The September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown turned out to be an exhilarating one for fans, featuring the likes of John Cena and Randy Orton, along with presenting AJ Lee’s much-awaited return to the promotion.
However, Brock Lesnar’s appearance following Cena’s tussle with Sami Zayn was one of the most exciting moments of the entire show. Lesnar got fans hyped about his next move by delivering F-5s to both Zayn and Cena after walking out to the ring.
While most fans are wondering what course the storylines featured in the September 5 episode of SmackDown will take, we already have a few details about the next volume of the show, set to air on September 12. So here’s some more about the showdowns to be featured in the September 12, 2025 episode of SmackDown.
A WWE Women’s Championship Rematch Between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Jade Cargill made the reigning WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton struggle significantly during their match at SummerSlam this year. Cargill was just at the verge of dethroning Stratton as it looked like she would get the better of her adversary at their clash.
However, Stratton pulled out her signature move, the ‘Prettiest Moonsault Ever,’ in the final moments to everybody’s surprise and eventually retained her title with a pinfall victory over Cargill.
‘The Goddess’ accepted her defeat with grace by paying homage to her rival inside the ring, but she showcased a completely different attitude during a backstage segment on the episode of SmackDown following SummerSlam.
Cargill barged into a backstage interview of Stratton with Cathy Kelley during the episode to opine how the “story” of her rematch with Stratton would be completely different. The reigning Women’s champ fired back at her adversary, saying that the “story” might be different, but the “outcome” would “always” be the same—a victory for her.
Well, the WWE has finally granted Cargill her wish. An official report from the promotion revealed that the Stratton vs. Cargill rematch will be featured on the September 12 episode of SmackDown. It will be interesting to see if Cargill manages to turn the tide in her favor this time.
Brock Lesnar’s Return
Brock Lesnar shocked fans by making a sudden appearance at SummerSlam this year. Lesnar’s F-5 to Cena to end SummerSlam got fans hyped about witnessing another installment of his and Cena’s coveted series of matches. Lesnar intensified his rivalry with Cena even more by delivering another F-5 to the 17-time world champion at the September 5 episode of SmackDown.
However, despite Lesnar’s occasional cameos, some fans doubted whether ‘The Beast Incarnate’ would return to the ring for a full showdown. The answer is, yes, he will, and the date isn’t far away. Lesnar’s words during his exit from the latest episode of SmackDown detailed that the eleventh Cena vs. Lesnar encounter will be a part of the upcoming, Wrestlepalooza. (via WWE on X)
🚨🚨🚨
THE GOAT vs. THE BEAST at #Wrestlepalooza 👊 pic.twitter.com/iS6lqVDRKZ
— WWE (@WWE) September 6, 2025
Nevertheless, another recent official report from the WWE disclosed that Lesnar would also make his in-ring comeback on the September 12 episode of SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton
The bad blood between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre stems from McIntyre’s unprecedented attack on Cody Rhodes on the August 8 episode of SmackDown. Orton took issue with ‘The Chosen One’s’ attack on his friend and decided to confront him.
The confrontation between Orton and McIntyre during the August 29 episode of SmackDown turned ugly as McIntyre attacked Orton. Neverthless, Orton bounced back and eventually got the Scotland-native in a position to plant a punt-kick. McIntyre escaped the ring, sensing the danger.
The last episode of SmackDown featured an intense promo that mentioned that both stars were “preparing for war.” Hours later, an official report from the WWE disclosed that the high-voltage clash between Orton and McIntyre will be a part of the September 12 episode of SmackDown.
There might be a few more additions to the lineup for the episode. But it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the card is already stacked.
Which showdown out of these three are you the most hyped for? Let us know in the comments below.