The landscape of WWE’s Women’s division shifted dramatically on this week’s SmackDown as the final lineups for the highly anticipated WarGames match at Survivor Series were confirmed. The additions of AJ Lee and Becky Lynch—two of wrestling’s most influential figures—set the stage for a showdown fueled by history, rivalry, and unresolved grudges. With Charlotte Flair making her emphatic return to solidify her team’s ranks, this WarGames promises to be a landmark moment for WWE.
WarGames 2025: Teams Finalized After Weeks of Uncertainty
After weeks of speculation and shifting alliances, the November 21 episode of SmackDown from Denver’s Ball Arena delivered the answers fans were clamoring for. In a dramatic main event segment, Rhea Ripley—captain of the nominal babyface squad—formally introduced AJ Lee as her team’s fifth and final member, joining a star-studded lineup that includes IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair[1][5][14][15].
Moments later, chaos erupted. As AJ Lee prepared to address the WWE Universe, the opposition—Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)—launched a surprise assault on Ripley’s team. Amid the turmoil, it was Becky Lynch who emerged to confront the invaders, ultimately confirming her place alongside the heel team and setting the rosters in stone for Survivor Series[1][5][14].
The Final Lineups: Star Power and Grudge Matches
The official teams for the Women’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 are as follows:
| Team Ripley (Babyfaces) | Team Lynch (Heels) |
|---|---|
| Rhea Ripley (Captain) | Becky Lynch (Captain) |
| AJ Lee | Nia Jax |
| IYO SKY | Lash Legend |
| Alexa Bliss | Asuka (Kabuki Warrior) |
| Charlotte Flair | Kairi Sane (Kabuki Warrior) |
The inclusion of both AJ Lee and Becky Lynch is particularly notable, given their storied rivalry that reignited upon Lee’s return to WWE earlier this year[2][4][8]. Their last in-ring encounter, a mixed tag at Wrestlepalooza, saw AJ and her husband CM Punk defeat Lynch and Seth Rollins—an outcome that has continued to fuel the animosity between the two competitors[2][8].
AJ Lee’s Return: From Surprise Involvement to WarGames Spotlight
AJ Lee’s return to WWE after a decade-long absence has been nothing short of seismic. Her reappearance on Raw, where she cost Becky Lynch the Women’s Intercontinental Title against Maxxine Dupri, shocked the WWE Universe and instantly reignited old tensions[4][8]. Speaking backstage after that controversial night, Lee remarked, “I came back to support my family, but Becky Lynch made it personal. If she wants a war, I’ll give her one”[4].
It was Ripley who recognized the value Lee could bring to WarGames, approaching her backstage and persuading the former Divas Champion to join her crusade against Lynch and her allies. According to a WWE insider, “Ripley knew that AJ’s experience and cunning would be the perfect counter to Becky’s relentless aggression. She wanted a game-changer, and AJ is exactly that”[1][8].
Charlotte Flair’s Return: A Game-Changing Addition
The other major headline from SmackDown was the surprise return of Charlotte Flair to active competition. Flair, who had recently been on the sidelines, stormed back into the fray earlier in the week by saving Alexa Bliss from a post-match beatdown with a kendo stick, signaling her intentions to join the WarGames battle[11][12]. Flair’s presence not only boosts her team’s in-ring pedigree but also introduces further intrigue, as her complicated history with both Lynch and several of her own teammates cannot be ignored.
Becky Lynch: The Reluctant Heel or Mastermind?
The decision to align Becky Lynch with Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors has already sparked debate among fans and analysts. Lynch, traditionally a fan favorite, now finds herself on the opposite side of many of her longtime allies. However, her willingness to shake Asuka’s hand on SmackDown—effectively sealing her place in the WarGames match—signals a new ruthlessness in her character[1][5][14].
Sources close to the situation suggest Lynch’s alignment is less about loyalty and more about settling scores. “Becky wants to prove she can outsmart and outfight anyone—especially AJ Lee,” said one backstage producer. “She’s not interested in being a hero right now. She wants payback.”
Factions, Friendships, and Friction: The Road to WarGames
The weeks leading up to Survivor Series have seen alliances forged and shattered across the women’s roster. Ripley and SKY have battled The Kabuki Warriors in high-stakes tag matches, while Bliss and Flair have had to put aside their own differences to confront the threats posed by Jax and Legend[7][13]. Meanwhile, Asuka and Kairi Sane’s relentless aggression has forced even the most dynamic competitors to remain vigilant.
The uneasy partnership between AJ Lee and her teammates—particularly Charlotte Flair—adds another layer of unpredictability. Both are known for their strong personalities, and their previous clashes in WWE lore are well documented. But with WarGames looming, mutual respect and a shared desire for victory may be enough to keep the team unified—at least for one night.
The Stakes: Legacy and Redemption
The Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 is more than just a battle for supremacy; it’s a showcase of some of the most decorated and influential performers in WWE’s history. For AJ Lee, it’s a chance to cement her comeback with a statement win. For Becky Lynch, it’s an opportunity to reassert her dominance and settle a personal vendetta. For Charlotte Flair, the match represents both a return and a reminder of her legacy as one of WWE’s all-time greats.
With every competitor bringing their own motivations and baggage into the unforgiving structure of WarGames, the only certainty is that fans can expect high drama, brutal action, and unforgettable moments.
Backstage Buzz: “This Is the Match Everyone Wants to See”
The atmosphere backstage has been described as electric. According to a WWE official who spoke on condition of anonymity, “This is the match everyone wants to see. You’ve got legends, champions, and some of the youngest, hungriest talent all locked inside the same cage. Nobody knows how it’s going to end—but everyone knows it’s going to be historic.”
As Survivor Series approaches, the WWE Universe is bracing for a collision that could redefine the Women’s division for years to come. With AJ Lee and Becky Lynch leading their teams into battle, and Charlotte Flair’s return adding another layer of unpredictability, WarGames 2025 is set to deliver one of the most compelling chapters in WWE history.