The latest episode of WWE SmackDown on November 14 provided a mix of excitement and disappointment for fans. A significant moment came when Paul Heyman unveiled that he had drafted the suspended Drew McIntyre for the heel WarGames team set to compete at the upcoming Survivor Series on November 29. This revelation caught Blue Brand General Manager Nick Aldis off guard, injecting some immediate intrigue into the show.
Despite this surprising twist, concerns linger about the overall quality of the WarGames matches scheduled for the pay-per-view event. Notably, the women’s match has drawn criticism for its lack of compelling storylines. WWE attempted to generate drama between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, but many fans found the narrative unengaging, leading to speculation that this year’s lineup might be one of the weakest in recent history. Such sentiment echoes the days of The Dungeon Of Doom from WCW’s Fall Brawl in 1995, underscoring the challenges facing the promotion.
In more positive developments, Zack Ryder returned to the ring for his first match in WWE since March 2020, marking a notable comeback. Additionally, Jade Cargill has adopted a new persona reminiscent of Ryback, adding an intriguing element to her character. The show also featured John Cena in his ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament, which continues to engage viewers. Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov presented another ‘Open Challenge’ segment for his United States Title, although this segment did not quite meet the high standards set by previous matches.
On a less favorable note, a face-to-face segment involving Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and the MFT group fell flat, failing to generate the anticipated excitement. Looking ahead, there are reports that SmackDown may revert to a three-hour format in January 2026, a move that raises concerns about the current creative direction under Triple H‘s leadership. Critics argue that WWE is increasingly focusing on calendar-driven content rather than cohesive storytelling.
As fans reflect on the latest episode, it is clear that while WWE SmackDown continues to deliver moments of intrigue and excitement, significant improvements are needed to maintain viewer engagement leading into Survivor Series. The mixed reviews highlight the importance of compelling narratives and character development in professional wrestling, as the promotion navigates its path forward.
