The John Report: WWE Survivor Series 2024 Review
It’s WWE Survivor Series featuring two huge WarGames matches including two versions of The Bloodline facing off, and three title matches as well.
This is the 38th edition of the WWE Survivor Series PLE. I have reviewed them all in my WWE PPV archive and it’s the third year in a row where the traditional elimination tags have been dumped in favor of WarGames matches. I like the change to WarGames, but I also miss the classic Survivor Series elimination tag team matches too.
This Survivor Series PLE is also the final WWE PLE of the year for the main roster in 2024. That means it’s the last one I’m going to watch on the traditional WWE Network (I use Sportsnet Plus here in Canada) because WWE PLEs are moving to Netflix in 2025 for those of us not in the US. For those of you in the US, it’s still Peacock until early 2026. There is also the NXT Deadline PLE next Saturday, December 7th as well, but that’s not the main roster.
As for this show, it’s a 3 p.m. start time for the fans in Vancouver while it’s 6 p.m. ET for me in southern Ontario, Canada. That means it’s a bit earlier for my friends in the UK at 11 p.m. so that’s cool. I spent about five hours writing news content for TJRWrestling earlier today, I took a break for a few hours and here I am for the review. I’m sure it will be a great crowd in Vancouver. I’m looking forward to the show.
There was a two-hour Survivor Series Countdown Show on WWE’s YouTube channel, but I don’t review those shows. Let’s get to the main show with the Women’s WarGames match up first.
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WWE Survivor Series
From Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia
Saturday, November 30, 2024
There were some arrivals shown from earlier in the day. A lot of people were wearing sunglasses indoors. I guess they make you look cooler. Sure.
An opening video package aired. It was great as usual.
It was a packed house in Vancouver with over 17,000 fans in attendance. Michael Cole and Corey Graves were on commentary at ringside.
Here are the WarGames match rules that WWE posted before the Women’s WarGames match just in case some of you need to know the rules.
The babyface women were up first led by Women’s Tag team Champion Bianca Belair followed by her buddy Naomi. The two big shark cages were by the entrance area. The WarGames veteran IYO SKY was next since it was her sixth WarGames match and that’s all of them counting NXT and the WWE main roster. Bayley was next up for her third WarGames match with Cole noting she has never won one. Rhea Ripley was up last for her team with a protective mask to protect her orbital bone injury. Bayley headed to the ring to start the match for her team.
Nia Jax entered her first WarGames match as the WWE Women’s Champion. Candice LeRae was next followed by Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton. The Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan was last with her buddy Raquel Rodriguez by her side.
Women’s WarGames Match: Team Rhea – Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Bayley & IYO SKY vs. Team Liv – Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez & Candice LeRae
It was Bayley and Nia Jax starting the match inside the giant cage surrounding the two rings. They were battling in the near ring with Jax hitting a headbutt, but Bayley managed to hit a neckbreaker against the ropes. There was a running clock counting down from 5 minutes for the next competitor. The camera was right on them in between the middle of the rings, so we could hear Bayley say “elbow” and Jax knocked Bayley down with an elbow. They went in the far ring where Bayley jumped off the top leading to a hurricanrana on Jax. Bayley used a leather jacket with studs on it and hit Jax with it a few times. Jax got a hold of the weapon and she hit Bayley across the back with it. Jax was in control with a running hip attack between the two rings. They were in the near ring again where Bayley hit a running knee. Jax came back with a running body attack and Jax sent Bayley into the cage. Jax hit a running hip attack on Bayley against the cage. The clock ticked down for the next entrant.
The second woman from Rhea’s team was Naomi on her birthday, so happy birthday to Naomi. Naomi brought a colorful kendo stick and even a toilet seat into the ring. Naomi kicked Jax in the body followed by a running kick. Bayley was back with a double elbow smash on Jax. Fans were chanting “Happy Birthday” for Naomi. Jax used the colorful kendo stick to hit both women in the body with it. Jax grabbed the toilet seat so Graves made a TL Hopper reference, of course. Bayley hit Jax with the kendo stick and Naomi sent Jax into the turnbuckle. Naomi did a Stinkface on Jax, who had a toilet seat around her neck. Jax was back up and Bayley/Naomi gave her a back body drop. The three minutes were up for the next entrant.
