New York: With Survivor Series just over a week away, WWE SmackDown (Nov. 21) delivered a packed show as WarGames teams intensified their rivalries and the Last Time Is Now Tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent continued. The night featured major storyline developments, strong in-ring action, and a surprise superstar reveal.
Below is a complete breakdown of everything that happened.
WarGames Chaos Opens SmackDown
Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, and Bronson Reed kicked off the show to hype their WarGames squad, only to be interrupted by The Usos, who received one of the loudest reactions of the night.
Before Cody Rhodes could join his team, cameras showed Drew McIntyre attacking Rhodes backstage, leaving him laid out inside his tour bus. The Usos rushed to his aid as officials intervened.
Grade: C
A short, effective opening that moved the story forward without dragging.
Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh – United States Championship Open Challenge
Result: Dragunov defeated McDonagh
Grade: A-
JD McDonagh answered Dragunov’s open challenge, renewing a rivalry that spans NXT, WWE, and the independents. The match was stiff, technical, and brutal—exactly what fans expect from these two.
Highlights included Dragunov bleeding, McDonagh’s perfectly executed moonsault, a nasty rope toss, and a chaotic tumble to the floor during a suplex counter.
Dragunov eventually closed the show with a clean win after a gruelling, highly praised battle.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed – Last Time Is Now Tournament
Result: Hayes defeated Reed by count-out
Grade: B
Backed by Heyman’s faction, Reed dominated early with sheer power, while Hayes used speed and timing to stay alive. Ringside chaos erupted when Breakker and Logan Paul interfered, drawing The Usos out to even the odds.
With the referee distracted, Cody Rhodes returned and shoved Heyman into the ring post, helping Hayes score the count-out victory and move forward in the tournament.
DIY vs. Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer)
Result: DIY defeated Fraxiom
Grade: B
The high-energy tag match showcased seamless chemistry fromFraxiom and showcased Gargano and Ciampa’s veteran timing. A nearfall via DIY’s Shatter Machine had the crowd surging.
The match ended controversially when Candice LeRae pulled off Axiom’s mask, allowing Gargano to score a quick pin. The creative finish ensures the feud continues.
Finn Balor vs. Penta – Last Time Is Now Tournament Main Event
Result: Penta defeated Balor
Grade: B
A heated main event saw Balor attack before the bell, but Penta quickly regained control, energising the crowd with his signature lucha offense. Their chemistry has improved with each matchup, making this their best encounter yet.
Balor missed the Coup de Grace, giving Penta the opening to nail a devastating Destroyer for the clean win.
AJ Lee Revealed as Fifth Member of Women’s WarGames Team
SmackDown closed with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley announcing AJ Lee as the final member of their WarGames squad. The moment was immediately overshadowed when the opposing team ambushed them from behind, ending the show in chaos.
Overall Show Review
Despite looking average on paper, SmackDown delivered four strong matches, meaningful plot progression, and a major return reveal. The standout match was Dragunov vs. McDonagh, though every bout offered something special.
As WWE heads toward Survivor Series, momentum is picking up again after a few slower weeks.
