Credit: WWE.com
Friday Night SmackDown delivered an electrifying night live from the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France on August 29, 2025, highlighted by a pulsating United States Championship bout where Sami Zayn dethroned Solo Sikoa to claim the gold. Alongside significant title matches and intense backstage confrontations, the show solidified the ongoing narratives ahead of WWE’s upcoming Clash in Paris pay-per-view.
Sami Zayn Upsets Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship
The highly anticipated main event saw Solo Sikoa put his WWE United States Championship on the line against the resilient Sami Zayn. The match was a grueling back-and-forth contest lasting over 12 minutes, featuring high-impact strikes, signature moves, and repeated near falls that kept the Lyon crowd on the edge of their seats. Solo dominated early with a series of devastating strikes and his feared Spinning Solo finisher, but Zayn persisted through the onslaught.
The turning point came when both men reached the top turnbuckle, battling for momentum. Sami executed a sunset bomb, and then after dodging Solo’s Samoan Spike attempt, unleashed two devastating Helluva Kicks to secure the three-count pinfall and become the new United States Champion. This victory marked Zayn’s first United States Title reign, a career milestone celebrated with a fireworks display and roaring crowd approval.
Backstage sources revealed a sense of respect between the two competitors despite the fierce battle. “Solo respects Sami’s heart and ring IQ,” a WWE insider shared, “This is just the beginning of a compelling new chapter for the US Title scene.”
WWE Tag Team Title #1 Contenders Match: Street Profits vs. The Miz & Carmelo Hayes
In a high-stakes tag team showdown, The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) faced the duo of Carmelo Hayes and The Miz “Melo Don’t Miz” to determine the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The Street Profits showcased their signature athleticism and chemistry, overcoming the crafty experience and cunning tactics of Hayes and Miz.
Bo Dallas made a surprising backstage appearance, confronting The Street Profits about their alliance. Speaking candidly, Dallas claimed, “Wyatts’ bond is unbreakable that’s why they dominate. The Profits might be talented, but can they match that kind of brotherhood?” The segment hinted at possible tension or storyline development leading into future tag team affairs.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the Line: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, were challenged by the formidable team of Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, self-styled as “The Secret Service.” The match was punctuated by aggression before it even officially started, as Green and Fyre launched a brutal attack on Flair and Bliss on the entrance ramp.
Despite the early chaos, the champions regained control in the ring. Alexa Bliss secured the victory following a distraction by Alba Fyre, showcasing Flair and Bliss’s combined veteran savvy and resilience.
John Cena and Logan Paul’s Heated Promo Exchange
Adding further intrigue to SmackDown, John Cena made a significant appearance to confront Logan Paul in a fiery promo exchange. Cena addressed Paul’s claims of being WWE’s biggest draw, countering with a challenge that would help Paul prove himself in the ring. Cena warned that if Paul failed to step up in their upcoming Clash in Paris match, it would be Paul and not wrestling that would suffer irreparable damage.
The verbal showdown electrified fans in attendance and set the tone for what many insiders predict will be a marquee bout at the pay-per-view. According to a WWE insider, “Cena is laser-focused on teaching Paul that wrestling requires more than fame it demands respect and heart.”
Crowd Reaction and Future Implications
The Lyon crowd was vocally invested throughout the evening, with chants and cheers reaching fever pitch during Sami Zayn’s title win and the subsequent celebration. This episode marked a pivotal moment for Zayn’s character evolution, as he transitions from a beloved underdog to a fighting champion poised to defend the United States Title against fresh challengers.
Meanwhile, the tag division and women’s tag scene continue to simmer with potential rivalries. With the Street Profits earning their contender spot and Bo Dallas raising questions about loyalty and brotherhood, fans can anticipate layered storytelling in the weeks ahead.