AJ Lee and Becky Lynch are set to clash inside the WarGames cage at this year’s Survivor Series, as anticipation builds for the event. As WWE approaches the highly anticipated match, the final roster selections are being confirmed, following the inclusion of Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns on “Raw.” The spotlight shifted to the women’s teams during Friday’s “SmackDown,” where the face team, composed of Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair, announced AJ Lee as their fifth member. This news adds an intriguing layer to the match, especially with Lee returning from a brief hiatus after Wrestlepalooza.
Fans were treated to the familiar spectacle of WWE drama as AJ Lee made her entrance, only to be blindsided by an attack from the heel team. This moment added to the ongoing narrative, showcasing the chaotic elements that have become synonymous with WarGames matches. The excitement for this showdown builds, despite some critiques about the haphazard storyline development leading into the event.
“SmackDown” kicked off with a humorous segment featuring The Usos, who provided comedic relief as they navigated their own issues. Their antics played out as they dealt with the absence of the Universal WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, who was shown to be recovering from an assault by Drew McIntyre. The lighthearted nature of this segment stood in stark contrast to the serious build-up surrounding the WarGames matches, providing a refreshing break from the tension.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated John Cena retirement tournament continued, with Bronson Reed facing Carmello Hayes. The match was filled with over-the-top booking but ultimately culminated in a much-needed victory for Hayes, aided by a timely distraction from Rhodes. This win was a significant shift in his narrative, allowing him to progress in the tournament amidst the chaos.
The evening showcased solid wrestling, with #DIY facing off against Fraxiom in a memorable tag match, and Penta defeating Finn Balor in another highlight of the night. Both encounters received praise for their execution and energy, adding to the evening’s overall appeal.
On the downside, critics expressed concern over WWE’s approach to storytelling, particularly in scenes featuring Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, which felt disjointed. Additionally, the ongoing backstage segments with Jade Cargill and Chelsea Green raised questions about direction within the women’s division, indicating a need for clearer narratives.
The tag team division also appeared to be sidelined, causing concern among fans eager for its reinvigoration. Moreover, there were missed opportunities for a reunion between Penta and Rey Fenix, which fans had hoped to see.
Despite these critiques, one of the evening’s standout performances came from Ilja Dragunov, who delivered yet another compelling bout against JD McDonagh. Dragunov’s ability to captivate the audience has made him a key player on “SmackDown,” drawing attention even when the storyline surrounding him falters.
Overall, the show presented a mix of thrilling matches and comedic moments, leaving fans buzzing about the upcoming Survivor Series while also highlighting areas for improvement. As the WWE universe gears up for what promises to be an exciting Survivor Series, there is hope for captivating storylines and matches that resonate with the audience.