The September 5, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown delivered a memorable night from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, marked by John Cena’s heartfelt farewell, the much-anticipated return of CM Punk, and a surprise comeback by AJ Lee that shook the WWE Universe. With high-stakes matches, intense promos, and unexpected alliances, this episode set the stage for a gripping road to Wrestlepalooza.

John Cena’s Final SmackDown in Chicago: A Night of Reflection and Emotion

The show opened with a touching segment featuring John Cena addressing the Chicago crowd in what he announced as his final SmackDown appearance in the city. Cena reflected candidly on his career’s ups and downs and thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout his recent farewell tour. “I’ve given you everything that I have, overcoming hurdles and roadblocks,” Cena said, emphasizing his focus on enjoying the moment tonight after months of relentless effort[4][1].

Before Cena could fully embrace the occasion, Sami Zayn interrupted, challenging Cena to an impromptu WWE United States Championship match. Cena accepted, leading to a highly anticipated opener. However, their match ended in no contest due to a dramatic interference from Brock Lesnar, who unleashed two devastating F5s on Cena, dramatically escalating their brewing rivalry. A backstage encounter between Lesnar and Cena confirmed their official Wrestlepalooza clash, intensifying fan excitement[1][2][4].

CM Punk Returns to Chaos and Confrontations

Despite reports of WWE initially pulling him from the lineup, CM Punk made a fiery return to SmackDown, captivating fans with his trademark edge and intensity. Punk’s appearance was closely tied to the ongoing conflict involving Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, who have been embroiled in heated disputed following the fallout from Clash in Paris. Punk cut a sharp promo, unapologetically calling out Rollins and Lynch[1][2].

The night’s tension peaked when a surprise return of AJ Lee came to Punk’s aid, confronting Becky Lynch and Rollins in a shocking twist. AJ Lee’s revival adds a new layer to the narrative, promising a formidable alliance with Punk and signaling possible new directions for SmackDown storylines[3].

Dominant In-Ring Action and Championship Showcases

The in-ring action was equally compelling, with Aleister Black continuing his feud against Damian Priest. After a vicious pre-match assault that set a brutal tone, Black secured a pinfall victory, asserting his dominance and momentum leading into the fall calendar[1][4].

On the women’s side, Giulia retained the WWE Women’s United States Championship by defeating Michin cleanly, hitting her signature “Arrivederci” finisher. Post-match chaos ensued as Mia Yim was ambushed by James, adding fuel to an emerging women’s division rivalry that should prove fascinating in the coming weeks[2][5].

Backstage Drama and Tag Team Tensions

The tag team division saw backstage fireworks when Nick Aldis was interrupted by The Miz, who proposed a tag title match involving the Miz’s partner Melo Don’t Miz. However, Melo’s true intentions seemed dubious, especially with Becky Lynch’s unexpected limo arrival shortly thereafter, hinting at potential storyline entanglements involving these key players[1].

What This Means Moving Forward

According to sources close to WWE and backstage insiders, the episode’s mix of high-profile returns, intense personal rivalries, and shifting alliances was meticulously planned to boost momentum heading into Wrestlepalooza — the company’s flagship event slated for later this month. The Lesnar-Cena brutalization, coupled with Punk and AJ Lee challenging the current champions, promise headline-worthy payoffs[1][3].

Fightful reports that creative has been focused on preserving Cena’s legacy, giving him a farewell storyline that balances respect with unpredictability. John Cena’s enduring fan connection in Chicago makes this farewell particularly poignant[2].

Fans and critics alike praised the production for balancing nostalgia and fresh storytelling, with commentators Corey Graves and Michael Cole turning in strong performances to complement the energy inside the arena[2][4].

In Summary: The Must-Watch Moments

• John Cena’s emotional farewell promo and no-contest United States Title match vs. Sami Zayn, interrupted by Brock Lesnar’s shocking attack.

• CM Punk’s electrifying return amid ongoing tensions with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

• AJ Lee’s surprising comeback as Punk’s ally, sparking new frontiers in SmackDown’s rivalries.

• Aleister Black’s decisive victory over Damian Priest following a brutal pre-match ambush.

• Giulia’s successful Women’s U.S. Championship defense against Michin and ensuing post-match interference from James.

• Backstage intrigue involving Nick Aldis, The Miz, Melo Don’t Miz, and Becky Lynch hinting at future tag team developments.

As reported on WWE.com and confirmed by multiple sources including Fightful and Wrestling Headlines, this episode of SmackDown was a pivotal pivot point in WWE’s 2025 narrative arc — blending nostalgia, star power, and dramatic twists that will influence the brand’s trajectory for months[1][2][3][4].

With Wrestlepalooza looming, WWE fans can expect further explosive developments, fueled by the intensity and momentum generated on this unforgettable night in Chicago.