Here is the preview for WWE SmackDown after Clash in Paris.
WWE SmackDown is set to emanate from the Allstate Arena in Chicago in what is being touted as a huge night for the company. As per WrestleTix on X/Twitter, over16,000 tickets have reportedly already been sold, with other seats possibly being opened up. Many have earmarked this show as the night legendary female star and the wife of CM Punk, AJ Lee, returns to the company, in a bid to support her husband in his feud against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
There’s another massive rumor doing the rounds. It has been speculated that Brock Lesnar will also be present on the upcoming episode of SmackDown and will possibly have a confrontation with John Cena.
Keeping all of this in mind, here’s a look at the WWE SmackDown preview, dated September 5, 2025.
The AJ Lee Return Is A Ruse
WWE loves to prank the fans, as we have seen over the last few months. The promotion first tried it with the R-Truth release, despite it not initially being a work. However, they played on this angle with Seth Rollins’ injury and him cashing in his Money in the Bank contract at SummerSlam.
The promotion, creatively led by Triple H, could pull off another major ruse. The return of AJ Lee to the company has been teased since Clash in Paris after Becky Lynch sided with Seth Rollins to help him win the Fatal Four-Way title defense. Fans are eagerly expecting Lee to return to the company for the first time in 10 years and take out Lynch.
If AJ Lee returns tonight 🥲#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/nCcCDvbnyE
— Wrestlelamia.com (@wrestlelamia) September 5, 2025
However, in a brutal turn of events, WWE could trick fans once again and have Becky Lynch come out to Lee’s music. This could tear the roof down with the jeers and help establish Lee’s return for a later date.
Brock Lesnar’s Return On WWE SmackDown
Since making his first appearance in WWE after two years, Lesnar has once again gone under the radar and has not made his presence felt again. However, things could change in the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown as The Beast could finally emerge to address the crowd. He could talk about his absence from the company and state that he came back with only one motive: to destroy and ruin John Cena’s final WWE run.
Brock Lesnar is scheduled to be in Chicago this week, where SmackDown takes place tomorrow.
(via @FightfulSelect) pic.twitter.com/BnDB0dvmd8
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 4, 2025
This could ultimately lead to the 17-time World Champion coming out and confronting The Beast.
The Upcoming WWE SmackDown Will Be John Cena’s Last
It has been revealed that the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will be John Cena’s last. The star will have seven dates after this, with several being on RAW and others being special shows and PLEs.
It will surely be an emotional night for Cena as he debuted on the blue brand at the Allstate Arena and will also have his final WWE SmackDown show at the same arena.
As part of his farewell tour which comes to an end this December, John Cena will make his final appearances in Boston on Nov. 10 at @tdgarden and New York City at @TheGarden on Nov. 17!
MORE INFO ⤵️https://t.co/yzOxgtWTYipic.twitter.com/tFhoAvleAB
— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2025
Fans can expect WWE to go out of its way to make it special for the star, with Randy Orton and CM Punk already being present.
Meanwhile, things could take a drastic turn between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton as both stars are looking to take their rivalry to the next level. All will be revealed tonight.