WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Becky Lynch returns, Sheamus earns WarGames advantage at Survivor Series

Sheamus earned his team a pivotal advantage over The Bloodline at Survivor Series

The terms of WarGames have been drafted ahead of WWE Survivor Series. Becky Lynch's return and Sheamus' victory over The Bloodline bookended a significant episode of SmackDown on Friday night.

Belair was one woman short for her squad heading into her WarGames match against Team Damage CTRL. The Raw women's champion promised a big unveiling on SmackDown and delivered in the shape of her formal rival. In Friday's main event, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre fought The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) with the winners earning their team an advantageous entry order in WarGames.

The go-home show before Survivor Series also featured two semifinal matches in the SmackDown World Cup. Butch vs. Santos Escobar and Braun Strowman vs. Ricochet were contested to determine the two finalists who will compete for the cup and a shot at intercontinental champion GUNTHER. 

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

Belair and Lynch unite, Sheamus and company outsmart The Bloodline

SmackDown opened with Team Damage CTRL, consisting of Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Nikki Kross and Rhea Ripley in the ring. Belair -- accompanied by teammates Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Mia Yim -- revealed Lynch as the final member of her WarGames squad. It marked Lynch's first appearance since losing a Raw women's championship match to Belair at SummerSlam in July. Lynch showed a sign of respect for her rival before she was attacked by Damage CTRL in their previous encounter. Belair, Lynch and company cleared out the ring with Lynch tossing rival Bayley with a Becksploder Suplex. A face-off between Ripley and Lynch was teased, but Ripley's teammates talked her down.

A brawl between Team Bloodline and Team Brawling Brutes broke out backstage during the SmackDown World Cup semifinal match between Butch and Santos Escobar that followed Lynch's return.

Later in the evening, Owens approached Zayn outside of The Bloodline's locker room. Owens warned his best friend that he should leave The Bloodline before the group inevitably turns on him. Owens said that Zayn should strike first before Reigns gets the upper hand. Jey was listening in on the conversation and asked Zayn if he had spoken to anyone. Zayn denied doing so before entering The Bloodline's room.

Sheamus and McIntyre def. The Usos via pinfall after Sheamus struck Jey with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus and McIntyre overwhelmed The Usos early with their brute strength. The Usos, the reigning undisputed tag team champions and more experienced unit, eventually took over with tag team maneuvers and shady tactics. A wounded and isolated McIntyre made his way to a friendly corner and tagged in Sheamus. "The Celtic Warrior" put a whooping on The Usos in pursuit of an imperative win ahead of WarGames. A distraction by Zayn allowed Jey, whom Zayn has a contentious alliance with, to get the upper hand on Sheamus. Jey nearly scored the pinfall with a big splash moments before a brawl broke out between their allies' ringside. Zayn attempted to interfere in the match, leading to a confrontation with Owens. Owens tricked Zayn into getting ejected from the match and struck Jey with a stunner while the referee was preoccupied. Sheamus closed out the show with a Brogue Kick.

A very solid episode of SmackDown to lead into Survivor Series. Belair's reveal did not disappoint as the crowd was thrilled to see Lynch return from a four-month hiatus. The former rivals showed respect in their SummerSlam title match and Lynch had unfinished business with Damage CTRL. The inclusion of Kevin Owens in the men's WarGames match continues to pay dividends as his friendship with Zayn adds further layers to the rich Bloodline subplot. Reigns must get his house in order if he has hopes of continuing his tribe's dominance. Grade: B+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• SmackDown World Cup (Round 2) – Escobar def. Butch via pinfall following a distraction by Zelina Vega and a Phantom Driver by Santos.
• Bray Wyatt insisted he was not responsible for attacking LA Knight last week, but his alter ego Uncle Howdy begged to differ. Knight said he would have sought vengeance if not for an injury he suffered.
• The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) def. Hit Row (Ashante Adonis and Top Dolla) via pinfall after hitting Ragnarok on Adonis.
• Dominik Mysterio and Ripley brutally assaulted Rey Mysterio at Rey's home during a family Thanksgiving Dinner. The footage was released earlier in the week.
• SmackDown World Cup (Round 2) – Ricochet def. Strowman via pinfall following interference by Imperium. Ricochet saved Strowman from a post-match beatdown by Imperium.
• Ronda Rousey and Shayna Bazler attacked Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi backstage. Rousey slammed Rodriguez's arm across an equipment case.
• Rousey and Bazler def. Rodriguez and Shotzi via submission after Rousey applied an armbar to Rodriguez's previously injured arm.