WWE SmackDown 9/5 Results: After A 10 Year Hiatus, AJ Lee Returns And Attacks Becky Lynch

For many fans online, it just was not fathomable that WWE would allow this moment to slide under the radar, considering Cena has seven dates left, with the final two still TBD. Sure enough, Cena confirmed that this final Chicago appearance will, coincidentally or not, coincide with his final SmackDown. This was not the promotional push that you’d expect from an event encapsulating so much nostalgia.

“This is my last time in the city of Chicago. This is my last time to ever appear on SmackDown. I view it as a beautiful moment,” Cena said before reminiscing on his aforementioned debut.

Cena went on to name-drop some of the greatest moments in his career from inside the famed Allstate Arena, including an infamous match with Triple H, the launch of his U.S. title open challenge era, and the time he let CM Punk deep freeze the WWE championship belt.

The most interesting topic in his solo promo was the acknowledgement that superstars debate the best crowds amongst one another in the locker room. Cena admitted that, for his money, Chicago will always be where the argument begins and ends. Many would argue against his narrative, especially after Paris delivered during the most recent PLE, but Cena acknowledged that no other market is powerful enough to ‘bring people back’— a clear reference to CM Punk’s return to the ring.

Sami Zayn eventually made his way out after Cena appeared to be wrapping up his promo, and the current U.S. champ, fresh off his title win over then-champion Solo Sikoa, made an impromptu challenge to Cena for his recently won title. Sami came at Cena in a show of respect, tying in his challenge with one of Cena’s most memorable runs as U.S. Champion (attributed to bringing back the illustriousness of the former WCW secondary title). In that same vein, Sami made his debut in WWE by answering the ‘John Cena open challenge’ in a losing effort for Cena’s title at the time.

What was great about this was that Cena said at the beginning of his promo that he ‘had nothing planned for tonight’ and just wanted to “have fun.” Then, when Sami asked Cena for his permission to start the “Sami Zayn Open U.S. Title Challenge,” Cena said ‘yes’ before making his way out of the ring, only to realize Sami wanted him to be the honorary first challenger.

Typically, the continuity in these moments is broken when these ‘impromptu challenges’ fill segments—‘what was planned if you had to book a surprise program, and what match is it replacing’ are the kind of questions you get. But this entire segment felt authentic, and the energy from the crowd gave it life.

Still, it is worth noting that Sami was booed out of the gate and continued receiving boos until the fans realized they were getting a Cena match. Pitting yourself against Cena, even in a promo, automatically makes you the heel these days, but it is worth considering whether the fans are starting to turn on him.

(FightsATW made several attempts to gain clarification on Cena’s final SmackDown but have received no word at the time of this publishing.)

Sami Zayn(c) vs. John Cena— U.S. Title

The match, combined with the promos, ate up the first 45 minutes of SmackDown, but the two men delivered a very memorable SD opener with Cena ‘playing the hits’ to a grateful crowd. As great as the match was, the finish was always going to be dirty, and when Cena mustered the energy to hoist Zayn over his shoulders and hit the “Attitude Adjustment” from the middle turnbuckle, you thought, for a second, maybe?

However, as both Cena and Zayn were on their back and the fans rallying behind them, Brock Lesnar’s music hit, and the man in the black cowboy hat came down to once again target Cena, even though Zayn and the referee became collateral damage. Lesnar hit multiple F-5s without uttering a word on the microphone, simply laughing at the crowd as they booed his actions.

When they came back from break and following a recap of the opening, Lesnar could be seen walking through the back, and then he said into the camera, “John, I’ll see you at Wrestlepalooza, b***h” into the camera. Lesnar was announced for next week’s SmackDown, where we’ll hopefully get some clarity on the beef.

The Brooks Are Bad At Breaking Secrets

Once upon a time, CM Punk’s return to the ring was the worst-kept secret in wrestling as he debuted for the competition in a stunning move that shook the very landscape of this business. Tonight, his wife, a former women’s world champion (DIVA if you prefer), was the best worst-kept secret in every aspect of the squared circle, as fans in attendance and online have been clamoring for her return ever since the seeds were sown for the program between husbands and wives.

It started with Becky Lynch involving herself in the four-way at Clash in Paris and the fans screaming her name on the subsequent episode of RAW. Then, the company’s social media merch account dropped the ball on some “fire” AJ Lee gear incoming ahead of ‘Wrestlepalooza.’

Seth came out first, but the scene was quickly set as Becky Lynch and CM Punk were both in the ring, replaying what we saw on RAW. Becky belittled Punk’s hometown of Chicago before berating him with sharp words and cold slaps. The crowd chanted for Lee, and Punk, for the first time, acknowledged the name: AJ LEE.

Then, he exited the ring after juking the fans with names like Bayley and Rhea Ripley to help him deal with Seth and Becky.

After several pleas from Punk for Lynch to exit the fight, he finally exited the ring and said he’s “never put his hands on a lady,” but then thankfully admitted he ‘got someone who will.’ That is when AJ Lee’s music hit, and the crowd lost their minds. The arena erupted as Punk leaned on the edge of the ring, just admiring the love the fans have for his wife.

Lee skipped around the ring like old days, circling her prey, before getting in the ring and putting her hands on Becky. Lee got every bit of the revenge she and her husband were looking for, but this program is just kicking off, and it has fans right where they want them.

Giulia (c) vs. Michin— Women’s U.S. Title

Giulia successfully defended her title against Michin, who was a finalist in the inaugural women’s U.S. title tournament, falling short to Chelsea Green. Giulia has been on quite the run since she moved up to the main roster, but Michin continues to deliver in her role as she turned out a terrific effort in this losing affair.

Other Tidbits/In-Ring Action

Jade Cargill will get another shot at Tiffany Stratton’s world title next Friday in a rematch of their Summer Slam match. Nia was seen complaining to Jade about her not deserving a title shot, and that could end up being the deciding factor in the match.

Damian Priest and Aleister Black were scheduled for a match as their program continues to heat up after weeks of slow play. But Priest tried to get the jump on Black before the match and ended up in the first row, having WWE staff tending to him for his efforts. Black picked up the clean win off the ‘Black Mass,’ but despite the definitive win, there is likely more to come.