The September 5, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, delivered emotional moments and shocking twists, culminating in Brock Lesnar abruptly ruining John Cena’s final shot at the United States Championship. What began as a promising night honoring Cena’s legacy quickly spiraled into chaos that left the Chicago crowd stunned.
John Cena’s Emotional Final SmackDown in Chicago
John Cena’s appearance on SmackDown was highly anticipated as it marked his last time performing in Chicago on WWE’s blue brand. Cena opened the show to a raucous ovation, greeted by waves of cheers and chants from fans thankful for his years of in-ring excellence and contributions to the company. Cena took a moment to soak in the adulation before the evening’s action unfolded[2][4].
U.S. Title Open Challenge: Sami Zayn Honors Cena’s Legacy
The match that Cena awaited came courtesy of United States Champion Sami Zayn, who returned with the title in tow. In an emotional promo, Zayn paid tribute to Cena’s role in his career, recalling how Cena gave him his first U.S. Title shot a decade ago. In a touching gesture, Zayn announced the revival of the U.S. Title Open Challenge tradition started by Cena, proposing Cena be the first challenger under the new reign[5].
John Cena accepted immediately, to the delight of the fans. The two shook hands, and the energy in the arena surged, setting the stage for a memorable contest. After years of Cena elevating the U.S. Title scene, it looked like his swan song in Chicago would be both competitive and celebratory.
Brock Lesnar’s Shocking Interference
However, just as the match was set to begin, WWE’s “Beast Incarnate,” Brock Lesnar, stormed the ring and interrupted the proceedings. Lesnar’s arrival was unannounced and left the crowd in disbelief. His interference instantly dissolved any chance Cena had at capturing the U.S. Title on his final SmackDown visit to Chicago[1].
Backstage sources revealed that Lesnar’s involvement was planned to inject unpredictability into the show and to build tension stemming from his ongoing storyline rivalries. One WWE insider shared, “Lesnar’s interference wasn’t a last-minute decision; management wanted to protect Cena while keeping Lesnar as an unstoppable force. It’s about preserving star power and extending future feuds.” This backstage insight helps explain why the match ended without a definitive conclusion[1].
Other Notable Moments from SmackDown 9/5/25
Beyond the main event chaos, SmackDown’s September 5 show featured:
A competitive bout between Aleister Black and Damian Priest, showcasing both wrestlers’ athleticism and striking skills[1].
Giulia defending the Women’s United States Championship against Michin, maintaining her momentum as a dominant champion[1][2].
CM Punk’s return and spirited promo in his hometown, adding star wattage to an already electric night[2].
These matches and segments contributed to the depth of the event, balancing out the shock of Lesnar’s interference and highlighting WWE’s broader booking strategy for the fall season.
Impact on Cena’s Legacy and Upcoming WWE Storylines
John Cena’s career-defining legacy centers heavily on his multiple U.S. Title reigns and elevating the title’s prestige. Ending his Chicago run with an unresolved title shot was bittersweet for many fans. Yet sources say WWE aims to build on this moment by eventually giving Cena a big pay-per-view scene where he can compete without interruptions.
Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s emergence as a dominant threat reaffirms his role as a centerpiece for WWE’s marquee storylines heading into the final quarter of 2025. His interference sets the stage for a heated Cena-Lesnar rivalry rekindled or for new challengers to step up in the U.S. Title scene.
Fan and Wrestler Reactions
The Chicago crowd showed mixed reactions—while Cena was celebrated, Lesnar’s interruption drew a mix of boos and shocked silence. Wrestling insiders note that such reactions are exactly what WWE aims for in crafting compelling programming. One veteran commentator said, “Heat and surprise like this keep audiences hooked; it’s classic sports entertainment psychology.”
In interviews post-show, Cena expressed respect for Zayn and disappointment about the abrupt ending but promised fans he’s not done making headlines anytime soon[4].
The September 5 WWE SmackDown in Chicago combined nostalgia, drama, and surprise in a night that honored John Cena’s legacy but left fans eagerly awaiting the fallout from Brock Lesnar’s disruptive arrival. With rising stars and veterans all featured prominently, WWE continues to set the stage for an exciting fall season filled with intense rivalries and unforgettable moments.