Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 Previews High-Stakes Battles and Grand Slam Finale in San Diego.

San Diego is set to host WWE’s annual Survivor Series: WarGames event in 2025, an evening anticipated to be filled with high-octane action and significant career milestones. The iconic WarGames format makes its fourth consecutive return to the Survivor Series marquee, promising two blockbuster main event matches where WWE’s premier superstars will converge. Luminaries such as CM Punk, AJ Lee, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, and Brock Lesnar are slated for prominent roles, alongside the emotional farewell of John Cena from pay-per-view competition.

The event’s central theme revolves around the formation of unlikely alliances, as competitors traditionally at odds will unite to navigate the treacherous two-ring, steel cage structure of WarGames. On the men’s side, a dramatic shift saw the collective known as The Vision, featuring Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul, replace Seth Rollins with Paul and subsequently bolster their ranks with the formidable additions of Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar. Their adversaries, a formidable alliance of main event talent, will comprise CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso), who solidified their unit by bringing Roman Reigns into the fold. The women’s WarGames match also witnessed last-minute reinforcements, with AJ Lee and Becky Lynch joining their respective teams, elevating the total count of former women’s world champions participating in their bout to a significant number.

Beyond the WarGames spectacle, the card features John Cena’s final pay-per-view appearance. Cena, having recently achieved Grand Slam champion status by capturing the Intercontinental Championship—the sole title that had eluded him for two decades—from Dominik Mysterio, will defend his newly won gold in a highly anticipated rematch against the former champion. Mysterio, who enjoyed a lengthy and impactful reign with the title, will seek to reclaim his championship.

Ahead of the event, CBS Sports’ professional wrestling experts have provided their insights and predictions for the evening’s key matchups.

Related News :

2025 WWE Survivor Series: WarGames Predictions

Men’s WarGames Match: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) vs. Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, and The Vision (Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Logan Paul)

This year’s men’s WarGames match pits a coalition of established main event figures against a potent mix of rising stars and dominant forces. The team of CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Usos represents a formidable assembly of multi-time world champions and decorated tag team specialists. Roman Reigns, renowned for his historic championship reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, brings unparalleled main event experience and strategic acumen. Cody Rhodes, fresh off completing his storied quest for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, carries significant momentum and a proven ability to deliver under pressure. CM Punk, a perennial main event attraction since his return, remains one of the industry’s most compelling figures, capable of galvanizing fan support and dictating match pace. The Usos, Jey and Jimmy, are one of the most successful tag teams in WWE history, offering unparalleled chemistry and a ruthless streak honed over years of championship success. Their recent alliance, bridging past rivalries with current objectives, underscores the high stakes of this WarGames encounter.

Opposing them is a potent and somewhat unconventional alliance. The Vision, comprised of the powerful Bron Breakker, the agile powerhouse Bronson Reed, and the globally recognized celebrity athlete Logan Paul, has shown flashes of dominance and innovation since its inception. Bron Breakker, a former multi-time NXT Champion, is a powerhouse with an undeniable future, bringing explosive offense and raw intensity. Bronson Reed offers a unique combination of size, strength, and surprising agility, making him a formidable force within the WarGames structure. Logan Paul, despite his relatively short tenure in professional wrestling, has consistently defied expectations, showcasing remarkable athleticism and a natural heel persona that draws significant attention. The integration of Drew McIntyre, a former two-time WWE Champion known for his ‘Scottish Warrior’ persona and recent ruthless streak, adds a layer of aggressive physicality. Brock Lesnar, arguably the most dominant force in modern professional wrestling, completes the ensemble. His sporadic but impactful appearances consistently reshape the landscape of WWE, and his presence alone is a game-changer.

The expert consensus from Shakiel Mahjouri and Brent Brookhouse leans towards a victory for The Vision’s team. Their rationale centers on WWE’s historical booking tendencies concerning Brock Lesnar, who typically enters, dominates, and concludes his engagements decisively and often swiftly. As the most significant star on his team, Lesnar’s anticipated booking suggests he will be a critical factor in the match’s climax. Furthermore, The Vision and Drew McIntyre, in particular, are perceived to benefit more from a high-profile victory in a match of this magnitude. Unlike their "bulletproof" opponents (Punk, Reigns, Rhodes) whose statuses are largely unaffected by individual match outcomes, a win here would significantly elevate the standing and credibility of Breakker, Reed, Paul, and McIntyre, propelling them into more prominent future storylines.

Pick: The Vision wins – Shakiel Mahjouri & Brent Brookhouse

Intercontinental Championship Match: John Cena (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio

The Intercontinental Championship bout holds significant emotional weight as it marks John Cena’s final pay-per-view match. Cena’s recent victory over Dominik Mysterio for the title was a landmark achievement, cementing his status as a Grand Slam Champion—the only major championship that had eluded his illustrious twenty-year career. This triumph was widely celebrated as a fitting capstone to a career defined by unparalleled success and numerous accolades, including 16 World Championships. Cena’s transition to a part-time role, largely due to his burgeoning Hollywood career, makes this farewell appearance particularly poignant for the WWE Universe.

