5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (8 Aug - Results & Review)

4. Sami Zayn Gives The People What They Want

There's no point in complaining about the way Raw stars come to SmackDown or vice versa as things stand in August 2025. WWE just doesn't give a toss about the Draft, and it won't until its ready to crow about another one. It's annoying as all hell, but it is what it is. Also, at least they had the decency to bring somebody awesome over like Sami Zayn. He improved Friday's show, and that's all you can really ask for from one of these surprise stopovers.

Zayn entered a pretty basic babyface underdog performance here, but that’s not meant as criticism. It was exactly what Montreal wanted from his match vs. Solo Sikoa. The MFTs at ringside gave Sami the means to fight from underneath, then Zayn got the crowd-popping win with a quick roll up. It's doubtful that this will lead to anything longer term between Zayn and Sikoa, but Solo is the kind of heel who can eat this sort of loss then bounce back through delusional self-belief anyway.

In other words, what a fun little diversion for SmackDown.

Solo is becoming more of a utility player for WWE than a top guy, and that’s perfectly fine. Not everybody can be a main event focal point. Conversely, it does look like Sami is slowly building his way towards a future World Heavyweight Title reign. Royal Rumble triumph along the way en route to WrestleMania 42? Don't bet against it.

Zayn can work this kind of match in his sleep. Again, that sounds negative but isn't meant to. He's just really, really, really great at what he does.