WWE SmackDown Preview - November 07, 2025: Cody Rhodes Appearing, Two U.S. Titles on the Line, and Charlotte vs. Nia Jax Headline
Friday Night SmackDown rolls into Greenville, South Carolina, as WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returns to address the fallout from his controversial victory over Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The American Nightmare may still be champion, but the question remains — has The Scottish Warrior truly moved on after being “screwed” once again?
Broadcasting live at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on the USA Network, tonight’s episode promises a stacked lineup as the blue brand shifts its focus toward Survivor Series: WarGames.
How to Watch
📺 TV Channel: USA Network
🕗 Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
📍 Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
WWE SmackDown Card (As Announced)
- WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appears live
- Giulia (c) vs. Chelsea Green – Women’s United States Championship
- Ilja Dragunov (c) – Men’s U.S. Title Open Challenge
- Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
- Rey Fenix vs. Talla Tonga
Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Chelsea Green
It’s a clash between past and present champions. Giulia, the unpredictable “Beautiful Madness” of SmackDown, puts her Women’s U.S. Championship on the line against Chelsea Green — the woman who made history as the title’s first and longest-reigning champion.
Green, leading her “Green Regime,” is hungry to make history again as the first-ever two-time Women’s U.S. Champion. But standing in her way is Giulia’s violent unpredictability — a storm of elegance and brutality that’s left challengers reeling since her debut.
Men’s United States Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c)
The Mad Dragon breathes fire once more. After successful defenses against Aleister Black and Nathan Frazer, Ilja Dragunov will issue his third Open Challenge for the Men’s U.S. Title. Known for his unmatched intensity and willingness to take punishment, Dragunov has elevated the championship into a symbol of pure wrestling pride.
Who dares to step up tonight? Whoever answers will need to survive the storm — and possibly lose a few teeth in the process.
Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
Last week, Charlotte Flair’s timely distraction helped Alexa Bliss pull off an upset win over Nia Jax. Tonight, The Irresistible Force seeks redemption against The Queen herself. Flair’s unmatched technical mastery collides with Nia’s raw power, and you can bet neither woman plans to leave Greenville quietly. Expect a hard-hitting encounter with title implications lurking in the background.
Rey Fenix vs. Talla Tonga
The MFT’s (Main Family Tribe) have made it clear — they want all the gold on SmackDown. But Rey Fenix, the high-flying lucha sensation, isn’t backing down. Tonight, he steps into the ring with Talla Tonga, the MFT’s ruthless enforcer. Expect a fast-paced, chaotic battle that could steal the show if Fenix can survive the onslaught.
Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton: What’s Next?
After Jade Cargill ended “Tiffy Time” in dominant fashion to become the new WWE Women’s Champion, fans are wondering if Tiffany Stratton will show up in Greenville to respond. While Cargill is advertised locally, WWE has yet to confirm Stratton’s status following her emotional loss last Saturday.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
As Survivor Series: WarGames draws near, this week’s SmackDown feels like a defining moment — not just for storylines, but for the brand’s momentum. The blue brand has been facing a steady decline in viewership, and while star power like Cody Rhodes, Giulia, and Jade Cargill helps on paper, the question is whether WWE can translate those appearances into meaningful, long-term storytelling that actually hooks fans.
Right now, there’s no shortage of talent — but there is a shortage of direction. Cody’s feud with Drew McIntyre risks feeling repetitive unless WWE adds fresh stakes or an unexpected twist. Giulia’s reign has been impressive, yet the Women’s division as a whole needs stronger week-to-week narratives instead of one-off title defenses.
This episode in Greenville has the potential to be a reset — a night to lay the groundwork for faction wars, personal rivalries, and emotional build-up that WarGames deserves. WWE can’t afford to coast anymore; it’s time to create stories that make fans tune in, not just check the results.
If SmackDown wants to bounce back, tonight needs to deliver substance over spectacle — the kind of storytelling that reminds fans why Friday night wrestling matters again.
