“SmackDown” Friday: Road to Survivor Series: War Games
The recent episode of “SmackDown” focused on the teams that will seek to survive at Survivor Series: War Games. In addition to the team action, the show offered high-quality individual matches, including the United States Championship open challenge, which continues to be a weekly highlight.
Just like what happened in “Raw” with Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, AJ Lee’s participation in War Games was officially announced.
“SmackDown” Results
- Ilja Dragunov retained the United States Championship by defeating JD McDonagh.
- Carmelo Hayes defeated Bronson Reed in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament.
- DIY defeated Fraxiom.
- Penta defeated Finn Ballor in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament.
AJ Lee and Becky Lynch Join War Games
AJ Lee was confirmed as the fifth and last member of the team that includes Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Iyo Sky. On the other side, Becky Lynch joined the team of the Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend, attacking their War Games opponents at the end of “SmackDown”. However, Lee helped the heroines stand firm. It will be a women’s War Games match with big stars, but will Team Rhea be able to get the victory on November 29?
Other highlights and arguments
Cody Rhodes suffered an injury to his mouth and the side of his right eye after being attacked by Drew McIntyre on his bus. Rhodes returned later on “SmackDown” to help Carmelo Hayes in his match against Bronson Reed and offered a passionate promo, establishing the men’s War Games match. Rhodes stated that he is not finished with McIntyre, which generated a memorable moment.
Ilja Dragunov and JD McDonagh proved to be exceptional fighters. The open challenge for the United States title seems to have a great future.
Michael Cole paid tribute to Bob Caudle, who passed away on November 16 at the age of 95. Cole recalled Caudle’s famous phrase “Hello, wrestling fans” and listed his accomplishments.
The MFTs will face Sami Zayn, Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, and the Motor City Machine Guns in a traditional Survivor Series match next week on “SmackDown.” The MFTs are expected to win this match, which could lead to a match with the Wyatt Sicks.
WWE presented cinematic scenes where the wrestlers discuss whether they can trust each other. An example was the scene between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at the Georgia Tech field in September 2024. Although the scene between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair was brief, it made it clear that both are on the same page for War Games.
