WWE SmackDown Preview - September 05, 2025: AJ Lee Return Hype, CM Punk’s Chicago Homecoming, Cena, Zayn & More
WWE SmackDown returns tonight from the legendary Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about episodes of the year. With CM Punk advertised for his long-awaited hometown appearance and John Cena’s farewell tour rolling into the Windy City, this show is already stacked. But the rumor mill has fans buzzing: could Brock Lesnar or even AJ Lee make surprise appearances? The road to Wrestlepalooza is heating up.
📺 How to Watch
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
- Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL
- Start Time: 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT (runs until 10 PM ET; expect potential overrun)
- Where to Watch:
- USA Network (U.S.)
- Netflix (internationally)
✅ Confirmed Match Card & Segments
- CM Punk addresses his hometown crowd
- John Cena makes his final Chicago appearance on his retirement tour
- Sami Zayn returns to SmackDown as the new United States Champion
- The Wyatt Sicks continue their dominant run after Paris
- Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, and more scheduled
👀 Potential Surprises: Brock Lesnar & AJ Lee
- Brock Lesnar: WWE has already advertised The Beast for SmackDown on September 12 and 19. But with Cena in the house tonight, fans are wondering if we’ll get an early collision course set in motion. Could Chicago be treated to a Cena–Lesnar confrontation? It would be the perfect setup for Wrestlepalooza and WWE’s first PLE on ESPN.
- AJ Lee: With CM Punk confirmed in his hometown and Seth Rollins/Becky Lynch still tormenting him, speculation is sky-high that AJ Lee could step back into the WWE spotlight after over a decade away. Chicago would be the ultimate stage for her return.
🎤 WWE SmackDown Preview
The Punk–Rollins–Lynch rivalry is red hot. After Becky Lynch slapped Punk on Raw, The Second City Saint vowed both she and Seth Rollins would regret crossing him. Add in the Chicago crowd, and the atmosphere will be electric.
Meanwhile, John Cena continues his farewell tour fresh off a huge win in Paris. With Logan Paul behind him, the question becomes: will Cena’s next feud be against Brock Lesnar? Chicago could be where that blockbuster gets set in motion.
Also, the Wyatt Sicks ride a wave of momentum after defending their titles in Paris, while The Street Profits appear to be unraveling. Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, and others round out a loaded card.
📰 Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
SmackDown in Chicago feels like one of those nights where WWE could make history. Punk and Cena alone guarantee must-see television, but the whispers about Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee are what elevate this episode into “can’t miss” territory. Even if The Beast and AJ don’t show, WWE knows how to dangle the possibility — which keeps fans glued to every segment. If either one does appear? Expect the Allstate Arena to shake to its foundation.
🔑 Final Word
- Must-watch moments: CM Punk in Chicago, Cena’s farewell, Sami Zayn’s first appearance as U.S. Champ.
- Possible shockers: Brock Lesnar, AJ Lee.
- Don’t miss: SmackDown tonight at 8 ET on USA.
