The landscape of the WWE women’s division shifted dramatically on the November 21, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown as the final rosters for the highly anticipated Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series were officially locked in. The Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, was the scene of an electrifying main event segment that saw the return of a legend, the formation of two formidable teams, and a chaotic brawl that left fans buzzing heading into Survivor Series: WarGames in San Diego.
WarGames Teams Revealed: AJ Lee Returns, Becky Lynch Joins the Opposition
The night’s central focus was on the completion of the two five-woman squads set to wage war inside the double-ring, steel-enclosed WarGames structure. The core lineup for the babyface team—Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair—hit the ring first, setting the stage for a major announcement[2].
Rhea Ripley, sporting a protective mask after a recent nose injury, addressed the roaring crowd. She spoke about the importance of trust and resilience among her teammates, praising IYO SKY’s fighting spirit and acknowledging the championship pedigree of Bliss and Flair. However, Ripley stressed that WarGames demanded one more ally, someone who could match the tenacity and legacy of the current team members.
With the crowd at a fever pitch, Ripley stunned the WWE Universe by revealing the team’s fifth and final member: AJ Lee. Returning to WWE after years away, Lee’s entrance was met with a thunderous ovation as she skipped down the ramp, instantly reigniting memories of her trailblazing run in the women’s division[2].
But the celebration was short-lived. As Lee made her way to the ring, she was ambushed by The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Nia Jax, and Lash Legend—all members of the opposing WarGames team. The assault sparked an all-out brawl involving both squads, with the situation escalating further when “The Man” Becky Lynch stormed to the ring, revealing herself as the fifth member of the heel team[2].
The Final Women’s WarGames Lineups
Following the chaos on SmackDown, the teams for Survivor Series: WarGames are officially set:
| Team Ripley (Face) | Team Lynch (Heel) |
|---|---|
| Rhea Ripley | Becky Lynch |
| IYO SKY | Nia Jax |
| Alexa Bliss | Lash Legend |
| Charlotte Flair | Asuka (Kabuki Warriors) |
| AJ Lee | Kairi Sane (Kabuki Warriors) |
This star-studded lineup brings together former world champions, established veterans, and innovative new faces. The inclusion of AJ Lee marks her first match since her WWE departure in 2015, instantly elevating the stakes and intrigue for the bout[2][3].
Backstage Fallout: Tensions and Strategy
Backstage sources described the atmosphere as “tense but electric” as the women finalized their teams. According to a WWE insider, “There’s genuine animosity between some of these women, but also a sense of respect for what’s at stake. AJ Lee’s return has fired everyone up—she’s come back to win, not just to relive old glories.”
One veteran WWE official, speaking on condition of anonymity, observed, “Rhea Ripley is laser-focused. She’s been rallying her team all week, knowing that anything less than total unity could be their undoing inside WarGames.” The official added, “On the other side, Becky Lynch has made it clear: she’s not here to make friends. She wants to prove she’s still the top name in the division after losing the Intercontinental title. Expect her to set the tone for her team’s aggression.”
A Rivalry Rekindled and New Alliances Forged
The road to this year’s Women’s WarGames match has been paved with shifting alliances, betrayals, and high-stakes title matches. The Kabuki Warriors, fresh off a controversial victory over Bliss and Flair to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, have been at the center of the chaos[1]. Their partnership with Nia Jax and Lash Legend brings together three of the division’s most physically dominant competitors, now augmented by the cunning and experience of Becky Lynch.
Meanwhile, Ripley and SKY’s recent history with the Kabuki Warriors—marked by both triumphs and vicious post-match attacks—has only deepened the animosity. Bliss and Flair, despite their own complicated history, have found common ground in the face of a shared enemy. AJ Lee’s return provides the wildcard element; her experience, ring IQ, and unorthodox style could be the difference-maker for Team Ripley[1][2].
The WarGames Stipulation: High Stakes and Brutal Consequences
The WarGames match, a staple of Survivor Series in recent years, places teams inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a steel cage. Competitors enter in staggered intervals, and victory can only be secured by pinfall or submission after all participants have entered the structure. The format ensures chaos, strategy, and an environment where rivalries can be settled in the most punishing fashion imaginable[4].
This year’s edition is steeped in personal vendettas: Ripley’s quest for dominance, Lynch’s drive to reassert herself, the Kabuki Warriors’ desire for revenge, and AJ Lee’s mission to prove she never lost a step.
WWE Universe Reacts
The WWE Universe has exploded with excitement and speculation following SmackDown’s developments. Social media erupted as AJ Lee’s music hit, with fans welcoming her back and immediately debating how her presence will impact the match. “AJ Lee IS the fifth member, but she’s already outnumbered!!” one fan tweeted, echoing the sentiment of many who see both teams as evenly matched and unpredictable[2].
Meanwhile, Becky Lynch’s calculated attack and her decision to align with the Kabuki Warriors, Jax, and Legend has set up a classic good-versus-evil dynamic, with each side boasting both power and finesse.
What’s Next: Survivor Series Awaits
With the teams set, the women of WWE now have just days to prepare for one of the most dangerous matches in company history. Survivor Series: WarGames will emanate from Petco Park in San Diego on November 29, promising to deliver one of the most star-studded and hard-fought Women’s WarGames matches yet[4][5].
As one backstage source told us after SmackDown, “You can feel the energy in the locker room. For some, this is about legacy. For others, revenge. But for all of them, it’s about survival.”
Stay tuned for more updates as these fierce competitors gear up for battle at Survivor Series: WarGames 2025.