SAN DIEGO -- The Women's WarGames match served as the explosive opener for Survivor Series 2025, taking place at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on Saturday, November 29. Team Rhea (Rhea Ripley, AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and IYO SKY) secured a hard-fought victory over Team Asuka (Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane) in a bout that clocked in at 41:10, setting a high bar for the remainder of the night.
The buildup to this contest was intense, with momentum swinging violently between the two squads in the weeks prior. For those watching the lines or checking a DraftKings promo for insight, the shifting odds reflected the unpredictable nature of this contest. The addition of returning legends and rising stars created a unique dynamic that kept the result in doubt until the final submission.
Calculated Chaos Inside the Cage
Charlotte Flair and Asuka began the Women's WarGames match, immediately revisiting their storied rivalry. Flair had secured the advantage on SmackDown and wasted no time initiating a brutal exchange. However, the numbers game quickly became a factor as more competitors entered the fray. Kairi Sane introduced a steel chain into the mix and used it to tie up Flair, IYO SKY, and Alexa Bliss, effectively neutralizing Team Rhea’s early offense.
Furthermore, the match saw innovative use of the cage itself. AJ Lee, in a moment of veteran savvy, bypassed the door entirely to climb over the cage wall. This was not merely a spot but a tactical decision that allowed her to enter the fight when her team desperately needed reinforcement.
Aerial Risks and Turning Points
The most talked-about moment undoubtedly belonged to IYO SKY. Known for her fearlessness, she executed a Swanton Bomb off the top of the cage while wearing a trash can. This high-risk move decimated the competitors below and stands as a defining image of the Women's WarGames 2025 match.
IYO SKY’s Swanton Bomb involved a plunge from the cage roof with a trash can.
AJ Lee’s Cage Entry saw her bypass the door to save her teammates.
Kairi Sane’s Chain Attack used a steel chain to tie up three opponents.
Asuka’s Mist Error resulted in her accidentally blinding her partner, Lash Legend.
Moreover, a critical error by Team Asuka contributed to their downfall. Asuka attempted to use her signature mist but inadvertently struck her own teammate, Lash Legend. This miscommunication fractured their unit's cohesion at a pivotal moment.
The Decisive Submission Finish
In the closing moments, Becky Lynch found herself isolated. After the chaotic spots cleared, she attempted to escape the structure. However, Rhea Ripley intercepted her and delivered a devastating Riptide. This allowed AJ Lee to capitalize immediately by locking in the Black Widow submission.
Lynch had no choice but to tap out, handing the victory to Team Rhea. This finish does more than just conclude the Women's WarGames; it significantly advances the narratives for upcoming events. Specifically, the tension between Lee and Lynch, as well as the ongoing Ripley and Flair saga, will likely dominate the headlines moving forward.