Main eventer reportedly in Chicago for WWE SmackDown appearance

The official announcement of John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar for this month’s WWE Wrestlepalooza could come as soon as this Friday’s SmackDown as Lesnar is reportedly set to be in Chicago.

First reported by Fightful Select, Lesnar was said to be scheduled for travel to the Windy City this week, possibly as early as Thursday. He was already scheduled for both the September 12 and 19 episodes of SmackDown.

It was reported earlier in the day that Friday is expected to be Cena’s final appearance on SmackDown as the final year of his career winds down.

The match is on tap for the September 20 premium live event from Indianapolis, Indiana but has yet to be formally announced. The show will mark the kickoff of the new multi-year domestic PLE deal between WWE and ESPN.

On the August 22 SmackDown, GM Nick Aldis told Cena he had heard from Lesnar, but before relaying what the message was, Cena was knocked out by Clash in Paris opponent Logan Paul.

Lesnar made his surprise return at August’s SummerSlam, taking out Cena at the end of the PLE after he had already lost the WWE title to Cody Rhodes. It was Lesnar’s first appearance in two years as he was put on the shelf after being named in the Janel Grant vs. Vince McMahon & WWE lawsuit that began in January 2024.

The Cena/Lesnar match will be their first time sharing the ring since a three-way with Seth Rollins at the 2015 Royal Rumble. Their last singles match took place in October 2014 at Night of Champions.