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Huge assault after SmackDown, Naomi update & Lesnar to be MIA?
Inside: Corey Graves' replacement and more
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Sami Zayn had yet another incredible Championship defense as he continues to emulate John Cena's US Title Open challenge. After his big win, there was a huge assault that happened off the air. Since WWE was in Orlando, Florida, for SmackDown this week, it only made sense that a hot up-and-coming NXT star like Je'Von Evans would be the one to answer the challenge. And indeed, that's exactly what happened as the 21-year-old highly-acclaimed star made a challenge for Sami Zayn's United States Championship.
Ultimately, it wasn't enough as Sami would manage to get the better of the more inexperienced Evans, who happened to take the US Champion to his limit. He got a roaring endorsement from the US Champion Sami Zayn, and even Michael Cole couldn't help but state that he believes Je'Von Evans is a future World Champion. However, once the cameras stopped rolling, Je'Von Evans was assaulted by his fellow NXT star, Josh Briggs. The video was posted on WWE's social media.
 Naomi shared a major pregnancy update ahead of tonight's edition of WWE SmackDown. This week's show is the first episode of the blue brand following Wrestlepalooza 2025 this past Saturday night. The former Women's World Champion took to Instagram ahead of tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown to share a heartfelt update. Naomi is married to Jimmy Uso in real life, and the happy couple is expecting a child together. The Glow shared a video of her ultrasound and noted that their child had already started kicking. |  WWE SmackDown was opened by Michael Cole recapping what had happened at Wrestlepalooza, as well as what was waiting for fans tonight on the show. He also revealed that a top star had been replaced on SmackDown for a while by a Hall of Famer. On SmackDown last week, Cole was supposed to interview Brock Lesnar. Unfortunately, that did not happen, as he was interrupted before he could even head to the back. Lesnar walked out of the back and picked him up like a rag doll before dumping him in the ring. This was followed by him appearing as though he was going to attack Cole. Instead, Corey Graves stopped him and, while he saved his commentary partner, got hit by two huge F5s. Now, on WWE SmackDown, Michael Cole revealed that replacing Corey Graves was none other than Hall of Famer Booker T. |
FROM THE RUMOR MILL
At WWE Wrestlepalooza, Brock Lesnar absolutely dominated John Cena in one of the GOAT's final matches. Lesnar returned after a two-year absence, but might already be off TV for a bit. The Beast Incarnate made his WWE return on SummerSlam Night 2, attacking John Cena after the 17-time World Champion lost his title to Cody Rhodes in the main event. Lesnar then appeared on the September 12 edition of SmackDown, looking for Cena. Instead, Lesnar was met by R-Truth, Cena's greatest fan. R-Truth tried to stand up for his childhood hero, which led to another nasty assault by Brock Lesnar. Cena and Lesnar would finally meet in the ring at Wrestlepalooza, WWE's debut PLE with ESPN.
Much like their SummerSlam 2014 match, Lesnar mauled his rival, defeating him in under nine minutes. With a dominating performance like that, one might expect to see Lesnar on TV within the next few weeks. Unfortunately, you may have to wait a while before the 48-year-old Superstar returns. Fightful has reported that he'll be off TV for a while. This comes after the report from WrestleVotes that Lesnar is scheduled to work both the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42. So even if the multi-time WWE Champion has disappeared from television, we'll more than likely see him tease his next feud during a dominating run at the Rumble.
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There's only one man who needs to cost John Cena his match against AJ Styles at WWE Crown Jewel 2025
John Cena is set to face his longtime rival, AJ Styles, at WWE Crown Jewel. The Franchise Player rallied fans on X earlier this week, asking for their thoughts on him having a match against The Phenomenal One. After an overwhelmingly positive response, Triple H made the bout official for the upcoming event. The Last Real Champion's one-sided loss against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza was widely criticised. Therefore, when Cena took to social media to get a match against AJ Styles, fans felt that The Never Seen 17 had taken it upon himself to dictate his remaining appearances.
If John Cena is indeed in the driver's seat, he could convince Triple H to bring back one of his most iconic rivals. If that happens, there is only one man who could cost The Cenation Leader his bout against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel, and it's none other than Adam Copeland (FKA Edge).
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ANALYSIS CORNER
Former WWE Superstar Edge (aka Adam Copeland) has taken a hiatus from his current promotion, AEW. During a storyline with his friend Christian Cage, Edge mentioned that he needed some time off to take care of his family. The Rated-R Superstar made this revelation during a recent episode of Dynamite. This has sparked speculation about whether the four-time WWE Champion is planning to return to the Stamford-based promotion for a final clash with John Cena.
There have been rumors floating that the 51-year-old superstar might be headed back to WWE for a final match against Cena. Edge left WWE in September 2023 after his contract ended. He then joined Tony Khan's AEW, where he's been performing since. Although discussions about his match with John Cena have been ongoing, nothing has been made official yet. It also wouldn't be surprising if The Rated-R Superstar doesn't even show up in WWE to pay his final respects to John Cena before the latter retires.
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