With Survivor Series 2025 just one day away, WWE delivered a packed go-home edition of SmackDown, featuring the return of a traditional Survivor Series Elimination match and crucial buildup to Saturday’s WarGames bouts.
The show opened with a strong WarGames preview before LA Knight learned backstage that he would face a surprise opponent in the Last Time Is Now (LTIN) Tournament, due to Sheamus suffering an injury.
Rusev vs Jey Uso — LTIN Tournament Semifinal
Winner: Jey Uso
Grade: C
The first semifinal match saw Rusev dominate early with a strong suplex and power offense. Despite a competitive outing, the match felt routine and lacked standout moments. Rusev kicking out of a Spear at one drew a reaction, but it was Main Event Jey who sealed the victory with an Uso Splash, advancing to the finals.
Notable Takeaways
- Reduced branding around the ring offered a cleaner presentation.
- WWE has yet to capitalise fully on Rusev’s potential — a tag team run may refresh his character.
- Jey showed impressive strength hitting a Samoan Drop on Rusev.
LA Knight vs The Miz — LTIN Tournament Match
Winner: LA Knight
Grade: C
After The Miz tricked GM Nick Aldis into naming him the mystery opponent, he faced LA Knight in a predictable but well-worked bout. Both veterans showed chemistry immediately, but the surprise reveal lacked impact. Knight ended Miz’s shortcut attempt with a definitive BFT to move forward in the tournament.
Notable Takeaways
- Aldis and R-Truth exchanged plenty of comedic moments backstage.
- The Miz continues to look ageless, nearly identical to his WrestleMania main-event days.
Asuka vs Charlotte Flair — WarGames Advantage Match
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Grade: B
Longtime rivals Charlotte Flair and Asuka met to determine which women’s team would gain the WarGames advantage. The match delivered solid action, with Asuka attempting to control the pace before an accidental mist attack on a crew member opened the door for Flair to score the pin.
Notable Takeaways
- Ilja Dragunov stood out with a sharply styled backstage appearance.
- Flair’s moonsault was one of her cleanest in recent months.
- Ciampa being repeatedly called a “jackass” is becoming WWE’s new running gag.
10-Man Survivor Series Elimination Match
MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Talla Tonga & JC Mateo) vs Zayn, Nakamura, Rey Fenix & The Motor City Machine Guns
Winners: MFTs
Grade: B-
The main event brought classic Survivor Series action as the MFTs battled Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix, and Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley.
Surprisingly, the first elimination took time and involved the biggest powerhouse on the MFT side.
Despite fighting valiantly after being left alone against three opponents, Zayn eliminated both Tama and Talla before Solo Sikoa finished the match with a decisive Samoan Spike.
Notable Takeaways
- Even with only 22 minutes left on the broadcast, the match maintained a steady pace.
- Too many stars wore red and black ring gear — Fenix’s blue attire stood out immediately.
Overall Show Review
This week’s SmackDown successfully built momentum for Survivor Series and the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The LTIN tournament advanced with two matches, women’s WarGames advantage was decided, and the show closed with a chaotic 10-man elimination bout.
While the episode lacked groundbreaking developments, Flair vs Asuka delivered the strongest in-ring performance of the night.
Final Grade: C
