John Cena returned to SmackDown Live to kick start the Independence Day celebrations and cut a fantastic promo, as usual, stating that he is not a part-timer but an all timer and his status as a free agent means that even if his career might be winding down, he will go down with all glory.
He called out everyone in the locker room, both on Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live and proclaimed that he will beat each and every one of them, taking names like Randy Orton, Jinder Mahal, Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns.
As expected, Cena was interrupted, but the Phoenix, Arizona crowd were in for a surprise when Rusev’s music hit. The Bulgarian made his first SmackDown Live appearance in person, since the Superstar Shake up and confronted Cena and on cue called out the crowd with some choice words. Cena retorted asking Rusev to step in the ring for a flag match but Rusev backed off saying he will fight Cena on his time and on his term. It was later announced by SmackDown Live GM Daniel Bryan that the two will face-off in a flag match at WWE Battleground. It was a disappointment to not see Cena wrestle and engaging in an old rivalry with Rusev once again.