The WWE Smackdown live free event from September 5, 2025, marked a milestone as it featured John Cena’s final WWE appearance in Chicago at the Allstate Arena. Fans witnessed a remarkable night that blended nostalgia, intense wrestling action, and surprise guest appearances, making this episode one of the most talked-about editions of Smackdown in recent memory.
John Cena’s farewell to Chicago was a significant highlight. The legendary wrestler, who began his WWE career in this very venue over 23 years ago, received an overwhelming response as he paid tribute to the city and its fans. Cena’s final showcase here was filled with emotion and memorable moments, solidifying his status as a WWE icon. Over 16,000 fans packed the arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere that reflected his impact on the sport and its audience.
Another major highlight was the return of CM Punk to Smackdown. Although Punk is primarily a Raw superstar, his detailed hints and eventual appearance in Chicago caused a stir among the crowd and wrestling community. His intense ongoing rivalry with Seth Rollins added intrigue to the evening, especially with fallout from recent events plus the evolving storyline around Becky Lynch and The Visionary. The presence of CM Punk at the event elevated the stakes, promising compelling developments in upcoming WWE shows.
The Smackdown show also prominently featured Sami Zayn, who returned as the new United States Champion. His return and championship status added momentum to the evening’s matches, with fans eager to see how he would defend the title amidst stiff competition. The event further showcased Randy Orton and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, who were advertised for the show, providing a balanced mix of veteran presence and current champions.
One of the most anticipated questions heading into the show was about Brock Lesnar’s involvement. Since his surprise return at SummerSlam, Lesnar had been largely absent, with only a cryptic phone call to Smackdown’s general manager Nick Aldis hinting at his presence. His potential showdown with John Cena at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event in Indianapolis added suspense to the night, as fans and analysts speculated if Lesnar would make an appearance.
The event was simulcast live on the USA Network and streamed internationally on Netflix, allowing a global audience to enjoy the action in real time. The Allstate Arena setup, with a capacity of 18,500 for concerts, held approximately 16,046 fans for this Smackdown, underscoring its popularity and drawing power.
Key takeaways from the night included:
- John Cena’s emotional farewell to Chicago at the venue of his debut.
- CM Punk’s surprise appearance, intensifying his feud with Seth Rollins.
- Sami Zayn’s return as the U.S. Champion and his role in ongoing titles.
- Anticipation around Brock Lesnar’s potential involvement and a future match with Cena.
- The promotion of Randy Orton and Tiffany Stratton further diversified the card.
This Smackdown edition set the stage for exciting storylines heading into the premiere of the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event on ESPN’s streaming service, deepening the narrative arcs for top WWE Superstars.
For fans looking to watch WWE Smackdown live free, official broadcasts are accessible on USA Network in the U.S., and international streaming is available on Netflix, providing widespread availability without cost for viewers with these subscriptions.
Stay tuned and engaged with the evolving drama and action-packed moments of WWE Smackdown. Comments and fan reactions enrich the experience—feel free to share thoughts or predictions on upcoming matches and storylines.