Media Account to anyone from RAW, NXT, and SmackDown to step up the the challenge. Who’ll face Los Garzas tonight for the AAA World Tag Team Championships?

• Talla Tonga will have his in-ring Debut as the Muscle of the MFT group; he’ll face off against Jimmy Uso. Jimmy Uso has been in the throes of the MFTs for quite some time, but Talla Tonga is looking to take down Jimmy Uso and give the advantage to the MFTs.

The Matches Announced for the May 12th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest in a Singles Match.

2. Giulia (with Kiana James) (c) vs. Zelina Vega in a Singles Title Match for the WWE Women’s United States Championship.

3. Los Garzas (Angel & Berto) (with Santos Escobar (c) vs. ??? & ??? in a Tag Team Title Match for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.

4. Jimmy Uso vs. Talla Tonga in a Singles Match.

The Segments Announced for the August 1st Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena will go face-to-face with Cody Rhodes before their WWE SummerSlam Night Two Main Event Title Match.