Quick Read
- Ilja Dragunov retained his U.S. Title against Johnny Gargano after a hard-fought open challenge.
- Chelsea Green won the Women’s U.S. Title from Giulia in a fast-paced, chaotic match.
- John Cena’s farewell tournament officially began, with first-round matchups and a mystery opponent announced.
- Nia Jax, aided by Lash Legend, defeated Charlotte Flair, signaling new alliances in the women’s division.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Aleister Black ended in chaos after Drew McIntyre’s interference and subsequent suspension.
Dragunov’s Open Challenge: The U.S. Title Remains in Fierce Hands
Friday Night SmackDown on November 7, 2025, unfolded in Greenville, South Carolina, with a palpable sense of anticipation. Bon Secours Wellness Arena brimmed with nearly 7,000 fans, eager to witness the next chapter in WWE’s turbulent storylines. The night kicked off with a recap of Cody Rhodes’ recent victory over Drew McIntyre—a match that blurred the lines between calculated aggression and opportunism. Cody, ever the showman, addressed the crowd with a mix of humility and bravado, making it clear that he’s ready to put Drew in the rearview mirror and open the floor for new challengers.
But before Cody could bask in the crowd’s adulation, Aleister Black, flanked by Zelina Vega, interrupted. The tension between Rhodes and Black simmered, with Black declaring his intent to pursue the Undisputed World Title. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis wasted no time booking Cody vs. Black for the night’s main event, foreshadowing fireworks to come.
Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov, the relentless U.S. Champion, strode backstage, crossing paths with Tama Tonga—a moment that hinted at future confrontations. Dragunov’s open challenge in the ring was met not by Tomasso Ciampa, but Johnny Gargano, setting up a match that tested Dragunov’s resolve and physical limits. Gargano, supported by Ciampa and Candice LeRae, pushed Dragunov to his edge. Despite interference and a flurry of high-impact moves, Dragunov’s brute strength and determination prevailed, retaining his U.S. Title after an eleven-minute battle that left the audience roaring.
Women’s Division: New Rivalries and Shock Title Changes
The SmackDown women’s roster continues to evolve, blending established stars and rising contenders. Jade Cargill’s brief, assertive promo signaled her growing presence and hinted at future clashes—particularly with Charlotte Flair. But it was backstage where the sparks really flew, as Chelsea Green boasted about her ambitions, only to be confronted by Jade. Tensions escalated quickly, culminating in a challenge for next week that promises to shake up the division.
Charlotte Flair, accompanied by Alexa Bliss, faced Nia Jax in a match rife with interference and shifting momentum. Lash Legend’s surprise return proved pivotal, distracting Charlotte and enabling Jax to secure a decisive victory. Cole and Graves speculated on Lash’s newfound alliance with Jax, painting a picture of a division in flux and ripe for drama.
Later, Giulia defended her title against Chelsea Green, with both competitors supported by their respective allies. The match was chaotic and brief—outside interference, quick pin attempts, and underhanded tactics led to Green snatching a victory and the Women’s U.S. Title, leaving the crowd stunned and the storyline wide open for future twists.
Cena’s Farewell Tournament: Legends, Surprises, and High Stakes
SmackDown wasn’t just about in-ring action; it also set the stage for John Cena’s final bow. The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament, announced earlier this year, seeks to crown a worthy opponent for Cena’s farewell match on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. General Manager Nick Aldis unveiled new bracket details: The Miz will face Jey Uso, and LA Knight will square off against a mystery opponent—raising speculation that the mystery could be a returning legend or an outsider, injecting unpredictability into the tournament. Khel Now notes that half the bracket is set, with stars like Rusev, Damian Priest, Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura already confirmed, promising a mix of nostalgia and fresh rivalries as Cena’s storied career comes full circle.
Cena’s influence is felt even in his absence, with each competitor in the tournament seeking to etch their name into history. The emotional weight of Cena’s impending retirement looms over the roster, fueling both ambition and reflection among the WWE universe.
Faction Warfare and Unfinished Business
The night’s narrative threads intertwined backstage and in the ring. Sami Zayn, still recovering from injury, pleaded with Aldis to support his friend Rey Fenix at ringside, only to be rebuffed. The segment, scripted yet earnest, underscored Sami’s loyalty and frustration. Meanwhile, R-Truth provided comic relief in a scene with Aldis, punctuating the evening’s tension with levity.
Faction rivalries took center stage as Solo Sikoa rallied the MFTs to confront the Wyatt Sicks and Dragunov, emphasizing the importance of family and retribution. As Solo led his crew to the ring, the Wyatt Sicks struck from the shadows, reminding everyone that chaos can erupt at any moment.
In the ring, Rey Fenix battled Talla Tonga in a physical contest that showcased Fenix’s agility and Tonga’s brute force. Tonga ultimately dominated, but the post-match saw Sami Zayn defy doctor’s orders, running in with a chair to protect his friend—a move that drew a standing ovation and highlighted the blurred line between heroism and recklessness.
Main Event: Chaos in Pursuit of Glory
The climactic main event pitted Cody Rhodes against Aleister Black, with both men eyeing bigger prizes. The match was technically sound and emotionally charged, with Black nearly seizing victory before outside interference upended the bout. Drew McIntyre, still smarting from his recent defeat, stormed the ring and attacked the referee, triggering an all-out brawl. Damian Priest rushed in to even the odds, but chaos reigned, and the match ended without a clear winner. Aldis, fed up with Drew’s antics, announced his suspension—a move that may have repercussions in the weeks ahead.
The night ended not with resolution, but with questions. Who will step up in Cena’s tournament? Will alliances hold, or fracture? And how long before Dragunov faces an opponent who can truly test his mettle?
SmackDown’s November 7 episode exemplified what makes pro wrestling compelling: raw athleticism, evolving storylines, and moments that linger in the minds of fans. With major titles defended, surprise victories, and a landmark farewell tournament underway, WWE is embracing unpredictability and emotion. The road to Cena’s last match will be paved with ambition and nostalgia, ensuring the next five weeks remain must-see for fans and competitors alike.