Lesnar Floors R-Truth as Zayn Retains U.S. Title on SmackDown

Lead: WWE SmackDown returned Friday at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, where Sami Zayn retained his U.S. Championship against Rey Fenix, Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar answered R-Truth’s challenge with an emphatic F-5.

Nut Graf: With Wrestlepalooza looming on September 20, key storylines took shape as titles held firm, rivals reignited feuds and surprise attacks set the stage for next week’s SmackDown and beyond.

Championship Open Challenge

Sami Zayn def. Rey Fenix: Zayn survived Fenix’s high-flying offense and scored the pinfall with a Helluva Kick, extending his U.S. Title reign.

Women’s Division Chaos

Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill: The WWE Women’s Championship showdown ended in a double count-out after Cargill flung Stratton through the ringside barricade.
Nia Jax Attack: Post-match, Nia Jax stormed the ring to assault both Stratton and Cargill, leaving the division in turmoil.
Giulia vs. B-Fab: A pre-match assault by Giulia resulted in a no-contest, with Michin intervening to save B-Fab and set up future conflict.

Main Event Showdown

Drew McIntyre def. Randy Orton: In the night’s headliner, McIntyre avoided Orton’s punt kick and connected with a Claymore Kick for the decisive pinfall.
Cody Rhodes Return: Immediately after the bell, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returned to SmackDown, laying out McIntyre and challenging him to a title match at Wrestlepalooza.

Surprise Returns & Attacks

Brock Lesnar vs. R-Truth: Opening the show, R-Truth welcomed Lesnar back, only to be met with two consecutive F-5s from “The Beast” as a warning to John Cena ahead of their Wrestlepalooza clash.
Uncle Howdy & Erick Rowan Message: In a backstage vignette, the mysterious duo left an ominous warning for The Street Profits, hinting at upcoming confrontations.

SmackDown goes off the air with multiple feuds intensifying and championship pictures unsettled as Wrestlepalooza draws nearer.