WWE SmackDown tonight on the USA Network was taped last week.
WWE Survivor Series: War Games – Saturday, November 30 –
Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada
MEN’S WAR GAMES MATCH:
OG Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn) & CM Punk vs. New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Jacob Fatu & Bronson Reed)
WOMEN’S WAR GAMES MATCH:
Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Iyo Sky & Bayley vs. Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
Gunther (c) vs. Damien Priest
WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Bron Breakker (c) vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Sheamus
WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP:
LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
The December 3 episode of WWE NXT is shaping up to be an unmissable go-home show for the Deadline Premium Live Event, with two WWE Hall of Famers set to make special appearances.
During the November 26 broadcast, Eric Bischoff announced via video message from his home in Cody, Wyoming, that he will be at NXT to mediate a face-to-face confrontation between NXT Champion Trick Williams and Ridge Holland. The two are set to clash at Deadline, and Bischoff’s presence promises to add an extra layer of intrigue to their escalating rivalry.
Meanwhile, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman confirmed his involvement through social media, hyping fans with a simple message: “See you next week!” The DX legend’s appearance is sure to bring a nostalgic buzz to the Capitol Wrestling Center.
Beyond these legendary cameos, the December 3 NXT lineup features high-stakes action as the final pieces fall into place for the Deadline PLE on December 7. Here’s what to expect:
1. Iron Survivor Challenge Last Chance Qualifiers
Both the men’s and women’s Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches will feature chaotic four-way bouts, giving eliminated competitors one final opportunity to claim a spot in the highly anticipated match.
2. Tag Team Title Number One Contender’s Battle Royal
Tag teams will battle for the chance to challenge Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championship at Deadline. With the division’s most ambitious duos in action, this match could steal the show.
3. Nikkita Lyons vs. Karmen Petrovic
Following a backstage confrontation on the November 26 episode, Nikkita Lyons will square off with Karmen Petrovic. Expect tensions to boil over when these two finally collide in the ring.
With the December 7 Deadline PLE just around the corner, the December 3 edition of NXT is set to deliver intense drama, thrilling action, and memorable moments. The addition of X-Pac and Eric Bischoff ensures the episode won’t just be about building matches—it’ll be a celebration of WWE’s rich history as well.
Will Trick Williams and Ridge Holland keep their cool during their Bischoff-moderated confrontation? Who will seize their last chance to join the Iron Survivor Challenge? And which tag team will rise to the occasion in the battle royal? Tune in next Tuesday to find out!
WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight on The CW Network at 8:00 PM EST.
After weeks of speculation and anticipation, WWE has officially added a new midcard title for the women’s division on Monday Night RAW: the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. This announcement follows the recent introduction of the Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown, creating parity across WWE’s brands for their female Superstars.
While many expected this reveal to happen much sooner, especially with the Women’s U.S. Championship tournament already underway, WWE chose an unexpected moment to debut the new title. The announcement was made just before RAW went on the air, and a clip of the unveiling was shared online by wrestling media personality Stephanie Hypes. Fans later got to see the segment as part of the RAW broadcast, but the timing left many scratching their heads.
During the segment, Adam Pearce presented the new championship, explaining its significance as a “workhorse title” designed to highlight the depth and talent of RAW’s women’s roster. The belt itself is a sleek design, echoing the classic look of the men’s Intercontinental Championship but with a white strap to distinguish it as part of the women’s division.
This move marks another significant step in WWE’s continued efforts to elevate women’s wrestling and provide more opportunities for meaningful feuds and matches beyond the main titles. The Women’s Intercontinental Championship has the potential to showcase emerging talent, provide new storyline opportunities, and create a fresh platform for stars looking to break through to the next level.
As WWE expands its title landscape for women, the next question is: which Superstar will step up to claim the inaugural championship? With RAW’s loaded roster, the possibilities are endless, and fans are eager to see how this new championship shapes the future of the division.
WWE Raw will air live tonight on the USA Network from the Diamond Desert Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
NXT Superstar Gigi Dolin made her long-awaited return to the ring at the NXT Live Event on Friday night, November 22, at the Lakeland Armory in Lakeland, Florida. In her first match since recovering from a serious injury, fans at the Lakeland Armory erupted with excitement, clearly thrilled to see Dolin back in action. Dolin secured a victory over Cora Jade, signaling that she’s back and ready to make waves in the NXT women’s division.
Dolin has been sidelined since suffering a torn ACL on the March 12, 2024, episode of NXT. The injury was a major setback for the fan-favorite, known for her unique blend of charisma and in-ring intensity. Her road to recovery has been a challenging one, but her successful return shows she’s ready to pick up where she left off.