Candice LeRae was second up for her team after stepping in front of Tiffany Stratton. LeRae brought some steel chairs into the ring. Bayley and Naomi fought back against the heels. LeRae clotheslined Bayley and sent Naomi face first into a chair that Jax was holding. LeRae hit knees to the face of Bayley and she landed on Naomi. LeRae had two chairs opened up in the ring along with a third chair between the two chairs. Naomi sent LeRae into the chairs. Jax prevented the faces from doing tandem offense. Jax put Bayley onto the chairs and LeRae hit a moonsault onto Bayley on the chairs. I don’t think the bump is that painful, but Bayley sold it anyway.
It was Bianca Belair time as the third member of the babyface team. Belair brought some more weapons into the ring including a trash can and a table. There was a fire extinguisher as well. The fans chanted “We Want Tables” as Belair hit LeRae with a light chair shot to the back. Belair swung LeRae around leading to LeRae going face first into the turnbuckle. Belair kicked a chair that Jax was holding. Naomi and Belair punched and kicked Jax repeatedly.
The third woman for Team Liv was Tiffany Stratton in her first WarGames match. The fans like her even though she’s a heel. Stratton was aggressive with a trash can lid shot for Belair and Naomi. Stratton gave Naomi a spinebuster. Stratton hit an impressive back elbow on Belair. Stratton and Jax double teamed Bayley leading to Jax hitting a clothesline. Stratton held Naomi in a backslide position leading to Jax hitting a leg drop on Naomi. Stratton hit a blockbuster/Samoan Drop combo with Jax on Belair. Naomi was hitting Jax lightly with a steel chair while Stratton dropkicked Bayley. The clock ticked down for the next entrant.
The fourth woman on Team Rhea was IYO SKY, who found a unique trash can from under the ring. Sky harnessed the garbage can to her shoulder and climbed up the cage to enter the match. When Sky got to the top of the cage, LeRae was on the other side and LeRae wanted to bring Iyo down with a suplex, but Sky avoided it. Sky tried a Powerbomb, but she slipped and they improvised leading to Sky hitting a missile dropkick on LeRae. Sky and Stratton took turns doing some gymnastics to avoid eachother. Stratton missed a kick, so Sky hit Stratton with a chair to the back. Sky hit running knees on Stratton and LeRae. Jax was back up with a forearm smash on Sky. Bayley was back up to hit Jax with a kendo stick. It was time for the next entrant.
The powerhouse Raquel Rodriguez was fourth for Team Liv. Raquel grabbed a table from under the ring, but she didn’t put it in the ring, so the fans booed. Raquel tossed Sky into the cage and slammed Naomi as well. Bayley and Belair went after Raquel with punches, but Jax made the save for Raquel. Jax and Raquel sent two opponents into the cage. They did it again sending Belair and Bayley into the cage. Jax and Raquel hit double Powerbombs into the cage along with Powerbombs onto their opponents.
Team Captain Rhea Ripley was the last woman to enter for her team. Ripley brought a second table in the ring while Raquel tried to fight her over it. Ripley was beaten up by three of the heels. Sky was going to do an attack, but then she stopped herself. Naomi jumped off the ropes with a neckbreaker on Raquel and Jax. Ripley hit Raquel with a toilet seat on Raquel. Stratton hit Rhea with a chair to the back. Belair used her hair braid to hit LeRae in the body. Raquel kicked Belair and Naomi hit a bulldog on the toilet seat. Jax clotheslined Naomi. Ripley used her strong mask to headbutt Jax three times and knock her down. The clocked ticked down for the final competitor.
The last woman to enter the match was Team Captain Liv Morgan, who went backstage rather than go into the ring where Ripley was standing. Morgan brought a baseball bat with her down to the ring. When Liv entered the ring, the door closed and now let the WarGames begin. There were referees in the two rings so the first fall or submission wins the match.
