On the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, fans were treated to jaw-dropping moments, including the shocking return of AJ Lee, a bruising clash between Aleister Black and Damian Priest, and a United States Championship Open Challenge interrupted by Brock Lesnar’s brutal attack. While some elements dazzled the WWE Universe, others left viewers disappointed. Here’s a deep dive into the three things we loved and three we hated from a night that firmly reminded us why SmackDown remains must-see TV.

What We Loved

1. The Triumphant Return of AJ Lee

The most buzzworthy moment of the evening was unquestionably AJ Lee’s unexpected return. After years away from the squared circle, AJ surfaced in the middle of an intense segment involving CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch. As tensions flared between the trio, AJ Lee emerged to back up CM Punk, stunning both Lynch and Rollins and igniting the crowd with a surge of nostalgia and excitement. According to WWE.com’s official recap, AJ’s comeback added a fresh dynamic to the ongoing storyline, amplifying anticipation for future confrontations[2]. Sources close to the locker room told Fightful that AJ’s return was kept tightly under wraps, making the moment even more electrifying backstage.

2. Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest – A Brutal Showdown

The clash between Aleister Black and Damian Priest was a highlight for pure wrestling fans. Their violent brawl spilled outside the ring, with Black delivering a devastating Black Mass to seal the victory. WrestlingInc.com reported on the intense back-and-forth action, noting that both men brought out their best technical skills and hard-hitting offense. This match showcased why both Black and Priest are considered top-tier athletes in WWE’s current roster and gave the audience an enthralling bout to remember[3].

3. John Cena’s Emotional Homage and Sami Zayn’s Championship Narrative

John Cena, appearing in what was billed as his final Chicago appearance, delivered a stirring performance in the United States Championship Open Challenge against Sami Zayn. Cena’s match was more than just competition; it was a heartfelt nod to his career and past rivals. WWE.com highlighted the emotional moment where Cena paid tribute to legends like Kurt Angle, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, and Edge, demonstrating deep respect for WWE’s history. The segment took an emotional turn when Sami Zayn thanked Cena for his inspiration and asked to carry on the tradition of the US Title open challenge. It was classic Cena charisma lighting up the night[4].

What We Hated

1. The Match Ending in a No Contest Due to Brock Lesnar’s Interference

While Brock Lesnar’s entrance carried shock value, his interference in the Cena vs. Sami Zayn contest ended the match abruptly as a no contest. Lesnar’s double F-5s on both men cut short what had been a compelling and hard-fought bout, leaving fans frustrated at the anticlimactic finish. As per the coverage on Sports Illustrated, many expected a concluding moment that would elevate one superstar, but instead were left with chaos and uncertainty[4]. Critics argue this lessened the impact of both Cena’s sentimental match and Sami’s United States Championship reign.

2. CM Punk Pulled from Parts of the Lineup

Despite heavy promotion surrounding CM Punk’s presence, several sources including Wrestleview reported that WWE appeared to have pulled Punk from parts of the show’s lineup, limiting his wrestling involvement that night[1]. Fans hoping for a significant comeback match or physical confrontation were left wanting more, which dampened the momentum for what promised to be a major storyline focusing on Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

3. Uneven Storytelling and Overbooking

Though there were strong individual moments, the overall pacing and booking of the night felt somewhat cluttered. According to analysis from Cageside Seats, multiple storylines converged with too many characters involved, including surprise appearances, backstage segments, and quick cuts between intense promos. This approach contributed to a fragmented viewing experience where some key developments lacked the space to breathe and resonate. The episodic overbooking undermined SmackDown’s usual blend of athleticism and storytelling[5].

Backstage Insights and Future Implications

According to a WWE insider familiar with SmackDown’s creative direction, the return of AJ Lee was a deliberate move to boost ratings and fan engagement following some lukewarm responses in prior weeks. The insider suggested that WWE aims to capitalize on legacy talent returns to spark renewed interest in the women’s division and reinforce CM Punk’s ongoing feud with Rollins and Lynch.

Meanwhile, sources confirmed the planned John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar match at Wrestlepalooza has been made official backstage after the provocative F-5 on Cena. This high-profile matchup is set to headline one of WWE’s biggest events this fall, promising to be a marquee attraction that will generate significant buzz.

Final Thoughts

SmackDown on September 5, 2025, proved to be a rollercoaster evening. The electric return of AJ Lee and standout athleticism from Black vs. Priest kept fans engaged, while Cena’s tribute match and Sami Zayn’s emotional championship defense added layers of storytelling. Conversely, Brock Lesnar’s disruptive intrusion, underwhelming utilization of CM Punk, and the overcrowded booking left many wanting a smoother product.

As WWE moves forward, the foundation laid this episode—with notable returns and escalating rivalries—signals that the blue brand intends to punch back hard in the ratings war and storytelling stakes. WWE fans will want to keep a close eye on upcoming SmackDown shows to see how these storylines evolve and whether the positives can outweigh the negatives.

This article was compiled using recaps and insider reports from WWE.com, Fightful, WrestlingInc.com, Sports Illustrated, Wrestleview.com, and Cageside Seats, alongside backstage sources knowledgeable about WWE’s creative plans.