3 Mistakes WWE made on SmackDown before Survivor Series: WarGames

The faces are in prime position heading into WarGames. (Image Credit: WWE on X).
The faces are in prime position heading into WarGames. (Image Credit: WWE on X)

Charlotte Flair won the WarGames advantage for her team on the go-home episode of SmackDown. Jade Cargill crashed Chelsea Green's United States Championship celebration.

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Both Jey Uso and LA Knight advanced in the Last Time is Now Tournament, defeating Rusev and The Miz, respectively.

Solo Sikoa led the MFTs to a win over Team Sami Zayn in a traditional 5-on-5 elimination match. The night ended with The Wyatt Sicks emerging to crash Sikoa's victory over Team Zayn.

It should finally lead to the long-teased tag team title feud between both sides. WWE made the next three mistakes on SmackDown ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames.

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#3. At least create the illusion of having a chance

On paper, Team Ripley should win the Women's WarGames match at Survivor Series. Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley are multi-time champions and are treated as the top women in WWE.

Factor in it being AJ Lee's second match with IYO SKY's success in 2025, and the heels feel like the underdogs. Lash Legend is unproven on the main roster, and Kairi Sane eats the pins when The Kabuki Warriors lose.

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Nia Jax usually loses to the top faces, leaving Becky Lynch. Winning the advantage match on SmackDown would have at least given the illusion that the heels had a chance of winning.

With The Queen defeating Asuka, it felt like pouring it on since the villains won't get along with The Man. Unless something big happens, it seems like the good guys will easily overcome the bad guys.


#2. Why are both of SmackDown's women's champions feuding?

It's probably a symptom of most challengers being busy with WarGames, but bookers have decided to have Jade Cargill basically get mad at people for what she does all the time - profess how great she is.

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She's taken issue with Chelsea Green's outlandish claims of being the greatest Women's Champion in WWE history. Her claim, however, has merit since she's actually held and defended a title much more than The Storm.

This reeks of a potential double-champion situation, since both AEW and WWE are obsessed with them lately.


#1. Jey Uso beats Rusev in the Last Time is Now Tournament

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Jey Uso is already all over the place due to being one of WWE's top faces. He's heavily featured as part of WarGames and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament after a win on SmackDown.

The Yeet Master also secured a 2025 Royal Rumble win, the World Heavyweight Title, and another battle royal victory with a title shot added to his resume this year. Rusev needed the win much more due to his stagnant booking since his return to WWE.

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Having him lose due to interference from The Vision would have protected him in defeat. He competed in the WarGames advantage match on RAW as well, so there were plenty of excuses for a potential loss.

Instead, Rusev gained nothing while Jey got more spotlight. Despite recent tension between the two on RAW, the win also sets up a face vs. face matchup against LA Knight.

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Edited by Matthew Serocki
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