John Cena returns to SmackDown Live, sets up Flag match with Rusev at Battleground

WWE wasted no time getting right to the goods on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live, with John Cena’s big return opening the show. Naturally, he cut an Independence Day promo, talking about the great freedom in our country and what it means to work hard to be the best.

That’s how he feels about WWE too.

He went on to address criticism of his being a part-timer, responding by saying “I’m an all-timer” and that means he needs to be on both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live because if his time in WWE is limited then he needs to go out in a blaze of glory.

“You line ‘em up, I will knock every one of ‘em down.”

He made clear he’s back and ready to take on all comers. That’s when another star made his return — Rusev. He complained about a lack of comeback commercials while he was out working hard to return, and the fact that no one responded to video messages he sent to Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. Well, he’s back now because he doesn’t want anyone taking opportunities from him anymore.

Also, “America is a joke.”

You knew they would go this route, considering it’s the Fourth of July. Cena then challenged Rusev to an old school flag match. He accepted but not for this show because “we’re going to fight on my terms.”

I guess Daniel Bryan agreed, because:

There you go!

Get complete SmackDown Live results and coverage here.