The November 28, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown is set to air from Denver’s Ball Arena, but fans should note the show was taped a week in advance due to the Thanksgiving holiday. With Survivor Series WarGames looming, WWE delivered a jam-packed night packed with decisive matches, dramatic confrontations, and the final build toward one of the year’s most anticipated events.
WarGames Advantage Match: Charlotte Flair Outwits Asuka
One of the night’s most hotly anticipated contests was the WarGames Advantage Match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka. In a bout that underscored both women’s championship pedigree, Flair secured a hard-fought victory over Asuka, granting her WarGames squad the all-important numbers advantage heading into Survivor Series. The match was notable for its clean finish, as Flair managed to overcome Asuka without outside interference or underhanded tactics—a rare occurrence in a rivalry so often marked by chaos and controversy[9].
This win could prove pivotal, as the advantage in WarGames has historically swung the contest in favor of the team that secures it. According to a backstage source, “Charlotte was laser-focused tonight. She’s been leading by example, and the locker room is definitely taking notice. That win means everything heading into Saturday’s WarGames”[9].
Survivor Series Elimination Match: The MFTs vs. The Motor City Machine Guns
The blue brand’s Survivor Series storyline culminated in a traditional 5-on-5 Elimination Match between The MFTs and The Motor City Machine Guns, with both factions determined to prove their dominance heading into Survivor Series. The MFTs emerged victorious after an explosive contest, showcasing unity and strategic teamwork that could spell trouble for their WarGames opposition[11].
Key eliminations included Rey Mysterio’s surprise counter-pin on Alex Shelley, as well as a double-team finish from The MFTs that left the crowd in awe. The match not only provided critical momentum for the victors but also intensified the inter-faction rivalry that has defined SmackDown’s autumn months.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament: Jey Uso Advances to the Semifinals
The ongoing “Last Time Is Now” Tournament—designed to determine who will face John Cena in his final WWE match—continued with a high-stakes quarterfinal between Jey Uso and Rusev. Uso, whose recent babyface run has reignited his popularity, managed to outlast the powerhouse Rusev, booking his spot in the tournament’s semifinals[5].
The match was a blend of hard-hitting offense and emotional storytelling, highlighting Uso’s resilience and the personal stakes attached to every tournament bout. According to sources close to the tournament, “Jey knows what this tournament means—not just for his career, but for Cena’s legacy. Every win is fuel for his redemption story”[5].
Tag Team Action and Rising Stars
The episode also featured significant tag team action, with several rising stars making their mark. Notably, Carmelo Hayes and Bronson Reed delivered a show-stealing contest, with Hayes’ speed and agility ultimately overcoming Reed’s raw power. Their match further solidified Hayes as a breakout performer on the blue brand, while Reed’s imposing presence kept the audience invested from bell to bell[7][6].
Additionally, the women’s division continued to heat up, with Jade Cargill and Michin engaging in a heated ringside confrontation. Cargill’s charisma and Michin’s intensity have quickly made their feud one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the new year[6].
Chelsea Green’s US Title Celebration
Fresh off her United States Championship win, Chelsea Green hosted a boisterous in-ring celebration. Flanked by her entourage, Green took the opportunity to gloat about her victory and throw shade at the rest of the division. The segment drew out several would-be challengers, setting the stage for a chaotic multi-woman brawl that required WWE officials to restore order[6][8].
Backstage, a WWE official commented, “Chelsea’s never lacked confidence, but with that title over her shoulder, she’s become even more unpredictable. The women’s locker room is on notice”[6].
Main Event Chaos: WarGames Teams Explode
The show concluded with a chaotic brawl involving the men’s and women’s WarGames teams, blurring the lines between allies and enemies as tensions boiled over[1]. The melee spilled out of the ring and into the crowd, with security struggling to contain the warring factions. This high-octane finish sent a clear message: Survivor Series WarGames will be unmissable.
A WWE insider revealed, “Producers wanted a wild, unpredictable ending to send the audience home buzzing ahead of Survivor Series. The energy backstage was electric—everyone wanted to make a statement before the big show”[1].
Additional Notes and Backstage Buzz
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are both scheduled for appearances on the next Raw, stoking rumors of a possible confrontation before WarGames[6].
John Cena’s retirement tour continues to dominate headlines, with speculation growing about who will ultimately face him in his farewell match. WWE officials have reportedly kept the final bracket closely guarded, citing “maximum surprise factor” as their goal[6].
Charlotte Flair’s victory in the WarGames Advantage Match is already being analyzed by pundits as a potential game-changer for the women’s division. Her leadership and longevity continue to set her apart as a cornerstone of the blue brand[9].
Looking Ahead to Survivor Series WarGames
With Survivor Series WarGames just around the corner, SmackDown’s taped episode accomplished its mission: escalating key storylines, delivering memorable in-ring action, and raising the stakes for one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events.
Fans can expect plenty of fallout and fresh rivalries as the dust settles after WarGames, but for now, the blue brand has set the table for a high-drama, must-see Survivor Series weekend.
Stay tuned for continuing coverage, exclusive backstage updates, and all the fallout from Survivor Series WarGames 2025.