Dave Meltzer Reveals WWE’s Alleged Plans for Saturday Night’s Main Event and Survivor Series: WarGames

 

Dave Meltzer has reportedly shared WWE’s internal plans for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) and Survivor Series: WarGames, giving fans a glimpse into what could be two blockbuster shows packed with high-stakes storylines and star-studded matches.

At Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, Seth Rollins is expected to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk in what could be one of the year’s most intense rivalries. Tiffany Stratton is rumored to face Jade Cargill for the Women’s Title in a major rematch, while Drew McIntyre is set to battle Jacob Fatu — with the winner earning a future Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series.

For Survivor Series: WarGames, two massive multi-person matches are reportedly planned. On the men’s side, the babyface team could feature CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso, and a mystery fifth member against Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, and Austin Theory. Theory’s rumored return from injury adds extra intrigue to this lineup.

The women’s WarGames match is expected to see AJ Lee, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and IYO SKY team up against Becky Lynch, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend, in what could be a fierce clash of WWE generations.

Other matches in development include Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed Championship, and a long-awaited Intercontinental Title match between Dominik Mysterio and John Cena — potentially marking a milestone in Cena’s farewell run.

While these plans are still tentative and could change depending on the outcomes of Crown Jewel, Meltzer’s report paints an exciting picture of what WWE’s year-end lineup could look like — combining nostalgia, surprise returns, and dream matchups that could define the road to 2026.

Historic Low: Dave Meltzer Reacts to WWE SmackDown’s New Rating Slump

 

In a troubling turn for the blue brand, WWE SmackDown has hit what some are calling a new low in viewership—and veteran wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer has spoken out on how both WWE and the USA Network are reacting behind the scenes. The timing is especially sensitive, as the entire industry navigates a newly implemented TV ratings model.

SmackDown’s latest airing drew just over 1,030,000 viewers and scored a 0.23 rating in the 18–49 demo, two marks that stand out as some of the lowest in recent memory. These numbers come in the wake of Nielsen’s revamped “Big Data + Panel” system, which now factors in data from smart TVs and set-top boxes to produce what Nielsen claims is a more accurate reflection of modern viewing habits.

Meltzer, during a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, didn’t mince words: seeing SmackDown drop to a 0.23 in the key demo was more than just a blip—it was a red flag. He noted that while a 0.35 with this new system might have been tolerable, sliding all the way down to 0.23 signals a serious structural problem. He also emphasized the cost implications: WWE and USA are investing heavily in SmackDown, and yet the returns are diminishing. According to Meltzer, the drop “can’t be overstated” given the financial stakes.

In a twist, WWE Raw also posted new low viewership figures on its Netflix metrics, although that program is not subject to Nielsen’s new model. Still, it underscores a trend: wrestling as a televised product is being squeezed by competing priorities—sports, streaming, and changing audience patterns.

One key factor in the slide is the shift in how ratings are measured. Under the old system, many wrestling fans—especially younger viewers who rely heavily on streaming or nontraditional platforms—likely weren’t counted fully. The new Nielsen formula is intended to correct that, but it’s exposed how far current TV numbers may fall when measured more strictly. Meltzer warned that historically acceptable ratings now look much weaker in comparison, and that could affect how advertisers and network executives judge wrestling’s value.

What’s telling is how WWE and AEW seem to be handling the change diplomatically. Neither company is publicly panicking, even as the metrics shift beneath them. Reports suggest that both are quietly adapting, aware that having access to more reliable data is a double-edged sword: it brings clarity but also scrutiny.

So what might this mean for SmackDown’s future? The obvious risk is pressure from USA Network on WWE’s creative and scheduling decisions. If WWE continues to pour money into SmackDown while the returns flatten or fall, adjustments are inevitable—whether in format, timeslots, or content. For WWE, the question now is how aggressively to respond: double down, course-correct, or accept that the TV era of wrestling must evolve.

Whatever happens next, this is a wake-up call. If SmackDown’s viewership declines under the spotlight of new measurement, it’s not just a ratings issue—it’s a signal that wrestling’s relationship with television is entering a new, challenging phase.

John Cena vs. AJ Styles, Roman Reigns plans, TNA sale talk, more!

photo courtesy: inquisitr.com

- There is a graphic making the rounds, for whatever that's worth, that is advertising John Cena vs. AJ Styles in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match at Elimination Chamber in February.

- According to the Observer, WWE still hasn't decided on what Roman Reigns will be doing at WrestleMania 33 but it's entirely possible he'll be Universal champion and that he could be winning it at Royal Rumble next month.

- Dave Meltzer also noted there has been a "big surprise" idea floated for Reigns but it probably won't happen.

- PW Insider notes there's been talk that an official announcement could be coming soon from Anthem Sports and Entertainment on purchasing TNA. Furthermore, Dixie Carter will be completely out of power.

- Also noted on TNA from PW Insider: Impact this week will feature footage from the Hardy compound with "something unique" that we've never seen before in pro wrestling.

source: cagesideseats.com