A seismic shift electrified the WWE Universe on this week’s SmackDown, as the long-anticipated Women’s WarGames match lineups were cemented for Survivor Series on November 29. In a segment brimming with betrayals, reunions, and returns, AJ Lee and Becky Lynch—two of wrestling’s most storied rivals—were confirmed as the final members of opposing WarGames teams. The revelation capped off weeks of speculation and set the stage for one of the most star-studded Women’s WarGames bouts in WWE history[1][3][13].
AJ Lee’s Shocking Return Tilts the Balance
The road to WarGames took a dramatic turn when AJ Lee, a former multi-time champion and one of the most influential figures of the last decade, made her surprise reappearance on Monday Night Raw. Lee’s involvement sent shockwaves through the roster as she cost Becky Lynch her Women’s Intercontinental Championship, allowing rising star Maxxine Dupri to seize the title in a major upset[1][4].
Backstage, Lee was confronted by Rhea Ripley, captain of one of the WarGames squads, who saw in AJ the missing piece to her team’s puzzle. “I only came back to help my family,” Lee told reporters, “but seeing Becky again…she lit a fire in me I thought was gone”[4]. According to a WWE insider, the creative team had been planning Lee’s return for months, seeking the perfect moment to maximize impact—and with Survivor Series looming, they found it.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Reunite Amid Chaos
Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair, once uncertain about her allegiances, made her stance clear on SmackDown. After weeks of tension and brawls with Rhea Ripley—not to mention her own issues with the dangerous Kabuki Warriors—Flair stormed the ring to aid Alexa Bliss, wielding a kendo stick with trademark intensity[7][8]. This moment of solidarity confirmed that Flair would stand alongside Bliss, Ripley, IYO SKY, and the newly returned AJ Lee for WarGames[1][3][11].
The reformation of the Flair–Bliss–Ripley–SKY–Lee alliance has reignited memories of past feuds and partnerships, and their unified front now looks formidable. “We don’t have to like each other,” Flair was overheard telling her teammates backstage, “but we’re going to make sure respect is what’s left inside that cage” (source: WWE production staff).
Becky Lynch Joins the Opposition—A Rivalry Rekindled
If Lee’s return was shocking, Becky Lynch’s next move was equally headline-worthy. After suffering the sting of betrayal on Raw, Lynch responded by aligning herself with the opposition: Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane—an alliance blending power, experience, and cunning[3][6][13]. The final moments of SmackDown descended into chaos as Lynch and her new teammates ambushed Ripley’s squad, with Lynch herself blindsiding Lee at ringside[1][3][12].
The war between Lynch and Lee is more than just about championship gold—it’s personal. Their rivalry has spanned years and multiple promotions, but this marks their first time opposing each other in a WarGames environment. “If AJ wants to play mind games, she picked the wrong opponent,” Lynch declared in a WWE Digital exclusive. “She took my title, but at Survivor Series, I’m taking her pride.”
Full Teams and Storyline Background
The finalized Women’s WarGames teams are as follows[1][3][11]:
| Team Ripley (Babyfaces) | Team Asuka (Heels) |
|---|---|
| Rhea Ripley (Captain) | Asuka (Captain) |
| Charlotte Flair | Kairi Sane |
| Alexa Bliss | Nia Jax |
| IYO SKY | Lash Legend |
| AJ Lee | Becky Lynch |
This year’s contest is especially notable for the convergence of generations: established icons like Lee, Flair, and Lynch join forces with newer stars like Lash Legend and NXT standout Maxxine Dupri (though Dupri is not officially in the WarGames match, her recent title win has added another wrinkle to the ongoing story)[1][3][4].
The feud has been building for weeks. Asuka and Kairi Sane, now WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, have led a campaign of intimidation and violence, targeting Ripley’s allies and leaving a trail of chaos in their wake[5]. Meanwhile, Jax and Lash Legend have proven themselves as dominant enforcers, giving the heel squad a physical advantage.
Long-Standing Grudges and New Alliances
AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: Their rivalry dates back to the infamous Wrestlepalooza mixed tag match, where Lee forced Lynch to tap out. Their animosity was reignited when Lee cost Lynch the Intercontinental title, fueling speculation that their feud could culminate in a singles showdown at WrestleMania 42[2].
Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley: Once bitter rivals, these two now share a common enemy in Asuka’s faction. Their uneasy alliance could be tested inside the double-ringed steel structure, where trust is as valuable as skill[8][10].
Alexa Bliss and IYO SKY: Both have been targets of the Kabuki Warriors’ mind games and attacks. Their experience in high-stakes matches could be pivotal for their team’s success.
Asuka and Kairi Sane: The Kabuki Warriors have held the women’s tag scene in a stranglehold, but their ability to work in tandem with unpredictable forces like Nia Jax and Lash Legend will be put to the ultimate test.
Backstage Reactions and Expert Analysis
According to sources close to WWE creative, the locker room buzzed with excitement following the closing moments of SmackDown. “You could feel the tension,” shared a veteran producer. “AJ and Becky in the same match, with Charlotte and Rhea? That’s the kind of lineup that sells out arenas and headlines pay-per-views” (source: WWE producer).
Insiders also note that the outcome of WarGames could have massive implications for WrestleMania season. The Lee–Lynch rivalry is expected to continue, potentially leading to a marquee singles match in the spring[2]. Meanwhile, the alliances forged (or shattered) inside WarGames could reshape the hierarchy of the women’s division for months to come.
What’s Next: Survivor Series and Beyond
With the teams set, all eyes now turn to Survivor Series: WarGames, where ten of the division’s brightest and most dangerous competitors will be locked inside the infamous double cage. For AJ Lee, it marks a full-circle return to the spotlight. For Becky Lynch, it’s a chance at redemption and revenge. For fans, it’s a dream match scenario delivered on one of WWE’s grandest stages.
As the countdown to November 29 continues, expect more twists and confrontations on Raw and SmackDown. The only certainty is chaos—and that the Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series is shaping up to be an instant classic[1][3][13].