Friday’s episode of “SmackDown” showcased a mix of high-stakes tag team drama and compelling singles matches as anticipation builds for the upcoming Survivor Series: War Games. The program featured an engaging U.S. title open challenge, which continues to be a primary attraction each week.
In a significant announcement reminiscent of events on “Raw” featuring Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, AJ Lee was officially named the fifth and final member of her team for War Games alongside Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Iyo Sky. Not to be overshadowed, Becky Lynch also aligned with the Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend, culminating in a flurry of activity at the end of “SmackDown.” Lee’s intervention helped her team stand tall, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating female matchup at Survivor Series on November 29.
The evening’s results included Ilja Dragunov defending his United States Championship against JD McDonagh, Carmelo Hayes retrieving a victory over Bronson Reed in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament, DIY defeating Fraxiom, and Penta overcoming Finn Balor in another tournament match. Dragunov and McDonagh particularly shone, with their continued excellence in the ring suggesting potential future world championship paths. The U.S. title storyline continues to gather momentum, with fans eager to see how this open challenge unfolds.
Emotion highlighted the night as Cody Rhodes found himself involved in a dramatic storyline when he was attacked by Drew McIntyre while on his tour bus, sustaining visible injuries. Rhodes later reappeared to assist Hayes and delivered an impassioned promo that reignited his rivalry with McIntyre, enhancing the stakes for the men’s War Games match.
The MFTs will execute a traditional Survivor Series match next week against Team Sami, featuring talents like Sami Zayn, Rey Fenix, and Shinsuke Nakamura. With the potential for future matches against formidable opponents like the Wyatt Sicks looming, this contest could further elevate the stakes in the ongoing narrative surrounding the U.S. title and Team Vision.
In a poignant moment during the show, Michael Cole paid tribute to the late Bob Caudle, honoring his legacy in the world of professional wrestling. Cole’s homage highlighted the ongoing effort within WWE to acknowledge its history and the broader context of wrestling.
As “SmackDown” heads into the heightened tension of Survivor Series, the intrigue surrounding the dynamics of its storylines promises to deliver thrilling action in the weeks to come.