WWE SmackDown Results - September 05, 2025: John Cena’s Farewell, Brock Lesnar Returns, and AJ Lee’s Stunning Comeback

WWE SmackDown went live from a sold-out Allstate Arena in Chicago with one of the most emotional — and chaotic — nights of the year. From John Cena’s farewell on the blue brand, to a Sami Zayn classic, to Brock Lesnar’s stunning return, and the long-awaited comeback of AJ Lee, this was a night fans won’t soon forget.

John Cena’s SmackDown Farewell Turns Into a War

The show opened with John Cena addressing the Chicago crowd one last time. Cena reflected on his SmackDown debut in the very same building back in 2002 against Kurt Angle, his history in Chicago with CM Punk, and how the city always kept him honest. Fans showered him with “Thank you, Cena!” chants as he bid farewell to the brand that launched his career.

Sami Zayn then entered, thanking Cena for everything he’s done for WWE and reminding the crowd that his own main roster debut was against Cena in the U.S. Open Challenge. Zayn declared that it was only right to give Cena the chance to face him one last time — this time with the United States Championship on the line. Cena accepted, and the match was on.

John Cena vs. Sami Zayn (United States Championship)
The match delivered in every way. Cena unleashed his full arsenal — multiple Attitude Adjustments, a nod to Kurt Angle with the ankle lock, a surprising Go to Sleep tribute to CM Punk, and even a spear in homage to Goldberg. The Chicago crowd chanted “RKO” as Cena teased Randy Orton’s finisher, but Zayn survived it all.

Cena landed a massive Avalanche Attitude Adjustment from the top rope, but both men were left down. Just when it looked like Cena could finally put Zayn away, Brock Lesnar’s music hit.

Lesnar stormed the ring, yanking the referee out before hitting an F5 on Zayn and then leveling Cena with two devastating F5s. The match was ruled a No Contest, and Lesnar stood tall, smirking at the Chicago crowd as the Wrestlepalooza logo appeared on the big screen.

Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest

Before their match could even begin, Aleister Black ambushed Damian Priest during his entrance, sending him crashing over the barricade. Once the bell rang, Priest fought valiantly, hitting a Razor’s Edge through the announce desk. But the resilience of Black shined through as he countered and connected with the Black Mass for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Aleister Black

Giulia Defends the WWE Women’s United States Championship

Giulia (c) vs. “Michin” Mia Yim (WWE Women’s United States Championship)
This was a physical battle from the start. Yim nearly had the upset after a huge Liger Bomb, but interference from Kiana James turned the tide. Giulia capitalized and landed Arrivederci to retain her championship.

Winner: Giulia (retains WWE Women’s United States Championship)

Post-match, James attacked Yim until officials broke it up.

Other Segments

• Nick Aldis clashed with Miz and Carmelo Hayes backstage, teasing future title opportunities.
• Tiffany Stratton cut a fiery promo on Jade Cargill ahead of their clash, while Nia Jax inserted herself into the mix.
• Charlotte Flair was shown in the trainer’s room nursing an injury before being visited by a surreal “Dr. Lilly” segment with Alexa Bliss.
• Aleister Black also delivered a cryptic pre-match promo, fueling speculation about his dark mission on SmackDown.

AJ Lee Shocks Chicago in Return Segment

The night closed with Seth Rollins making a surprise appearance from the stands. From there, Rollins introduced his wife, Becky Lynch, who cut a scathing promo burying CM Punk and mocking Chicago. The crowd responded with loud “AJ LEE!” chants, which only fueled Lynch’s arrogance.

When Punk finally hit the ring, he dismissed Becky as nothing more than a shield for her husband. After repeated slaps from Lynch, Punk teased that while he would never hit a woman, he had someone in mind who would.

And then, the moment Chicago had been waiting for: AJ Lee’s music hit. The arena erupted as Lee skipped to the ring for the first time in nearly a decade. She demolished Becky with a Lou Thesz press, mounted punches, and a stinging slap before Rollins ran in to rescue his wife.

The night ended with AJ Lee leaping into Punk’s arms, the couple celebrating together as the crowd lost its mind, while Rollins carried Lynch to safety.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This SmackDown wasn’t just another show — it was a turning point. Cena got his proper farewell, Sami Zayn proved once again that he belongs in the top tier, and Brock Lesnar’s return sets the stage for a Wrestlepalooza showdown. But the headline of the night is AJ Lee. After years of chants and speculation, she finally returned, and WWE did it in the perfect city at the perfect time. With Punk, AJ, Rollins, and Lynch now intertwined, the road to Wrestlepalooza feels hotter than ever.

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