WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivers a packed episode tonight, serving as the final build-up before next week's Survivor Series: WarGames event. The show features crucial tournament matches and the fallout from seismic returns that have reshaped the WarGames landscape.
UK Start Time And Viewing Details
For British wrestling fans, it's another late night. Netflix will broadcast WWE Friday Night SmackDown live from 1am GMT on Saturday, November 22. Subscribers can catch the action as it happens or stream an on-demand replay shortly after the initial broadcast concludes.
Survivor Series: WarGames Fallout Dominates Build-Up
The road to Survivor Series reached a fever pitch on Monday Night Raw with two monumental returns. First, 'The Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar made his shocking return to WWE, immediately targeting CM Punk before officially aligning with The Vision's Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, alongside Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.
However, the WWE Universe received an equally stunning response when the arena echoed with the unmistakable music of Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief returned, appearing to side with the 'faces' as he unleashed an assault on Lesnar's faction. This development creates a newly formed, uneasy alliance for Team Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, who will now face Team Lesnar and McIntyre inside the brutal WarGames cage.
SmackDown Match Card And Tournament Action
Tonight's episode features significant matches beyond the WarGames drama. The 'The Last Time is Now' tournament concludes its first round with two pivotal matches determining who advances to face John Cena in his penultimate career match for the Intercontinental Championship.
In one quarterfinal bout, Finn Bálor battles Penta in a rare brand crossover. Bálor seeks redemption and another opportunity against Cena, who defeated him in 2018. They compete for a spot alongside already confirmed quarterfinalists Gunther, Sheamus, Rusev, LA Knight, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa.
The second tournament match pits Bronson Reed against Carmelo Hayes. Reed carries immense momentum following his huge victory over Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. Meanwhile, Hayes, now free from The Miz, aims to establish himself as a main event calibre superstar in what promises to be a classic power versus speed contest.
Elsewhere on the card, tag team action sees #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) take on Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). This grudge match stems from Ciampa's frustration at being overlooked for a United States Championship opportunity against Ilja Dragunov, leading to his attack on Axiom last week.
The weekly United States Championship open challenge from champion Ilja Dragunov continues, inviting any WWE roster member to step up for a title shot.
Women's Championship Inauguration And WarGames Card
General Manager Nick Aldis faces the task of staging a 'grand inauguration' for Chelsea Green as she celebrates becoming the first-ever two-time Women's United States Champion. Green has publicly demanded extravagant production values, putting pressure on Aldis to deliver a spectacle worthy of her high-maintenance standards.
With Survivor Series: WarGames one week away, the card is already taking shape. The confirmed matches include the Men's WarGames Match featuring CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Roman Reigns against The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar.
The Women's WarGames Match will see Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and a competitor to be announced battle Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors (ASUKA and Kairi Sane), and another TBA.
Championship contests include John Cena defending the Intercontinental Championship against Dominik Mysterio, while Stephanie Vaquer puts her Women's World Championship on the line against Nikke Bella. As always, the card remains subject to change.
