5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (29 Aug - Results & Review)

2. Logan Paul’s Part In The Opening Promo

John Cena will get most of the attention for making things up with that kid he dismissed during a short heel run earlier this year, and for tearing strips off Paul in general, but Logan should get the bulk of fan praise here. His smarmy, self-obsessed ranting got heat from the off, and Logan was generally excellent as he stood there taking verbal punch after punch from John.

The stuff about him falling off the list of top influencers chipped away at Paul’s ego (that kind of thing is clearly very important to him), then Cena reminded his rival that he asked for this version of JC. So, don't cry about it once you get what you came for. Later, once Cena made up with the kid, Logan called that out as fake. Man was just on for the entirety of this segment.

He's right when he says he's a future World Champion around these parts.

Cena will be able to see that too. Not just anyone can hold their own in one of these promo skits with a master like John. Years ago, he chewed up Jack Swagger whilst Swagger was World Heavyweight Champ. The difference in star power between that pair was staggering, but Paul wasn't overwhelmed. He should be proud of that.

His facial expressions and the way he called out Cena for making amends with the fan all elevated this face to face. Now, assuming Logan knocks it out of the park vs. John on Sunday, he'll have some very nice moments to look forward to in 2026.