Kyle Schwarber recorded his 1,000th career hit in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 12-5 victory over the New York Yankees on Friday.

Schwarber’s milestone hit was a two-run home run that tied the game 2-2 in the top of the fifth inning. It was his 35th home run of the season.

A Phillies fan, who was attending the game with his friends, caught Schwarber’s 1,000th hit and the group was seen hugging after the catch.

‘You show up to the field every single day trying to get a win at the end of the day. I think our fans kind of latch onto that,’ Schwarber said. ‘It’s been fantastic these last three-and-a-half, four years now, the support that we get from our fans. It means a lot to me that they attach themselves onto our team, myself, whatever it is. We can feel that support, and yeah, I always appreciate it.”

It was the first of two two-run home runs in the game for Schwarber. The second one came in the top of the eighth inning and helped put the game out of reach for the Yankees. Schwarber brought Trea Turner in to score both times.

Kyle Schwarber gets milestone ball back from fans

Schwarber met with the fan who got the ball and their friends after the game. The fan returned the ball and Schwarber signed two baseballs for them.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber, Schwarber had asked if the fans wanted him to sign a third ball, but all the fans asked for in return was for him to re-sign with the team. Schwarber shared a laugh with the trio of fans before getting ahold of a third ball to sign.

He’s in the last year of his contract and will become a free agent after the season.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were “extremely upset” upon hearing they will not be available to play in Inter Miami’s next match after skipping the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas earlier this week, co-owner Jorge Mas said after the league’s announcement on Friday, July 25.  

Any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match, per MLS rules.  

Inter Miami will play a highly-anticipated match against first-place FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, without Messi and Alba, despite both returning to practice on Friday for the first time this week with expectations they would be able to play.  

“He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long term,” Mas said of Messi during a Zoom press conference with media, regarding ongoing contract negotiations to extend the Argentine World Champion’s contract beyond this season.

MLS commissioner Don Garber told USA TODAY Sports this was a “complicated” decision based on Messi’s workload. 

Messi has played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, with his lone absence in a 4-3 loss at home to FC Dallas on April 27.

“I know Leo Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s been a player, or frankly just about anyone, who has done more for MLS than Leo Messi has,” Garber told USA TODAY Sports. “But we have a long-standing policy that is related to participation for all players. And unfortunately, I had to enforce the policy. It was a difficult decision to make.” 

Mas said the club decided for Messi and Alba not to travel, considering they just completed a stretch of nine games in 35 days with an upcoming stint of 10 games in 34 days.

Mas added he had communication with the league on Monday and Tuesday, but admitted talks between both sides “wasn’t handled ideally.” MLS did not announce Messi and Alba would miss the All-Star Game until roughly eight hours before the Wednesday, July 23 exhibition.  

“Obviously, Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi. He is different. He has completely changed the economics of this league for every single club, every team, every sponsor, the league, media, etc. He’s important. But at the end of the day, Lionel Messi wants to play in competitive matches,” Mas said. 

“If he would have gone Wednesday, would have played maybe 15-30 minutes – great. But at the end of the day, league corporate sponsors are already taking advantage of Lionel Messi’s presence in the league.”

Mas believes the rule that will sideline his former FC Barcelona stars is “frankly draconian,” and the All-Star Game puts the players in an “untenable situation” to choose between participating in the exhibition and getting some much needed rest during the regular season. The All-Stars who started the exhibition were substituted after 30 minutes because most returned to regular-season play Friday.

“It’s not just for what he’s done off the field, growing the overall popularity and awareness of the league. It’s really what he’s done on the field. His games are special moments. Every one of them is a must-see match, and it’s that commitment what he does on the field that makes this decision so complicated,” Garber said of Messi.

“He’s played more games than any one player this year. He’s so committed to his club that the timing of the All-Star Game, the timing of the Club World Cup and their schedule, has him wanting to take a break. And I respect that. It was based on his commitment to his club, and I understand and respect his decision.” 

