WWE SmackDown delivered an electrifying night on September 5, 2025, from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, marking a landmark episode with many pivotal moments. The show featured heartwarming farewells, intense rivalries reignited, and championship battles that draped the evening in drama and excitement. Most notably, John Cena made his final Chicago appearance amid a farewell tour, while Sami Zayn returned as the new United States Champion, setting the tone for fresh storylines ahead. Here’s a detailed look at all the action, backstage insights, and what it means for WWE moving forward.
John Cena’s Emotional Final Chicago Appearance
The WWE Universe witnessed a significant chapter close as John Cena stepped into the SmackDown ring for his final match in Chicago. Fresh off his recent victory over Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris, Cena’s presence was met with thunderous cheers and emotional tributes from fans and wrestlers alike.
According to sources close to WWE backstage, Cena’s farewell tour has been handled with careful respect, as the organization aims to honor his monumental legacy. One insider shared, “John knows the impact Chicago fans have had on his career, and he wanted this night to feel like a true celebration, not just another match.” Cena’s interaction with the crowd and peers heightened the emotional intensity throughout the night, blending nostalgia with anticipation for his next chapter outside WWE[1][4].
Sami Zayn Returns as New United States Champion
After dethroning the MFT leader Solo Sikoa last week, Sami Zayn made a triumphant return to SmackDown, proudly carrying the United States Championship. This title win ended Sikoa’s 62-day reign and signaled a fresh direction for the championship landscape. Zayn’s return was marked by a mix of celebration and a stern address to the locker room, implying his intentions to elevate the belt’s prestige.
Backstage commentary highlights that Zayn’s recent alliance and support from Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso played a crucial role in his victory, bringing a layered narrative of faction warfare and strategy into play. An insider noted, “Sami’s win isn’t just personal redemption—it’s a calculated shake-up designed to recalibrate the mid-card scene.” His presence on SmackDown as champion is already sparking discussions on potential rivalries and fresh feuds that could dominate the coming weeks[1][4].
Intense Ring Battles: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
One of the night’s most anticipated matches featured Damian Priest facing off against Aleister Black—a feud full of personal grudges and physical confrontations. Both superstars carry a storyline steeped in past animosity, notably since Black’s interference earned Priest a win via disqualification in July, and a violent brawl two weeks ago escalated tensions further.
SmackDown fans witnessed a fiercely contested match, with both competitors showcasing resilience and high-impact maneuvers. Sources backstage have hinted at this rivalry continuing to heat up, potentially leading to a decisive blow-off match at an upcoming pay-per-view. A WWE official remarked, “The chemistry between Priests and Black keeps evolving; this feud is far from over and promises more intense moments ahead.”[1][4][5]
Women’s United States Championship: Giulia vs. Michin
The women’s division spotlighted a high-stakes championship bout between the reigning Women’s United States Champion Giulia and challenger Michin. Michin earned her title shot after defeating Kiana James, but post-match chaos erupted when Giulia and James launched a vicious assault on Michin, setting the tone for a hard-fought contest.
The match itself underscored Giulia’s dominance and vicious tactics, while Michin demonstrated determination and heart that resonated deeply with the crowd. Wrestling analysts have praised this storyline for adding depth and grit to the women’s division. One commentator observed, “Giulia’s reign and rivalry with Michin bring fresh intensity to the women’s mid-card, proving the division’s vitality and ongoing potential.” Expect this rivalry to continue evolving with escalating stakes [2][5].
CM Punk’s Compelling Hometown Moment
CM Punk’s appearance on SmackDown added a significant personal element to the show. Returning to his hometown of Chicago, Punk addressed the crowd amid ongoing tensions with Becky Lynch and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. His promo blended emotional resonance with pointed verbal jabs that ignited audience reactions.
Industry insiders have revealed that Punk’s return here is designed to cement his storyline momentum leading toward a major pay-per-view confrontation with Lynch or Rollins. A WWE creative team member shared, “Punk coming home charged up the arena; we wanted that raw emotion to fuel future high-profile matches.” This adds a remarkable layer to SmackDown’s narrative structure, intertwining character arcs with fan investment[1][2][3].
What’s Next on SmackDown?
The September 5 edition of SmackDown was pivotal but also a springboard for future developments. With John Cena’s farewell tour progressing, Sami Zayn’s new reign, and heated feuds emerging strongest, WWE is effectively positioning its stars for an explosive fall season. Fans can expect continuation and escalation around:
Sami Zayn defending the U.S. Title against new challengers aligned with the MFT faction.
Damian Priest and Aleister Black pushing their rivalry toward a climactic showdown.
CM Punk intensifying his personal vendettas in Chicago and beyond.
The Women’s United States Championship storyline adding new layers with competitors like Giulia, Michin, and Kiana James.
Final Thoughts on a Night to Remember
WWE SmackDown from Chicago was a carefully crafted blend of farewell, return, and rivalry that kept audiences thoroughly engaged. John Cena’s final bow in his Windy City hometown evoked a collective moment of celebration and reflection, while Sami Zayn’s championship ascendancy heralded a fresh dawn in the mid-tier scene.
As revealed by a WWE insider, “This night was about honoring legacies while planting seeds for the future. It’s a testament to WWE’s ability to blend emotion, athleticism, and storytelling into something unforgettable.”
Fans and analysts alike are now eagerly anticipating how these stories will unfold in the weeks ahead as SmackDown continues to deliver weekly dramatic confrontations and unforgettable wrestling moments.
This landmark episode of WWE SmackDown demonstrated why the brand remains a centerpiece of sports entertainment, blending superstar moments with compelling storytelling that captivates live audiences and viewers worldwide.