Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing September 5, 2025, promises an action-packed night live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The post-WWE Clash In Paris show sees “The Best In The World” CM Punk addresses his hometown crowd. Plus, 17-time World Champion John Cena makes his final appearance in Chicago.
The show kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network and is available for international fans on streaming platforms like Netflix. Ringside News will provide live, match-by-match updates and highlights throughout the night. Stay tuned to this page, refresh for the latest results as the action unfolds, and join the conversation in the comments below!
WWE SmackDown Results (9/5/25): Live Match Updates and Highlights
The show opens up with commentary welcoming us as we see the arrivals of several stars, including CM Punk. We then get a video package recapping this past weekend’s WWE Clash in Paris PLE. The focus is on John Cena’s win over Logan Paul and Seth Rollins retaining the World Heavyweight Championship thanks to some help from Becky Lynch.
John Cena’s music then hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Cena then gets his ring introduction, while the crowd cheers him.
Cena takes the adulation from the crowd, but doesn’t get to speak just yet as the fans chant “Thank you Cena” before he says they don’t know what it means having that come from Chicago. Cena talks about this being a special night. Cena then says when he first announced his retirement tour people kept telling him to enjoy this. Cena then says he came off a lot of bad years and needed to get his mojo back. Cena then says he wanted to find his soul again and leave it all in the ring and this because he came out here with absolutely nothing planned. Cena then says tonight he wanted to have fun.
Cena then says for over half this tour he has had to overcome hurdles and the fans have been there with him, but tonight he’s just going to take it in. “Cena” chants then erupt and he admit it feels weird coming from Chicago. Cena then points out a couple of fans that he says they all used to look like saying something else. Cena then says “F-U Cena” and you can fill in the blanks. Cena then talks about these fans bringing people back and this brings up an “AJ Lee” chant from the crowd to which Cena says this is going to be a fun night.
Cena then talks about making his big WWE debut in this very city, walking down the ramp in his skimpy tights and slapping Kurt Angle to get this crazy ride strike. Cena then talks about matches with Triple H and others in this building and how he came up second in a world title match with that title ending up in CM Punk’s refrigerator. Cena then says this is the greatest crowd in WWE. Cena then says for some there might be an argument, but there is none from him. Cena then thanks this crowd for being there for him, for keeping him humble and letting him experience failure and humility. Another “thank you Cena” chant starts as he says for one last time when he needed it most, they helped him experience joy. Cena then says he has no other words, just to thank the fans here in Chicago and to enjoy a hell of a night tonight. Before he can leave, Cena is interrupted by the arrival of Sami Zayn.
The crowd then sings along with the theme of the new United States Champion as he makes his way down to the ring and he asks for a microphone of his own. The crowd then begins booing Zayn as he says he just wanted to tell Cena that after watching him on this tour. Cena then tries to calm the crowd down saying it’s happy hour here in Chicago and he’s here for the “boos.” This then gets a nice pop, though the fans start to boo Zayn again until he makes it clear he is here to thank Cena. This then gets a nice reaction as he thanks Cena for everything. He then acknowledges making his debut in WWE against Cena and going after the United States Championship and now, he stands here as that very champion. Zayn then acknowledges the United States Open Challenge and asks for Cena’s permission to carry on the legacy of offering that opportunity.
Cena then appreciates this, saying he gives his blessing as he starts to leave but Zayn says not to leave just yet. Zayn then says he had barely one foot in the door when Cena gave him that opportunity and now Cena has one foot out the door. Zayn then says if this is truly Cena’s last time here in Chicago and if this is the last chance for Zayn to share a ring with him, then he would love to offer Cena that very opportunity at the U.S. Championship. Zayn then says he doesn’t want to do this in a month or in a week, he wants that here in Chicago right now. Zayn then says if you want some, come get some. Cena then repeats what Zayn said to make sure he understands the match. Cena then tells Zayn he is on. Cena then takes his shirt off as he gets ready to go and that match is up next.
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. 17-time World Champion John Cena
The match starts off with Cena hitting a shoulder tackle. Both men then lock up and Cena takes Sami down with a wrist lock. Cena then cinches in a side head lock. Sami then hits an arm drag, then transitions into an arm bar. Sami then cinches in a wrist lock. Cena then hits an arm drag, then transitions into an arm bar. Cena then cinches in a side head lock. Sami then goes for a leap frog, but he clips Cena. Sami then hits a clothesline for a near fall. Sami then hits a suplex and he gets a near fall.
