WWE Survivor Series 2025: WarGames Main Event Ignites Rivalries, Cena Pursues Grand Slam Legacy

Stamford, CT – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is preparing for its annual Survivor Series event, branded "WarGames," which is scheduled to stream live on ESPN Unlimited starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. The 2025 iteration marks the fourth consecutive year that the traditional Survivor Series elimination format has been superseded by the WarGames stipulation, a concept originally conceived by Dusty Rhodes. This year’s event is highlighted by two WarGames matches and significant championship encounters, including a historic pursuit by John Cena and a high-stakes Women’s World Championship defense.

The centerpiece of the card is a monumental Men’s WarGames match featuring an unprecedented alliance on one side and a newly formed, opportunistic coalition on the other. The confirmed participants for the main event WarGames match pit the team of CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Roman Reigns against The Vision (Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar.

The formation of the latter team, led by The Vision, has been a key storyline leading into the pay-per-view. Originally envisioned with Seth Rollins at its core, the faction underwent a significant shift following Rollins’ injury sustained at Crown Jewel, necessitating a strategic realignment. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, known for their aggressive in-ring style and recent dominance in tag team competition – including a notable undefeated streak over the past four months on Monday Night Raw – quickly sought new allies to maintain their momentum. This led to an unexpected partnership with United States Champion Logan Paul, whose high-profile status and often controversial tactics align with The Vision’s disruptive intent.

The addition of Drew McIntyre to The Vision’s ranks further solidified their formidable presence. McIntyre, who has recently displayed an increasingly villainous persona following a series of high-profile losses and perceived injustices, joined the team on November 14. This move notably circumvented a suspension handed down by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, which was issued after McIntyre’s unsanctioned attack on a WWE official during a SmackDown broadcast. McIntyre, a two-time WWE Champion, brings a blend of experience and renewed aggression to the WarGames structure.

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The final participant for The Vision’s team, Brock Lesnar, brings an unparalleled level of intensity and a dominant track record within WWE. Lesnar’s alignment with Paul Heyman’s group, which has historically been intertwined with Roman Reigns, signals a complex dynamic within the match, particularly given Reigns’ position on the opposing team. Lesnar, a multi-time world champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, has maintained a part-time schedule in recent years, making his appearances highly impactful. His presence adds a layer of unpredictability and raw power that few competitors can match.

On the opposing side, the team assembled features a blend of generational talent and current main event stalwarts. CM Punk, whose highly anticipated return to WWE has reignited fan fervor, brings a veteran presence and a history of challenging authority figures. Punk, a former two-time WWE Champion, has been vocal about his intentions to reclaim a top spot within the company. Cody Rhodes, aiming to "finish the story" of winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, continues his trajectory as a top babyface, demonstrating resilience and a strong connection with the audience. Rhodes, a former Intercontinental and United States Champion, has consistently headlined major events over the past two years.

The inclusion of Roman Reigns, the undisputed "Tribal Chief" and record-breaking Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, alongside his cousins Jey and Jimmy Uso, marks a significant reunion. Reigns, whose reign as champion has exceeded 1,200 days, has redefined what it means to be a dominant force in professional wrestling. His recent re-establishment of ties with The Usos, following a period of intense family conflict, suggests a unified front, albeit one with a complex history. Jey Uso, who embarked on a successful singles run as "Main Event Jey Uso," and Jimmy Uso, a key component of The Bloodline, bring tag team expertise and a shared lineage that could prove crucial within the unforgiving WarGames structure. The Usos are eight-time WWE Tag Team Champions, holding the record for the longest reign as SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

The WarGames stipulation itself, introduced to WWE in 2017 within the NXT brand and then to the main roster at Survivor Series 2022, features two rings enclosed within a steel cage, with two teams battling it out. The match begins with one member from each team, and at timed intervals, additional participants enter the fray until all competitors are inside, at which point the match officially begins, with victory achieved by pinfall or submission. The tactical advantage of numerical superiority during the entry phase and the enclosed environment often lead to brutal and chaotic encounters.

In the women’s division, another WarGames match is set to unfold, bringing several simmering rivalries to a head. The initial lineup sees Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Alexa Bliss on one side, facing Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) on the other. However, a significant development occurred when Charlotte Flair, initially announced as a member of Ripley’s team, withdrew, citing a lack of trust in her teammates, particularly Ripley. This leaves two open spots on Ripley’s team and one on Jax’s team, with speculation rampant regarding potential surprise entrants.

Rhea Ripley, the reigning Women’s World Champion and a dominant force as the leader of The Judgment Day, has been embroiled in a long-standing rivalry with the Kabuki Warriors, particularly Iyo Sky, who has also had her own confrontations with the Japanese duo. Alexa Bliss, a former multiple-time women’s champion and current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (though her partner, Charlotte Flair, has exited the team), brings a blend of technical prowess and unpredictability.

On the opposing team, Nia Jax, known for her unparalleled power and recent destructive comeback, has been a dominant presence since her return. Lash Legend, a rising star from NXT with a formidable athletic background, partners with Jax, forming a new, imposing duo. The Kabuki Warriors, comprising former Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane, are renowned for their striking ability and synchronized offense, and have been at odds with Ripley and Sky for several months, including high-stakes tag team encounters. The vacancies on both teams are expected to be filled in the coming days, potentially introducing new alliances or unexpected returns.

Beyond the WarGames matches, two championship contests hold significant implications. John Cena, embarking on what he has termed his "retirement tour," will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. Cena, a first-ballot Hall of Famer and WWE’s first recognized 17-time world champion, has remarkably never held the Intercontinental Championship throughout his illustrious two-decade career. This title is the final piece required for Cena to achieve the coveted Grand Slam Championship status within WWE. His opportunity arises after he defeated Mysterio in an impromptu match for the title on November 10, with Mysterio subsequently invoking his rematch clause for Survivor Series. Following this encounter, Cena is slated to face the winner of "The Last Time is Now" tournament, signaling a structured conclusion to his active in-ring career. Dominik Mysterio, meanwhile, has transformed into one of WWE’s most reviled villains, maturing significantly in his in-ring ability and character portrayal as "Dirty Dom."

The Women’s World Championship will also be defended at Survivor Series, as Stephanie Vaquer puts her title on the line against the returning Nikki Bella. Vaquer, who has established herself as a formidable champion since her ascent from NXT, has maintained a strong hold on the championship with a series of impressive defenses against top contenders. Her reign, characterized by a blend of technical skill and aggressive grappling, has garnered considerable respect. Nikki Bella, a former Divas Champion and a foundational figure in WWE’s "Divas Revolution," makes her return to a major pay-per-view following a prior unsuccessful bid for the Women’s Intercontinental Title three months prior. Bella’s recent villainous turn, marked by a sneak attack on Vaquer, has set the stage for a contentious championship clash, indicating her renewed ambition to reclaim a top spot in the women’s division.

Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 promises to deliver a night of high-stakes action, defining rivalries, and potential historical moments, as WWE continues its tradition of delivering impactful events on the road to its annual calendar of premium live events.