Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown is arguably the most anticipated show of the year as it’s set to air live from Chicago and some big names are going to be in the house. Top stars such as John Cena, CM Punk and Randy Orton are being advertised for SmackDown and it looks like they aren’t the only stars who are in town for the show.
PWInsider is reporting that Becky Lynch is in Chicago for SmackDown, and current plans call for Lynch to close the show. Throughout the week there’s been a lot of speculation regarding a possible AJ Lee return, so the placement of Becky’s segment is interesting to say the least.
It’s also being reported that John Cena will be opening Friday Night SmackDown this week with the idea being that he will interact with Sami Zayn to set up a match between them that will take place during the first hour of the show. AJ Styles and The New Day are also reportedly in Chicago for dark matches.
It’s worth noting that WrestleTix is reporting tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown is sold out and as of this writing 16,578 tickets have been distributed for the show.
One way or another tonight’s show is shaping up to be a big one, and John Cena has confirmed that he will be making his final appearance on the blue brand.
Stay tuned for updates.
My @WWE debut was on #Smackdown at @AllstateArena. Few, if any, places rival the feeling in that building with a sold-out Chicago crowd. We get to do it one last time for my final Smackdown appearance.
Tonight is one you are NOT going to want to miss. Let’s go CHI-TOWN!
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 5, 2025