Brock Lesnar and Sami Zayn both played a big part in John Cena’s Farewell Tour on WWE SmackDown one week ago. With this week’s showtime approaching, new details on multiple happenings are being revealed.
Big Match John worked his final WWE SmackDown event last Friday, failing to dethrone Sami Zayn of the United States Championship after opening his Open Challenge in a throwback to their feud years ago. In what was also Cena’s final Chicago date, the blue brand opener ended around the 21-minute mark via No Contest when Lesnar hit the ring and began to wreak havoc on champion and challenger.
The Beast Incarnate will be back on tonight’s SmackDown at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. WWE previously announced Lesnar for tonight’s show, but Nick Aldis has revealed that the former UFC Heavyweight Champion will be on SmackDown to take the mic. The SmackDown General Manager said Lesnar is coming to the legendary wrestling venue to speak on his actions from last week.
John Cena is not currently booked for tonight’s show, but he will be on Monday’s RAW in Springfield, MA. After tonight, Brock Lesnar is only advertised for next Friday’s go-home SmackDown at the Huntington Center in Toledo, OH, one day before the final Lesnar vs. Cena match at the inaugural WWE Wrestlepalooza PLE. While the 17-time World Champion is not listed for SmackDown tonight, the current WWE United States Champion is.
Sami Zayn To Defend On WWE SmackDown After Last Week’s Brock Lesnar Attack
Sami Zayn began his first WWE United States Championship reign on August 29 by dethroning Solo Sikoa on SmackDown in France. Brock Lesnar crashed Sami’s first title defense last week, taking he and John Cena out.
The Beast will be on tonight’s SmackDown to speak, while The Underdog From The Underground will be there to wrestle. In the video below, Nick Aldis announced that Zayn will issue another U.S. Open Challenge with the United States Championship on the line. There’s no word yet on who might show up to answer the challenge.
.@RealNickAldis breaks down EVERYTHING you need to know for huge night in Norfolk for #SmackDown!
📺 8ET/7CT on @USANetworkpic.twitter.com/W1KaRa37c3
— WWE (@WWE) September 12, 2025
In addition to Sami Zayn and Brock Lesnar, Aldis previously announced the following for tonight in Norfolk, VA: Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton, plus Jade Cargill vs. Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton with the title on the line. The WWE and Scope Arena websites have the following names listed in addition: Cody Rhodes, Chelsea Green, Jacob Fatu, The Street Profits, Solo Sikoa, plus two dark matches with RAW Superstars: LA Knight vs. Bron Breakker, Rusev vs. Sheamus in a Norfolk Street Fight.