Photo Credit: WWE

John Cena Confirm Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Is His Last; Sami Zayn Opens Challenge

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Michael Joseph Sugue | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:26 PM ET

Chicago paid its respects to the greatest ever to lace them up, John Cena. The “Never Seen 17” recalled every significant milestone that he’s had in the Allstate Arena. Cena would reminisce about his wars with Triple H, his U.S. Open Challenge, and even Money in the Bank 2011, which elevated his rivalry with CM Punk to legendary status, as well as his ruthless debut against Kurt Angle.

Cena stated that he wants to take it in tonight, thanking the WWE Universe for giving him the respect he always coveted. John Cena made another shocking announcement, stating that tonight’s SmackDown in Chicago will be his final Blue Brand appearance. Before Cena could walk away, new United States Champion Sami Zayn would enter the building.

The champ thanked Cena on behalf of everyone in the locker room for carrying WWE on his back, as well as giving Zayn the opportunity a decade ago to show the WWE Universe what he was really made of. In honor of Cena, Zayn asked if he could officially open the “Sami Zayn U.S. Open Challenge,” and Cena agreed immediately.

John Cena would try to exit the ring once again, but Sami Zayn would not let him, saying that if this is indeed his final SmackDown, then both of them should make it memorable, challenging Cena to a United States Championship match then and there. Never one to pass up a challenge, John Cena agreed to compete for the first title he ever won in WWE two decades ago to kick off the night.

Buckle up, folks, it’s going to be an amazing one.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: