Friday night’s SmackDown delivered one of the most chaotic episodes of the year — a surprise new women’s champion, a stunning suspension for Drew McIntyre, and fresh uncertainty surrounding the Undisputed WWE Championship picture heading into Survivor Series.

It was the kind of show that shifts the balance of storylines overnight, with consequences that will define WWE’s winter season.

Iyo Sky’s Reign Ends, But the Division Just Got Hotter

In the night’s biggest shock, Iyo Sky dropped the WWE Women’s Championship after an intense main event triple threat match against Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan. Belair pinned Morgan following a KOD (Kiss of Death) to regain the title — reclaiming the belt she last held before SummerSlam.

The win cements Belair as one of the division’s dominant forces, but the aftermath told a bigger story. After the bell, Bayley and Dakota Kai confronted Belair in the ring, teasing a possible reunion of Damage CTRL — or a revenge plot in the making.

“Iyo was never the same champion after Damage CTRL split,” ESPN’s wrestling analyst Marc Raimondi noted. “Belair’s victory resets the women’s division and puts everyone on notice.”

The result likely sets up a high-stakes rematch at Survivor Series, potentially adding Charlotte Flair or Jade Cargill to the mix.

Drew McIntyre Suspended After Post-Match Assault

WWE confirmed late Friday that Drew McIntyre has been suspended indefinitely following a backstage altercation that escalated into a physical attack on a referee and producer.

The incident came moments after McIntyre’s controversial loss to Sami Zayn, which ended after a disputed referee stoppage. Furious over the call, McIntyre assaulted both Zayn and officials before being pulled away by security.

A brief statement from WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Adam Pearce described McIntyre’s actions as “unprofessional conduct” and announced his suspension without pay.

“Drew’s frustration has been building for months,” said Corey Graves during the post-show broadcast. “But this was a meltdown - not a message.”

The suspension removes McIntyre from the Survivor Series card and complicates long-term plans for the Scottish Warrior, who had been rumored to challenge for the Undisputed Title in December.

The Rhodes Question: Who’s Next for the American Nightmare?

While McIntyre’s outburst dominated headlines, Cody Rhodes remains the centerpiece of WWE’s championship narrative. His win over Solo Sikoa in the main event — a brutal, emotional match that ended with a Cross Rhodes and loud “Cody! Cody!” chants — reaffirmed his role as the face of the company.

But with Roman Reigns still off television and McIntyre suspended, the question is: who challenges Rhodes next?

Insiders point to two possibilities: Gunther, whose reign as Intercontinental Champion ended last month, or LA Knight, who’s gained massive crowd traction in recent weeks.

“WWE’s got a problem — and it’s a good one,” said Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer. “Cody’s momentum is unstoppable, but he needs a rival who can match his storytelling fire. Gunther gives you brutality, Knight gives you charisma.”

Meanwhile, The Bloodline’s internal collapse continues to simmer. Sikoa’s loss widens the faction’s fractures, and whispers suggest Jacob Fatu’s debut could reshape the storyline entirely.

What It Means for Survivor Series

As WWE heads toward its final major pay-per-view of the year, the picture is shifting fast:

• Bianca Belair reclaims her throne atop the women’s division.

• Drew McIntyre’s suspension opens a spot in the main-event mix.

• Cody Rhodes remains the company’s emotional anchor — but without a defined challenger.

If history holds, WWE may use Survivor Series to reset alliances and rivalries before WrestleMania season kicks off. Expect surprises, returns, and possibly, one last shocker involving the Undisputed Title.

“The chaos isn’t a bug, it’s the feature,” said former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz on Busted Open Radio. “This is how WWE builds momentum - when nothing feels safe, everything feels real.”

The Takeaway

Friday’s SmackDown wasn’t just about results — it was about reshaping WWE’s hierarchy. Belair’s dominance, McIntyre’s fall, and Rhodes’ uncertain road forward have created a volatile mix heading into Survivor Series.

One champion reclaimed glory, another lost control, and WWE’s top babyface stands ready for whoever dares to step up next.