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A WWE SmackDown preview graphic for November 21, 2025.

WWE SmackDown Preview (11/21/25) – Penta vs. Finn Balor, The Last Time Is Now Tournament – First Round

The previous installment of WWE SmackDown in Albany, New York, was chaos, to say the least. The path to WWE Survivor Series: WarGames is becoming clearer, as well as the John Cena “Last Time Is Now Tournament” continues to intensify. One week out from the next big PLE, the promotion provides the WWE Universe, yet again, another stacked card. Folks, let’s get right into it. We have a lot to go through. Here’s a WWE SmackDown preview for November 21, 2025.

Read More: What Time is WWE SmackDown on Tonight? (11/21/25)

Fight for the Right

Before the main event of the evening, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis once again drew random names to participate in the John Cena “The Last Time Is Now” Tournament first round, and he pulled some massive stars to join the field. On one side, we have Bronson Reed and Carmelo Haye, two of WWE’s biggest up-and-comers.

The two briefly got into it backstage, without either man backing down and vowing to advance to the next round. The other match announced was a dream clash between Penta and Finn Balor from WWE Monday Night Raw. Penta and Balor have had some issues, specifically when Penta was gunning for the Intercontinental Championship held by Dominik Mysterio.

This Friday, Balor and Penta can finally settle their differences and be one step closer to becoming the final opponent of John Cena at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025.

Off the Deep End

Tommaso Ciampa has gone off the rails, attacking Ilja Dragunov after his successful title defense against Axiom on the last SmackDown. Ciampa has had an issue with Dragunov “ducking him” during the “U.S. Open Challenge.” However, Dragunov stated that Ciampa was acting like an “entitled jack*ss” and he will not enable it by giving him a shot at the United States Championship Match.

Dragunov granted his #DIY partner Johnny Gargano a title match, as well as both members of Fraxiom, sending Ciampa over the edge. This week, despite still not getting his coveted U.S. Title shot, Ciampa can blow off some steam, as #DIY take on Fraxiom in a Tag Team Match.

Can Tommaso Ciampa finally prove his worth and gain a title shot? Or will Fraxiom shatter those aspirations by defeating #DIY?

Let’s all find out this Friday Night on WWE SmackDown, which you can catch on The USA Network and Netflix!

WWE SmackDown Preview and Match Card (11/21/25):

A WWE SmackDown preview graphic for November 21, 2025.
Photo Credit: WWE
  • John Cena “The Last Time Is Now” Tournament – First Round Match: Penta vs. Finn Balor
  • John Cena “The Last Time Is Now” Tournament – First Round Match: Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Fraxiom vs. #DIY

More From LWOS Pro Wrestling

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About Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager

Michael Joseph Sugue is a Manager, Editor, and Writer for Last Word on Sports Pro Wrestling, joining in December 2020. A fan of professional wrestling for over 20 years, he's also a former Writer and Editor for LWOS Life, covering Music, K-Pop, Movies, and TV Shows.