WWE SmackDown Preview: Things Are Gonna Heat Heading Towards War Games!
Strap in, folks, because the road to Survivor Series: WarGames is getting bumpier, and tonight’s SmackDown stop in Denver is poised to be an absolute demolition derby. The air in the “Mile High City” is already thin, but the tension is about to make it downright unbreathable.
At the heart of it all is the grand, operatic farewell tour of one John Cena. His “Last Time is Now” tournament is less of a wrestling bracket and more of a royal rumble to see who gets the honor of attempting to put the GOAT out to pasture. Think of it as the world’s most violent retirement party. We’ve already seen titans like Gunther and Sheamus punch their golden tickets to the quarterfinals. Tonight, two more coveted spots are up for grabs, and the matchups are pure, unadulterated chaos.
Who Wants To Retire a Legend?
First up, we’ve got a classic clash of styles. Finn Balor, a man who probably has more frequent flyer miles than a pilot, is getting a one-day pass from Raw to brawl on the blue brand. He’s facing Penta, a luchador so electrifying he could probably power the entire Ball Arena with his entrance alone. It’s a fascinating thought, but Balor has a score to settle. He’s only faced Cena once in a singles match, way back in 2018, and lost. You know that’s been eating at him like a bad burrito. This isn’t just a match for Finn; it’s a shot at redemption, a chance to rewrite a pesky footnote in his career history.
Then, in what can only be described as a “big man vs. fast man” spectacle, we have “Auszilla” Bronson Reed taking on the ever-so-slick Carmelo Hayes. Reed is riding high after snagging the biggest win of his career against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. The man is a walking, talking wrecking ball looking for his next demolition project. Retiring Cena would be the equivalent of flattening a skyscraper. But don’t you dare sleep on Carmelo Hayes.
With The Miz finally out of his rearview mirror, Hayes is on a mission to prove he’s the main event star everyone knows he can be. He’s got the swagger, he’s got the skills, and he’s got the mantra: “Melo don’t miss.” This is his chance to prove he’s not just “HIM,” he’s “THE GUY.”
A Soap Opera With Body Slams
Beyond the tournament, the drama on SmackDown is thick enough to cut with a steel chair. Remember Chelsea Green? Of course you do. She made “herstory” by becoming a two-time Women’s United States Champion and is now demanding an inauguration fit for a queen. She’s sent a strongly worded, slightly unhinged letter to General Manager Nick Aldis, demanding pyrotechnics. For Aldis’s sake, he’d better hope the pyro budget is approved. An unhappy Green is a problem nobody wants.
Speaking of championships, Ilja Dragunov has been on an absolute tear with the Men’s United States title. The Mad Dragon has been an honorable champion, taking on all comers… unless your name is Tommaso Ciampa. For weeks, Ciampa has been like a kid with his face pressed against the glass of a candy store, completely shut out from a title shot.
Last week, his frustration finally boiled over, and he took it out on poor Axiom. This, of course, brought Nathan Frazer and Johnny Gargano into the fray, setting up a tag team grudge match for tonight on SmackDown: #DIY vs. Fraxiom. This isn’t just about a win or a loss; it’s about pride, frustration, and a whole lot of bad blood. Expect fireworks, and I’m not just talking about Chelsea Green’s celebration.
How to Catch Smackdown
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
With WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and the always-entertaining Tiffany Stratton also advertised for the show, anything can happen. We’re on a collision course to Survivor Series, and tonight’s SmackDown is a critical pit stop.
