4 Things Triple H got right on WWE SmackDown last night

The latest episode of SmackDown saw the feuds and storylines shift gears as Survivor Series is just days away. Several major things happened on the show last night, including the WarGames build and the progression of the Last Time is Now Tournament. It was an action-packed night in Denver, Colorado, where Triple H gave fans a delightful show.

Friday Night SmackDown has been under the fans' radar lately due to its declining quality and lack of substantial elements. However, the penultimate episode of the blue brand felt different. The company ensured a memorable night that provided an adrenaline rush for the WWE Universe, hyping fans up for Survivor Series: WarGames.

Let's take a look at four things Triple H got right on SmackDown last night:

#4. Revealing the final members of Women's WarGames Match

Rhea Ripley and Asuka were short of one member in their respective teams in the Women's WarGames Match. However, Triple H didn't delay it any further and revealed the final two participants last night on SmackDown. AJ Lee officially joined the babyface team while Becky Lynch aligned with the heel team for Survivor Series.

The fact that WWE revealed it this week without any further tease was indeed the right move. Things had already become obvious and there was no point in stretching it to next week. Besides, only the final epsiode of RAW and SmackDown are left before Survivor Series and revealing the last two participants will help WWE showcase a proper feud.

#3. Letting Carmelo Hayes advance in the tournament on SmackDown

Carmelo Hayes battled Bronson Reed on the latest episode of SmackDown in what was the first-round match of the Last Time is Now Tournament. In a shocking turn of events, Hayes defeated The Auszilla via count-out. Letting the 31-year-old advance in the tournament was the right call, as he desperately needed this huge victory more than Reed.

Melo is currently riding on a red-hot momentum and is a promising name to face John Cena in his retirement match. Besides, he is not involved in any storyline on the blue brand either. Hence, Triple H pushing him in the ongoing contest will help Carmelo Hayes be in the spotlight. His victory over Bronson Reed will give him a strong push in his current run.

#2. Showcasing a gradual decline in the Rhea Ripley-Charlotte Flair rift

One of the things Triple H did right on the latest epsiode of SmackDown was showing a meaningful truce between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Both superstars were at odds with each other. WWE did not desperately rush their storyline to put them on the same page. Instead, the company showcased a gradual progression to that last night.

Flair and Ripley didn't hug each other or show redundant affection, even though they will be competing on the same team in the Women's WarGames Match. Their rift was carefully put aside for the time being and for a mutual cause. Hence, Triple H dealing with the whole situation sensibly was one of the best things from last night.

#1. Adding a new layer to the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre rivalry

Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will both compete against each other in the Men's WarGames Match at Survivor Series. This week on SmackDown, The Scottish Warrior unleashed a brutal backstage assault on Rhodes on his truck, leaving him wrapped in blood. This brutal segment has elevated their rivalry to a whole new height.

Triple H did the right thing by showcasing this backstage segment, as it has now added more excitement to the Men's WarGames Match for the upcoming spectacle. Besides, McIntyre's attack on The American Nightmare has unraveled a new layer in their heated rivalry that WWE could capitalize on to resume their singles feud following Survivor Series.

Edited by Subhasish Deb