John Cena has confirmed his appearance on the September 5 broadcast will be his last on WWE SmackDown. The event takes place at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, a city with deep significance for his career.
In a statement on Twitter, Cena noted the venue’s importance: “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!”
According to Bodyslam.net, WWE plans for Cena to face Sami Zayn tonight. This follows Zayn’s victory over Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship last week. Zayn has since stated his intention to start his title reign “off with a bang.”
However, the planned match may be complicated by an external presence. Fightful Select reports that Brock Lesnar is scheduled to be in Chicago for the show.
Lesnar’s potential appearance follows his return at SummerSlam, where he attacked Cena after the main event. This ongoing hostility is expected to build towards a main event match between the two at WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
Cena’s farewell in the Allstate Arena brings his career back to its starting point. He made his official WWE television debut in that same building, answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle.
Tonight marks one of eight dates remaining on Cena’s retirement tour. All subsequent appearances are scheduled for Raw, premium live events, or Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE also announced that CM Punk will appear on tonight’s SmackDown.