The Black Friday episode of "WWE SmackDown" has wrapped up, with Thanksgiving meals packed away and the first touches of Christmas decor appearing. The show was busy, featuring the semifinals of the Last Time Is Now tournament and setting the stage for Saturday’s Women’s War Games match by deciding the advantage. A classic Survivor Series 5-on-5 elimination match also took place, where Solo Chicore and his MFT team triumphed over Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix, and MCMG. For a full rundown, the results page has all the details.
Now, let’s review what stood out this week on the pre-recorded "SmackDown." Highlights included a gripping bout between Charlotte Flair and Asuka and a suspenseful show-ending surprise featuring Wyatt Thicke’s attack. On the downside, the show’s structure felt more like a Survivor Series prelude, even though there were fewer pay-per-view matches than usual, and the interaction between the WWE Women’s Champion and the WWE Women’s United States Champion was confusing.
Here’s the Wrestling Inc. team’s take on the highs, lows, and everything in between from WWE SmackDown on November 28, 2025.
Favorite: Charlotte Flair Redeems Herself Against Asuka
Having seen spoilers, I expected a typical predictable win from Charlotte Flair, but the match surprised me with its depth and significance. Flair’s backstage remarks about not having faced Asuka since her ACL injury made the confrontation feel fresh. The match was short but intense, with Flair’s emotional display post-fight showing a new, rehabilitated side of her character. Although a heel turn might be on the horizon, this was a memorable moment highlighting Flair’s evolving story.
Hated: Why Is Jade Cargill Interfering with Chelsea Green?
While the storyline of WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill crashing Chelsea Green’s celebration is understandable, it didn’t sit well. Both talents are great, but this angle doesn’t seem to benefit either, especially as it lacks clear direction for their reigns or challengers. The absence of Julia, the former champion, who hasn’t shown much reaction since losing her title, adds to the confusion. This feels like a missed opportunity to establish rivalries that make sense for each champion.
Loved: Second Chances for Great Talent
It’s rare to see WWE offering second chances in tournaments, but turning Sheamus’ injury into an opportunity for The Miz was refreshing. The backstage segment where Miz’s name is drawn by Nick Aldis added an entertaining touch. Though Miz wasn’t expected to win, his quarterfinal against LA Knight brought drama and creativity, adding interest to an otherwise disconnected SmackDown episode.
Hated: Traditional 5-on-5 Matches Felt Useless
Because two WarGames matches overshadowed them, the traditional Survivor Series 5-on-5 match was shifted to SmackDown’s main event. Unfortunately, this match felt unnecessary for television and failed to maximize the talent involved. Tara Tonga’s victories and Laik Solo Chicore’s win over Sami Zayn carried little lasting impact, especially with the abrupt and underwhelming finish. The match didn’t help elevate anyone except Tara, leaving the rest looking underwhelming.
Favorite: Wyatt Thicke’s Surprise Attack Ends the Show Strong
The main event predecessor to Survivor Series featured a classic elimination match ending with Solo Cicore victorious. The unexpected twist came when Wyatt Thicke and his faction attacked Cicore, signaling a promising continuation of their feud. Though the match itself lacked excitement, the closing moment added intrigue and a compelling storyline development.
Hated: This Should’ve All Been Part of the Pay-Per-View
The much-anticipated clash between Tommaso Ciampa and WWE United States Champion Ilya Dragunov was teased but not delivered on the big Survivor Series show. With four matches already set for the card, WWE seemed unable to fit in this highly promising bout. The SmackDown episode felt like padding to build a thin pay-per-view card, with key storylines and feuds unnecessarily stretched out on TV rather than the grand stage they deserved.
Fan Take:
This episode of SmackDown holds significance as it balances character development, tournament progression, and build-ups to major events like Survivor Series and War Games. For WWE fans, it highlights the ongoing challenges of storytelling pacing, showing that while surprises and strong performances matter, clear direction and meaningful matches are essential for maintaining excitement in the sport.
