Brock Lesnar Expected to Make SmackDown Appearance – The long-anticipated clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar is nearing an official confirmation, with WWE expected to make the announcement as early as this Friday’s SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago. According to reports, Lesnar is scheduled to travel to Chicago this week, possibly arriving on Thursday, with appearances also lined up for the September 12 and 19 episodes of SmackDown.
The blockbuster match is slated for WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event will mark the launch of WWE’s new multi-year domestic premium live event deal with ESPN. While the match has yet to be formally announced, all signs point to the official confirmation happening in front of the same Chicago crowd where Cena made his WWE debut in 2002.
Friday’s show carries added significance as it is expected to be John Cena’s final SmackDown appearance. As reported earlier, Cena has only seven WWE dates remaining this year as he winds down the last year of his legendary career.
The storyline between the two intensified over the summer. At SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar made his shocking return after a two-year absence, attacking Cena after his loss to Cody Rhodes. That marked Lesnar’s first appearance since being sidelined due to his name being mentioned in the Janel Grant vs. Vince McMahon & WWE lawsuit filed in January 2024.
The upcoming showdown will be historic, as Cena and Lesnar have not faced off in nearly a decade. Their last singles encounter was at Night of Champions 2014, and their most recent meeting was a triple threat alongside Seth Rollins at the 2015 Royal Rumble. WrestlePalooza will now host the long-awaited next chapter in one of WWE’s most storied rivalries.
Brock Lesnar Expected to Make SmackDown Appearance