Garber reiterated to Mas that he will “take a hard look at the rule moving forward to make sure it reflects the evolving realities of our league and its players.”  

“I think the rule, it is going to change, but that’s neither here nor there,” Mas added. “Their reaction was as I expected, and they were extremely upset – both of them.”

Legendary Crimson Tide pitcher Montana Fouts returns to Rhoads Stadium at the University of Alabama this weekend for the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Softball League championship series, but this time she’ll be representing the Talons.

Fouts and the Talons will face off against Lexi Kilfoyl and the Bandits in Game 1 of the AUSL’s inaugural best-of-three championship series on Saturday, July 26. Game 2 is set for Sunday, July 27, followed by Game 3, if necessary, on Monday, July 28.

The Talons and Bandits are sending their aces to the circle for Game 1. The Talons will start Georgina Corrick, and Kilfoyl will take the mound for the Bandits. Corrick has the lowest ERA in the league (2.04), while Kilfoyl (2.35) has the second-lowest. Fouts, who has the third-lowest ERA (2.71), and Taylor McQuillin will get the starts for Game 2 on Sunday.

Both teams are very familiar with each other. The Talons and Bandits have faced each other eight times during the inaugural season of the AUSL, most recently on July 13 in the Talon’s 6-3 comeback win in Omaha, Nebraska. The regular season head-to-head is tied 4-4, but the Bandits outscored (45-31) and outhit (70-59) the Talons in the eight matchups.

Here’s everything you need to know about the AUSL championship series, from the full schedule, to team rosters and players to watch in the championship series:

When does the AUSL championship series start?

Game 1 of the AUSL championship series gets underway on Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local) at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

How to watch Bandits vs. Talons: TV, stream for Game 1

Time: 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT)
Location: Rhoads Stadium (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
TV Channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+

Stream the AUSL championship series on ESPN+

Full AUSL championship series schedule

All times Eastern. * If necessary

The Talons secured home field advantage with the best record in the league:

Game 1 – Saturday, July 26: Bandits vs. Talons (3 p.m., ESPN)
Game 2 – Sunday, July 27: Talons vs. Bandits (2 p.m., ESPN)
*Game 3 – Monday, July 28: Bandits vs. Talons (7 p.m., ESPN2)

Talons full roster

Head coach: Howard Dobson
General Manager: Lisa Fernandez

Catcher Sharlize Palacios (UCLA)
Infielder Bri Ellis (Arkansas)
Infielder Tori Vidales (Texas A&M)
Infielder Sydney Romero (Oklahoma)
Infielder Hannah Flippen (Utah)
Infielder Ali Aguilar (Washington)
Outfielder Sierra Sacco (Mississippi State)
Outfielder Caroline Jacobsen (Clemson)
Outfielder Jadelyn Allchin (UCLA)
Outfielder Victoria Hayward (Washington)
Utility Sahvanna Jaquish (LSU)
Utility Maya Brady (UCLA)
Pitcher Megan Faraimo (RHP, UCLA)
Pitcher Raelin Chaffin (RHP, Mississippi State)
Pitcher Montana Fouts (RHP, Alabama)
Pitcher Georgina Corrick (RHP, USF)
Pitcher Mariah Lopez (LHP, Utah)

Player to Watch: Will Georgina Corrick continue her domination in the championship series? Corrick was named the Pitcher of the Year after going a perfect 6-0 this season. She recorded 27 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched and threw the only two shutouts of the entire season, including the league’s first-ever complete game shutout over the Volts on June 21. Corrick has the lowest opponent batting average (.202) in the entire league. Maya Brady enters the championship series red hot. She made her professional debut for the Talons on July 16 after a Grade 2 hamstring strain sidelined her the beginning of the season. She has a league-leading .647 batting average through six games.

Bandits full roster

Head coach: Stacey Nuveman Deniz
General Manager:  Jenny Dalton-Hill

Catcher Jordan Roberts (Florida)
Catcher Mia Davidson (Mississippi) *Temporary Inactive List
Catcher Mary Iakopo (Texas)
Infielder Danielle Gibson Whorton (Arkansas)
Infielder Sydney McKinney (Wichita State)
Infielder Delanie Wisz (UCLA)
Infielder Erin Coffel (Kentucky)
Infielder Skylar Wallace (Florida)
Utility player Cori McMillan (Virginia Tech)
Outfielder Morgan Zerkle (Marshall)
Outfielder Bubba Nickles-Camarena (UCLA)
Outfielder Bella Dayton (Texas)
Utility Cori McMillan (Virginia Tech)
Pitcher Taylor McQuillin (LHP, Arizona)
Pitcher Emiley Kennedy (LHP, Texas A&M)
Pitcher Odicci Alexander (RHP, James Madison)
Pitcher Sarah Willis (RHP, UCF)
Pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl (RHP, Oklahoma State)

Player to Watch: The Talons must keep Skylar Wallace off the bases because she’s likely to score. Wallace recorded a league-high 26 runs this season, with 10 of them coming against the Talons. Outfielder Morgan Zerkle has also had success against the Talons. She has a .419 batting average (fourth-best in the league) and registered 12 hits against the Talons.

2025 AUSL standings

The AUSL’s inaugural season features four teams — Talons, Bandits, Blaze and Volts — playing a 24-game season across 10 metro areas, including Chicago, Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City. The top two teams punched their tickets to the AUSL championship series. Here’s how the regular season shook out:

Talons: 18-6
Bandits: 15-9
Volts: 8-16
Blaze: 7-17

2025 AUSL end of season awards

AUSL Hitter of the Year: Erin Coffel (Bandits)
Pitcher of the Year: Georgina Corrick (Talons)
Defensive Player of the Year: Hannah Flippen (Talons)
Rookie of the Year: Ana Gold (Blaze)
2025 Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Defensive Team (in Alphabetical Order)

Jadelyn Allchin (Talons) – Outfield
Erin Coffel (Bandits) – Middle Infield
Georgina Corrick (Talons) – Pitcher
Hannah Flippen (Talons) – Middle Infield
Ana Gold (Blaze) – Corner Infield
Baylee Klingler (Blaze) – Utility
Korbe Otis (Blaze) – Outfield
Sharlize Palacios (Talons) – Catcher
Sierra Sacco (Talons) – Outfield
Jessi Warren (Volts) – Corner Infield

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Saniyah Hall, the top female high school basketball recruit in the class of 2026, according to ESPN’s rankings, has committed to play for USC after receiving offers from nearly 30 schools, including UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, North Carolina and LSU. The 16-year-old made the announcement on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’ on Friday, saying, USC ‘felt like home.’

‘It’s such a blessing to be in this position, but I think I truly found my home, and I’m ready to tell the world where I’m going,’ she said before revealing a Trojans shirt underneath her jacket. ‘I am headed to the University of Southern California. Go Trojans! Fight on.’

Hall’s announcement comes on the heels of her gold medal win with Team USA at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. She was named MVP after averaging 19.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, shooting 52.6% from the field and 39.3% on 3-pointers. She scored 25 points vs. Australia in the gold-medal game. Her 19.9 points per game may have set a USA U19 record, but Hall said she’s proudest of her defense: ‘I had a lot of steals that game and a lot of blocks.’

She’ll join a Trojans squad that is assembling elite talent under coach Lindsay Gottlieb. McDonald’s All-American Jazzy Davidson, the third overall recruit in the 2025 class, who competed alongside Hall on the USA U19 team, also committed to play for USC. The Trojans were 31-4 last season and lost to UConn in an Elite Eight game after superstar Juju Watkins went down with an ACL injury during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Hall said Gottlieb and her teammates led to her choice to commit to USC. On Friday, she said, ‘I love all my teammates. The girls there are so fun to be around definitely Lindsay (Gottlieb)… she’s definitely there to support me and I’ve built a relationship with her. She’s a great coach.’

