John Cena appeared on Smackdown for the final time and Brock Lesnar spoiled the party with his shocking return; here’s how action unfolded

Twenty three years after making his debut on WWE Smackdown, superstar John Cena appeared for the final time on its blue brand in Chicago to face United States champion Sami Zayn. Cena’s final entry in the ring which began on a bright note was spoiled by the beast incarnate Brock Lesnar, who made an appearance after more than a year. As the WWE veteran entered the ring before his last match, he was treated to a loud cheer by the crowd saying “Thankyou Cena.”

Cena interacted with the crowd and expressed gratitude to his fans for cheering him on throughout his two-decade-long illustrious career. Soon, his United States Championship Open Challenge against Sami Zayn began. During the match, both Cena and Zayn were neck and neck with each other and were giving each other a hard time inside the ring. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment on Zayn, who recovered and went for a corner exploder that the stalwart managed to block.

From there, Cena was quick enough to pull off a pop-up powerbomb. Towards the end of the clash, Cena took out his Avalanche Attitude Adjustment. With Zayn down, Cena was trying to recover and make his way back on his feet. But before he could have recovered, trouble mounted for him as the Beast Incarnate showed up.


Lesnar, who left the audience in shock with his surprising return, came near the ringside. He pulled the referee out of the ring. As he entered inside, he first went after Zayn with an F-5 and threw him out of the ring. Lesnar then went for another F-5 against Cena and left. With Cena down, Zayn managed to retain the United States Championship. The latest attack from Lesnar highlighted and further escalated the feud with Cena that started at the SummerSlam on August 3, 2025 when he blindsided the wrestler following his defeat at the hands of Cody Rhodes.

Cena and Lesnar are now set for what is being anticipated as a blockbuster clash at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025. Cena made his official debut when he answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle in 2003.