WWE SmackDown Results

The show kicked off with some real drama, as WWE leaned into building up its big WarGames narrative. Right out the gate, we saw the fallout from a vicious backstage attack, Drew McIntyre had battered Cody Rhodes in his tour bus. Yeah, that’s not your typical backstage brawl. The visuals were brutal, and McIntyre made it loud and clear: “See you at WarGames, champ.”

Later, backstage, GM Nick Aldis saw Cathy Kelley, who asked him for news about Cody Rhodes. Aldis admitted he didn’t have concrete updates yet, but Rhodes was still being tended to by medical staff. But then, Aldis saw The Vision lurking down the hallway, Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, and company. He didn’t hesitate. He marched right over.

Standing face to face with them, Aldis called bullshit. He told Heyman that he didn’t quite trust whatever the group was planning. He made it crystal clear: Reed might be in the building for a match, but McIntyre, despite being part of WarGames, is still suspended from SmackDown in Aldis’s eyes. Aldis painted a picture of limits and consequences, warning them that just because WarGames rules are different, this show has boundaries. Heyman tried to smooth things over, saying he respected the suspension, tried a handshake, but Aldis refused him. It was tense, and you could feel the power struggle.

Back in the ring, Ilja Dragunov defends the U.S. Title

One of the night’s in-ring highlights came when Ilja Dragunov answered an open challenge and faced JD McDonagh. These two brought the intensity. McDonagh landed a moonsault that nearly changed everything, but Ilja absorbed the punishment, powered back, and ultimately closed the match with his signature H-Bomb to retain the United States Championship.

“Last Time Is Now” Tournament, First Round Matches

SmackDown also featured more action from the Last Time is Now tournament (which, by the way, is shaping up to be a big deal).

• First, Carmelo Hayes went up against Bronson Reed. Reed looked strong early, but things turned chaotic. Cody Rhodes, still visibly hurt from the bus attack, limped in and delivered a Cross Rhodes on Reed outside the ring. While the ref was distracted, Hayes landed the win via count-out.
• In another first-round bout, Penta faced Finn Bálor. Penta pulled off a Mexican Destroyer out of nowhere to score the win and advance.

Tag Match: Team DIY vs. Fraxiom

Next up, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa (aka DIY) teamed up to take on Nathan Frazer and Axiom (together called Fraxiom). It wasn’t just a match, there was trickery. Candice LeRae got involved, unmasked Axiom, and Gargano rolled him up for the pin. DIY walked away with the win.

WarGames Team Shakeups

Perhaps the biggest moment of the night came toward the end of the show: AJ Lee returned. Yep, she’s back. She aligned herself with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss, that’s their Women’s WarGames team. But things got wild when Becky Lynch showed up too, didn’t she? After AJ’s entrance, Becky Lynch blindsided her. Then Becky shook hands with Asuka, officially joining their side for WarGames.

Why This SmackDown Mattered

This wasn’t just another weekly show. It felt like a turning point.

• Aldis vs. The Vision: That backstage confrontation wasn’t just for show. Aldis is trying to set a line. It shows he’s not okay with McIntyre’s antics, even if WarGames gives license for wildness. It underlines a power clash: Aldis may run SmackDown, but The Vision is pushing boundaries.
• Cody Rhodes’ attack: McIntyre assaulting him backstage (in the bus, no less) is personal. This goes beyond your typical rivalry, McIntyre is sending a message, and Rhodes is hurt, both physically and emotionally.
• Tournament implications: Carmelo Hayes and Penta advancing in the “Last Time is Now” tournament adds momentum. Their wins are more than just matches, they’re stepping stones to something bigger, and possibly toward major storylines.
• WarGames setup: The women’s team reveal? That’s huge. AJ Lee’s return is a shocker, and Becky Lynch switching sides (or at least joining this team) brings real star power and tension.
• Title defense: Dragunov continuing his U.S. title reign means he’s establishing credibility. His open challenge strategy is paying off.

My Take on What Stood Out

• McIntyre’s attack on Rhodes wasn’t just physical; it’s psychological. It raises so many questions: What’s McIntyre’s real goal? Is this more than revenge?
• Nick Aldis confronting The Vision was one of the more human moments of the night. He didn’t just bark orders, he drew a line. It felt like he genuinely believed in protecting the integrity of SmackDown, even as chaos swirls around him.
• The tournament matches were solid, but the outside interference (especially with Cody) adds that messy, fun unpredictability.
• AJ Lee coming back feels like WWE is pulling out all the stops for WarGames. And Becky Lynch joining in? Feels like they might be building a truly explosive match.