Ripley took her protective mask off and went after Morgan, but Morgan’s partners were there to help Liv. Ripley was held by three heels while Liv hit Rhea with a few light baseball bat shots to the body. Liv hit Ripley in the back with the baseball bat a few times. Liv pulled out some handcuffs that were strategically hidden in her gear and they tried to cuff Ripley, but Ripley avoided it. Sky hit a missile dropkick on Jax and then Stratton hit a double foot stomp on Sky. Ripley hit a knee on Stratton and LeRae hit a DDT on Ripley. Belair threw LeRae into the cage and Raquel hit a spinning slam on Belair. Naomi hit a sitout facebuster on Raquel. Liv jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a Codebreaker on Naomi. Bayley hit a sunset flip on Liv into the turnbuckle. Jax was back up with a Samoan Drop on Bayley for two. Sky climbed to the top of the cage where the trash can was while Stratton climbed another corner off the ring. There were four women in the ring below both women. Sky did a moonsault off the cage with the trash can on her to take out four women while Stratton did a Swanton Bomb off the other side of the cage onto four women. That was wild! The fans popped for it.
Tiffany Stratton pulled her Money in the Bank briefcase out of a trash can while a referee was standing right there. Nia Jax and Liv Morgan were both out on the mat. Raquel got in Stratton’s face wondering what she was doing. Sky used a fire extinguisher spray and used it on a lot of people. Raquel got handcuffed to the top rope. Jax ran over Ripley with a shoulder tackle. Belair got a hold of LeRae by the turnbuckle and LeRae went into the top turnbuckle. Jax hit a Samoan Drop and leg drop on Belair for two because Bayley and Sky broke it up. Bayley and Sky went face to face due to their past as allies, but Jax knocked them both down with a double clothesline. Jax put Belair on a table. Jax took way too long on the turnbuckle and had to yell “Trin” (Trinity) for Naomi to break it up, so Naomi went over there with Belair and Naomi/Belair gave Jax a Powerbomb through the table. Liv broke up the pin with the baseball bat. Belair went after Morgan and Raquel managed to kick Belair. Liv hit Oblivion on Bayley onto a chair. Ripley got her hands on Morgan leading to a headbutt. Raquel saved Liv from a Riptide. Liv hit a Codebreaker on a chair on Ripley. Liv went up top while Ripley was on a table and tried a move, but Ripley stopped that. Ripley and Liv battled on the top turnbuckle leading to Ripley hitting a Riptide slam off the top rope on Morgan through the table. The match went 38:12.
Winners by pinfall: Team Rhea – Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Bayley & IYO SKY
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a good match most of the way, but not great. Perhaps they made a mistake by putting Nia Jax in there because it’s a lot of work to be in there for 40 minutes and I think they could have put somebody like Raquel Rodriguez in that spot instead. Most WWE WarGames matches are around the four-star level to me, and I think this was a level below that. It’s not an easy match to do and there were some slow spots, but trying to go nearly 40 minutes with 10 women is a tough thing. The final parts when all ten women were in there was obviously the best part because that’s when you can win the match. WarGames matches are better when the heels have the advantage, so in this match, it was the babyfaces in advantage and that hurts it a bit. The faces got some big moves including the spot where Jax was put through a table so that took her out. They also took out Raquel by handcuffing her, so Ripley finished off for the win. I picked the heel team to win just because the babyface women won the last two years, but the creative team decided to go with the faces winning again. I understand it because it’s Ripley beating Morgan to set up a future Women’s World Title match most likely.
After the match, the five babyface women climbed to the top of the cage to celebrate the victory.
There were commercials for WWE Shop and Elimination Chamber in Toronto on March 1st, which I might be at.
The announced attendance was 17,828 people as mentioned by Michael Cole.
It was LA Knight defending the US Title against Shinsuke Nakamura up next. A video package aired to set it up.
Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance with his remixed theme song to differentiate his character from the guy he was in the past. LA Knight got a good ovation for his entrance…yeah.
