Just six days after Saturday Night's Main Event, the WWE landscape has shifted dramatically—and not everyone is happy about it. Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown on November 7, where the fallout from SNME 41 is still rippling through the roster. But here's where it gets controversial: while Raw celebrates CM Punk’s new reign as men’s world champion after dethroning Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes’s title retention against Drew McIntyre has left fans divided. Was it a fair victory, or did Rhodes get lucky? And this is the part most people miss: SmackDown’s women’s division is in upheaval too, with Jade Cargill’s dominant win over Tiffany Stratton marking a new era. But is she truly ready for the spotlight? Let’s dive into the highlights, winners, and reactions from Friday’s episode, where the build to Survivor Series WarGames on November 29 is already heating up.
The show kicked off with Cody Rhodes, who wasted no time basking in his post-SNME glory. The American Nightmare was all smiles, shaking hands and even signing autographs—a stark contrast to his intense rivalry with Aleister Black, his former AEW foe. The two didn’t mince words, setting up a singles match later in the night. This segment was refreshingly concise, clocking in at under 10 minutes, and it perfectly laid the groundwork for Rhodes’s next feud. But here’s the question: Can Rhodes keep his momentum, or will Black derail his plans?
Next up, Ilja Dragunov stepped into the ring to defend his United States Championship in an open challenge. With Survivor Series WarGames on the horizon, every match feels like a chess move, and Dragunov’s reign is no exception. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair clashed with Nia Jax in a match that hinted at the alliances and rivalries forming for the two-ring cage spectacle. The WarGames match has become a WWE tradition, but this year’s teams are anyone’s guess. Who will step up, and who will be left out in the cold?
From Rhodes’s triumphant return to Dragunov’s championship defense, SmackDown delivered a night of high stakes and higher emotions. But as we look ahead, one thing is clear: the road to Survivor Series is paved with controversy, ambition, and unanswered questions. What did you think of the show? Are you Team Rhodes or Team Black? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
