WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (November 21, 2025): Cody Rhodes injured?; Becky Lynch attacks AJ Lee as WarGames drama unfolds & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Penta advances, Ilja Dragunov retains, Cody Rhodes aids Carmelo Hayes & more!
The November 21 episode of Friday Night SmackDown aired live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The show further intensified the build towards the upcoming Survivor Series PLE, which is now just a week away.
Multiple big names, including Carmelo Hayes, Penta, Chelsea Green, Finn Balor, and Bronson Reed, among others, appeared on the show. WWE had announced multiple matches and segments for the show.
The tournament to decide John Cena’s final match continued on the show with the two final first-round matches. Additionally, the show also featured a tag team match, along with Chelsea Green’s US title celebration.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 11/21 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
Drew McIntyre ambushes Cody Rhodes
Paul Heyman appeared alongside The Vision (Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul) to kick off the show amid a chorus of boos. Heyman declared that he had a Vision for WarGames, which he would bestow upon everyone. The Oracle hyped up the match, stating that Breakker, Reed, and Paul would dismantle the five main event superstars on the opposing team.
Heyman then handed the mic to Logan, as Paul asked the crowd to shut their mouths, which only intensified the boos. Before Logan could continue, Jey Uso’s music hit as he walked out alongside Jimmy Uso. Jey told Heyman that nobody wanted to hear what Logan had to say, then reminded him how his crew had beaten them on Monday.
Heyman pointed out that Jey had pissed off Logan and then said that he created the Bloodline so the two wouldn’t have to live off of Roman. He added that the numbers game always wins, prompting “OTC” chants as Heyman stated they were outnumbered 4 to 1.
Jimmy asked if Heyman actually thought they had shown up alone. Cody Rhodes’ music hit, but the American Nightmare didn’t make his entrance. The camera then cut to his vanity van backstage, where Drew McIntyre walked out, revealing Rhodes lying down, blood dripping from his mouth. Jey and Jimmy rushed to the parking lot as the Medical Staff and the Usos hurried to check on the Champion.
Grade: C+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Many fans on social media pointed out Logan Paul’s hand, which had something written on it. The prevailing theory is that he wrote his promo on his hand.
- After the segment, The Usos and the medical team attended to Cody Rhodes as Drew McIntyre arrived. He smirked and said, “See you at WarGames, Champ,” before speeding off in his car.
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs JD McDonagh – US Title Open Challenge
The first match of the show featured the US title open challenge, where JD McDonagh answered the challenge and battled Dragunov. The two stars who have a history outside WWE started the action right off, with Ilja taking control early.
However, McDonagh took over using some Judgment Day-patented dirty tactics and came very close to pinning Ilja after delivering a moonsault. In the end, Ilja delivered a headbutt and followed it up with the Torpedo Moscow, a Powerbomb, and the H-bomb to pin McDonagh and retain the title.
Winner & Still: Ilja Dragunov
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Per Michael Cole, the last time the United States title was defended in Dever was by Eddie Guerrero back in 2003.
- Backstage, Alexa Bliss quietly brought Charlotte Flair to have a private conversation with Rhea Ripley ahead of WarGames. Afterward, Iyo Sky and Bliss left the room, allowing Flair and Ripley to talk things out.
- Cathy Kelley interviewed Nick Aldis, but the GM had no updates on Cody Rhodes, promising to provide one as soon as he had more information. Aldis then approached The Vision. He made it clear that he wasn’t aware of what Heyman had planned, but emphasized that the only reason Bronson Reed was in the building was because of his match. He also reiterated that while Drew McIntyre might be allowed on his team, McIntyre remained suspended from SmackDown and was not welcome. Heyman responded, saying he had been strict in ensuring McIntyre didn’t enter the arena as a sign of his respect for Aldis’ suspension. He added that Bronson Reed was only there because Carmelo Hayes was foolish enough to fight him.
Carmelo Hayes vs Bronson Reed – Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round Match)
Carmelo Hayes battled Bronson Reed in the second-to-last first-round match of the tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent. Reed took over with ease early, but once Hayes fought back, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker entered the fray to distract Hayes and intimidate him.
Red again took control of the match, but chaos broke out when Bron Breakker tried to attack Hayes ringside. The Usos arrived, neutralizing Logan and Breakker; meanwhile, an injured Cody Rhodes arrived, attacking Reed, who failed to step into the ring to break the count, handing Hayes the victory.
