WWE SmackDown on November 7, 2025, from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, delivered a night packed with significant developments, including a major title change, fresh tournament matchups featuring John Cena, and an exciting call-up from NXT. The show set the stage for upcoming WWE events while advancing key storylines on the road to Survivor Series WarGames.
Chelsea Green Becomes Two-Time WWE Women’s U.S. Champion
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the women’s division making history. Chelsea Green defeated Giulia in a hard-fought match to capture the WWE Women’s United States Championship. This victory made Green the first two-time women’s U.S. champion since the title’s inception, cementing her status as a noteworthy competitor on SmackDown.
The match displayed Chelsea’s resilience and ring savvy, outmaneuvering the formidable Giulia to take the title. According to a WWE insider, “Chelsea has been steadily gaining momentum, and the company is keen to elevate her as a cornerstone of the mid-card women’s scene” [1][2].
This title change opens new narratives around Green’s reign and potentially sets up fresh rivalries with other contenders within the women’s division.
John Cena Tournament Advances with New Match Announcements
Another major talking point from SmackDown was the progression of the tournament involving John Cena. Following the recent tournament kickoff, fresh matchups were announced, escalating the competition intensity around the coveted prize.
John Cena continued to command attention, with sources indicating WWE’s long-term plan to weave him into high-stakes matches that bolster his legacy while spotlighting emerging talent. The announced tournament matches promise exciting in-ring action and narrative layers as participants battle for supremacy.
According to sources close to WWE creative, “The Cena tournament is designed to spotlight the blend of veteran charisma and new blood, making each match a must-watch event for the fans” [1][6].
Notable SmackDown Matches and Moments
Ilja Dragunov Retains WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov successfully defended his U.S. title against Johnny Gargano in a fiercely contested match, demonstrating his tenacity and solidifying his reign as a fighting champion [1][2].
Aleister Black Challenges Cody Rhodes: The program between top stars Aleister Black and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes intensified, with Black confronting Rhodes to set up a high-profile main event. This rivalry adds gravitas to SmackDown’s main event scene [1][4].
Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax Featuring Lash Legend’s Debut: Lash Legend made her SmackDown debut assisting Nia Jax in securing a win over Charlotte Flair, adding a new dynamic to the women’s division and sparking intrigue about Legend’s role going forward [2][5].
Tag Team Showdown: Jimmy Uso teamed with LA Knight to face Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo, continuing the intertwining storylines involving the Bloodline faction and their opponents [6].
NXT Call-Up Adds Fresh Talent to SmackDown Roster
In a move highlighting the ongoing talent pipeline, SmackDown saw a promising NXT superstar make the jump to the main roster. This call-up is expected to inject new energy into the show’s lineup.
Backstage sources reveal that WWE officials are optimistic about this newcomer’s impact, noting, “This talent brings a combination of in-ring skills and charisma perfect for the SmackDown stage. The timing is right to elevate fresh faces alongside established stars” [1][6].
The exact identity of the call-up and how WWE plans to integrate them into existing storylines will be essential to watch over the coming weeks.
Building Tensions Leading to Survivor Series WarGames
The November 7 episode also served as a building block for the upcoming Survivor Series WarGames event scheduled for November 29. The ongoing tensions between SmackDown’s top stars, particularly involving teams for the WarGames match, drew clear lines and fueled anticipation.
The two-ring cage match, a marquee WWE event, is shaping up to showcase intense rivalries and team dynamics. Notably, the face-offs between star-studded factions promise to be a major draw for WWE fans worldwide [3][7].
Backstage Perspective on SmackDown’s Current Direction
According to a WWE insider, “SmackDown is in an exciting phase where blending veteran stars like Cody Rhodes and John Cena with rising names like Chelsea Green and the latest NXT call-up creates a perfect storm for captivating storytelling and match quality. Creative is focused on elevating the mid-card belts as key prizes to keep viewers engaged through to Survivor Series and beyond” [1][4].
This strategic balance aims to secure SmackDown’s position as a flagship WWE brand, combining legacy and innovation.
Final Thoughts
The November 7, 2025, WWE SmackDown episode was pivotal, marked by Chelsea Green’s historic title win, tournament advancements involving John Cena, and a promising NXT talent arrival. With notable matches and intrigue escalating towards Survivor Series WarGames, fans can expect an intense buildup to one of WWE’s most anticipated events of the year.
Stay tuned as WWE continues to evolve its storytelling and wrestling action across SmackDown and beyond.