Hey everyone, the 30th annual Survivor Series is upon us. This year’s card is centered around the theme of “Fantasy Warfare Just Got Real” and it seems, on paper, like WWE might have one of the best Survivor Series shows in history. So, in true Accentuate the Positives style, I’m going to run through the upcoming card and point out all the good bits that might come our way on Sunday night and of course, make some predictions.
Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Kalisto for the Cruiserweight Championship. (If Kalisto wins, the title and the entire cruiserweight division will move to Smackdown)
This match seems hastily put together and is really just an excuse to get the cruiserweights over to Smackdown so they can have the new 205 Live show go on after Smackdown goes off. Obviously, because of that, I would be absolutely shocked if Kalisto fails to win the title here. Unfortunately, I don’t like the idea of Kendrick’s run ending here but it seems inevitable.
This match should be a fun encounter between the ropes, but the real good stuff will start as we move away from Survivor Series and kick off 205 Live. It’s odd to see the division already moving away from Raw, but it feels like this will work better. Smackdown seems to have a better in ring product, and the ability to have a full hour devoted to the division is a plus. I’m unsure why Raw didn’t just devote the first hour of their 3 hour show to the division. Wasn’t that the whole reason the division was created? To fill that 3rd hour?
The Miz (c) (w/ Maryse) vs. Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship. (If Zayn wins, the title become the property of Raw)
But alas, that 3rd hour of Raw won’t be void. I assume, along with most others, that since the Cruiserweight Title is moving to Smackdown, then the IC Title will be moving to Raw. I’m not as sure about this move as I am the previous one, however, because I’m unsure where that leaves Smackdown’s midcard. Without a title to fight for, Smackdown’s midcard is left without that all important prize. Plus, the title should be the stepping stone into the main event. With it gone, how do the guys in the middle advance?
And that smidge of doubt will make this match all the more interesting. The near falls will be more believable and the false finishes will be more climactic. I expect these two to put on a potential show stealer here. Sami has been waiting in the wings, it seems, for a solid chance to shine as part of the Raw roster so I think he’ll be looking to make an impact in this match. On the other side of the ring is The Miz, who has been serving up some of his best work over the past year.
The added bonus here will again be what happens moving forward from Survivor Series. What will come of The Miz and Ziggler’s feud if the IC Title goes to Raw? What will Raw look like with two midcard titles? I’ve said many times in prior Accentuate the Positives articles that some of the most fun had by wrestling fans comes as a result of speculation and fantasy booking. They’ll be a lot of that coming out of this match.
Raw’s Tag Division vs. Smackdown’s Tag Division in a 10-on-10 traditional Survivor Series tag team elimination match.
One of my favorite Survivor Series matches as a kid was the 1987 10-on-10 Survivor Series Tag Team match. I used to watch it over and over again courtesy of my Coliseum home video. Years later, I’ve noticed that the in ring action left a lot to be desired, but the reason I loved the match was because of the diverse array of talent the World Wrestling Federation had in their tag division.
That’s what this match has to offer, but with the in ring ability turned way up. How great is it that WWE has 10 real tag teams to even have this match with? Not to mention the fact that this past Tuesday on Smackdown’s 900th episode, we had NINE tag teams involved in one match! In fact, WWE currently has 15 regular tag teams currently on Raw and Smackdown, according to my math (which isn’t the best math…). Anyway, I think we’ll get to see these teams show off and shine in this match.
I expect there to be a lot of big spots here, and I wouldn’t look for a ton of storytelling throughout the match. I’m torn as to who I think will get the win, but I’d like to see Smackdown go over here, as I feel their tag division could use the win, since their Tag Team Titles were created post draft.
Raw’s Women (w/ Dana Brooke) vs. Smackdown’s Women (w/ Coach Natty) in a 5–on–5 traditional Survivor Series elimination match
I think this match will have a lot more wrestling action than the Tag Team showdown. Looking at the wrestlers involved here, I see a lot of fun potential matchups. Nia Jax vs. Nikki Bella, Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch, and even Bayley vs. Carmella (who I feel is hitting on all cylinders right now).
I look for this match to come down to a 1-on-1 situation. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bayley or Sasha go up against either Alexa Bliss or Becky Lynch as the last survivors. If I had to choose, I’d go with Bayley pinning Alexa to win the match for Raw.
Raw’s Men vs. Smackdown’s Men (w/ James Ellsworth) in a 5–on–5 traditional Survivor Series elimination match
I think it’s a safe bet to say that by the time we get to this match, Raw and Smackdown will have split the previous two showdowns. I look for this match to be given plenty of time. I’m not sure it will reach the 40 plus minute mark, like the main event of the 2014 Survivor Series did, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if it got around that much time.
I think there will be a fun story told from the beginning of this match, especially with how the teams coexist. I think one of these teams will be outnumbered 4-2 at some point, and the story will be how the 2 will get along enough to take out the 4.
Don’t be surprised if the events of this match have WrestleMania ramifications. I think Smackdown will lose here, and I’m betting Undertaker’s message on Smackdown this past Tuesday will lead to him confronting AJ Styles for not leading his team to victory. Think about that. AJ’s next feud could be against The Undertaker. How amazing would that be?
I also look for Rollins, Jericho, and Owens to further their issues in this match. I still think that Jericho will turn de facto face against Owens at some point and challenge him for the Universal Title. I’d love to see Jericho get a short run with that title (maybe just from Roadblock to the Rumble) just as a reward for doing such excellent work since returning at the first of the year.
I’m very curious to see how Orton fits into this match and I look for him to make a splash in this match in some form. I like the idea of him being in the Wyatt Family, and of course it’s all going to end with him taking out Bray, but I want that to be a very slow build. The longer they hold off on it, the better the reaction will be. I hope WWE doesn’t panic and push that button in this match.
Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. Bill Goldberg
I find it kind of surreal that a match that’s been universally hated for 12 years is getting a rematch that’s been met with anticipation and excitement. Time heals all wounds, I guess.
So, what are the positives about this match? Well, Lesnar will most certainly get his win back from WrestleMania XX. Goldberg will get a proper farewell (or will that come in April in Orlando…). Plus, with the advent of social media since their last match, even if the match is a clunker, this match just might Make Twitter Great Again with memes for wrestling fans (I know, that was lame).
I look for these two to really be trying to make up for their MSG showdown from 2004. There’s been a lot more hype for this match up and I don’t think either man wants to walk out of the Air Canada Centre without leaving it all in the ring. I have no idea what to expect but I’m so anxious to see what these two men come up with. I’m going with Lesnar to win, since it just makes more sense. I’d like to see Goldberg stick around for one last match at Mania, maybe against someone wearing jean shorts?
Well, that’s it for my Survivor Series rundown. I think this has the potential to be a really fun show, and I hope I’m not wrong. I like the idea of having so many “showcase” matches where WWE can basically show off the rosters for their two brands. Who will make the biggest impact? What will we be talking about on Monday morning? Time will tell. But until then and until next time, stay positive!