Winner: Carmelo Hayes via Count Out
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Chelsea Green rushed into a room as Alba Fyre was approached by Kiana James and Giulia. James asked where Green was, and Fyre replied that she hadn’t seen her all day, and the two walked off. Chelsea then appeared, stating that the vibes weren’t right, and she didn’t want to go through with the celebration. She insisted she needed the perfect experience as the greatest women’s champion of all time and told Alba to reschedule. Jade Cargill then appeared, questioning if Chelsea truly called herself the greatest. Green avoided the confrontation and quickly ran off.
- Post-match, Cody grabbed the mic, stating that after the attack, he didn’t want to be done with McIntyre. He acknowledged that Bronson was the best of the group, but he wouldn’t realize it until he was staring at the lights. “Bron? History shows a Steiner is NEVER better than a Rhodes!” he declared. “Logan? Do a flip, pilot your drone, nobody cares. Brock Lesnar? He was the last guy to beat Lesnar twice. Paul Heyman? You build ‘em, he’ll beat ‘em.” Rhodes then fired up, stating, “WarGames, the Match Beyond, it’s my damn birthright, and I’ll see you in San Diego!”
Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) vs #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) – Tag Team match
The single tag team match of the show pitted Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) against #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa), following Ciampa’s attack on Axiom last week. Frazer and Axiom showed off their pace, taking over the match early, but Ciampa and Gargano regrouped to slow down the pace.
Ciampa and Gargano rallied hard, but failed to get the pin as Frazer and Axiom fought back. As Frazer took out Ciampa and Axiom lined up the finishing move, Candice LeRae interrupted, ripping off Axiom’s mask. Garganon capitalized, rolling him up for a three-count to win the match.
Winner: #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa)
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Before the match, Sami Zayn, along with Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix, and Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin), cut a promo hyping up the Survivor Series match next week against Solo Sikoa’s MFT, sending them a stern warning.
- This was the only match that involved a women’s wrestler in some capacity, as the show didn’t feature a single match in the women’s division.
Penta vs Finn Balor – Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round match)
In the final match of the show, Penta and Finn Balor battled in the first round of the tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent. Balor tried to attack Penta before the bell rang, but Penta saw it coming and countered. Balor used his heel tactics to take over and punish Penta during the commercials.
The crowd was red hot for Penta, reacting to his every move. The two magicians inside the squared circle delivered a great match, delivering a Mexican Destroyer out of nowhere to pin Balor and advance in the tournament to secure the final spot in the quarterfinals.
Winner: Penta
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Both Penta and Finn Balor are part of the Raw roster, yet somehow this match ended up on SmackDown.
- Sheamus, despite securing a spot in the quarter finals, has pulled out due to a shoulder injury. LA Knight will once again battle an unknown opponent.
The fifth member
Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring, followed by Alexa Bliss, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley. The four women entered the ring, and Ripley picked up the mic as the crowd erupted in cheers. Rhea recapped the attack by Nia and her team at MSG, stating that if she was going into war with someone, she would ensure she had the right people by her side.
Rhea praised Iyo, calling her a trusted friend, before moving on to Alexa and Flair. She acknowledged that while they might not be the best of friends, they could still trust each other when it mattered. Ripley then pointed out that they were still only four people and needed one more. She introduced the fifth member, AJ Lee.
As Lee walked out, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) attacked Ripley and her team. Lee rushed in to make the save, but Becky Lynch attacked her near the apron. Meanwhile, in the ring, Rhea began to mount a comeback, but the numbers game quickly turned the tide.
Jax hit the Annihilator on Ripley as Lynch stepped into the ring, shaking hands with Asuka. It was revealed that Lynch was the fifth member of the heel team.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Before the segment, Solo Sikoa cut a promo, sending a message to Penta ahead of their match in the Last Time Is Now Tournament on Raw, as well as to Team Sami in preparation for their 5v5 match on next week’s SmackDown.
- Too much time was spent on the walk-ins, and by the time Rhea began speaking, there were less than five minutes left, resulting in a rushed and choppy segment that likely hurt the build for the Women’s WarGames.
WWE SmackDown 11/21 Results
- Drew McIntyre ambushed Cody Rhodes
- Ilja Dragunov (c) pinned JD McDonagh – US Title Open Challenge
- Carmelo Hayes defeated Bronson Reed via Count Out– Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round match)
- #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) defeated Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) – Tag Team match
- Penta pinned Finn Balor – Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round match)
- AJ Lee joined Team Ripley, while Becky Lynch joined Team Asuka
Who won in the main event of WWE SmackDown tonight?
Penta pinned Finn Balor to win the final first-round match and advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
What is the next main roster PLE after Crown Jewel 2025?
Survivor Series: WarGames is the next and final PLE of 2025 from the main roster.
When and where will Survivor Series 2025 take place?
The 39th edition of Survivor Series will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Petco Park in San Diego, California.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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