This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown featured a mix of excitement and disappointment, highlighted by a significant revelation from Paul Heyman. The advocate announced that the suspended Drew McIntyre would join the heel WarGames team set to compete at Survivor Series on November 29. This announcement energized the show and left General Manager Nick Aldis visibly unsettled. However, concerns persist regarding the overall quality of the WarGames matches, particularly the women’s bout, which has drawn criticism for its lack of intrigue.
While Heyman’s surprise added a jolt to the evening, the build-up to the WarGames event has been underwhelming. The rivalry between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, intended to elevate the match’s stakes, has failed to capture audience interest, leading some to label this lineup as one of the weakest in recent memory. As fans recall the infamous Dungeon of Doom from WCW’s Fall Brawl in 1995, it seems the current offerings are struggling to meet expectations.
In other notable moments, Zack Ryder made his return to the ring for the first time since March 2020, while Jade Cargill has taken on a character reminiscent of Ryback. The evening also featured John Cena‘s “Last Time Is Now” tournament, which provided some light-hearted entertainment. Additionally, Ilja Dragunov hosted another “Open Challenge” segment for his United States Title, though it failed to impress compared to his recent performances.
The night was not without its lackluster segments. A face-to-face encounter involving Sami Zayn, his allies, Solo Sikoa, and the MFT group felt flat, failing to engage viewers effectively. Speculation is circulating that SmackDown might revert to a three-hour format in January 2026, reminiscent of earlier this year. This news raises concerns regarding the creative direction under Triple H, as the booking appears increasingly formulaic, focusing more on aligning with the calendar rather than developing coherent storylines.
As the lead-up to Survivor Series continues, WWE faces challenges in maintaining audience interest. The excitement generated by Heyman’s announcement may not be enough to offset the overall dissatisfaction with the current creative approach. Fans will be watching closely to see if the upcoming matches can deliver the thrills expected from this flagship brand.