The Ohio native will finish her senior season of high school basketball at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio. Last season, she played for Montverde (Florida) Academy and averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Hall signed an NIL deal with Jordan brand earlier this month. During her announcement, Hall said, ‘I don’t have anything to prove. I just go out, play basketball. I let my game do the talking. Actions speak for themselves.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE.

The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it was a night full of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with major names paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Even though the night was mostly dedicated to Hogan, it was still a WWE show with matches and more buildup to SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. USA TODAY Sports provided the highlights and more from SmackDown:

Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video

A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.

Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan

WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.

WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.

‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik

WWE shows footage from Madison Square Garden in 1984, when Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWE title.

Hogan was a six-time WWE Champion, and one of those reigns lasted 1,474 days, the third longest run in company history.

Cody Rhodes thanks Hulk Hogan

Before he talks about his SummerSlam matchup, ‘The American Nightmare’ thanks Hogan for his contributions to wrestling.

‘I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated,’ Rhodes said. ‘But what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro wrestling, to entertainment as a whole, they are staggering and they are indisputable.

‘As someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE superstar, he was the original, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you Hulk Hogan.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

Arguably Hogan’s most memorable match, Hogan faced Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3. In the battle of giants, Hogan famously picked up his opponent and executed his signature running leg drop to defeat him.

It was just one of the eight times Hogan was in the main event of WrestleMania.

Other SmackDown results

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre

Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.

After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.

Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez def. Bliss.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

Cargill def. Green.

The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.

The Miz returns

After more than two months away, Ohio-native The Miz returns to an ovation from the crowd. He challenges Jacob Fatu to a match.

The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu def. The Miz.

MFT comes in and immediately beats down Fatu. Jimmy Uso comes to help but Talla Tonga is too much and the attack continues. Fatu catches his breath and tries to hit Solo Sikoa with a chair, but Tonga again thwarts the attempt.

WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix

Andrade and Rey Fenix def. The Wyatt Sicks by disqualification. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis retain titles.

Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits come out and an all-out brawl breaks out. #DIY emerge with general manager Nick Aldis, and he announces all six teams will face off in a tables, ladders and chairs match. The fight continues.

When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown

SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.

How long is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is a two-hour event.

WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.

When did Hulk Hogan die?

Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.

Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown match card, schedule

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan

Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.

Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death

Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.

‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.

– Read more here.

Around 100 NFL players and 24 club employees face fines for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above face value.
The NFL’s ongoing investigation found players and employees sold tickets to ‘bundlers,’ who resold them at higher prices.
Penalties include fines and restrictions on future Super Bowl ticket purchases.

The NFL is fining roughly 100 players and two dozen club employees for violating the NFL’s policy for selling Super Bowl 59 tickets above face value, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The Associated Press was first to report the news.

A memo sent to teams by NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel and obtained by USA TODAY said the investigation is ongoing.

‘Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the policy. This longstanding league policy, which is specifically incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement, prohibits league or club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less,’ the memo read.

‘We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.’

The Associated Press reported that players who resold their tickets to bundlers will have to pay a fine of 1 1/2 times the face value they paid. They also won’t be permitted to buy tickets for the next two Super Bowls unless they are playing in the game. Team employees who violated the league’s policy will be fined two times face value.

Those who worked to bundle the tickets will also face increased penalties.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl 59.

‘In advance of Super Bowl 60, we will be enhancing the mandatory compliance training regarding the policy for all league personnel, which will emphasize the specific requirements of the policy and the broader principle that no one should profit personally from their NFL affiliation at the expense of our fans,’ the memo stated. ‘We will also increase the penalties for future violations of this policy.’

