WWE SmackDown’s November 28, 2025, episode—taped at Denver’s Ball Arena—delivered a show packed with tournament intrigue, classic rivalries revisited, and Survivor Series repercussions, all designed to keep fans buzzing through the holiday break.
WWE’s Thanksgiving Schedule Shift
With the Thanksgiving holiday falling next week, WWE made the strategic decision to tape SmackDown in advance, granting its roster a rare night off and ensuring they’re rested ahead of the high-stakes Survivor Series weekend[3]. This scheduling twist allowed for a smoother build toward John Cena’s highly anticipated last match and intensified the ongoing storylines, setting the stage for explosive developments when live broadcasts resume.
“Last Time Is Now” Tournament Quarterfinals: Jey Uso Advances
The focal point of this week’s SmackDown was the progression of the “Last Time Is Now” tournament, designed to determine who will face John Cena in his final WWE match. The quarterfinal clash between Jey Uso and Rusev ignited the Denver crowd, with Uso entering to overwhelming applause[1][3][11][13]. After a hard-fought contest, Uso secured victory with his signature Spear and Splash, earning his spot in the semifinals and further cementing his singles credentials.
According to a WWE insider, “Jey’s momentum is picking up at exactly the right time. The locker room knows what this tournament means, and you can feel the intensity backstage every night.”
This win not only propels Uso closer to a career-defining bout with Cena but also adds another layer to the family dynamics and rivalries that continue to shape SmackDown’s landscape[3].
WrestleMania Rematch: Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
One of the episode’s most anticipated matches was a WrestleMania 34 rematch between Charlotte Flair and Asuka[1]. Their storied rivalry was reignited, with Flair seeking to prove she remains one of WWE’s top competitors. Flair achieved a clean victory, reaffirming her dominance and potentially positioning herself for another run at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The renewed focus on classic matchups is a testament to WWE’s ability to blend nostalgia with current storylines, keeping longtime fans engaged while giving newer viewers a taste of wrestling’s rich history.
Survivor Series Fallout: 5-on-5 Elimination Match
With Survivor Series fresh in memory, SmackDown featured a five-on-five traditional Survivor Series elimination match. The teams included The Motor City Machine Guns, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Rey Fénix against a formidable lineup of Tama Tonga, Chris Sabin, Tonga Loa, Alex Shelley, and Talla Tonga[5][9]. The match delivered fast-paced action and high drama, with eliminations coming in rapid succession and alliances tested under pressure.
While full details on the outcome weren’t disclosed in the spoilers, the match is certain to have ramifications for faction warfare and ongoing rivalries, especially as WWE heads into its winter event schedule.
Backstage Segment: Tournament Opportunity Opens Up
In a pivotal backstage segment, The Miz and R-Truth were seen vying for the spot vacated by Sheamus, who is sidelined due to injury[1][11][13]. This development injects uncertainty into the tournament bracket and opens the door for unexpected twists, with both superstars eager to capitalize on the opportunity.
Sources close to the situation revealed, “With Sheamus out, everyone’s jockeying for position. Miz and R-Truth both believe this could be their ticket to the main event—expect fireworks in the coming weeks.”
Tournament Bracket Update & Road to Cena’s Final Match
The “Last Time Is Now” tournament has quickly become SmackDown’s centerpiece, with the quarterfinals now officially complete. Eight competitors remain, each hoping to earn the honor of facing Cena in what’s being billed as his final WWE appearance[3]. The tension backstage is palpable, as the bracket narrows and favorites emerge.
The remaining rounds promise further surprises, especially with new entrants filling the void left by Sheamus and established stars like Uso and Rusev raising the stakes. The winner will ultimately meet Cena, a 16-time World Champion, in a match destined for historical significance.
Women’s Division Momentum: Charlotte’s Win & Future Implications
Charlotte Flair’s victory over Asuka not only settles an old score but also shakes up the SmackDown Women’s division. With Chelsea Green recently celebrating her second Women’s United States Championship win, and Charlotte now surging, the division is poised for heated competition in the coming weeks[4][6].
Backstage buzz suggests Flair has her sights set on championship gold once more. A source close to Flair noted, “Charlotte’s never content just to win—she’s always looking ahead. After tonight, it’s clear she wants to headline another WrestleMania.”
Survivor Series Factions and Feuds Evolve
The aftermath of Survivor Series is still being felt across SmackDown. The five-on-five elimination match and ongoing factional battles are shaping new alliances and intensifying rivalries. With names like Sami Zayn, Nakamura, and Rey Fénix involved, and the Motor City Machine Guns bringing tag team expertise, the landscape is more unpredictable than ever[5][9].
WWE’s emphasis on faction warfare and multi-man matches reflects a broader trend toward group storytelling, ensuring every segment is packed with stakes and drama.
Fan Reactions & Holiday Anticipation
Fans in Denver were treated to a high-energy taping, but the early spoilers released ahead of Thanksgiving have generated even greater excitement. Social media is abuzz with predictions about the tournament’s outcome, speculation about Charlotte’s next move, and debates over who should step into Sheamus’s shoes.
The holiday break also gives WWE time to recalibrate storylines and tease major announcements for December, ensuring the road to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania remains as compelling as ever.
Looking Ahead: SmackDown’s Next Chapter
With next week’s live broadcast on hiatus, anticipation is building for SmackDown’s return in December. The tournament’s next phase, Charlotte’s championship ambitions, and the fallout from Survivor Series will be front and center.
As WWE continues to blend historic rivalries, fresh faces, and high-stakes tournaments, SmackDown remains must-see TV for wrestling fans worldwide.
Backstage quote:
According to a WWE insider, “The energy backstage is electric. Everyone knows the Cena tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you can see the hunger in every segment. With Sheamus out, it’s truly anyone’s game.”
Stay tuned for further updates as WWE’s road to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41 heats up, with the “Last Time Is Now” tournament promising unforgettable moments in the weeks to come.