WWE took over the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on the night of November 21 for Friday Night SmackDown, showcasing multiple matches across different divisions. The event built anticipation for Survivor Series 2025, featuring highlights such as the ongoing Open Challenge for the United States Title, the next stage in the "Last Time is Now" tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent, and exciting developments in the tag team scene.
TheSportster’s rating system analyzed each match on SmackDown to identify the best and worst performances, as well as everything in between.
Finn Balor vs. Penta (Last Time is Now tournament):
Rating: 6.5/10
The match started energetically with a brawl before the bell, featuring a mix of back-and-forth action and ground attacks. While there were moments of tension and swift counters, the match eventually became a series of exchanged moves lacking deep storytelling. Penta won after a surprise finisher, ending the bout abruptly. Overall, it was a solid but underwhelming contest, marking the lowest point in an otherwise strong night of in-ring action.
DIY vs. Fraxiom:
Rating: 7/10
In a fast-paced, seven-minute tag team match, Fraxiom and DIY delivered an entertaining performance that energized the crowd. The rapid-fire attacks, aerial maneuvers, and strong in-ring displays outweighed the occasional lack of psychological depth. Notable moments included Ciampa’s mid-air knee to Axiom and a DIY shutter machine move as a nod to a past rivalry. The match ended with Candice LeRae interfering by unmasking Fraxiom, allowing DIY to cheat to victory, adding heat to her upcoming opponents.
Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes (Last Time is Now tournament):
Rating: 7.75/10
This match followed a classic David vs. Goliath storyline, with Hayes fighting hard against the dominant Reed. Hayes’ convincing selling of moves and the strong chemistry between the two kept the crowd engaged. Ring-side interference by Vision heightened the drama, rallying the crowd behind Hayes. The match concluded with Cody Rhodes disrupting Reed’s attack, giving Hayes a win by countout, which built momentum for the ongoing Men’s War Games rivalry.
Ilya Dragunov vs. JD McDonough (US Championship):
Rating: 8.5/10
The standout match saw Dragunov defend his United States Title in a fierce and intense battle that felt like a genuine fight. The bout included heavy strikes, brutal moves, and seamless counters, with both competitors nearly clinching victory multiple times. Highlights featured impressive maneuvers like a Spanish Fly reverse, big moonsault nearfall, brainbuster, and consecutive suplexes. Dragunov ultimately retained the title in a closely contested match that energized the crowd and showcased strong wrestling chemistry.
Fan Take:
This SmackDown event offers WWE fans an exciting preview of major upcoming storylines heading into Survivor Series 2025, highlighting intense rivalries and key tournament developments. With standout matches and evolving character dynamics, the show reinforces WWE’s commitment to top-tier in-ring storytelling that keeps fans invested in the sport’s future.