United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
It started with Nakamura in control throwing strikes. They left the ring where Nakamura sent Knight into the barricade a few times. Knight came back by ramming Nakamura’s head (arms) into the ring apron. They were back in the ring when Knight hit a boot to the face followed by an elbow drop to the back while Nakamura was against the ropes. Nakamura sent Knight face first into the turnbuckle. Nakamura hit an elbow strike followed by a dropkick for two. Nakamura hit a running knee lift to the ribs while Knight was against the turnbuckle. Nakamura charged, which led to Knight hitting a stun gun into the top rope. Knight hit a DDT for two. Nakamura hit a kick to the chest, but Knight came back with a Burning Hammer slam off the shoulders for two. They did a spot by the turnbuckle where Knight jumped to the top, but Nakamura avoided it and tripped him up. Nakamura hit a jumping kick to the back of the neck while Knight was on the turnbuckle. Nakamura gave Knight a reverse Exploder off the top so it was like a moonsault bump for Knight and it got a two count for Nakamura. Nakamura charged, Knight avoided him and Knight hit a spinning slam. Knight jumped to the top leading to a top rope elbow. Knight teased a BFT and Nakamura fell outside the ring so they were between the two rings. Knight tried a suplex, but Nakamura did an eye gouge. Nakamura hit a reverse DDT on the steel that was between the two rings. Nakamura hit a running Kinshasa knee to the back of the head for the pinfall win at 9:46.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW US Champion: Shinsuke Nakamura
Analysis: **3/4 It was okay for a match that was kept under ten minutes. Nakamura was booked like the clever heel with the cheap eye gouge leading to the reverse DDT on the steel and that led to Nakamura’s Kinshasa for the win. I wasn’t surprised by the title change because I mentioned in the preview that I thought LA Knight’s title reign was a bit boring at this point, so it freshens things up to put it on Nakamura. The weird thing is that Nakamura has only had two televised matches in six months and he’s a champion again. I certainly don’t mind Nakamura as a champion, though.
After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura celebrated with the US Title.
There was a video featuring the Alpha Academy group promoting True Classic t-shirts. When the camera panned down, they digitized Otis down below because he wasn’t wearing pants. Oh, what a comedy.
There was a video about WWE Monday Night Raw going to Los Angeles for the Netflix premiere episode on January 6th.
The UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad was shown at ringside.
It was Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser up next. A video aired to set it up.
Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
The first fall or submission wins a WWE triple threat match. There are no countouts and no submissions. They were in the far ring for this match.
Bron was in control of Sheamus with an overhead suplex. Kaiser brought a chair into the ring, Bron knocked it out of his hands and Bron hit a clothesline. Kaiser managed to get some offense on both guys including a running dropkick on Bron by the ropes. Kaiser set up the chair against the turnbuckle, but Bron and Sheamus were back up to deliver some strikes. Bron knocked Kaiser down with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus wanted forearms on Kaiser, but Bron stopped that with a clothesline on Sheamus. Kaiser hit a sliding dropkick while Bron was on the floor. Kaiser dropkicked Sheamus into the steel steps and Kaiser sent Sheamus into the commentary table. Bron went flying through the air with a shoulder tackle on Kaiser. Bron hit an overhead suplex on Kaiser on the floor. Bron was in control with punches. Bron hit a knee to the ribs on Sheamus followed some push-ups like uncle Scott Steiner. Sheamus was on his knees chopping Bron and delivering some punches to the gut. Sheamus came back with a powerslam on Bron for two because Kaiser broke up the pin. Kaiser and Sheamus went tumbling out of the ring to the floor where they exchanged punches. That was done to set up Bron jumping off the turnbuckle with a clothesline onto both guys on the commentary table. That’s always an awesome move when Bron does it. Bron tossed Sheamus over the barricade into the crowd. Bron picked up Kaiser, who did an eye gouge and Kaiser sent Bron into the steel steps. Sheamus popped up behind Kaiser from behind the barricade and Sheamus hit Kaiser with a bunch of forearms to the chest. Sheamus worked over Bron with more forearms to the chest. Sheamus hit a double clothesline off the barricade onto both guys on the floor. Sheamus was in the ring while Kaiser was on the floor where he got the shillelagh that Sheamus uses. Sheamus took the shillelagh and clotheslined Kaiser over the barricade.