Cena then blocks a suplex a few times and Cena hits a suplex of his own. Cena then misses an elbow in the corner when Sami moves. Sami then hits a hard Irish whip. Sami then cinches in a front face lock and hits another hard Irish whip. Sami then cinches in a front face lock, but Cena responds with a hard Irish whip. Both men then get back to their feet, but it is not for long as both men hit clotheslines at the same time. Sami then escapes an Attitude Adjustment into a DDT for a near fall. Sami then hits a punch and he goes to the turnbuckles and hits a double sledge for a near fall. Cena then avoids a punch and hits a flying shoulder tackle and a second one followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena then looks for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and hits it.
Cena then lifts Sami up for an Attitude Adjustment, but Sami escapes and hits a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Sami then cinches in a front face lock and Cena gets Sami up, but Sami escapes and he applies a wrist lock and goes for a tornado DDT. Cena then hits an Attitude Adjustment for a near fall. Sami then sets up for the exploder into the turnbuckles, but Cena hits some elbows and a pop up power bomb for a near fall. Cena then misses a shoulder in the corner and hits the ring post. Sami then sets up for a Helluva Kick. Sami then misses and Cena hits an Olympic Slam for a near fall.
Cena then hits a punch and Sami punches back. Cena then hits a kick and Sami hits another punch. Both men then hits clotheslines on one another and both men go down. Cena then cinches in an ankle lock. Sami then rolls over and tries to kick Cena away. Cena then cinches in an STF. Cena then pulls Sami into the center of the ring and reapplies the STF. Cena then pulls Sami into the center of the ring, but Sami kicks Cena into the turnbuckles and Sami hits an Attitude Adjustment for a near fall. Sami then sets up for a Helluva Kick, but he is caught by Cena for an Attitude Adjustment and Cena gets a near fall. Sami then hits an exploder into the turnbuckles and follows it up with a Helluva Kick for a near fall.
Sami then pulls Cena into position and Sami goes to the turnbuckles. Sami then goes up top and he leaps over Cena. Cena then hits Sami with a GTS for a near fall. Cena then hits a spear and he gets a near fall. Cena then crawls up to Sami as if he is going to strike. Sami then avoids an RKO and Cena hits a clothesline. Cena then puts Sami on the turnbuckles and Cena hits an Avalanche Attitude Adjustment. Both men are down. Brock Lesnar’s music then hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Brock then pulls the referee to the floor and enters the ring. Brock then hits an F5 on Sami. Brock then goes over to Cena and he picks up Cena for an F5.
The WWE United States Championship Open Challenge Match ends in a No Contest!
After the match, Brock stands in the ring and he smirks before he gets Cena up for another F5. Brock then walks up the aisle.
We then see what just transpired moments ago between Cena, Sami and Brock. Brock then tells Cena he will see him at WrestlePalooza b***h. We then get a graphic confirming the match.
We then see SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis in the backstage area and Carmelo Hayes walks up to him and tries to talk to him. Hayes says he wanted to get a U.S. Title Match and Miz asks for a Tag Team Title Match. Aldis then says he has to deal with stuff. A vehicle then arrives at the building and Becky Lynch emerges.
Aleister Black then cuts a promo and says this is what you want from me. Black then says he thought the world would be different, but it is still poisoned. Black then says you are standing across from years of hate and for him to purify. Black then says he can be the king or fall on his own sword. Black then says Damian Priest you are who you are because you follow the rules. Black then says he is who he is because he follows the rules until he doesn’t.
Black then attacks Priest as Priest makes his way down to the ring for the next match of the night. Priest then hits a punch on the floor. Black then sends Priest into the ring post and over the ringside barrier into the crowd. Black then sits in the ring as the medical staff and officials check on Priest.
Singles Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
The match starts off with Priest is at the stage, but he makes his way down to the ring and Black kicks Priest and Priest goes back to the floor. Priest then sends Black to the floor, but Black hits a round kick to the temple. The referee then tells Black to back off. They then return to the ring and Priest says he is good to go. Black then avoids a punch and Black puts Priest in the corner. Black then hits some kicks. Black then hits another kick on the head. Black then hits an elbow on the collarbone. Priest then hits a punch. Black then cinches in a crucifix submission, then transitions into a sunset flip for a near fall. Black then hits a kick. Priest then send Black into the turnbuckles. Priest then staggers and stumbles when he gets back to his feet. Black then hits a knee and a Meteora for a near fall.
