WWE Top 5 Major Surprises That Could Shake Up SmackDown: Mystery Debuts, Firings & Tournament Shockers

WWE SmackDown is heading toward Survivor Series: WarGames with momentum building and mysteries deepening. This week’s episode from Albany’s MVP Arena promises blockbuster matches, potential debuts, and storyline explosions that could reshape the blue brand’s landscape.

With John Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament kicking off and tensions boiling over between superstars and management, here are five major developments that could rock Friday night.

1. Joe Hendry Set to Be Unveiled as LA Knight’s Mystery Opponent

The biggest question mark heading into SmackDown remains LA Knight’s surprise challenger in the tournament’s opening round. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis drew the name last week, looked at it with a knowing smirk, and kept it secret—fueling intense speculation.

TNA sensation Joe Hendry emerges as the frontrunner. The charismatic performer has already made multiple WWE appearances and dropped heavy hints about joining Cena’s retirement tour. His “I Believe in Joe Hendry” catchphrase has caught fire with fans, making him the perfect outside star to shake things up.

The tournament specifically features wrestlers not currently under WWE contract, opening the door for indie stars, international talents, or legends. Other names floating around include Matt Cardona and Santos Escobar, but Hendry’s recent momentum makes him the logical choice.

SmackDown This Week: Key Matches & Angles

2. Nick Aldis Could Fire Drew McIntyre in Shocking Angle

The Scottish Warrior finds himself in dangerous territory. Last week, McIntyre attacked a referee during the Cody Rhodes vs. Aleister Black main event, earning a suspension that many insiders believe is storyline-driven rather than legitimate.

If McIntyre appears on SmackDown despite his suspension and goes after GM Nick Aldis in frustration, “The National Treasure” could drop the hammer—terminating his contract on the spot. This would accomplish multiple objectives: elevating the storyline’s intensity, protecting Aldis as a no-nonsense authority figure, and potentially setting up Aldis for an in-ring return.

The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion has teased lacing up his boots again. A physical confrontation with McIntyre could be the catalyst that brings the GM back to competition, creating a personal feud that extends beyond Survivor Series.

3. Jade Cargill Dominates B-Fab to Establish Heel Dominance

WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill faces B-Fab in a non-title showcase designed to cement her villainous credentials. Since capturing gold, “The Storm” has been running through opponents with ruthless efficiency, and B-Fab likely faces a similar fate.

Expect a complete squash match—quick, brutal, and decisive. This accomplishes two goals: establishing Cargill as an unstoppable force and building toward an eventual collision with Bianca Belair. The EST of WWE has been circling the title picture, and Cargill crushing everyone in her path makes their inevitable showdown feel monumental.

B-Fab confronted Cargill backstage last week after the champion disrespected her. That defiance probably earns her a devastating lesson in humility that makes other challengers think twice before stepping up.

4. Tommaso Ciampa Answers US Open Challenge Again

Last week’s SmackDown saw US Champion Ilja Dragunov humiliate Tommaso Ciampa by refusing his challenge and instead defending against Johnny Gargano. “The Blackheart” was left fuming at ringside, forced to watch his former tag partner get the opportunity he wanted.

This week, expect Ciampa to interrupt Dragunov’s open challenge once again. The question becomes: does “The Mad Dragon” finally give him the title shot, or does he continue playing mind games?

Smart money is on another refusal, prolonging the torture and building to a massive grudge match at Survivor Series or the December premium live event. Each rejection makes Ciampa more desperate and dangerous—perfect character work that elevates their eventual clash for the mid-card championship.

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5. The Vision Costs Jey Uso Victory Against The Miz

Jey Uso walks into dangerous waters facing The Miz in the tournament. “Main Event Jey Uso” recently aligned with CM Punk on Raw, joining Team Punk for the WarGames match at Survivor Series. That decision put a target on his back.

The Vision—the Paul Heyman-backed faction featuring Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed—could send a brutal message by interfering in the tournament match. Their assault would cost Jey the victory and serve as psychological warfare before WarGames.

A post-match beatdown would accomplish multiple objectives: heat up the WarGames feud, give The Miz an easy win to advance (setting up potential LA Knight vs. The Miz in round two), and establish The Vision as a legitimate threat willing to cross brand lines for revenge.

What It Means for Survivor Series

Every angle this week builds toward the November 30 premium live event. The Last Time Is Now tournament determines who faces Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, while the WarGames setup dominates storyline focus.

Drew McIntyre’s chaos threatens to derail authority, Jade Cargill’s reign of terror establishes her as the division’s monster heel, and inter-brand warfare between Punk’s team and The Vision promises violence.

SmackDown airs Friday at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on USA Network. With Cena’s retirement tour officially underway and WarGames approaching, this episode could deliver surprises that echo through WWE’s final two months of 2025.

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