Tonight’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago started with John Cena addressing the live crowd. In what was billed as his final appearance on the SmackDown brand, Cena received a standing ovation and chants of “Thank you, Cena.”
“I have focused on doing great work, giving you my heart and soul, and leaving it all in the ring every single night on this farewell tour,” Cena said. “This is my last time in Chicago and my last time on SmackDown.”
As he was about to leave the ring, he was interrupted by United States Champion Sami Zayn. Zayn thanked Cena for everything he had done for his career, recalling his own main roster debut against Cena in Chicago for the U.S. Title. Zayn then offered Cena a championship match for that night, which Cena accepted.
Lesnar Makes His Presence Felt
The United States Championship match between Cena and Zayn was cut short by the arrival of Brock Lesnar. About 15 minutes into a competitive match, Lesnar walked down to the ring, pulled the referee out, and immediately attacked both competitors.
Lesnar hit his F5 finishing move on Sami Zayn and then delivered an F5 to John Cena. He was not finished, as he then hit a second F5 on Cena before leaving the ring, putting on his cowboy hat, and walking to the back.
Building to Wrestlepalooza
The attack continues the storyline between Lesnar and Cena that began at SummerSlam, where Lesnar made his return to WWE by attacking Cena after the main event. After the commercial break, Lesnar said he will see Cena at the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event on September 20
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THE BEAST HAS BEEN UNLEASHED!!! 😤 pic.twitter.com/MHNdAuLrJY
— WWE (@WWE) September 6, 2025
