The September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown in Chicago’s Allstate Arena delivered a seismic shock to the wrestling world as Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee made stunning returns, leaving John Cena battered and Becky Lynch reeling. The blue brand’s explosive night, a pivotal buildup to Wrestlepalooza on September 20, saw these iconic figures reshape the WWE landscape with their dramatic reentries, setting the stage for high-stakes confrontations.
Lesnar, absent from WWE television since SummerSlam 2023, stormed the ring during John Cena’s United States Championship match against Sami Zayn. Cena, in his final SmackDown appearance as part of his farewell tour, was moments away from victory after delivering an Avalanche AA. The crowd’s cheers turned to gasps as Lesnar’s music blared. The Beast Incarnate yanked the referee out, halting the count, and unleashed chaos, hitting Zayn with an F-5 before targeting Cena with two devastating F-5s. Backstage, Lesnar taunted, “Hey John, I’ll see you at Wrestlepalooza, bitch,” confirming a blockbuster clash at the upcoming Premium Live Event. This brutal interruption not only spoiled Cena’s Chicago homecoming but also reignited one of WWE’s most storied rivalries, with Lesnar’s return signaling his intent to dominate Cena’s final chapter.
Meanwhile, AJ Lee’s return after a decade away electrified the Allstate Arena. The main event segment saw Seth Rollins, from the crowd, introduce his wife, Becky Lynch, who mocked Chicago and CM Punk. As Lynch slapped Punk, echoing her assault on Raw, the crowd chanted for Lee. Punk, refusing to strike Lynch, teased an ally before Lee’s iconic music hit. The former Divas Champion charged the ring, unloading on Lynch with a Thesz press and a vicious slap, sending her fleeing with Rollins. The emotional reunion of Lee and Punk, embracing to a thunderous ovation, set up a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza against Lynch and Rollins. Lee’s return, long rumored but expertly executed, was a nod to her Chicago roots and her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling.
The night’s events underscored WWE’s knack for delivering unforgettable moments. Lesnar’s attack on Cena, a nod to their brutal history, ensures Wrestlepalooza will be a battleground for redemption or destruction. Lee’s assault on Lynch, fueled by personal and professional stakes, adds a layer of intensity to the Punk-Rollins rivalry. Social media erupted, with fans praising WWE’s storytelling and the emotional weight of these returns. As Wrestlepalooza nears, the fallout from SmackDown has elevated anticipation to fever pitch. Will Cena overcome Lesnar’s onslaught in their final encounter? Can Lee and Punk outmaneuver Rollins and Lynch? Chicago’s unforgettable night has set the wrestling world ablaze, promising a historic showdown on September 20.
