The September 5 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a night fans will be talking about for weeks — a surprise return that electrified the crowd, an emotional farewell moment interrupted by chaos, and clear setups for major matches on the road to Wrestlepalooza
AJ Lee Return
AJ Lee return after 10 years was the night’s defining moment. After weeks of tension involving CM Punk, Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, AJ Lee reappeared in Chicago to back up Punk, confronting Lynch in a charged, emotional segment that instantly turned the tide of the storyline. The atmosphere in the arena made it clear this was a long-anticipated homecoming that WWE intends to build into a marquee program.
AJ Lee return wasn’t just nostalgia — it’s purpose-driven storytelling. WWE positioned the moment to raise stakes for a potential mixed tag or high-profile grudge match, reinforcing that her comeback will be used to propel the CM Punk vs. Rollins/Lynch rivalry forward.
Cena Final Smackdown Appearance
John Cena was given a heartfelt send-off on the blue brand, including a meaningful in-ring sequence that paid tribute to his long career. What was supposed to be an emotional highlight turned violent when Brock Lesnar crashed a United States Title open challenge, attacking both Cena and Sami Zayn and leaving the match in disarray. The attack ended Cena’s night on a shocking note and immediately set up a major Wrestlepalooza confrontation.
The Lesnar interruption was brutal and unmistakable: a statement that the company plans to keep the heat on Cena’s farewell arc rather than let it be purely sentimental. WWE appears to be positioning Lesnar vs. Cena as a marquee, high-intensity match for the upcoming pay-per-view.
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Key Highlights -WWE Smackdown
AJ Lee Stunning Return: In a bombshell moment, AJ Lee returned to WWE after more than a decade to back up CM Punk in his tense face-off with Becky Lynch, stunning the audience and immediately reigniting one of the most intriguing rivalries in recent memory.
Brock Lesnar Ruthless Re-Entrance: Brock Lesnar crashed John Cena’s farewell open challenge against Sami Zayn, unleashing chaos that ended the match abruptly and set the stage for a headlining showdown at Wrestlepalooza.
Sami Zayn vs. John Cena (U.S. Title Open Challenge):A nostalgic, back-and-forth contest that honored Cena’s legacy—complete with tributes to legends like Kurt Angle, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, and Edge—only to be derailed by Lesnar’s interference.
Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest: A physical show of aggression on the undercard: Aleister Black sneaked a surprise attack before the match, battled fiercely with Damian Priest, and ultimately scored the pinfall with his signature Black Mass maneuver
Giulia vs. Michin (Women’s U.S. Title Match): In a tense women’s division highlight, Giulia — accompanied by Kiana James — retained her U.S. Women’s Championship against Michin, capitalizing on a ringside distraction to deliver the winning Arrivederci knee strike. Post-match, Michin was left battered by James’s continued assault.
Final Thoughts
WWE SmackDown on September 5 was a rollercoaster of emotions — from AJ Lee long-awaited return to Brock Lesnar shocking interruption of Cena’s farewell. With rivalries heating up and Wrestlepalooza on the horizon, this episode proved why SmackDown remains must-watch television.
