After Learning About The WWE Stars Reportedly Set To Appear At SmackDown In Chicago, I Think I Need To Cancel My Plans

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As a passionate film enthusiast (or wrestling fan, if you prefer), I’m buzzing with excitement as the WWE prepares for Wrestlepalooza, set to take place later this month. However, before that grand spectacle, there’s speculation brewing about what could potentially be the most action-packed SmackDown of the year!

Now, I must admit, the company always pulls out all the stops for their big shows in major cities, and Chicago is no exception. But this event might just carve a special place in fans’ memories, so much so that it’s making me reconsider my plans to catch it live right from home!

Following the Clash in Paris event yielded fewer returns than anticipated, suggesting at least two big-name wrestlers are poised to appear on SmackDown. Given this could potentially be John Cena’s last Friday night in professional wrestling, we’re looking at what promises to be a highly enjoyable evening.

AJ Lee Is Expected To Return

Fans have been eagerly anticipating AJ Lee’s comeback ever since CM Punk re-entered the WWE, and it seems like there couldn’t be a more fitting moment for her return. With Becky Lynch now aligning herself with her husband, Seth Rollins, in their expanding group of stars, she’s been openly trying to provoke Punk into attacking her.

In modern WWE, they usually don’t feature male characters attacking female ones due to the change in era. However, Lee is a WWE legend and someone from the early days that Becky Lynch never had a chance to compete against within the company. It seems more appropriate for her anger to be directed at them rather than Ozzy Osbourne’s fanbase.

Word-for-word rephrasing: The report of Lee’s comeback stems from WWE Shop X’s account, which leaked the return prematurely (via Cageside Seats). Though this isn’t an ideal method for obtaining information about a surprise comeback, it does lend credibility to the belief that she will appear on tonight’s episode.

Natural and easy to read paraphrasing: There are rumors swirling that Lee is coming back, with WWE Shop X accidentally spoiling it earlier (via Cageside Seats). While I wouldn’t typically rely on leaked information for a surprise return, the fact that it’s been revealed gives me reason to believe she will show up in tonight’s episode.

Brock Lesnar Will Apparently Confront John Cena

According to the Fightful Select report, Brock Lesnar is expected to make an appearance in Chicago too, which isn’t much of a surprise given that he stunned everyone with his comeback at SummerSlam, and it appears that this return was likely arranged for a confrontation with John Cena.

More On WWE

Reflecting on the news about Hulk Hogan, it’s evoked a sense of nostalgia within me – a longing for my 10th birthday party and the electrifying chaos that enveloped WWE events in the 1980s.

Due to the limited number of WWE events remaining this year, with John Cena retiring by the end of 2023, there aren’t many significant live events left where they could schedule his anticipated matchup. At present, it is widely expected that this highly-anticipated bout will be a major feature at Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for September. If this is true, it would be fitting for Lesnar to show up during one of Cena’s final live broadcasts.

Although neither rumor has been verified, it seems prudent for SmackDown to generate buzz around Wrestlepalooza to the utmost extent. The Premium Live Event (PLE) is scheduled on the 2025 television calendar as the inaugural WWE event to be broadcast on ESPN’s service under their latest agreement. Given the company’s desire for this event to attract a massive audience, there might not be a more effective strategy than by teasing numerous high-profile returns prior to the PLE.

Get ready for SmackDown airing on USA this Friday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The upcoming events promise an exciting twist, and there are rumors swirling about some major wrestlers such as Roman Reigns possibly considering retirement from the ring soon.

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2025-09-05 20:08