The November 21, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown delivered a seismic shakeup in the “Last Time is Now” tournament, as Cody Rhodes dramatically intervened, costing Bronson Reed his coveted spot in the bracket. The aftermath saw Rhodes take to the microphone, unleashing a blistering tirade against the opposing WarGames team, setting the stage for a combustible road to Night of Champions.
Controversial Interference: Cody Rhodes Alters Tournament Destiny
On a night already brimming with anticipation, Bronson Reed entered his tournament match with high expectations. Reed, known for his brute force and relentless style, had been considered a dark horse to advance deep into the “Last Time is Now” tournament—a showcase designed to spotlight WWE’s most dominant competitors as they vie for a career-defining opportunity at Night of Champions[1].
However, the match’s narrative took a dramatic twist when the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, made a decisive appearance at ringside. In a sequence that left the WWE Universe stunned, Rhodes’ involvement directly led to Reed’s elimination from the tournament. While the official decision was made inside the squared circle, there was little doubt that Rhodes’ interference was the pivotal factor.
Sources backstage noted the tension between Reed and Rhodes had been simmering for weeks, with Reed openly questioning Rhodes’ leadership and motivations on SmackDown. This mutual animosity reached its boiling point in the tournament match, ensuring that Reed’s championship dreams were dashed—at least for now.
The American Nightmare’s Justification: “Sometimes You Have To Make Enemies”
As the dust settled, Cody Rhodes seized the microphone and delivered a scathing promo that electrified the arena. The Undisputed Champion did not mince words, addressing not only Bronson Reed but also the entirety of the rival WarGames team.
Rhodes began by acknowledging the controversy of his actions:
“I know what I did tonight is going to be talked about. Sometimes, the right thing isn’t the popular thing. Sometimes you have to make enemies to protect your brothers.”
He then pivoted sharply to address the opposition, making direct references to the chaos that has engulfed the SmackDown and Raw locker rooms in recent weeks.
“WarGames is about survival, about standing up for what you believe in—even if that means drawing a line in the sand. To the men standing across from me, know this: you’ve declared war on the wrong man.”
According to a WWE insider present backstage, “Cody was visibly fired up even before he went through the curtain. He told producers, ‘Tonight, I make my statement. No more waiting, no more playing nice. The WarGames team needs to understand what’s coming.’”
Bronson Reed: “Rhodes Made It Personal”
Reed, never one to shy away from confrontation, was restrained after the match by WWE officials. Speaking to WWE.com, Reed made his feelings clear:
“Cody Rhodes just made this personal. He wants to play hero, but tonight he played the coward. I don’t forget and I don’t forgive—not in this business.”
The fallout from Rhodes’ actions has ignited speculation about a possible one-on-one showdown between Reed and Rhodes, either on a future SmackDown or at a major event in the coming months. With tensions escalating, Reed’s quest for retribution promises to be one of the most compelling stories on the blue brand.
Implications for the “Last Time is Now” Tournament
With Bronson Reed ousted, the tournament bracket sees a significant reshuffling. This development opens the door for other contenders to capitalize on Reed’s absence and stake their own claim to WWE glory. The “Last Time is Now” tournament, a key feature on the road to Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is designed to propel its winner toward a marquee title opportunity[1][7].
Night of Champions 2025 is already shaping up to be a historic event, with the finals of both the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments set to headline the show. The event will also feature major championship clashes and, if Rhodes’ words are any indication, explosive personal rivalries.
WarGames Rivalry Intensifies
Rhodes’ promo targeted the opposing WarGames team, fueling speculation about the identities and alliances that will define the high-stakes match. The animosity between the teams has been steadily building, erupting in chaotic brawls and backstage confrontations.
Insiders report that Rhodes’ message was aimed squarely at the likes of Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and other top-tier antagonists who have been aligned against him in recent weeks[2]. By making a statement at Reed’s expense, Rhodes asserted his dominance and put the rest of the locker room on notice.
“The WarGames match isn’t just about settling scores,” Rhodes declared in his promo. “It’s about proving who really runs this place. I’m not here to survive—I’m here to lead.”
Locker Room Reaction: Divided Allegiances
Reactions among WWE Superstars and staff have been sharply divided. Some backstage sources praised Rhodes for taking a bold stand and defending his allies, while others criticized the champion for overstepping boundaries and undermining the integrity of the tournament.
One veteran WWE official, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented,
“Cody’s always been a polarizing figure. He’s got charisma and that fighting spirit, but tonight he crossed a line. This isn’t just about championships anymore—this is about personal vendettas.”
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and Bronson Reed?
With Night of Champions on the horizon and the WarGames rivalry at a fever pitch, all eyes are on Cody Rhodes. Will his actions galvanize his team, or will they come back to haunt him as Reed seeks revenge?
Meanwhile, Bronson Reed now finds himself at a crossroads. Once a frontrunner in the tournament, he must now refocus his energy on settling the score with Rhodes—and reclaiming his place in the WWE hierarchy.
“This isn’t over, not by a long shot,” Reed vowed backstage after the show. “Cody Rhodes made sure of that.”
As WWE SmackDown hurtles toward its next chapter, the collision course between Cody Rhodes and Bronson Reed promises fireworks, while the WarGames landscape grows ever more volatile. Stay tuned for further updates as this rivalry continues to shape the future of WWE.