On September 5, 2025, the WWE Smackdown aired live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, delivering one of the most intense and unpredictable shows in recent memory. The episode featured a remarkable WWE Smackdown AJ Lee return that shocked the audience and immediately shifted the dynamics involving Becky Lynch. With an attendance of 16,578 fans, the fervor of the Windy City was fully palpable, as Smackdown showcased multiple high-profile matches and dramatic confrontations that promise to ripple through future WWE events.
The night’s energy was further heightened by a blend of veteran farewells, championship matches, and the stirring comeback of a fan favorite, AJ Lee, whose appearance triggered electric reactions across the arena and altered ongoing storylines, especially those revolving around Becky Lynch and CM Punk.
John Cena’s Farewell Smackdown Bids Emotional Goodbye with a Surprise US Title Challenge
Michael Cole and Corey Graves opened the night with enthusiasm, noting the special aura of Smackdown returning to Chicago. Early on, John Cena made a heartfelt entrance, reflecting on his 23-year journey with WWE and expressing gratitude toward the Chicago fans who have shaped much of his career. Cena emphasized he had “absolutely nothing planned” for this night, intending merely to enjoy his final Smackdown appearance in the city. His words resonated amid chants of “Thank you, Cena,” underscoring the deep connection with the crowd.
Shortly thereafter, Sami Zayn entered to a chorus of boos despite doing nothing to provoke them, adding tension to Cena’s farewell moment. Zayn openly praised Cena for opening doors for younger wrestlers with his US Title Open challenges and proposed to carry on the tradition by issuing a surprise US Title Open Challenge right then and there.
After some teasing, Cena accepted, and the impromptu US Title match began, showcasing a thrilling contest that saw both wrestlers pushing their limits. The match was marked by dynamic back-and-forth action, including Cena’s signature Attitude Adjustments and Sami’s agility culminating in a near-fall Helluva Kick. The atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind both competitors.
Brock Lesnar’s Sudden Interference Ends US Title Match in Chaos
The intense battle was abruptly ended when Brock Lesnar’s music hit, and he stormed the ring at 21 minutes, pulling the referee out and causing a no-contest result. Lesnar brutally delivered the F5 finishing move to both Sami Zayn and John Cena—repeating the move twice on Cena—establishing dominance and adding fuel to an ongoing feud. Lesnar’s interference, described as a brutal intrusion, spoiled what could have been a memorable conclusion and set the stage for a high-stakes match to be held at WrestlePalooza on September 20, officially announced for ESPN in the U.S.
This unexpected invasion left fans frustrated at being denied a clear winner while increasing anticipation for the buildup toward the pay-per-view event. The narrative positioning of Lesnar as a menacing force interfering in key matches has intensified the anxieties surrounding Cena’s retirement chapter and Sami Zayn‘s championship aspirations.
Backstage Tensions and Alliances Emerge: Nick Aldis and Carmelo Hayes Disagree Over Tag Team Prospects
Behind the scenes, a tense interaction unfolded between Nick Aldis, Carmelo Hayes, and Miz. Aldis appeared visibly stressed when approached by Hayes about chasing tag team gold. Despite the offer, Aldis made clear it was “not a good time,” creating friction as Miz pushed for tag titles. The scene underscored growing tension over allegiance and ambition, especially as Hayes seems to want to forge a solo path, though caught in Miz’s influence to compete in the tag division. This subplot suggests upcoming conflicts over leadership, priorities, and trust within the WWE roster.
Aleister Black and Damien Priest’s Violent Pre-Match Brawl Halts Match Start
The smoldering rivalry between Aleister Black and Damien Priest exploded before their match could officially begin as Black launched a surprise attack on Priest on the ramp. The ensuing brawl saw both men trading brutal attacks, including Priest being slammed into barricades and ringposts. The violence extended into the crowd and backstage areas, delaying the official bell.
After battling through disorientation, Priest reluctantly re-entered the ring only to face a relentless assault from Black, who dominated much of the match. The contest involved technical exchanges and high-impact maneuvers, culminating in Black hitting the Black Mass finishing move to secure the victory after nine grueling minutes. Despite the solid in-ring action, the scratchy match quality was evident due to Priest’s compromised state following the pre-match assault, raising debate about the referee’s decision to allow the match to proceed.
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre Ramp Up Hostilities Ahead of Upcoming Clash
A heated video vignette showed Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre exchanging barbed warnings, escalating their rivalry. McIntyre painted Orton as unwilling to “pull the trigger” when it matters, while Orton countered by asserting his ability to see through McIntyre’s bravado and predicted a harsh reckoning. Both emphasized their determination to write their own futures in WWE, promising an intense battle when they meet next week on Smackdown. This confrontation set strong expectations for a hard-hitting, personal feud that will likely dominate the upcoming show alongside Brock Lesnar’s confirmed appearance and a women’s title match between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill.
