A Night of Thrills and Farewells at WWE SmackDown

September 5, 2025, marked an unforgettable night at the Allstate Arena in Chicago as WWE SmackDown delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, thanks to iconic appearances from CM Punk and a heartfelt farewell from John Cena.

Cena’s Emotional Address to Chicago Fans

The night kicked off with John Cena taking center stage. The Chicago crowd erupted into a ‘Thank you Cena’ chant, and he reciprocated with an emotional address reflecting on his retirement tour. "This is a special night for me," Cena declared, reminiscing about his debut and acknowledging his journey in WWE. With gratitude, he thanked the fans for their unwavering support, promising to leave it all in the ring one last time.

Sami Zayn Challenges Cena to the Ultimate Showdown

Just when Cena was about to leave, Sami Zayn, the reigning United States Champion, interrupted. Zayn thanked Cena for mentorship and proposed a match for the U.S. Championship right then and there, igniting a frenzy among fans. Cena, ever the competitor, accepted the challenge, setting the stage for a showdown fans wouldn’t forget.

A Spectacular U.S. Championship Match: Cena vs. Zayn

The highly anticipated match commenced with Cena showcasing his signature strength against Zayn’s agility. The two exchanged high-impact moves, each trying to seize the advantage. Just when it seemed Cena would secure victory, the ring erupted with Brock Lesnar's entrance.

Brock’s chaos led to a No Contest finish after he threw both Cena and Zayn around like ragdolls, sending shockwaves through the audience. With a smirk, Lesnar declared, "I’ll see you at WrestlePalooza, b***h!" leaving fans buzzing about the impending confrontation.

Aleister Black Defeats Damian Priest in a Hard-Hitting Battle

The night continued with a stunning singles match as Aleister Black faced off against Damian Priest. The bout was filled with stiff strikes and high stakes, culminating in Black hitting his devastating finisher, Black Mass, for the victory.

Women’s Championship Showdown: Giulia vs. Michin

In an intense showdown for the Women’s U.S. Championship, Giulia defended her title against Michin. The match was a back-and-forth affair filled with high spots and dramatic near-falls. Giulia ultimately triumphed, but not without a chaotic post-match attack from Kiana James, adding further tension.

CM Punk and Becky Lynch's Fiery Confrontation

As the night headed towards its climax, CM Punk and Becky Lynch delivered fiery promos that electrified the crowd. Their exchange escalated quickly, leading to a surprise appearance by AJ Lee, who made a stunning comeback to the ring. An explosive brawl ensued, culminating in a chaotic scene that left fans on the edge of their seats.

What’s Next for WWE?

This episode of WWE SmackDown was less about the matches and more about the moments—celebrating legacies and igniting rivalries. With huge matches lined up for next week and the anticipation of WrestlePalooza, fans are left eagerly waiting to see what unfolds.

Key Matches and Moments: September 5, 2025

From Cena’s heartfelt farewell to shocking interruptions and thrilling matches, this episode is one for the history books. Stay tuned for more electrifying WWE action!