With her return, speculation is already swirling about what’s next for Dolin in NXT. Could she re-enter the hunt for the NXT Women’s Championship? Will her return reignite old rivalries or spark new ones? Whatever the case, Dolin’s presence is sure to shake things up in the women’s division as NXT heads into the final stretch of the year.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Jade Cargill has been forced to step away from the ring due to a legitimate injury, leaving her off the highly anticipated Survivor Series card. Cargill was initially set to compete in the Women’s War Games match and the ongoing tournament to crown the first-ever WWE United States Women’s Champion. However, her absence has led to significant lineup changes, with Bayley stepping into War Games and Lash Legend taking her spot in the tournament.
The injury was addressed on-screen with a dramatic angle during which Cargill was thrown off a platform and crashed through a car windshield. According to Fightful Select, this spot was designed to provide an in-universe explanation for her temporary absence. While the exact nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed, early reports suggest Cargill could be out of action for at least three months or possibly longer.
Cargill’s injury marks a significant blow to WWE’s plans, as this year has been pivotal for her career. In addition to being in her second reign as Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Bianca Belair, she had standout moments in 2023, including her first Royal Rumble appearance. Cargill and Belair regained the Women’s Tag Titles from Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn at WWE Bash in Berlin in late August.
Survivor Series, set for November 30 in Vancouver, will now feature Bayley joining Team Rhea Ripley in the War Games match. Ripley’s team includes Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and now Bayley, as they prepare to face WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and WWE Speed Women’s Champion Candice LeRae.
Originally slated to be Cargill’s War Games debut, the match will still be a spectacle, albeit without one of WWE’s rising stars.
In the tournament for the inaugural WWE United States Women’s Championship, Lash Legend steps in for Cargill. Legend is scheduled to face Michin and Piper Niven on the upcoming SmackDown, which was taped this past Friday. Fans eager to see how Legend capitalizes on this opportunity.
Cargill’s injury is a reminder of the physical toll of WWE’s grueling schedule. While her absence will undoubtedly be felt, fans can look forward to her return once she’s fully recovered. In the meantime, her replacement Bayley and rising star Lash Legend have big shoes to fill as the Women’s War Games match and the U.S. Women’s Title tournament heat up.
Stay tuned for updates on Cargill’s recovery and how the reshuffled Survivor Series lineup plays out!
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the year as CM Punk made his much-anticipated return. Joining the original Bloodline team for War Games, Punk’s comeback was orchestrated by none other than Paul Heyman, who also made a dramatic return to the fold.
Punk had been absent from WWE television, selling injuries sustained during his brutal Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood. Fans were left guessing who would fill the fifth spot for the babyface War Games team, and the answer came in epic fashion when Heyman interrupted a tense in-ring confrontation between the two teams.
Earlier in the night, Solo Sikoa took center stage, attempting to gain control of the narrative. With the opposing team seemingly unable to secure a fifth member, Sikoa called out Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline faction for what he labeled “terms of surrender.”
Sikoa delivered an emotional plea laced with threats, telling Reigns and his crew that they could dominate WWE for decades if they joined forces. He wasn’t shy about pointing out Roman’s lack of a “Wise Man” or a fifth ally, raising the stakes with the ominous ultimatum: surrender and align with him, or face destruction.
The tension in the ring was palpable as Sikoa handed Reigns the microphone. But before Reigns could respond, Paul Heyman made his presence known.
In classic Heyman style, the legendary advocate interrupted with a dramatic apology for his absence, referencing the brutal table spot at Madison Square Garden that took him out of action. Heyman then dropped the bombshell—War Games would indeed be five-on-five, revealing CM Punk as the final member of the OG Bloodline team.
As the unmistakable sound of Cult of Personality (Punk’s entrance music) hit, the crowd erupted. Punk sprinted down the ramp, wasting no time in igniting a brawl. The chaotic clash saw Punk and Roman Reigns dominate, with Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga each falling victim to a spear and Punk’s signature Go to Sleep (GTS).
The night ended on a powerful visual, as Paul Heyman stood on the ring apron, smiling broadly at the alliance between Punk and Reigns.
With CM Punk’s return and his alignment with the original Bloodline, the War Games match has gone from must-see to absolutely unmissable. The dynamic between Punk, Reigns, and Heyman adds a layer of intrigue, as does the question of how Solo Sikoa will respond after his failed coup attempt.
SmackDown has officially raised the stakes for Survivor Series, and fans are eager to see what chaos unfolds when War Games hits the cage. Will Punk and Reigns be able to coexist, or is this alliance destined for implosion?
BONUS: CM Punk and The OG Bloodline stand tall: SmackDown exclusive, Nov. 22, 2024
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Wrestling News Blog 