WWE SmackDown on November 14 delivered a mix of notable moments and disappointing segments, leaving fans divided about the show’s overall impact. A significant highlight came when Paul Heyman unveiled a pivotal part of his strategy by announcing the inclusion of the suspended Drew McIntyre in the heel WarGames team for the upcoming Survivor Series on November 29. This revelation caught the attention of Nick Aldis, the General Manager of SmackDown, and added an intriguing angle to the storyline as the blue brand builds towards the event.
Despite some compelling developments, the card for the Survivor Series is already raising eyebrows, particularly regarding the women’s WarGames match. Critics have expressed concern that the current lineup lacks excitement and depth. Attempts to generate tension between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley fell flat, leaving many to question whether this could be one of the weakest WarGames lineups in recent memory. Historical comparisons have even been drawn to the infamous Dungeon of Doom from WCW’s Fall Brawl 1995, suggesting that expectations are not being met.
In other notable moments from the show, Zack Ryder marked his return to WWE rings for the first time since March 2020, while Jade Cargill has adopted a character reminiscent of Ryback. The episode also included the continuation of John Cena‘s “Last Time Is Now” tournament, which has garnered a playful atmosphere among fans. Additionally, Ilja Dragunov participated in another “Open Challenge” segment for his United States Title, although this appearance did not resonate as strongly as his previous outings.
The interaction involving Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and the MFT group was another segment that failed to engage audiences effectively. Reports suggest that SmackDown is set to revert to a three-hour format in January 2026, a change that has raised concerns about the direction of the show under Triple H‘s creative team. There are indications that WWE is shifting back to a calendar-driven booking model, focusing more on aligning stipulation matches with monthly events rather than crafting narratives that flow naturally.
As fans reflect on the highs and lows of this week’s SmackDown, the anticipation for Survivor Series continues to build, albeit with some trepidation regarding the quality of the matches set to unfold on November 29. The wrestling community remains hopeful that WWE can deliver a compelling event that captures the excitement and drama expected from such a marquee occasion.