Black then hits a kick on the chest and a knee on the head. Black then chokes Priest in the ropes. Black then hits a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Black then hits a kick on the ribs. Priest then hits some punches and forearms. Black then hits a forearm and a snap mare, then follows it up with a kick on the chest. Black then gets a near fall. Black then cinches in a reverse chin lock. Priest then hits a snap mare and a forearm. Black then blocks a kick and hits a knee for a near fall.
Black then goes to the turnbuckles to pose. Priest then clips Black’s leg and Black is crotched. Priest then sets up for a Razor’s Edge and Black escapes. Priest then goes for the South of Heaven, but Black hits an elbow and a jumping knee for a near fall. Black then backs Priest into the turnbuckles and Priest pushes Black away. Priest then hits some forearms to stagger Black. Black then hits a kick and he misses a boot. Priest then hits a clothesline and both men are down. Priest then hits some forearms. Priest then hits some kicks and a rolling elbow. Priest then hits another forearm. Priest then hits an elbow into the corner, but Black responds with a boot. Priest then hits a kick on Black. Priest then goes to the turnbuckles and to the ropes to go Old School and he hits a cross body. Black then goes to the floor.
Priest then hits a flatliner onto the apron and hits a second one. Priest then adjusts the announce desk. Priest then goes for a Razor’s Edge onto the announce desk and Black lands on it. Priest then sends Black back into the ring and Priest watches Black ask for a time out. The straps then come down for Priest. Priest then grabs Black and Black grabs the referee. Black then pushes the referee into Priest and he hits the Black Mass for the win.
The winner of the Singles Match, Aleister Black!
We then get a graphic reminding us of the Women’s United States Championship Match and that is coming up next.
We then get a video package for Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. Randy says Drew should know what he can do. Drew then says Randy cannot pull the trigger, but he can. Randy then says Drew doesn’t want to know what the voices say. Drew then says WWE needs a real man like him. Randy then says he will send Drew into reality.
It is then announced that next week Drew McIntyre faces Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar will be on SmackDown and Tiffany Stratton defends her Women’s Title against Jade Cargill.
We then see Cathy Kelley interviewing Tiffany Stratton. Kelley asks Stratton about her match against Cargill next week. Tiffany says Jade says a lot of things and she loves to run her mouth. Tiffany then says all of the talk ends next week when they meet in the ring. Tiffany then says her foot won’t be on the ropes, it will be in the eye of her storm. Jade is in locker room and Nia Jax shows up and asks if Jade lost to Tiffany. Nia then says Jade doesn’t deserve the #1 Contender’s spot. Jade then says Nia can get her shot once she beats Tiffany for the title.
Giulia then makes her way down to the ring for the next match of the night with Kiana James.
We then see Becky Lynch is on her phone and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis shows up. Nick says he didn’t know Becky would be here. Nick then says they are dealing with a lot and CM Punk is in the building. Nick then tells Becky there cannot be any issues tonight. Becky then says she understands and she leaves the room.
Michin then makes her way down to the for the next match of the night.
WWE Women’s United States Championship Match: “The Beautiful Madness” Giulia (c) vs. Michin
The match starts off with Kiana James getting on the apron as Michin and Giulia exchange punches. Michin then hits some punches and kicks in the comer. Giulia is then sent to the floor and Michin follows. Michin then sends Giulia into the apron and back into the ring. Giulia then misses a boot and Michin hits a drop kick. Michin then hangs in the ropes and Giulia goes to the floor when Michin moves. Giulia then blocks a baseball slide and hits a hanging neck breaker off the apron to the floor.
Giulia then rakes the eyes as they continue to fight around the ring. Giulia then sends Michin back into the ring. Michin then hits a forearm and Giulia hits a head butt. Giulia then goes up top for a missile drop kick and she gets a near fall. Giulia then hits some punches. Giulia then hits some chops and forearms. Giulia then nails her forearm across the bridge of the nose and Giulia stretches Michin in the ropes. Giulia then hits a boot on the head and she sends Michin’s head into the mat for a near fall. Giulia then goes for a LeBell Lock, but she tries for a Rings of Saturn with a fish hook.
