I was looking into my past Survivor Series articles and this is apparently the first time since 2020 that I have written a Survivor Series Predictions article. That doesn’t seem right, but it is true. Well, this one is poised to be a special one. Whether Chicago’s native son returns to the mothership or not. There is certainly a lot of buzz surrounding this event and a lot of it is revolving around the speculation that it could be the return of CM Punk. Punk hasn’t been on WWE programming since 2014 and is currently a free agent. Or so we think. He made his wrestling return to AEW in 2021 but was released just a few months ago. I don’t want to spend too much time talking about him though. Chicago is the host city of this year’s Survivor Series, so the speculation will naturally occur. As of this moment, there are 5 matches on the card, potentially 6, but it isn't confirmed yet. It should be a good card tonight and I think tonight’s show will be a big one. Keep reading to see who I think will win tonight’s contests.

*Predicted winners are bolded

- Men’s Singles Match

Santos Escobar vs. Dragon Lee

I kept an eye on this match odds with Carlito instead of Dragon Lee. Dragon Lee will replace Carlito tonight, but the odds didn’t change at all. Escobar is favored at -1000. I think this has the makings of a fantastic match. These two performers should mesh pretty well, but I think this is Escobar’s match to lose. He just seems to have much higher momentum at the moment and I would be shocked to see him competing for the IC or US belt between now and WrestleMania.

- Women’s Singles Match: Women’s World Championship

Rhea Ripley (C) vs. Zoey Stark

Stark is a phenomenal in-ring competitor and she very well may be the best athlete in the entire women’s roster, but it just isn't her time. I think the match will be fantastic. It should be a hard-hitting and athletic contest no matter who wins. Ripley is favored at -3000 and that is about what I expected. Ripley has been the belt holder since WrestleMania 39 and I would be a bit surprised if she doesn’t keep it until WrestleMania 40.

- Men’s Singles Match: Intercontinental Championship

Gunther (C) vs. The Miz

Even though instinct tells me that Gunther will likely retain here tonight. This feels more like a split odds match rather than a -3000 favoring for Gunther. I mean, The Miz has been taking a lot of L’s recently, but he is an 8-time Intercontinental Champion and is arguably the best IC Champ of all time. These odds are a bit puzzling to me. I do think that Gunther will probably win, but I wouldn't be a bit shocked to see The Miz pull off the performance of a lifetime here. For fun, I just circle The Miz as the winner, but I think history tells me that Gunther will retain and continue the most dominant IC reign in history. I do think Gunther is due to lose sooner rather than later. Especially considering that the Royal Rumble will be here before you know it and he will likely be among the favorites to win the rumble match. If he loses to The Miz, there is absolutely no shame in that. I wouldn't be a bit scared to put a small wager on The Miz at 8/1 odds.

- Potential Men’s Singles Match?

Shinsuke Nakamura vs.???

I don’t usually do predictions for potential unannounced matches, but I think in this case, it warrants a discussion. Shinsuke Nakamura has seemingly challenged a mystery opponent but didn’t specify if it was for Survivor Series or not. I would assume so. With that being said, who could his opponent be? Well, they are in Chicago. Chicago is the home of the “Best in the World.” No, I am not talking about Shane McMahon. CM Punk is rumored to be making his WWE return, but I still have my doubts. I have always said that if Bret Hart can return to WWE, anyone can and that includes CM Punk, but I don’t quite understand where Punk would fit into the current landscape. He would be a great addition, but at the same time, neither parties need each other. Also, with all of the stuff he said about the WWE in the past. Is all forgiven? I would assume so, but part of me thinks someone like him can't really mesh anywhere he goes, especially considering how soft people are these days. He isn't afraid to say what he thinks and that was part of the reason that led to his dismissal from WWE and AEW. I will say that I do admire that about him. People will always complain but having someone like Punk in your company is an asset, no matter how much controversy surrounds him. He was an asset for AEW even though his run didn’t end according to plan. I say his arrival is 50/50. I could see it, I could also see WWE just riding the speculation wave in order to sell tickets. I wouldn't be shocked either way. If not Punk, I could see Brock Lesnar popping back into the scene. He hasn’t been seen since SummerSlam and he and Nakamura do have some history that dates back to NJPW.

- Women’s WarGames Match

Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Shotzi vs. Damage CTRL

This match is basically as stacked as you can get for the women’s division at this current point in time. Damage CTRL added Kairi Sane and Asuka to an already powerful team and I have to say I really like that move. There was a lot of speculation that they were on the brink of splitting, but they got even stronger. It is cool to see Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair teaming back up together again and hopefully we see them teaming up more in the future. Even though my gut tells me that Bianca, Becky, Charlotte, Shotzi will get it done. I am going to say that this match seems to be in favor of Damage CTRL. To me, they’re a more cohesive unit and I think this match is better suited for them. Damage CTRL is favored at -260.

- Men’s WarGames Match

Judgement Day and Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Randy Orton

This seems like it is going to be such a fun match to watch. Randy Orton is back after being out since May of 2022. He should get a very warm welcome back to the WWE tonight and I think he fits right in with this team. With that being said, I think his team will get the job done, but he won’t be a good guy for long. My prediction is that Cody Rhodes will eat an RKO after the match is over, thus setting up for a feud. It only seems natural at this point given their history. Also, if Cody Rhodes is the guy to take down Roman Reigns, a feud with someone like Randy Orton will pad those stats. Drew McIntyre seems to be a natural fit with the Judgement Day, but I think they will lose tonight. Oddsmakers seem to think so as well. The Cody Rhodes led team will enter the contest with a -400 favoring. It should be a great match, regardless of the outcome.

Yacs

Survivor Series (2023) Predictions