WWE’s Women’s WarGames match for Survivor Series 2025 is officially set, and the stakes have never been higher. Friday’s episode of SmackDown delivered the final twists, confirming that bitter rivals AJ Lee and Becky Lynch will lead opposing squads into the steel structure on November 29. The return of Charlotte Flair to the babyface team adds another layer of intrigue, promising a combustible showdown in San Diego.
AJ Lee’s Shocking Return Seals the Lineup
After weeks of speculation and mounting tension, AJ Lee’s involvement was confirmed in dramatic fashion on SmackDown. The former Divas Champion had already made headlines earlier in the week when she cost Becky Lynch the Women’s Intercontinental Title during a high-stakes Raw match against Maxxine Dupri[4][1]. This interference reignited their rivalry, which traces back to the mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza, where Lee and CM Punk bested Lynch and Seth Rollins[2][8].
Despite initial reluctance about a full-time return, AJ Lee’s competitive fire was unmistakable. Her alliance with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, and the returning Charlotte Flair now forms a formidable team of decorated champions and fan favorites[3][6][14].
Becky Lynch Aligns with the Heels
On the other side, Becky Lynch’s frustrations boiled over. After losing her championship and enduring weeks of sneak attacks, “The Man” shocked the WWE Universe by shaking hands with Asuka and officially joining the heel team alongside the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane), Nia Jax, and NXT upstart Lash Legend[3][16]. The alliance was cemented by Lynch’s surprise attack on AJ Lee during Friday’s chaotic closing segment, leaving the heels standing tall as SmackDown faded to black[3][11].
Complete Women’s WarGames Teams
Here’s how the teams now officially stand for Survivor Series: WarGames 2025[14][13][15]:
| Team AJ Lee (Babyface) | Team Becky Lynch (Heel) |
|---|---|
| AJ Lee | Becky Lynch |
| Rhea Ripley | Nia Jax |
| Charlotte Flair | Lash Legend |
| Alexa Bliss | Asuka |
| IYO SKY | Kairi Sane |
Charlotte Flair’s Dramatic Return
Charlotte Flair’s presence was another major development. Having spent months at odds with Rhea Ripley, Flair’s return to the babyface team was both unexpected and emotional. Flair came to the aid of Alexa Bliss during a backstage ambush earlier in the week, making a powerful statement with a kendo stick in hand[9]. On SmackDown, Ripley publicly praised Flair and Bliss as “two of the most decorated women” in WWE’s modern era, emphasizing a new sense of unity and mutual respect among her teammates[7].
Backstage Turmoil and Real-Life Rivalry
The tension between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch extends beyond the scripted drama, with sources pointing to a genuine competitive edge between the two. According to a WWE insider, “AJ’s return has fired up the women’s locker room. She and Becky have very different visions for what the division should be, and you can feel that electricity every time they’re near each other backstage.”
The animosity was on full display after SmackDown went off the air, with onlookers describing a heated exchange between Lee and Lynch as their teammates tried to keep them apart. This real-life edge is expected to fuel an even more intense WarGames encounter.
The Build-Up: Attacks, Betrayals, and Shifting Alliances
The road to WarGames has been fraught with chaos. Lash Legend’s arrival from NXT added a wild card to the heel side, while the Kabuki Warriors have been relentless in their backstage assaults. On the babyface side, Alexa Bliss and IYO SKY provide high-flying unpredictability, and Rhea Ripley’s leadership has kept the group focused despite their history of rivalries[1][6].
AJ Lee’s return injected fresh energy and unpredictability, especially after her controversial involvement in Becky Lynch’s title loss. In a brief backstage comment after SmackDown, Lee said, “I came back to WWE for a reason. Becky wants to talk about changing the game, but I never stopped playing. WarGames is my chance to remind everyone exactly who I am.”[4]
What’s at Stake: Legacy, Redemption, and the Future
Beyond the immediate rivalries, this year’s Women’s WarGames match carries implications for the future of the division. For AJ Lee, it marks her first official match since Wrestlepalooza and a chance to re-establish her legacy after nearly a decade away from WWE television[8]. For Becky Lynch, it’s about reclaiming her spot at the top after a humiliating title loss and a series of setbacks.
Charlotte Flair’s storyline redemption arc—rejoining a team led by her recent rival Rhea Ripley—adds a layer of complexity. Bliss and IYO SKY, both former champions in their own right, are eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Asuka and Kairi Sane’s experience as a tag team, combined with the raw power of Nia Jax and the unpredictability of Lash Legend, ensure that the heel side is just as dangerous.
Fan Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch
With the teams locked in and the personal stakes higher than ever, fans and analysts are calling this one of the most anticipated women’s matches in recent WWE history. Online forums and social media are abuzz with predictions and speculation, particularly about whether AJ Lee and Becky Lynch’s rivalry will overshadow the match itself or lead to new alliances coming out of Survivor Series.
Match Card and Event Details
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 takes place Thursday, November 29, in San Diego, California[14][13]. The Women’s WarGames match will be one of the marquee attractions, with the Men’s WarGames bout also featuring a star-studded lineup including CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Logan Paul[13].
Full Announced Card (as of November 22):
- Women’s WarGames: AJ Lee, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, IYO SKY vs. Becky Lynch, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, Lash Legend
- Men’s WarGames: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed
Final Thoughts
With AJ Lee and Becky Lynch leading teams of generational talents and bitter rivals, WWE’s 2025 Women’s WarGames promises fireworks inside and outside the cage. Charlotte Flair’s return, shifting allegiances, and the real-life tension between the captains all point to a showdown that could redefine the women’s division for years to come. As one WWE source put it, “This isn’t just about winning WarGames—it’s about proving who really runs the women’s roster.”