WWE SmackDown: 3 Things That WORKED And 2 That SUCKED [09/05]

Written by Debottam Saha • Published Sep 06, 2025 07:30 EDT
WWE SmackDown Worked and Sucked

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown was electric and quite rightfully so. Here’s looking at what worked and what sucked on the show.

WWE SmackDown kicked off with John Cena, in what was his final edition of the blue brand ever. The star kicked off the show to a raucous ovation from the Chicago crowd and even talked about how, for years, he received no cheers from Chicago. Cena cut a heartfelt and decent promo before being confronted by Sami Zayn. Zayn meant no ill and only wanted to show his respect to Cena. The star then challenged The GOAT to a match, which was going well before being abruptly interrupted by a returning Brock Lesnar. The Beast first took out the referee and then took out both Zayn and Cena.

The rest of WWE SmackDown saw Carmelo Hayes and The Miz tease a breakup, Giulia and Kiana James pound over Michin, while Tiffany Stratton had another backstage segment with Cathy Kelley.

Becky Lynch was then shown arriving in the arena, while Nick Aldis asked what she was doing there. Damian Priest and Aleister Black also had another great match, with Priest earning the pinfall victory.

The last segment of the show saw Seth Rollins coming out in the stands to introduce his wife and women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch. The Man cut a solid heel promo before being interrupted by CM Punk. She then went ahead and slapped Punk. The star did nothing about it, but said that he knew someone who would put their hands on a woman. Then AJ Lee’s music hit, and one of the greatest returns in history ensued.

Lee, who returned to WWE after a decade, took out Becky Lynch and forced her to retreat. The star then hugged CM Punk and ended what was a sensational WWE SmackDown.

Here’s what worked and what sucked:

#3. WORKED: Brock Lesnar’s Big Return On WWE SmackDown

The Beast literally appeared out of nowhere without any clue to take out John Cena on the show. The star ensured that the legend did not get an emotional farewell during his last outing on the blue brand. Without any words being exchanged, this rivalry has taken on a new meaning. The only words Lesnar said were in a backstage segment when he said, “See you at Wrestlepalooza, bit*h.”

It will be interesting to see how Lesnar will be tackled by Cena and whether this will be another dominant victory for the former in their epic rivalry.

#2. SUCKED: Tiffany Stratton Keeps Getting Restricted To Backstage Segments

There’s barely any rhyme or reason as to why Tiffany Stratton has been restricted to backstage segments on the show. The current Women’s Champion has done fairly well to keep her momentum going on WWE SmackDown. The Buff Barbie has been made to feud with Jade Cargill yet as they will go head-to-head on next week’s episode of the show.

The point of this is still lost on me, and even then, the other person waiting in the wings is Nia Jax.

#2. WORKED: Kiana James And Giulia’s Partnership

After weeks of being neither here nor there, it seems that the women’s United States Champion’s partnership with Kiana James has finally kicked off. The star has been making quite a name for herself lately and mercilessly beat up Michin on WWE SmackDown.

James also took the opportunity to take her frustrations out on Michin after her embarrassing loss last week. Overall, the partnership seems to be working as James is playing the role of a heel manager well.

It remains to be seen whether it will eventually lead to the big match for the US Title at Wrestlepalooza.

#1. SUCKED: Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton’s Feud

Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton will be battling each other on WWE SmackDown next week. With Cody Rhodes’ WWE status seemingly up in the air, Randy Orton stepped in for what everyone thought would be a great feud. The star has outsmarted McIntyre over the past few weeks, and just when everyone thought The Scottish Warrior would be getting the better of Orton, the match has been announced.

The rivalry could have been extended to Wrestlepalooz and even beyond that, eventually leading to the return of Cody Rhodes.

This seemed like some very shortsighted booking and one that could have been dealt with better.

#1. WORKED: AJ Lee’s WWE Return

For days, fans have speculated whether AJ Lee’s WWE return was real or a ruse, and the answer has now arrived. Lee appeared after Punk warned Becky Lynch that he indeed had someone to beat her up, and boy, what a moment it was. For years, fans have been clamoring to see Lee return to the ring and have one last run in the company.

It now seems that the dreams have turned into reality as both AJ Lee and CM Punk are reunited in WWE once again.

What is this? 2015!!

Either way, it spells doom for Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins as they have an uphill task to remain the power couple of WWE. The sun is once again shining on us wrestling fans, and the next few weeks promise to be a grand affair.

Punk and Lee even shared some heartfelt moments after WWE SmackDown went off the air.