WWE SmackDown Dublin Recap: John Cena’s Return Overshadowed by Logan Paul, Piper Niven Stuns Charlotte Flair

WWE brought the blue brand overseas this week, as SmackDown emanated from the sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The night was filled with shocking upsets, high-stakes drama, and a blockbuster return from none other than John Cena, whose homecoming moment was quickly tainted by an ambush from Logan Paul.

Melo Don’t Miz Topple Motor City Machine Guns

The show kicked off with high-octane tag team action as Carmelo Hayes and The Miz teamed up against the legendary Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin). While the Guns showcased their trademark chemistry, Miz opportunistically tagged himself in late and scored the pinfall on Sabin, much to Hayes’ surprise. The victory raised eyebrows about whether this duo could be a legitimate force—or if Miz’s ego might soon derail them.

Piper Niven Upsets Charlotte Flair

In one of the night’s biggest shocks, Piper Niven defeated Charlotte Flair in front of the Irish crowd. Assisted by Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, Niven capitalized on the distraction to land a crushing Michinoku Driver for the win. This victory not only puts Niven on the map in SmackDown’s women’s division but also raises questions about Flair’s current momentum.

Street Profits Outlast MFT Amid Chaos

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) clashed with MFT (JC Mateo & Tonga Loa) in a fast-paced brawl that spiraled into chaos. Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn interfered on behalf of the Profits, ensuring Ford and Dawkins picked up the victory. The interference-fueled finish suggested that alliances on SmackDown remain unstable heading toward upcoming premium live events.

Becky Lynch Walks Out, Stratton & Cargill Seize Main Event Win

In the night’s main event, Becky Lynch teamed with Nia Jax against Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill. In a shocking twist, Lynch abandoned her partner mid-match, leaving Jax to fend for herself. Stratton and Cargill took full advantage, with Cargill hitting a frog splash for the decisive pinfall. For Dublin’s own Becky Lynch, the walkout sparked heavy boos from the hometown crowd.

Aleister Black and Damian Priest Throw Down

What was supposed to be Aleister Black vs. R-Truth never happened—Truth hilariously wound up in Dublin, Georgia instead of Dublin, Ireland. Damian Priest stepped in, but the confrontation quickly devolved into a violent brawl between him and Black. Security struggled to contain the two as tensions escalated, hinting that this feud is far from over.

Drew McIntyre Interrupted, Orton Strikes

Drew McIntyre cut a scathing promo, blaming Cody Rhodes’ absence for SmackDown’s recent vulnerability. Before he could say more, Randy Orton stormed the ring and delivered a trademark RKO out of nowhere, leaving McIntyre laid out. The sudden strike suggests Orton may have unfinished business on the road to WWE’s Clash in Paris.

John Cena Returns, Logan Paul Strikes Back

The biggest headline of the night was the return of John Cena, who addressed the Dublin crowd with trademark energy. His moment was interrupted by Logan Paul, who insulted both Cena and the Irish fans. A heated exchange followed, with Cena calling Paul a “parasite” and Drew McIntyre even urging Logan to make amends.

But the reconciliation never came. As Cena made his way backstage later in the show, Logan Paul ambushed him with a sucker punch, leaving Cena knocked out cold. Adding to the intrigue, Nick Aldis mentioned earlier in the night that he had heard from Brock Lesnar, hinting that Cena’s road forward may be filled with even more danger.

Final Takeaway

SmackDown in Dublin was an explosive international stop that delivered shocking upsets, rising tensions, and an unforgettable closing angle. With Piper Niven cementing her place with a massive victory, Becky Lynch drawing boos in her own country, and John Cena’s return overshadowed by Logan Paul, the road to WWE’s next major event is shaping up to be unpredictable and heated.