The Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, was the epicenter of WWE drama on November 21, 2025, as Friday Night SmackDown delivered a night packed with high-stakes tournament clashes, tag team rivalries, and a chilling backstage assault that left the WWE Universe buzzing. With Survivor Series on the horizon and John Cena’s final opponent still undetermined, the stakes have never been higher for the blue brand.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament: First Round Fireworks
The much-anticipated “The Last Time Is Now” tournament to determine John Cena’s final WWE opponent reached a fever pitch with two blockbuster first-round matches:
Penta vs. Finn Bálor: A Dream Match Realized
The opening round saw Penta square off against Finn Bálor—a first-ever singles match that fans have clamored for. Bálor, representing The Judgment Day, wasted no time bringing his trademark aggression, but Penta’s unique blend of lucha libre and striking kept the former Universal Champion off-balance. The battle ebbed and flowed, with both men trading near falls in a contest that lived up to the hype.
Ultimately, it was Penta’s resilience and creativity that turned the tide. After escaping the Coup de Grâce, Penta countered with a package piledriver out of nowhere, securing a statement victory and advancing to the quarterfinals[1][4][5][18].
Backstage, a visibly frustrated Bálor was overheard telling Damian Priest, “That was supposed to be my night. Penta just changed the game for everyone.”
Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes: Power Meets Flash
The second tournament match pitted the powerhouse Bronson Reed—now dubbed “The Tribal Thief” of The Vision—against the charismatic and agile Carmelo Hayes. Reed’s brute strength dominated the early minutes, but Hayes’ evasiveness and aerial tactics kept him in contention.
A pivotal moment came when Hayes attempted a top-rope maneuver, only for Reed to catch him mid-air with a thunderous Samoan Drop. The action spilled outside, leading to a dramatic exchange of finishers. In the end, Hayes stunned the Denver crowd by rolling up Reed with a handful of tights, scoring a controversial win and booking his ticket to the next round[1][2][4][11][18].
Sources close to Carmelo Hayes revealed the young star was “feeling unstoppable” after the match, with one confidant saying, “Carmelo’s got his eyes on Cena—he believes this is his moment.”
Tag Team Turmoil: DIY vs. Fraxiom
#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) reunited to take on the dynamic duo of Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) in a contest fueled by last week’s backstage altercation. Gargano and Ciampa delivered their trademark tandem offense, but Fraxiom’s speed and synergy pushed the veterans to their limits.
The closing stretch saw rapid tags and breathtaking near falls, but experience ultimately prevailed. DIY executed their Meet in the Middle double strike for the win, sending a message to the burgeoning tag division[4][19][20].
After the match, Ciampa addressed the camera: “We’re not here for nostalgia. We’re here to remind everyone what real tag team wrestling looks like.”
Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Title Open Challenge: A Champion Tested
United States Champion Ilja Dragunov issued another open challenge, determined to prove himself as a fighting champion. This week, his challenger was the high-flying Axiom, who was eager to capitalize on his recent momentum.
The match showcased Dragunov’s trademark intensity and Axiom’s dazzling athleticism. Despite a spirited effort and several close calls, Dragunov’s Torpedo Moscow secured a hard-fought victory, solidifying his reign as U.S. Champion[3][4].
Ilja offered a handshake post-match, a mark of respect for Axiom’s performance—a gesture well received by the crowd.
Chelsea Green’s U.S. Title Celebration: Interrupted Ambitions
Fresh off her controversial U.S. Title win, Chelsea Green hosted a brash in-ring celebration. The self-proclaimed “Hot Mess” gloated about her triumph, only to be interrupted by a parade of would-be challengers from the women’s locker room. With Survivor Series looming, the women’s division made it clear: Green’s reign is already under siege[2][4].
Cody Rhodes’ Ominous Absence and Drew McIntyre’s Violent Statement
The night’s most shocking moment didn’t come inside the ring, but in a harrowing backstage segment. Cameras cut to the parking lot, revealing Cody Rhodes’ iconic “American Nightmare” tour bus. Fans expected Rhodes’ signature entrance, but the scene turned grim as Drew McIntyre emerged with a cold, menacing glare. The camera then revealed Rhodes, bloodied and hanging upside down from the bus door—a chilling message from McIntyre as the road to Survivor Series grows ever darker[3].
According to a WWE insider, “No one expected Drew to go this far. Cody’s condition is being closely monitored, and Survivor Series planning has been thrown into chaos.”
Road to Survivor Series: The WarGames Picture Takes Shape
With Survivor Series just over a week away, SmackDown’s main event scene is more volatile than ever. The outcomes of the tournament matches have upended predictions for John Cena’s final opponent, while the brutal attack on Cody Rhodes leaves questions about his status for the upcoming Premium Live Event.
Meanwhile, the women’s division is reportedly finalizing its WarGames teams, with tensions running high backstage and alliances shifting rapidly[4].
Key Takeaways and What’s Next
- Penta and Carmelo Hayes advance in The Last Time Is Now tournament, both eyeing a legendary showdown with John Cena.
- DIY looks to reclaim their status as tag team standard-bearers, while Fraxiom continues to impress with their energy and resilience.
- Ilja Dragunov cements his reputation as a workhorse champion, but hungry contenders loom.
- Chelsea Green’s reign faces immediate threats, with the women’s division demanding opportunities.
- Drew McIntyre’s assault on Cody Rhodes throws Survivor Series into uncertainty, setting the stage for unpredictable chaos.
As the WWE Universe looks ahead to Survivor Series, Denver’s SmackDown has ensured that every storyline is supercharged with urgency, danger, and the kind of unpredictability that defines WWE’s blue brand.
Stay tuned for further updates as the fallout from this unforgettable night continues to shape the road to Survivor Series.