Women’s Division Spotlight Intensifies: Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill Trade Verbal Barbs
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Tiffany Stratton, who responded confidently to Jade Cargill’s provocations about a previous match claiming she would have won if not for a foot on the rope. Stratton threatened to end the trash talk once their next encounter begins, promising physical payback that underscored the increasing tension between them.
Meanwhile, a new wrinkle developed as Nia Jax confronted Jade, challenging her claim to the number one contender spot on the grounds that Jade had lost to Tiffany. Jax issued a heated warning that she would assert herself physically unless Jade steps aside. This layered interaction signals deeper complications in the women’s division, with multiple wrestlers jockeying for position, title opportunities, and dominance.
Giulia Defends U.S. Title Despite Interference, Heightening Heel Heat
In a U.S. Title defense, Giulia faced challenger Michin in a match that was brief yet packed with interference-driven drama. Kiana James, Giulia’s associate, repeatedly involved herself to disrupt Michin’s offense, culminating in subtle but effective underhanded tactics. Despite Michin’s aggressive counterattacks, Giulia prevailed after delivering a decisive running knee, successfully retaining the championship after eight minutes.
The post-match scene further intensified tensions as Giulia teased dissatisfaction with James, who retaliated by striking Michin with a purse, indicating fractures in alliances despite their apparent unity. This angle deepens Giulia’s heel persona and sets up layered storylines revolving around trust and betrayal.
Charlotte Faces Emotional Turmoil Following Injury Amid Alexa Bliss’ Peculiar Consolation
Backstage, the emotional strain on Charlotte Flair was evident as she tearfully questioned,
“Does nothing good ever happen to me in this city,”
referencing the adversity she had repeatedly faced in Chicago. Alexa Bliss appeared in character as a doctor and symbolically “checked” Charlotte’s heart, encouraging her to rest and avail herself of “the power of friendship” for healing—an eerie and scripted exchange that juxtaposed Charlotte’s vulnerability with Alexa’s surreal attitude.
Charlotte’s reaction to the checkup, gazing at a Lilly doll and doubting her clearance to compete, further painted a picture of internal struggle and foreshadowed potential setbacks in her path forward.
Seth Rollins Provokes Legendary Feud with CM Punk and Becky Lynch as Tensions Explode
Seth Rollins entered amid high anticipation, delivering a biting promo declaring that the
“legend of your hero, C.M. Punk, dies here and now.”
The crowd’s thunderous chants of “C.M. Punk!” set the stage for a combustible confrontation as Becky Lynch followed, drawing boos and challenging fans who chanted loudly for AJ Lee, hinting at the simmering undercurrents in the women’s division.
Becky declared herself
“the greatest female wrestler of all-time”
and mocked Chicago’s struggling sports teams, fueling animosity. CM Punk interrupted with a verbal assault, targeting Becky’s husband as a “coward” and threatening to unleash his allies like Bayley and Rhea Ripley, underscoring Punk’s confidence bolstered by hometown support.
AJ Lee’s Stunning Return Electrifies Crowd, Shakes Up Becky Lynch and CM Punk Rivalry
In a breathtaking moment, AJ Lee’s entrance music hit, unleashing a wave of cheers that shook the arena. Appearing after nearly a decade and more than 3,800 days away from WWE, Lee skipped confidently to the ring, confronting Becky Lynch and immediately engaging in a fierce brawl. The audience screamed in disbelief and excitement as Lee dominated, slapping Becky and asserting her presence as a powerful force. Punk, initially stunned, lambasted her for “going crazy” in the ring, but Lee embraced her “crazy” persona, showing her trademark unpredictable, alpha-woman energy.
The impactful reunion between Lee and Punk, who hugged and kissed in the ring, cemented a realignment within WWE’s storytelling framework. Becky appeared shaken and vulnerable, while Seth Rollins supported her from ringside, heightening the emotional stakes. Cole described the moment as the return of
“the woman who made crazy cool,”
signaling a seismic shift in WWE’s women’s division narrative and promising intense interactions ahead.
Significance and Future Implications of Chicago Smackdown Event
This landmark Smackdown episode in Chicago will be remembered as a turning point marked by the WWE Smackdown AJ Lee return that instantly altered the landscape around Becky Lynch and CM Punk’s rivalry. The surprise entrance revitalized storylines, injected fresh energy into the women’s division, and set the tone for upcoming pay-per-view events, especially WrestlePalooza, where Brock Lesnar’s looming confrontation with John Cena promises to steal the spotlight.
With multiple ongoing conflicts—from Aleister Black and Damien Priest’s heated battles, Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre’s escalating feud, to fractured tag team alliances and emotional backstage confrontations—WWE has masterfully woven a complex fabric of tension and anticipation. The intricate character developments and unresolved confrontations will likely drive fan interest and ratings in the weeks ahead, as WWE navigates the final chapters of John Cena’s storied career and the evolving legacies of multiple top stars.
