The WWE Universe was left in utter shock on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown, as Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee made jaw-dropping returns, unleashing chaos by attacking John Cena and Becky Lynch in a brutal display that has set social media ablaze. Lesnar, absent since his SummerSlam 2023 loss to Cody Rhodes, stormed the ring during Cena’s open challenge for the United States Championship. The “Beast Incarnate” obliterated Cena with three F5s, leaving the 16-time world champion motionless as the crowd roared in disbelief. Moments later, AJ Lee, who hadn’t appeared in WWE since 2015, blindsided Becky Lynch after her match against Liv Morgan, delivering a Black Widow submission that left “The Man” writhing in pain.
Lesnar’s return, teased on X by insider accounts like @WrestleTalk, was a seismic moment. Sporting a new look with a shaved head and a fresh “Conquer” tattoo, the former UFC champion declared his intent to “burn SmackDown to the ground” in a chilling promo. His attack on Cena, who was nearing the end of his 2025 farewell tour, was unprovoked, with Paul Heyman at Lesnar’s side, hinting at a new agenda. Cena, bloodied but defiant, was stretchered out, sparking speculation of a WrestleMania 41 dream match. Posts on X, including from @CenaFan4Life, suggest Lesnar’s attack was retaliation for Cena’s comments about “part-timers” stealing the spotlight, reigniting their storied rivalry from 2012-2014.
AJ Lee’s comeback was equally electrifying. The former Divas Champion, rumored to be training at the WWE Performance Center since June 2025, emerged from the crowd to a deafening ovation before turning heel by attacking Lynch. Lee, now 38, showcased her signature agility, locking in the Black Widow and screaming, “This is my house now!” Her husband, CM Punk, absent from the episode, reportedly approved her return, fueling rumors of a mixed-tag match involving Punk and Lee against Lynch and Seth Rollins at Survivor Series. Lee’s attack on Lynch, a former ally, was personal, tied to their 2014 feud over the Divas title, as confirmed by backstage sources cited on WrestlingInc.
The fallout has the WWE Universe buzzing. Lesnar’s dominance and Lee’s betrayal have shifted the SmackDown landscape, with Triple H reportedly planning a major storyline to capitalize on their returns. Fans on X, like @WWEObsessed, are hyping a potential Bloodline connection, with Lesnar possibly aligning with Solo Sikoa to counter Roman Reigns. Meanwhile, Lynch vowed revenge on social media, promising to “break AJ’s neck” at the next opportunity. As SmackDown builds toward Clash in Paris, the returns of Lesnar and Lee have injected unpredictability, setting the stage for a chaotic autumn season that could redefine WWE’s power dynamics.
