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WWE SmackDown live results, recap, grades as John Cena makes final appearance in Chicago

Cena is expected to headline the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event later this month

By Shakiel Mahjouri

Sep 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET • 1 min read

John Cena's time in WWE is quickly coming to an end. The legendary performer only has a few appearances left on his schedule before he calls it quits at the end of this year. He'll make one of those final appearances on Friday night in Chicago on WWE SmackDown.

Cena isn't scheduled for a match or a segment, but he is scheduled to make an appearance in front of the Chicago fans for the final time. It's likely that Cena builds toward a match at the recently announced WWE Wrestlepalooza, which is set for Sept. 20 in Indianapolis.

Elsewhere on Friday night, new United States champion Sami Zayn is also scheduled to appear. Zayn earned the title with a win over Solo Sikoa last week in France. Plus, the women's US title is on the line when Giulia takes on Michin. And Damian Priest is set to face Aleister Black in singles action.

CBS Sports is with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Allstate Arena in Chicago, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

WWE SmackDown preview

John Cena makes final appearance in Chicago
United States Women's Championship -- Giulia (c) vs. Michin
United States champion Sami Zayn appears
Damian Priest battles Aleister Black

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