WWE SmackDown’s September 5, 2025 episode marked a significant upswing in viewership and ratings, drawing 1.585 million viewers on USA Network—a 38% jump from the previous week’s 1.147 million audience figures, according to Programming Insider and multiple wrestling media outlets[1][2]. This boost coincided with the highly anticipated return of AJ Lee, whose presence was widely credited backstage with igniting fan interest and dramatically elevating the show’s appeal.
The episode, held at the AllState Arena in Chicago, Illinois, not only welcomed back AJ Lee but also featured the emotional farewell of WWE icon John Cena. This combination of nostalgia and star power fueled the ratings jump and helped SmackDown top the cable charts for the night[2][4]. The show secured a 0.51 rating in the coveted 18–49 demographic, nearly doubling last week’s 0.28 rating and reaffirming WWE’s strong standing among key viewers[1][3][4].
AJ Lee’s Return: The Spark That Ignited SmackDown’s Ratings Blast
AJ Lee’s comeback segment proved to be a viral hit, with WWE’s official YouTube channel revealing over 5.1 million views of her epic return, making it the most viewed SmackDown video of the night[1]. Additional clips such as AJ Lee and CM Punk sharing an emotional moment drew 2.1 million views, underscoring fans’ enthusiasm for the reunion and storyline implications[1].
Sources close to WWE confirm that Lee’s return was strategically positioned to generate buzz and rekindle excitement as WWE transitions into its fall calendar of major events. A WWE insider shared with Fightful, “Bringing AJ back wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was about injecting fresh energy into SmackDown’s narrative. The response on September 5 proved that the fans are very much invested in her story and future rivalries.”[1]
John Cena’s Farewell and High-Stakes Matches Add to the Night’s Drama
Alongside AJ’s return, John Cena’s farewell on SmackDown added emotional gravitas. His final entrance was among the top five most-watched SmackDown videos on YouTube, approaching nearly a million views[1]. The show also featured intense in-ring action, including a United States Title match where Sami Zayn defended against Cena, and Brock Lesnar delivering impactful F5s to both Cena and Zayn, moments that contributed to the program’s compelling draw[1].
Match ratings from the night show that Cena vs. Sami Zayn garnered high praise, averaging a 7.79 out of 10 based on fan votes on Wrestlenomics, further indicating the episode’s overall quality and engagement[4].
Implications for WWE SmackDown’s Future Trajectory
Wrestling analysts from Wrestlenomics note that the September 5 figures represent an 18% increase over the trailing four weeks’ average and a 6% boost compared to September 2024, revealing positive momentum despite a generally softening TV landscape for pro wrestling[4]. While 2025’s overall quarterly viewership is down compared to 2024 by roughly 29%, strategic programming moves like AJ Lee’s return and integrating iconic farewell stories offer WWE pathways to reclaim and grow its audience[4].
Fightful’s post-show podcast highlighted that WWE’s blend of returning legends with current stars resonates strongly with the core fan base, helping SmackDown stand out in a crowded sports entertainment market[1]. As WWE prepares for upcoming pay-per-views and the lead-up to Survivor Series and Royal Rumble, maintaining this momentum will be key.
Summary of Key Stats from September 5, 2025 SmackDown
| Metric | Figure | Change vs. Previous Week |
|---|---|---|
| Total Viewers | 1,585,000 | +38% (from 1,147,000) |
| 18–49 Demo Rating | 0.51 | +82% (from 0.28) |
| Most Viewed YouTube Video | AJ Lee’s Return (5.1M) | N/A |
| Venue | AllState Arena, Chicago | N/A |
| Notable Matches | Cena vs. Zayn, Lesnar’s F5s | High fan ratings; emotional farewells |
Insider Perspective and Fan Reception
According to backstage sources, WWE creative meetings emphasized the need to balance nostalgia with progressing storylines. “AJ’s return was always on the radar for a big moment, and coupling it with Cena’s farewell gave the show a depth that drove both ratings and social media chatter,” a Fightful source noted[1]. Fans responded with excitement both live and online, amplifying the buzz through clips and commentary on various wrestling podcasts and forums.
Looking Ahead
With WWE SmackDown delivering significant ratings growth on September 5, the company is poised to capitalize on this upswing by continuing to leverage surprise returns and emotional milestones. Upcoming episodes will likely feature follow-ups to AJ Lee’s storyline and further opportunities to spotlight veteran stars while pushing emerging talent to sustain the increased viewer interest.
This episode proved once again that in sports entertainment, star power combined with smart storytelling can elevate ratings and deepen fan engagement. WWE’s strategic use of its roster’s history alongside fresh narratives is key to navigating an evolving TV viewership landscape.
This report incorporates data and analysis from ProgrammingInsider.com, Fightful, Wrestlenomics, WrestlingInc, Ringside News, 411Mania, and WWE.com as of September 9, 2025.