WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network | September 5th, 2025 — The Episode Recap:

AJ Lee has made her return for the first time in 10 years, as she fought off Becky Lynch, and she slapped her husband, CM Punk, multiple times, as she’s now back in the WWE. (Photo by WWE)

The September 5th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match Results:

The Opening Match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. John Cena in a WWE United States Title Match | via No Contest — (20:57)

The 2nd Match: Aleister Black defeated Damian Priest in a Singles Match | via Pin-Fall — (09:37)

The Main Event Match: Giulia (with Kiana James) (c) defeated Michin in a WWE Women’s United States Title Match | via Pin-Fall — (08:16)

My Thoughts on the September 5th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

My Thoughts: This was one of the rare occasions where SmackDown truly delivered. John Cena and Sami Zayn had a very good match, with Cena taking a trip down memory lane by using moves from his former rivals as a tribute. Aleister Black gained the upper hand against Damian Priest to score a victory. Michin challenged for the WWE Women’s United States Title, but Giulia put her down in an okay main event. My favorite moment, though, was AJ Lee’s return after 10 years, attacking Becky Lynch in retaliation for what she did to Lee’s husband, CM Punk. Overall, it was a solid show.

The September 5th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match Ratings:

The Opening Match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. John Cena in a WWE United States Title Match | The Match Rating: ****.25 — This was an amazing match. I blame Triple H, The Rock, and TKO for ruining what could have been an amazing retirement tour for John Cena, all because The Rock wanted to have this idea of John Cena turning heel. Since SummerSlam, his matches with Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, and Sami Zayn have been amazing and showing why, when John Cena is at 100% as a babyface, he's truly one of the best to ever do it. Sami Zayn is now the rightful owner of the WWE United States Open Challenge thanks to the blessing of John Cena, and he asked John Cena for a match in which he accepted. This match rocked with John Cena pulling out the Pop-Up Powerbomb to honor Kevin Owens, hitting the Spear to honor Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, hitting a G.T.S. to honor CM Punk, and a Clothesline from Hell to honor JBL. It was so awesome. Sami Zayn turned into Super Zayn as he kicked out of everything. The match didn't conclude as something arose, but this was amazing. I loved this. I'm going to miss John Cena and Sami Zayn. WWE United States Open Challenges might be the saving grace of SmackDown for the rest of the year. Amazing stuff from both men.

The 2nd Match: Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest in a Singles Match | The Match Rating: *** — This was a very okay match. Aleister Black I wish had more limelight I'm enjoying this feud between Damian Priest because it has been well done and one of the few brigthspots from recent months only downside it hasn't been feature on a Prenimum Live Event yet which kinda shocks me because I thought this would be a good undercard match for any Premium Live Event even with a stipulaton which I'm assuming is going to take place as these two can't have a normal contest. But the way the finish was indicated, this feud is far from over, and a rubber match will happen in the future. The WrestlePalooza needs an undercard with the Mixed Tag Team Match and Women's World Title Match being the main highlights. Have these two fight in a Street Fight of some sort to get the Indiana crowd going insane, because I know they can have an amazing match with each other.

The Main Event Match: Giulia (with Kiana James) (c) vs. Michin in a WWE Women’s United States Title Match | The Match Rating: **.50 — Giulia and Michin deserved a longer match, but finally Giulia got herself a title defense she hasn't even been a focal point for SmackDown, which annoys me because she is way better than the majority of the women, even the WWE Women's Champion. Giulia and Michin, I do think, deserve a way longer match. But Giulia retained and is still the champion.

The September 5th WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match of the Night: Sami Zayn (c) vs. John Cena in a WWE United States Title Match | The Match Rating: ****.25

The September 5th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Grade: 8.25/10 (B+) — This was one of the rare occasions where they actually tried for a SmackDown. John Cena and Sami Zayn had a very good match where John Cena took it back in time and pulled out some moves his ex-rivals used to do to pay homage. Aleister Black gets the upper hand on Damian Priest and gets the win. Michin tried to get the WWE Women’s United States Title, but Giulia put her down in an okay match in the Main Event. Obviously, my favorite moment of the night is when AJ Lee made her return after 10 years and attacked Becky Lynch after what she did to her husband, CM Punk. All-around solid show.

Next Week WWE Friday Night SmackDown September 12th Episode — The Announced Matches & Segments:

1. Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill in a WWE Women’s Title Match.

2. Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton in a Singles Match.