WWE SmackDown Shakes Up Denver with Survivor Series Preview and Shocking Return

Denver, CO – A packed Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, witnessed a night of high-stakes action and unexpected twists on the November 21, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown. With the Thanksgiving holiday prompting a break next week, the promotion delivered two episodes worth of content, setting the stage for a compelling road to the Survivor Series.

Survivor Series Showdown Looms

The main event delivered a brutal Survivor Series-style elimination match, pitting Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Fenix, and the Motor City Machine Guns against Solo Sikoa and the members of The Bloodline – Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo. After a grueling contest, Solo Sikoa emerged as the sole survivor, solidifying his dominance.

The match saw a flurry of eliminations. Chris Sabin scored the first fall, taking out JC Mateo, while Rey Fenix evened the odds by eliminating Tonga Loa. However, Talla Tonga quickly responded, removing both Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. The back-and-forth continued with eliminations from Tama Tonga and ultimately, Sami Zayn, leaving Sikoa to stand alone.

The Wyatt Family’s Shadow Returns

The victory for Sikoa was short-lived. Immediately following the bell, the ominous presence of The Wyatt 6 descended upon the ring. In a chilling moment, Uncle Howdy made his long-awaited return, delivering a devastating Sister Abigail to Sikoa, leaving the WWE Universe stunned and questioning what this means for the future of The Bloodline.

Tournament Upsets and Championship Drama

Elsewhere on SmackDown, the “Last Time is Now” Tournament continued to deliver surprises. Jey Uso advanced after defeating Rusev in a hard-fought battle. LA Knight also secured a victory, overcoming The Miz – who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Sheamus – in a compelling match. This tournament, designed to honor wrestling legends, is quickly becoming a focal point for potential championship contenders.

The night also saw a clash of personalities as Jade Cargill interrupted Chelsea Green’s long-awaited Championship Celebration, adding fuel to a brewing rivalry. Nick Aldis, the SmackDown General Manager, added an unexpected element to the tournament by revealing The Miz as Sheamus’ replacement, alongside a cameo appearance from R-Truth.

Other Notable Moments

A WarGames advantage match saw Charlotte Flair defeat Asuka in a WrestleMania rematch. This victory grants Flair’s team a crucial advantage heading into the WarGames match at the upcoming premium live event. A backstage segment featuring Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and Becky Lynch hinted at potential future conflicts.

Why this matters: WWE’s strategic use of tournament formats and returning characters like Uncle Howdy demonstrates a commitment to both honoring wrestling history and injecting fresh storylines into its programming. The company’s consistent ability to draw large crowds, like the one in Denver, underscores the continued popularity of professional wrestling as a global entertainment phenomenon. According to Statista, the global professional wrestling market is projected to reach $1.88 billion in 2024, and events like these are key drivers of that growth.

The return of Uncle Howdy, in particular, taps into a deep well of fan nostalgia and intrigue, potentially revitalizing a storyline that captivated audiences in the past. The ongoing feuds and tournament results are all carefully crafted to build anticipation for the Survivor Series and beyond.

What’s your take on the events unfolding in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below!