WWE Friday Night SmackDown Full WWE

 The September 5th edition of Friday Night SmackDown delivered a monumental night in Chicago, drawing an impressive 1.585 million viewers and a 0.51 rating in the coveted 18–49 demographic—representing a 38% boost in total viewership and an 82% spike in the demo compared to the previous week (Cageside Seats + 1 Wrestlenomics). Despite stiff competition from a record-breaking live NFL stream that night, SmackDown led traditional TV in the 18–49 demo, according to Cageside Seats.

Several headline-making moments defined the evening. John Cena made his final appearance on SmackDown in his debut city of Chicago, delivering a heartfelt farewell. The Times of India + 1CBSSports.com. The excitement exploded when Brock Lesnar returned and brutally interrupted Cena’s match with Sami Zayn, setting up a high-stakes showdown at Wrestlepalooza. The Times of India CBSSports.com. In a jaw-dropping surprise, AJ Lee made her first WWE appearance in a decade, returning to support her husband CM Punk in a visceral segment with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, hinting at an explosive mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza