Survivor Series Preview and Predictions
Photo Credit: @WWE twitter
The WWE dropped a bombshell on the WWE Universe over the past few days. On the most recent episode of SmackDown, it was announced that 2 of the biggest matches on the card have been completely scrapped and redone. The most anticipated match heading into Survivor Series was Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch, no doubt. The exchanging of blows and heat on Twitter and Instagram made the matchup the most talked about topic in months. On Monday’s episode of RAW during the Main Event, Becky Lynch made an unexpected appearance on the show to target the RAW Women’s champion and lead an ambush attack by the SmackDown women. Many called that moment Lynch’s King of the Ring ’96 moment, comparing her to Stone Cold Steve Austin. The show ended with Lynch walking out of the arena with a crimson mask. The next day on SmackDown, it was announced that Lynch could not compete due to a “broken face” and a concussion. Lynch hand-picked Charlotte Flair to face Ronda at Survivor Series, a match that many were expecting to possibly headline WrestleMania 35.
To shake things up even more, AJ Styles put his WWE Championship on the line in the main event of SmackDown Tuesday night against Daniel Bryan. We were all expecting Styles to successfully defend his title again, but the outcome of the match came out of nowhere. Daniel Bryan is the new WWE Champion and will go on to face Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series! There was literally no indication this would be even considered, as SmackDown is only 5 days away from the PPV. It is also worth noting that Bryan turned heel, which will be interesting to see how that unfolds in the coming months. So, heading into Survivor Series, the 2 most anticipated matches of the PPV are not happening, which is a total bummer, however, the PPV is not going to be unwatchable. There are still some very solid matches on the card, although it is not exactly all that we hoped for. Here are my Predictions for the upcoming Survivor Series PPV.
*match card may change
5 on 5 Survivor Series tag team Elimination Match
Team SmackDown: The Usos, The New Day, Sanity, Gallows and Anderson, and The Colóns
over
Team RAW: Bobby Roode and Chad Gable, The Revival, The B-Team, Lucha House Party, and The Ascension
This match, in all honesty, does not really mean a great deal for anyone involved. Just by judging the names involved, the SmackDown team is a greater team. I expect The Usos to propel the SmackDown roster to victory.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship match
Buddy Murphy over Mustafa Ali
At WWE Super Show-Down, the Cruiserweight title match between Cedric Alexander and Buddy Murphy stole the show. I expect the match to be another solid match as well. This is the only match on the card that is a title defense as well. The match will renew the rivalry between Murphy and Ali, but I am looking for Murphy to successfully defend his title.
Champions vs Champions Tag Team Match
The Bar (with Big Show) over AOP (with Drake Maverick)
This match could basically go either way. The SmackDown Tag Team champs have a new element in the Big Show, who just joined the team a few weeks ago. AOP just won the RAW Tag Team titles a couple weeks ago and are looking to prove themselves even more against a quality team like The Bar. The bar is set pretty high and I feel that AOP can’t quite reach it yet.
5 on 5 Survivor Series Elimination Match – Men
Team RAW: Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley, and Finn Bálor
over
Team SmackDown: The Miz, Shane McMahon, Rey Mysterio, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy
There are some quality wrestlers in the traditional 5 on 5 Survivor Series match. I feel like there is too much to lose for the RAW men if they lose this match, with Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre expected to get further pushes in the future. Unless there is a dispute within the match between the RAW team, which could very well happen, I expect them to easily get the W in this match.
Champion vs Champion Match
Shinsuke Nakamura over Seth Rollins
Literally the only reason I picked Nakamura to win is because I expect Dean Ambrose to interfere somehow. I don’t think it will be a disqualification, but I expect Ambrose to play mind games with Rollins and distract him, as if Nakamura’s mind games aren’t enough. I think this will probably be the best quality match on the card, if it is done right.
5 on 5 Survivor Series Elimination Match – Women
Team SmackDown: Carmella, Naomi, Asuka, Sonya Deville, and TBA
over
Team RAW: Nia Jax, Tamina, Mickie James, Natalya, and Ruby Riott
Coming off of the RAW invasion, I expect the SmackDown women to take full advantage of the momentum. Team RAW is a very solid squad and could easily win the match, but the element of the TBA member on SmackDown is very intriguing. My gut tells me it will be Nikki Cross, but common sense tells me it will be Mandy Rose. Regardless of who is TBA, I still think the SmackDown women will prevail over Team RAW.
Champion vs Champion Match
Brock Lesnar over Daniel Bryan
The biggest question mark going into the PPV, why are we getting this match? The WWE has marketed Brock vs AJ Round 2 for a few weeks now and suddenly, the match isn’t happening? I think this is somehow a tactic to keep AJ Styles from losing momentum going forward, but I really don’t have a clue. It is clear that Brock Lesnar is the temporary “top dog” now after Roman Reigns’ medical leave and I just can’t see Lesnar losing to someone who wasn’t even supposed to be in the match. Something interesting to look at during the match is crowd reaction now that Daniel Bryan is a heel.
Women’s Singles Match
Ronda Rousey over Charlotte Flair
I think this match will end in a no contest, but no contests aren’t as fun as picking a winner, so I am picking Ronda. We are getting this match way earlier than expected and it still will be interesting to see how the match unfolds. The reason I think the match will end in a no contest is because the two are submission specialists and I think the match, if done right, will be a rather lengthy battle. I really want to see Becky Lynch interfere, but due to her injury status, I don’t expect her to take a bump, but I don’t see any harm in a chair shot or two to the RAW Women’s Champion. It is a shame that we are not getting Rousey vs Lynch, but I have a feeling that the story isn’t over between the two.