Michin then escapes and Giulia hits a forearm. Michin then blocks a suplex and Michin counters with a DDT. They then exchange forearms and Michin has the advantage. Michin and Giulia then hit head butts. Giulia then hits a German suplex and Michin pops up and hits one of her own. Both women then hits slaps at the same time and both women go down. Michin then hits some forearms and a Pele Kick. Michin then hits a cannonball and she gets a near fall. Michin then sets up for Eat Defeat, but Giulia blocks it and hits the Northern Lights Bomb for a near fall. Giulia then hits a kick on the head and a knee. Michin then blocks a kick and she gets Giulia up for a sit out power bomb for a near fall. Michin then goes for Eat Defeat, but Kiana is on the apron. Michin then sends Giulia into Kiana and Michin hits a head scissors driver on Kiana. Giulia then hits a running knee on the head of Michin for the win.
The winner and still the WWE Women’s United States Champion, “The Beautiful Madness” Giulia!
After the match, James attacks Michin and the referee pulls Kiana off Michin.
We then take a look at what happened with the WWE Women’s Tag Title Match last week. We then head to the back, where Charlotte Flair asks if nothing good ever happens to her in this city. Alexa Bliss then shows up and she tells Charlotte that Dr. Lilly will see her. Charlotte then says she needs to be cleared so they can get revenge on Chelsea and Alba. Alexa then says they will get revenge when the time is right. Alexa then tells Charlotte to rest up and maybe the power of friendship can help her.
Seth Rollins’ music then hits and makes his way out.
Rollins says tonight we are all witnesses to history because the legend of your hero CM Punk dies right here and right now. Rollins then says to do the honors he introduces the greatest female wrestler in history Becky Lynch. Becky then makes her way down to the ring. Seth and Becky then blow kisses at each other from a distance, while the crowd chants for AJ Lee to show up. Becky then yells at the crowd for chanting another person’s name while she is standing in the ring. Becky then says she is the greatest female wrestler of all time. Becky then says this is classic Chicago. Becky then says you wouldn’t know what greatness looks like. Becky then says all of your teams suck. Becky then says CM Punk sucks.
CM Punk’s music then hits and steps out onto the stage as the crowd sings his theme. Punk then walks down the ramp, giving some appreciation to fans in the front row on his way down to the ring. We then get a wide shot showing Seth up in the crowd, waving at Punk as Punk poses on the apron and on the turnbuckle before getting into the ring itself. Punk then stares Lynch down before getting a microphone. The crowd then chants Punk’s name and Punk says this isn’t about Becky, it’s about her coward of a husband but Lynch insists it is about her.
Lynch then asks Punk if he is embarrassed, but Punk says he isn’t. Punk then says not as embarrassed as her coward of a husband hiding behind Paul Heyman and his goons. Becky then asks Punk how his face is doing and how his pride is doing. Another “AJ Lee” chant gets shut down by Becky, but Punk says she will let them chant the name of AJ Lee. Punk then says if it bothers Becky so much, she shouldn’t have stuck her nose where it doesn’t belong. Punk then says we’re in Chicago and you don’t think he can just snap his fingers and have one of his sisters come beat Becky up. Punk then brings up Bayley, to which Becky says she beat her already. Punk also brings up Rhea Ripley before Lynch responds by slapping Punk over and over again. Punk then refuses to fight back and he leaves the ring as Becky tells him to run away. Punk then says this is the type of situation he never wanted to be in. Punk then says he would never put his hands on a lady, but he knows somebody who will.
AJ Lee’s music then hits and steps out onto the stage to a huge pop from the Chicago crowd. Lee then skips down the ramp, not losing a step from when we last saw her as she circles the ring before smiling at Punk. Lee then then turns her attention to Becky as she gets on the apron, stepping through the ropes as the crowd gets more and more electric. “Holy s–t” chants then start as Becky charges at Lee, who drops Becky to the mat for some punches. Becky then tries to leave the ring, but AJ pulls her back in for some more damage. AJ then brings Becky to the corner for some more strikes before lining Becky up for a slap that sends Becky rolling out of the ring. Becky then retreats from the ring as Punk steps in, with Rollins scrambling through the crowd to regroup with his wife up the ramp. Punk and Lee then embrace in the ring before AJ climbs the turnbuckle to one more big pop and we get a stare down between the two couples as the show comes to a close.
Matches & Key Moments Scheduled for WWE SmackDown on September 5, 2025
- “The Best In The World” CM Punk will addresses his hometown crowd
- 17-time World Champion John Cena will make his final appearance in Chicago
- We’ll Hear From WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn
- Singles Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Match: “The Beautiful Madness” Giulia (c) vs. Michin
Source link
