WWE SmackDown delivered a thrilling night of action on November 14, 2025, at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, featuring intense bouts from the ongoing “Last Time Is Now” Tournament. Fans witnessed standout performances from Jey Uso, The Miz, LA Knight, and other top superstars as the tournament seeks to determine John Cena’s final opponent. This episode was packed with surprises, rivalries escalating, and moments setting the stage for future WWE storylines.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament Ignites the Crowd
The centerpiece of the evening was undoubtedly the continuation of the high-stakes Last Time Is Now Tournament, designed to crown who will face John Cena in what’s been teased as his final WWE bout. Jey Uso squared off against The Miz in a gripping match that combined high drama and technical wrestling. Uso’s resilience was on full display, while The Miz relied on his craftiness and experience in WWE’s main event scene.
Meanwhile, LA Knight battled a mystery opponent in another tournament match, with his confidence and swagger adding flavor to the contest. His persona remains one of WWE’s most magnetic, and fans responded vocally to his every move. These matches further intensified the competition and left fans guessing who will emerge as Cena’s final adversary[1][3][5].
Notable Matches & Highlights from SmackDown November 14
Jey Uso vs. The Miz: This highly anticipated match saw Uso assert dominance with powerful offense, but Miz countered with clever tactics trying to turn the tide. In the end, Jey Uso secured the win, reinforcing his position as a main event contender and fan favorite[1][4].
LA Knight vs. Mystery Opponent: LA Knight showcased his signature charisma before and during the match. Despite the mystery opponent’s efforts, Knight triumphed with a decisive finish, keeping momentum strong in his tournament run[1][5].
Jade Cargill vs. B-Fab: On the women’s side, Jade Cargill faced off against B-Fab, delivering a match filled with striking power moves and technical prowess. This contest highlighted the growing women’s division competition on SmackDown[2].
Cody Rhodes Delivers a Powerful Promo
In addition to the high-caliber in-ring action, Cody Rhodes took to the ring to address the WWE Universe. Rhodes spoke passionately about his vision for the company and his ongoing quest for the WWE World Championship. His promo was a blend of reflection on past achievements and a clear challenge to current champions, injecting new energy into his storyline arc[2][4].
A WWE insider shared backstage that Rhodes’s promo was “crafted closely with WWE creative to establish him as the unequivocal face of the company moving forward.” This insight suggests WWE’s long-term plans to build Rhodes as a central figure heading into 2026.
Backstage Insights and Future Implications
According to sources close to WWE creative, the Last Time Is Now Tournament is more than just a pursuit for John Cena’s farewell opponent: it is part of a strategic move to redevelop SmackDown’s main event scene. Several wrestlers featured heavily in the tournament — including Jey Uso and LA Knight — are being groomed for bigger storylines and title pursuits beyond the tournament itself.
An insider noted, “There’s a clear plan to elevate LA Knight beyond his current persona, and the mystery opponent angle is designed to keep fans on their toes while positioning Knight as a legitimate threat in the top tier.” Meanwhile, Jey Uso’s momentum indicates WWE’s trust in his ability to carry significant storylines[1][5].
Other Match Results and Moments to Remember
- Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch also had notable segments that teased potential future tag team or rivalry angles.
- The show featured compelling backstage vignettes and promos that amplified tensions among SmackDown’s active roster.
- Commentary by Michel Cole and Corey Graves added sharp insights throughout the evening, especially during the tournament matches, enhancing viewer engagement[4].
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?
With the tournament still active, WWE fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming rounds, where tensions and stakes will only increase. The development of new rivalries and the rise of fresh contenders like LA Knight points to an exciting 2026 WWE landscape.
Additionally, John Cena’s eventual final matchup remains a major draw, with build-up likely to feature more dramatic promos and surprise interference to keep viewers hooked.
In summary, WWE SmackDown’s November 14 episode in Albany was defined by competitive tournament action, compelling promos from Cody Rhodes, and evolving storylines poised to reshape the brand’s future. The Last Time Is Now Tournament continues to deliver must-watch moments, setting the stage for high drama as John Cena’s final opponent edges closer to being revealed.
Fans should continue refreshing WWE SmackDown updates as the tournament progresses and new chapters unfold.
Sources: ProWrestling.net, Wrestling Headlines, Last Word on Sports, Wrestleview, Cageside Seats.