John Cena will make his final appearance for SmackDown tonight at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. The event is positioned for a volatile atmosphere, as reports indicate Brock Lesnar is scheduled to be in the building. A potential return for AJ Lee is also reportedly being discussed.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H highlighted the venue’s significance on social media. “40 years of @WWE history. Epic matches, jaw-dropping returns, and game-changing debuts. The @AllstateArena holds a special place in the heart of every Superstar who gets the chance to perform here. This place is magic…let’s make some more tonight.”
Lesnar’s presence marks his first appearance since SummerSlam, where he attacked Cena after the main event. This hostility is expected to build toward a main event match between the two at WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20.
While Lesnar looms, WWE’s reported plan for Cena is a match against the new United States Champion, Sami Zayn. Zayn captured the title from Solo Sikoa last week and has stated his intention to start his reign “off with a bang.”
The farewell in Chicago brings Cena’s career full circle. He made his official WWE television debut in that same Allstate Arena after answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle.
Tonight’s show is one of just eight dates remaining on Cena’s retirement tour. All of his subsequent appearances are scheduled for Raw, premium live events, or Saturday Night’s Main Event.