Friday night’s WWE SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago delivered a potent mix of nostalgia, in-ring action, and storyline intrigue as AJ Lee made her long-awaited return to WWE television alongside her husband CM Punk. In what many are calling one of the most memorable episodes of 2025, the show had fans buzzing with unforgettable moments—both loved and loathed—while marking John Cena’s final scheduled appearance in Chicago. According to WWE.com and sources close to talent backstage, this SmackDown set the stage for an explosive tag team clash at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event.

AJ Lee’s Return Sparks SmackDown Frenzy

The biggest highlight came when AJ Lee, who has been absent from WWE programming for over a decade, stunned the crowd by stepping through the curtain to back up CM Punk in a heated confrontation against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Fans erupted as AJ joined forces with Punk, setting up a high-stakes tag team match at WrestlePalooza that, according to Fightful reports, has been kept tightly under wraps but is already creating major buzz among wrestling insiders.

AJ’s return was not just a surprise but a strategic move that injected fresh energy into an intense feud where Rollins and Lynch have been running roughshod. According to a WWE insider, “AJ coming back adds a layer of unpredictability. Her chemistry with Punk makes this feud much more compelling heading into WrestlePalooza”[2][4].

John Cena’s Emotional Goodbye to Chicago

Meanwhile, the night was also bittersweet as WWE legend John Cena made what is reportedly his last scheduled in-ring appearance in his hometown of Chicago. Cena faced off in an intense United States Championship open challenge against the current champion Sami Zayn. The match was a showcase of resilience and skill from both superstars, with near falls and dramatic comebacks keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

However, the match ended in chaos when Brock Lesnar interrupted, delivering two brutal F5s—one each to Zayn and Cena—leading to a no contest finish as documented by Wrestleview and Prowrestling.net. Lesnar’s dominant return instantly electrified the audience and cemented a WrestlePalooza showdown with Cena, confirmed during the broadcast.

A backstage source revealed, “Cena going out in Chicago with Lesnar setting up their feud is the perfect sendoff. Expect fireworks at WrestlePalooza”[1][3].

Matches and Moments We Loved

Besides AJ Lee’s headline-making return and Cena’s poignant farewell match, SmackDown featured several other highlights:

• Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest: Known for their storied rivalry, Aleister Black’s decisive victory over Damian Priest added depth to ongoing storylines and kept fans engaged with solid in-ring work[1][3].

• Giulia Defends U.S. Women’s Championship: The rising star Giulia successfully retained her title against challenger Michin, delivering a technical showcase praised by analysts on the Off The Script podcast[5].

• The program’s pacing and production, including well-executed video packages recalling last week’s Clash in Paris, were praised for keeping viewers hooked throughout the evening[1][4].

What Fans and Critics Hated

Not all moments hit the mark, as noted by several critics and fan forums:

• The abrupt match stoppage due to Brock Lesnar’s interference left some viewers wanting a clean finish, sparking debate about overused chaos endings in WWE programming[3].

• Despite the star power, some criticized the ongoing dominance of heel storytelling centering around Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, suggesting a need for fresh directions[1][4].

• A few segments, such as the teasing but unexplored backstage interactions involving Nick Aldis and “Melo Don’t Miz,” felt underdeveloped and left audiences puzzled over their purpose that night[1].

Backstage Buzz and Future Implications

WWE insiders confirm that the company is heavily invested in building the Punk-AJ duo as the centerpiece of SmackDown’s storyline arc leading into WrestlePalooza. The tag match against Lynch and Rollins is expected to be a main event-level attraction designed to revitalize ratings and fan engagement.

Meanwhile, the Lesnar-Cena feud is a traditional blockbuster rivalry WWE expects to draw massive attention. WWE.com highlighted segments teasing their escalating animosity, with hints that their WrestlePalooza bout will be one of the year’s marquee clashes[2].

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This week’s SmackDown aired with the unmistakable energy that only Chicago crowds can bring, combining veteran star power and emerging talents. With AJ Lee reigniting old flames alongside CM Punk and John Cena’s heartfelt farewell shadowed by Brock Lesnar’s ominous return, WWE fans have plenty to anticipate as WrestlePalooza approaches.

According to sources close to the creative team, “WWE is betting big on these storylines to carry us through the fall. Expect surprises and plenty more fireworks on the blue brand”[2][5].

As the WWE universe digests all the drama and action from Chicago, one thing is clear: SmackDown on 9/5/25 was more than just wrestling — it was a turning point poised to shape the company’s trajectory for months to come.