Rewritten Content
Do you remember when wargaming was extremely popular?
Perhaps I’m just weary of WWE’s current offerings (and honestly, I commend their run for over four years), but this year’s WarGames event has been a mixed bag. The recent episode of "WWE SmackDown" showcased both men’s and women’s wargames matches, and while there were redeeming moments and intriguing storylines, it felt like this episode did little to invigorate the stagnant atmosphere surrounding the 2025 wargames season.
The evening kicked off with what was expected to be a significant moment in the women’s wargames division, featuring Charlotte Flair facing off against Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and her tag partner Alexa Bliss. Although this could potentially reshape the women’s wargames narrative, the execution left much to be desired. SKY’s enthusiastic shout of "Wargames!" was a nice touch given her history, but overall, the opening segment felt forced. While RHIYO attempted to add charm, her performance ultimately lacked depth. Bliss, who is typically strong on the mic, delivered noticeably juvenile promos against Rush Legends, Nia Jax, and the Kabuki Warriors. Flair entered with a bright smile and no visible nerves, but her promo about her contentious history with Ripley fell flat when you consider that most women in the match have faced similar conflicts throughout their careers. The storyline might hold potential, but it needs more substance, especially from seasoned performers like Ripley, Bliss, and Flair, who are capable of delivering compelling narratives.
Drew McIntyre made waves at WarGames Manifesto (Vision’s side), but the same can’t be said for Jimmy Uso. In a backstage segment, he informed Cody Rhodes that he had just spoken with CM Punk and was officially joining WarGames. While Jimmy Uso certainly doesn’t require an elaborate introduction, if he’s not being positioned as a key player, why include him at all? That spot could easily be given to someone more impactful.
Perhaps I’m simply fatigued by WWE’s current format, but neither of these matches seem to have been built up effectively. Additionally, the lack of energy around the iconic “WARGAMES!” shout was palpable.
Written by Angeline Pugh
Fan Take
This news is significant to wrestling fans as it highlights the ongoing struggles within WWE’s storytelling and character development, particularly in high-stakes matches like WarGames. It could be a wake-up call for the promotion to elevate its narrative quality, which is essential for maintaining fan engagement and the overall health of the sport.
