WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivers a blockbuster episode tonight, serving as the final building block before next week's massive Survivor Series: WarGames event. The show features the conclusion of a major tournament's first round and the fallout from two earth-shattering returns that have completely reshaped the Survivor Series landscape.
Survivor Series: WarGames Teams Finalised After Shocking Returns
The men's WarGames match was thrown into chaos this week on Monday Night Raw, with two monumental returns defining the teams. 'The Beast Incarnate,' Brock Lesnar, made his shocking return to WWE, immediately setting his sights on CM Punk. Lesnar then officially joined The Vision's Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, alongside their partners Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul, completing a formidable five-man army.
However, the WWE Universe's response was answered moments later. The arena echoed with the unmistakable music of The Tribal Chief, signalling the return of Roman Reigns. Appearing to align with the 'faces' or good guys, Reigns launched an immediate assault on Lesnar, Team Vision, and anyone in his path. This creates a newly formed, uneasy alliance for Team Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, who will now face Team Lesnar and McIntyre inside the brutal WarGames cage.
SmackDown Match Card and UK Viewing Details
For UK fans, it's another late night of action. Netflix will screen WWE Friday Night SmackDown live from 1am GMT on the morning of Saturday, November 22. An on-demand replay will be available to stream shortly after the live broadcast concludes.
The announced card for tonight's episode is packed with crucial matches:
The Last Time is Now Tournament Matches
The final first-round matches of 'The Last Time is Now' tournament will conclude, determining who advances to the quarter-finals for a chance to become John Cena's final opponent for the Intercontinental Championship.
Finn Bálor vs. Penta: This opening-round bout is a rare brand crossover. Veteran Raw Superstar Finn Bálor seeks another shot at Cena, while the masked SmackDown competitor Penta looks to secure his own legacy. The winner joins quarter-finalists Gunther, Sheamus, Rusev, LA Knight, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa.
Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes: The second opening-round match pits power against speed. Reed carries immense momentum from his huge win over Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. Meanwhile, a newly independent Carmelo Hayes aims to prove he is a main event-calibre star.
Other Confirmed Matches
Fraxiom vs. DIY: A grudge tag team rematch sparked by Tommaso Ciampa's frustration. Ciampa is furious that Men's United States Champion Ilja Dragunov continues to deny him a title shot, leading him to attack Axiom last week. This match is the direct fallout.
Women’s United States Championship Inauguration: General Manager Nick Aldis is tasked with staging a 'grand inauguration' for Chelsea Green to celebrate her becoming the first-ever two-time Women's United States Champion. Green has publicly demanded that Aldis not 'skimp on the pyrotechnics.'
Additionally, the weekly US Championship open challenge from champion Ilja Dragunov is also scheduled, where any WWE superstar can step up for a title opportunity.
Current Survivor Series: WarGames Card
With one week to go, the card for WWE Survivor Series: WarGames is already stacked. The confirmed matches are:
Men’s WarGames Match: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Roman Reigns vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar.
Women’s WarGames Match: Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and TBA vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors (ASUKA and Kairi Sane), and TBA.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio.
WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Nikke Bella.
As always, the card is subject to change, with more matches likely to be announced on the final road to the Premium Live Event.
