WWE SmackDown September 5 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis 

The September 5th WWE SmackDown episode aired live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The show featured an appearance from the homeboy CM Punk. John Cena made his impact in his final appearance in Chicago, and probably the final appearance on the blue brand as well. Brock Lesnar was expected on the show. The new US Champion, Sami Zayn, was booked on the show. The most important and anticipated thing was the rumoured return of AJ Lee. Let’s find out whether she made her comeback and check out WWE SmackDown September 5 Results. 

John Cena’s one final appearance 

The show kicked off with John Cena making his one last entrance in the Allstate Arena. The crowd chanted “Thank You Cena” as the 17-time World Champion also called this a special night. Cena said that he was there to have fun. The crowd chanted for him again, and Cena said that these people chanted something different for him before tonight. Cena hinted at bringing people back, which started an “AJ Lee” chant. Cena responded by saying that it’d be a fun night.  

John remembered his debut in the same arena and his iconic match against CM Punk. He called the Chicago crowd the best crowd in WWE. Cena said that this crowd helped him experience failure and humility and kept him humble all the way. Cena thanked them for a fun night and was about to leave.  

Sami Zayn, the new US Champion, arrived. Zayn won the US Title last week on SmackDown. He thanked John Cena for the opportunity he gave him a decade ago in the US Title open challenge. Cena gave Sami the blessing to carry on the legacy of the US Championship. Zayn gave Cena an opportunity for the US Title right there in Chicago. Cena agreed, and we got a match.  

Grades: B 

Analysis: It was a blast of a start to an unforgettable Friday Night SmackDown. John Cena did excellent work on the mic. Sami Zayn impressed too, and we got an unexpected match between Sami Zayn and John Cena for the US Championship on SmackDown in Chicago.  

John Cena vs Sami Zayn (c) – WWE United States Championship 

Sami delivered an arm drag, but John countered with the same move. Sami hit a clothesline and a Vertical Suplex for a two-count. Cena landed a suplex, but the champion quickly gained control with a couple of hammer throws in the corner. Cena fought back with a Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Zayn countered the AA into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Cena landed an Attitude Adjustment out of nowhere for a close fall.  

The challenger didn’t hold back and delivered a massive pop-up powerbomb for a two-count. Cena also used an Angle Slam, but Sami kicked out. Cena applied the Ankle Lock and transitioned it into STF. Sami barely reached the ropes to break free. Back on his feet, Zayn hit the AA on Cena. With John in the corner, Sami charged with a Helluva Kick, but Cena managed to land another AA for a close fall.  

Zayn delivered the Exploder Suplex in the corner, followed by a Helluva Kick for a near fall. As the champion climbed to the top, Cena caught him with a GTS for a two-count. Cena tried the spear next, but Sami kicked out again. On the crowd’s demand, John attempted the RKO but failed. However, he successfully landed the Super AA. Brock Lesnar appeared and delivered an F5 to Zayn before hitting two F5s on John Cena, as the match ended in a no-contest. 

Winner: No contest. 

Grades: B+ 

Analysis: It was a fantastic battle to witness in Chicago. John Cena’s recent matches may appear to be a finisher fest to some, but it’s the best performances Cena can deliver at this stage of his career. Brock Lesnar made his presence felt, and it was good to finish the match like that cause no one needed to lose here. Following the match, Lesnar threw a challenge at Cena, and we got the official match for Wrestlepalooza PLE.  

Aleister Black vs Damian Priest 

Aleister Black blindsided Damian Priest during the entrance. Black sent him into the barricade before the match got underway. Aleister continued the assault in the match with a Meteora in the corner. We saw a hard-hitting exchange as Black landed kicks in response to Priest’s big boots. Priest hit a flatliner and a Razor’s Edge, slamming Aleister on the commentary desk. Priest attempted a South of Heaven chokeslam, but Black pulled the referee in the way. Black used the distraction to deliver Black Mass for the victory.  

Winner: Aleister Black 

Grades: B- 

Analysis: It was a short match which brought a necessary win for Aleister Black. However, the lack of storyline and consistency has significantly detracted from this feud. The feud is expected to continue in the coming weeks.  

Giulia (c) vs Michin – WWE Women’s United States Championship 

Giulia landed headbutts and a German suplex. Michin responded with a kick and a cannonball in the corner. Michin attempted Eat Defeat, but Giulia countered with a Northern Lights Bomb, resulting in a close fall. Michin hit a sit-out powerbomb. Kiana James climbed the apron for an interference but got knocked out by Michin with a headscissors takeover. In the meantime, the champ landed her finisher for the win. Giulia and Michin attacked after the match before the referee stepped in.  

Winner: Giulia 

Grades: C 

Analysis: It was a short match. However, the two talented competitors proved that they could put on a show if given enough time. Kiana James can be a good addition to Giulia’s run, but a proper story is required.  

AJ Lee is back! 

Seth Rollins was in the crowd and said that tonight would be historic as the legend of CM Punk would die. He introduced Becky Lynch, who made her way to the ring. The crowd chanted “AJ Lee” as Becky dared them to chant another person’s name while she was in the ring. Lynch continued to bash the audience before the Second City Saint arrived. CM Punk came in the ring and told Lynch that it’s not about her. Lynch shut down another “AJ Lee” chant, but Punk insisted that the crowd should carry on.  

Lynch asked Punk if he had been embarrassed the previous week. Punk said that he can bring his sisters to beat Becky. He namedropped Bayley and Rhea Ripley. Lynch slapped Punk again, but Punk refused to respond. Punk left the ring. On the ramp, Punk said that he’d never put his hands on a lady, but he has someone who will.  

AJ Lee made her entrance, and the crowd came unglued for the former Divas Champion. Lee arrived in the ring, where Lynch charged towards her. AJ took Becky down and threw multiple punches. AJ slapped Lynch and sent her out of the ring. Punk joined AJ Lee in the ring while Rollins grouped with Lynch on the ramp. Friday Night SmackDown closed with a stare down between both couples.  

Grades: A 

Analysis: It was a sweet surprise with the return of AJ Lee in the main event of SmackDown. Things just blew off in this feud. These power couples will make must-watch segments in the coming weeks. AJ Lee is back after a decade-long hiatus from wrestling.  

With an unforgettable night in the books, what are your thoughts on WWE SmackDown September 5 Results?