Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio (Semifinals)
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns
Actual Winner: Roman Reigns
Rating: 3.75/5
The work between these two men was fantastic, and a great way to start off the show. It was much better than expected from both sides, which is always a plus. Although it was quite evident on who would win, Del Rio had Roman in multiple situations where he looked vulnerable enough to lose (the armbars, nearfalls etc). The pace was great, and this is some of Reigns’ best work to date. They clearly have good chemistry together, which will likely be revisited in the future.
Going Forward: Del Rio to wade in the midcard racking up wins until Cena returns.
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose (Semifinals)
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose
Actual Winner: Dean Ambrose
Rating: 3.5/5
This was another solid showing to start the night off. The first match had an extra three minutes, and I believe if this match was given the same, it could have built to a stronger finish. Regardless, the action was constant, and Owens kept with his typical classy antics. His missed moonsault looked like it actually hurt, which made for a great spot. Ambrose had a great counter to the pop-up powerbomb as well. It made both men look strong, which is important going forward, especially since the roster is riddled with injuries right now.
Going Forward: Kevin Owens to take on a more important heel role over the next few months, considering Sheamus, Bray, and Del Rio are the only other top heel wrestlers.
The New Day, Sheamus, King Barrett vs. The Usos, Lucha Dragons, Ryback (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match)
Winner: Usos, Lucha Dragons and Ryback
Rating: 3/5
This could be classified as a ‘spotfest,’ but it was a fun match to watch regardless. Even the pre-match antics were fun, such as Xavier’s hair, or Sheamus with the humiliating line of “we’re gonna get jiggy on these posers.” From the hair pulling, to the 4-man over-the-rope flip, to Ryback’s top rope dive onto everyone, it was a decent match. There wasn’t much depth to the match, but it was never designed to be that way. The puzzling part of all of this is why Sheamus was treated like such a comedy character that lost, knowing that he would be holding the title at the end of the night.
Going forward: The New Day to defend against The Usos and possibly The Lucha Dragons in a TLC/Ladder match. Barrett and Ryback to continue floating in the midcard for now.
Charlotte vs. Paige (WWE Divas Championship)
Predicted Winner: Charlotte
Actual Winner: Charlotte
Rating: 3/5
As a match, this was more than passable. Coupled with the dead crowd, it was hard to take this one seriously. Aside from some feint “we want Sasha!” chants, the crowd did not react to anything in this match. Even the outside barricade spot was relatively dead. This was a little disappointing, considering this is the beginning of the post-Nikki era, and this was much better than the typical matches we are used to seeing. This rivalry does not have enough steam to carry to TLC, so expect this to be the end of it.
Going Forward: Charlotte to defend title against someone new (Naomi perhaps), and Paige to take a step back and possibly feud with Becky or Natalya.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze
Predicted Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Actual Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Rating: 2.75/5
This match was the biggest contender to suffer from time constraint, and it did (ending at 6:40). This match also suffered from dead crowd syndrome, which hurt the momentum a bit. Both men are great to watch in the ring, and it is refreshing to see someone new in the midcard mix. Summer has definitely found her place in the WWE, and continues to do it well, as the annoying manager instead of a wrestler. Tyler is trying to show the rest of the WWE Universe why he was so popular in NXT. Him winning with the unprettier is either an indication that the beauty shot did not look deadly enough, or they want to show how versatile he is (and also continues to show a similarity to Christian for this writer).
Going Forward: Blow-off on Raw or SD, followed by Breeze moving on to a new challenger (Ryback or Neville perhaps), and Ziggler to continue floating in place.
Brothers of Destruction vs. Wyatt Family
Predicted Winner: Brothers of Destruction
Actual Winner: Brothers of Destruction
Rating: 2.5/5
Great entrances? Check. Nostalgic feel? Check. Good in ring action? Not so much. Luckily, Luke Harper was chosen instead of Strowman as the second partner, or this may have become a train wreck. The only thing special about this match was the double chokeslam on Strowman that flattened the announce table, as well as the double sit-up with Kane and Taker. Other than that, it was a relatively dry 10 minutes. The crowd did get quite into this match due to the fact that it was the Undertaker. The fact that Harper was pinned may indicate there will be more between the two groups.
Going Forward: Undertaker to face Bray at TLC, and Kane to face one of the Wyatt members.
Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose
Actual Winner: Roman Reigns (with Sheamus cashing in MITB and winning)
Rating: 3/5
This was a match that I have personally wanted to see for quite some time now, especially since it was for the title and there ‘could’ have been so many different possibilities to play out. While the match had some solid brawling, wrestling moves and counters, it felt rushed at 9 minutes. The other issue was the ending, which felt quite flat. The obvious logic with creative is that people hate Sheamus more than Reigns, so if they feud, they will cheer Reigns. Seeing Sheamus as the champion going into WrestleMania is almost impossible to see, so expect him to be a transitional champion, and the title to change hands again in the next few months.
Going Forward: Reigns and Sheamus to feud, Ambrose to float until Sheamus is free to feud with him.
