Brock Lesnar Wrecks John Cena After Thrilling U.S. Title Match on his Final SmackDown

After a 20 minute US title classic against Sami Zayn, John Cena gets taken out by a returning Brock Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar Wrecks John Cena After Thrilling U.S. Title Match on his Final SmackDown

John Cena and Brock Lesnar (via WWE)

The September 5 edition of SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago delivered on all fronts, setting the stage for WrestlePalooza later this month. The show opened with John Cena, who received a thunderous ovation as he made his way to the ring for what he revealed would be his final appearance on the blue brand.

Cena told the crowd that throughout his comeback tour, he had given everything he had each night in the ring. But this time, he just wanted to have fun and soak it all in. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the mixed reactions he has often received but emphasized how special Chicago has always been for him.

Cena reminded fans that 23 years ago, it was in this very city and on the same show that he walked down the ramp and slapped Kurt Angle in the face to kickstart the Ruthless Aggression era. The 17-time World Champion also recalled battling Triple H at WrestleMania 22 in Chicago and holding United States Open Challenge matches in the arena.

And of course, the unforgettable night he lost to CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011 and watched his WWE Championship wind up in Punk’s fridge. The iconic outing was the first five-star match of Cena’s illustrious career and changed the wrestling industry as a whole.

Cena then thanked the Chicago crowd for “a beautiful run” and told them to enjoy the night. Sami Zayn then made his entrance. He said it wouldn’t feel right to let Cena’s final SmackDown pass without thanking him face-to-face.

Not just on behalf of the locker room, but personally. Zayn recalled making his WWE debut in a U.S. Title Open Challenge against Cena back in 2015. Now, years later, the Canadian stands as United States Champion himself.

Wanting to honor that legacy, Zayn announced the Sami Zayn U.S. Title Open Challenge, vowing to defend the belt with the same dignity Cena once did. Cena approved, called it “great,” and stepped aside. However, Zayn requested Cena to do the honors of kicking off this new era for the former NXT Champion. 

What followed was a 20-minute classic. The two men traded homages to Cena’s legendary career, with finishers like Edge’s Spear, Kurt Angle’s Ankle Lock and Angle Slam, and even a playful RKO tease when the crowd called for it. In the final stretch, Cena hit a top-rope Avalanche Attitude Adjustment, leaving both men laid out.

Suddenly, Brock Lesnar stormed in. He yanked the referee out of the ring, dropped Zayn with an F-5, and then leveled Cena with one as well. A second F-5 to Cena followed, but instead of shock, the moment drew groans as Lesnar’s once-intimidating aura felt long past its prime. The match ended in a no-contest, cutting short what had been a heartfelt, career-spanning showdown.

Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena made official for WrestlePalooza as WWE’s debut PLE on ESPN gets a potential main event

As mentioned earlier, the instant classic between Zayn and Cena on the 17-time World Champion’s final SmackDown ended in chaos when Brock Lesnar made a shocking return and attacked both men. His attack on the babyfaces forced the match to a no-contest.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestlePalooza (via WWE)

Following the segment, WWE officially confirmed that John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will take place at the upcoming WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event. This historic clash is set for Saturday, September 20, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will serve as a cornerstone match for the inaugural WWE PLE airing on ESPN platforms.

Later in the night, during a backstage segment, Lesnar confronted Cena once again and delivered a chilling message. 

Hey, John. I’ll see you at WrestlePalooza, b****.

Brock Lesnar on SmackDown

The showdown has been brewing since SummerSlam, when Lesnar returned after a two-year hiatus and blindsided Cena following his main event match against Cody Rhodes. Moreover, Lesnar is even advertised for the September 12 segment of SmackDown. It will be interesting to see if the WWE universe is going to get any clarification from ‘The Beast’ regarding his assault on Cena. 

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