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

Inter Miami will add another one of Lionel Messi’s close friends and a third World Cup champion to its roster.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, 31, has agreed to join Messi and Inter Miami on a loan transfer from La Liga’s Atlético de Madrid, both sides announced on Friday, July 25. De Paul’s loan will last through the 2025 MLS season, and the deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent through the 2029 MLS season. 

De Paul will be introduced before Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club’s history,” De Paul said in a statement. “It’s a club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team.”

De Paul is considered one of Messi’s closest friends from the Argentine national team. Together, they won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. They could also play together again with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Messi has yet to declare he will play in the next World Cup.

Inter Miami’s signing of De Paul also bodes well for the club’s aspirations to re-sign Messi, 38, who is signed through the rest of the 2025 MLS season. With the club in ongoing contract negotiations he could re-sign at least through 2026. 

“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years. As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for … I’m excited to welcome another World Cup winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said in a statement. 

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas added: “We’re thrilled to sign a player of Rodrigo’s caliber. He is a winner who has conquered the world stage. His ambitions match ours at Inter Miami, and we are hungry to achieve these goals together.” 

De Paul had one year remaining on a five-year deal signed in 2021 with Atlético. Now, he’ll join Messi’s slew of former FC Barcelona teammates with the MLS club. 

Messi joined Inter Miami with left back Jordi Alba and midfielder Sergio Busquets, the Spain World Cup champion, in July 2023. Luis Suarez joined them in 2024. And Javier Mascherano is in his first season coaching the squad. 

It’s unclear when De Paul could debut. After Inter Miami hosts FC Cincinnati, they will begin the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams from Mexico. Inter Miami will host Atlas FC on July 30, Club Necaxa on Aug. 2 and Pumas UNAM on Aug. 6 in the first phase of the Leagues Cup tournament, which they won in 2023. 

SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE.

The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it was a night full of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with major names paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.

Even though the night was mostly dedicated to Hogan, it was still a WWE show with matches and more buildup to SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. USA TODAY Sports provided the highlights and more from SmackDown:

Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video

A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.

Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan

WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.

WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.

‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik

WWE shows footage from Madison Square Garden in 1984, when Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWE title.

Hogan was a six-time WWE Champion, and one of those reigns lasted 1,474 days, the third longest run in company history.

Cody Rhodes thanks Hulk Hogan

Before he talks about his SummerSlam matchup, ‘The American Nightmare’ thanks Hogan for his contributions to wrestling.

‘I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated,’ Rhodes said. ‘But what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro wrestling, to entertainment as a whole, they are staggering and they are indisputable.

‘As someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE superstar, he was the original, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you Hulk Hogan.’

Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

Arguably Hogan’s most memorable match, Hogan faced Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3. In the battle of giants, Hogan famously picked up his opponent and executed his signature running leg drop to defeat him.

It was just one of the eight times Hogan was in the main event of WrestleMania.

Other SmackDown results

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre

Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.

After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.

Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez def. Bliss.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

Cargill def. Green.

The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.

The Miz returns

After more than two months away, Ohio-native The Miz returns to an ovation from the crowd. He challenges Jacob Fatu to a match.

The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu def. The Miz.

MFT comes in and immediately beats down Fatu. Jimmy Uso comes to help but Talla Tonga is too much and the attack continues. Fatu catches his breath and tries to hit Solo Sikoa with a chair, but Tonga again thwarts the attempt.

WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix

Andrade and Rey Fenix def. The Wyatt Sicks by disqualification. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis retain titles.

Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits come out and an all-out brawl breaks out. #DIY emerge with general manager Nick Aldis, and he announces all six teams will face off in a tables, ladders and chairs match. The fight continues.

When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown

SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.

How long is WWE SmackDown?

SmackDown is a two-hour event.

WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.

When did Hulk Hogan die?

Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.

Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown match card, schedule

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan

Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.

Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death

Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.

‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.

– Read more here.