Dominik Mysterio, conversely, enters this rematch with a strong claim to the title. His lengthy and impactful reign as Intercontinental Champion solidified his position as one of WWE’s most detested, yet effective, heel characters. Mysterio’s ability to generate intense crowd reactions, coupled with his consistent in-ring performances, has been a cornerstone of his character development. His "Mami’s Little Secret" persona, deeply intertwined with Rhea Ripley and The Judgment Day, has consistently drawn heat, making him a compelling antagonist.

Both experts, Brookhouse and Mahjouri, predict a victory for Dominik Mysterio. Their reasoning is pragmatic, suggesting that Cena’s recent championship win served its primary purpose as a career achievement, allowing him to attain Grand Slam status. With this narrative arc fulfilled, Cena no longer requires the title heading into his final match. A victory for Mysterio, however, would provide immense benefits for his character’s ongoing narrative. Mysterio’s notorious arrogance and penchant for gloating would be amplified exponentially by a win over a legendary figure like Cena, providing him with a staple talking point for his promos for an extended period. This outcome, they argue, strategically benefits the promotion by furthering the development of a prominent heel character.

Pick: Mysterio wins – Brent Brookhouse & Shakiel Mahjouri

Women’s WarGames Match: AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)

The women’s WarGames match showcases an impressive array of talent, featuring a significant number of former women’s world champions across both teams. The late additions of AJ Lee and Becky Lynch intensified the stakes, bringing their veteran leadership and championship pedigrees to the fore.

Team AJ Lee is a powerhouse collective of former champions and current main event stalwarts. AJ Lee, returning to the squared circle, brings a unique blend of technical skill and a fiercely independent persona that resonated deeply with fans during her initial run. Alexa Bliss, a multiple-time women’s champion, combines a deceptive in-ring style with a captivating character presence. Charlotte Flair, a record-setting 14-time women’s world champion, stands as one of the most decorated athletes in WWE history, bringing unparalleled experience and championship pedigree. IYO SKY, a former WWE Women’s Champion, is celebrated for her innovative high-flying offense and impactful technical prowess. Rhea Ripley, a dominant force and former Women’s World Champion, commands a physical presence and an aura of intimidation that makes her a formidable anchor for any team. This team’s composition suggests a blend of diverse styles and proven main event capabilities.

Their opponents, led by Becky Lynch, present a different dynamic. Becky Lynch, "The Man," is a revolutionary figure in women’s wrestling, a multi-time world champion known for her resilience, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience. Lash Legend, a rising star, brings a unique athletic background and a developing in-ring presence. Nia Jax, a former Raw Women’s Champion, is a dominant powerhouse, capable of overwhelming opponents with her size and strength. The Kabuki Warriors, comprising Asuka and Kairi Sane, are a highly decorated tag team, with Asuka also being a former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion. Their coordinated attacks and veteran instincts make them a dangerous duo within the WarGames environment.

Experts Mahjouri and Brookhouse predict a victory for Team AJ. Their rationale suggests that if The Vision secures a victory in the men’s WarGames match, a win for the more fan-favorite "heroes" in the women’s match would serve to balance the overall narrative of the event. They also point out that no individual on Becky Lynch’s team is in desperate need of a victory to advance their character arc, whereas Team AJ’s roster, rich with main event talent, could parlay a WarGames victory into future world title programs on either Raw or SmackDown, thereby opening up new championship opportunities and fresh feuds.

Pick: Team AJ wins – Shakiel Mahjouri & Brent Brookhouse

Women’s World Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Nikki Bella

The Women’s World Championship match features a clash between a reigning champion with significant upward momentum and a returning WWE Hall of Famer. Stephanie Vaquer, the current Women’s World Champion, represents a new wave of international talent that has quickly made an impact in WWE. Vaquer is recognized for her technical prowess, submission skills, and captivating in-ring style, having honed her craft across various promotions before arriving in WWE. Her reign as champion has been marked by strong performances, positioning her as a potential future cornerstone of the women’s division.

Challenging her is Nikki Bella, a semi-retired, part-time performer and a WWE Hall of Famer. Bella’s presence on the card is largely attributed to her considerable name recognition and legacy within the company, particularly during the "Divas Revolution" era. Her most recent return saw her in a challenging contest against Becky Lynch, which, according to reports, was a physically demanding encounter. Bella’s championship history, including two reigns as Divas Champion, speaks to her past dominance, but her current role is primarily that of a special attraction.

Both Mahjouri and Brookhouse unanimously predict Stephanie Vaquer to retain her championship. Their reasoning is straightforward: Vaquer is a full-time, talented act with immense potential for growth within the company. A victory over a WWE Hall of Famer like Nikki Bella would serve as a significant feather in Vaquer’s cap, legitimizing her reign and elevating her standing among the active roster. Bella, on the other hand, does not require a championship victory at this stage of her career, particularly given her part-time status and recent competitive outings. The match is viewed as an opportunity to solidify Vaquer’s position as a dominant champion and future major star.

Pick: Vaquer wins – Shakiel Mahjouri & Brent Brookhouse