3 Mistakes WWE must avoid on the first SmackDown after Survivor Series 2025

The first Friday Night SmackDown after WWE Survivor Series: WarGames is expected to be an exciting show. With Saturday Night's Main Event XLII on the horizon, the show is likely to focus on building up the card for the upcoming event. Therefore, fans can expect hard-hitting matches tonight.

Now, let's take a look at three major mistakes WWE must avoid on the first SmackDown after Survivor Series 2025.

#3. Having Aleister Black and Zelina Vega appear via video packages

Aleister Black and Zelina Vega's on-screen relationship has been in full swing after a video package aired on the November 17 episode of SmackDown. In the video, they warned everyone that Black would be more dangerous now that he's aligned with his wife. The real-life couple had reunited the week before this, after Vega helped her husband defeat Damian Priest in a Last Man Standing match.

Given that the feud between the 40-year-old star and Priest hasn't lived up to expectations so far, many are suggesting that the creative team should resume the real heat between the bitter rivals in the ring instead of having Aleister Black rely solely on video packages.

#2. Having Jade Cargill feud with mid-carders

Jade Cargill turned heel on the October 24 episode of WWE SmackDown and eventually dethroned Tiffany Stratton at Saturday Night's Main Event XLI to win the WWE Women's Championship for the first time in her career.

Despite gaining momentum on the blue brand as a heel and capturing the women's title, the star has yet to face strong challengers for the title. The creative team initially teased having her enter a program with Charlotte Flair before the Women's WarGames Match, but the storyline never developed.

Hence, many believe Cargill needs to move beyond her feud with mid-carders and instead face top-tier opponents, as that could solidify her reign as the WWE Women's Champion and prove her dominance in the division.

#1. Not pushing Drew McIntyre as SmackDown's top heel

Drew McIntyre has gained a lot of momentum on SmackDown in his rivalry with Cody Rhodes. However, he seemed to have crossed the limits by brutally assaulting The American Nightmare nearly every week, which led to his suspension by Nick Aldis.

Despite his suspension, The Scottish Warrior never relented and continued to pursue his feud with Cody. Sadly, the creative team has yet to push him as the brand's top star, which has left fans disappointed. Many are now suggesting that this situation should change tonight.