Tonight’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivered explosive storyline shifts on the road to Survivor Series: WarGames, highlighted by a chaotic Undisputed WWE Championship main event, multiple tournament bouts, a surprise return, and major momentum shifts across the men’s and women’s divisions. Cody Rhodes retained his championship after his match with Bronson Reed ended in disqualification, but the real shock came afterward: Drew McIntyre returned and aligned himself with The Vision, sending a seismic message heading into WarGames. Meanwhile, Jey Uso advanced in John Cena’s “The Last Time Is Now” tournament, Ilja Dragunov survived a brutal U.S. Title Open Challenge, LA Knight scored a big win over Zack Ryder, and Jade Cargill continued her dominant rise.
Here are the full results
- Jey Uso defeated The Miz — First-round match in John Cena’s “The Last Time Is Now” tournament; Uso advanced after hitting the Uso Splash.
- LA Knight defeated Zack Ryder — Knight claimed the win over the returning Ryder, gaining both momentum and a strong TV victory.
- Ilja Dragunov (c) defeated Axiom — United States Championship Open Challenge; Dragunov retained after a fiercely competitive match.
- Jade Cargill defeated B-FAB — Dominant performance for Cargill as she continued her undefeated streak on SmackDown.
- Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Bronson Reed — Undisputed WWE Championship — Ended in DQ due to outside involvement; Cody retained, followed by Drew McIntyre returning and officially joining The Vision.
Full Recap & Analysis
Cody Rhodes retains, but The Vision grows stronger
Tonight’s main event saw Cody Rhodes put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Bronson Reed. The match showcased Reed’s power and Cody’s resilience, but just as the champion began to build momentum, outside interference triggered a disqualification. Cody kept the title, but the aftermath eclipsed the finish: Drew McIntyre made his dramatic return and aligned with The Vision.
McIntyre’s addition transforms the faction into a true WarGames powerhouse, giving them star power, size, and credibility. The babyface team — led by Cody, CM Punk, Jey Uso and reportedly Jimmy Uso — now faces a far more imposing threat. The entire structure of Survivor Series: WarGames shifted in one segment.
Ilja Dragunov continues to elevate the U.S. Championship
The U.S. Title Open Challenge has become one of the most exciting recurring showcases on SmackDown, and tonight was no different. Ilja Dragunov defended against Axiom in a fast, intense match filled with near-falls and high-pressure sequences. Dragunov retained after landing the H-Bomb, continuing his streak of hard-fought TV defenses and further strengthening the prestige of the championship.
Jey Uso advances in Cena’s farewell tournament
Tonight’s opening match saw Jey Uso defeat The Miz to advance in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament honoring John Cena’s farewell run. Jey’s win keeps him at the center of high-profile singles action and continues a quiet push that positions him as a possible tournament favorite. The tournament itself has been an effective spotlight, creating stakes and emotional resonance for Cena’s final chapter.
LA Knight picks up a key win as Zack Ryder returns
Tonight featured the surprise return of Zack Ryder, who stepped into a match with LA Knight — but Knight wasn’t about to let the nostalgia moment turn into an upset. Knight scored the clean victory, keeping himself in prime position heading into the winter season while also giving fans a meaningful callback with Ryder’s reappearance.
Jade Cargill dominates again
Jade Cargill continued her run of decisive victories tonight with a commanding win over B-FAB. Cargill’s presentation remains strong, and WWE appears to be positioning her for a major program heading into early 2026. Expect her to remain a focal point of the women’s division.
What tonight means going forward
- WarGames just got bigger: Drew McIntyre’s return and his decision to join The Vision gives the faction a credible main-event anchor heading into Survivor Series. Momentum is firmly on their side after tonight.
- Cody’s fight isn’t over: Cody Rhodes may still be champion, but tonight’s DQ finish ensures he’ll have unfinished business with Reed — and even more trouble with The Vision collectively.
- The midcard is thriving: Dragunov’s U.S. Title run and the ongoing Cena tournament continue to give SmackDown meaningful stakes every week.
- Women’s division rising: Jade Cargill’s trajectory suggests WWE is preparing a major push for her after tonight’s statement win.
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