Bron called “old man” Sheamus into the ring for a fight. Bron and Sheamus exchanged punches leading to Bron hitting a knee to the jaw. Sheamus crotched Bron onto the top rope. Sheamus hit the Celtic Cross (Razor’s Edge) on Bron for a two count. They went back to the turnbuckle where it was Bron’s turn and he hit a top rope Frankensteiner. Bron tried to follow with a Spear, but Sheamus sent Bron into the steel chair against the turnbuckle. Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick for two because Kaiser pulled referee Eddie Orengo out of the ring. It was within the rules of the match, so it was smart and it also led to booing by the fans. Sheamus left the ring, so Kaiser hit Sheamus with the shillelagh repeatedly. Back in the ring, Sheamus managed to hit a knee strike to the jaw on Kaiser for just two because Kaiser got his left shoulder. All three guys were down selling. Sheamus went for an attack, but then he sold a rib injury. Kaiser hit a rolling senton on Sheamus. Kaiser went for another move, Sheamus countered, Kaiser hit him in the ribs and Kaiser hit a DDT on Sheamus. Bron was back up and he hit a massive Spear on Kaiser to send Kaiser out of the ring. Bron set up in the corner, he charged and Bron nailed Sheamus with a massive Spear. Bron pinned Sheamus for the pinfall win at 14:26.
Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker
Analysis: **** That was an awesome match that was full of action from the moment the bell rang. There were a lot of counters throughout the match, that nearfall for Sheamus on Bron was amazing and then Kaiser stopped the pin by pulling the referee out of the ring. They timed everything so well throughout the match. I like how much the crowd got behind Sheamus wanting to see him finally get the IC Title, but it didn’t happen here. Bron hit that huge Spear on Kaiser to knock him out of the ring and Bron followed up with another Spear on Sheamus for the win, which worked well because Sheamus was selling a rib injury. The fans were really into this match, which is not a shock since it was such a fun match.
There was a commercial for the Royal Rumble on February 1st in Indianapolis.
It’s NXT Deadline next Saturday, December 7 for the last WWE PLE of the year.
The World Heavyweight Title match between champion Gunther and former champion Damian Priest was up next, so there was a video package.
World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest
A graphic informed us that Gunther has been World Champion for 119 days. It’s his third title defense as champion and he has a 43-3 singles record since April 2022.
There was a slow feeling out process in the first few minutes. Gunther hit Priest with forearm smashes followed by Priest hitting a shoulder tackle. Priest sore while moving his shoulder around as Gunther watched from the floor. Priest kicked Gunther in the body along with the ear clap. Priest came back with a slam that sent Gunther into the mat, which led to Priest selling the left shoulder again. The referee Rod Zapata checked on Priest, so Gunther kicked Priest in the left arm. Gunther sent Priest’s left shoulder into the ring post. Gunther sent Priest hard into the barricade. Gunther sent Priest’s left shoulder into the ring post again. Gunther broke the referee’s count and went back out to punch the left arm of Priest. Back in the ring, Gunther jumped onto the left arm and kicked Priest in the ribs. Gunther kicked Priest in the left arm. Gunther took down Priest with a hammerlock leading to a knee to the left arm. Gunther grounded Priest face first on the mat while pulling back on Priest’s arms. When Priest got back up, he delivered strikes with his right arm while Gunther hit some chops. Priest managed to hit a jumping enziguri kick to the head. Priest was fired up as he hit some punches to the head followed by a jumping elbow against the turnbuckle. Priest hit a flatliner into the mat for two. Gunther tried to hit a Powerbomb, but Priest got out of it. Priest tried a lift, Gunther got out of it and Priest applied the Triangle Choke submission, but Gunther tried a pin attempt to get out of it. Priest picked up Gunther overhead, Gunther slipped out of it and Gunther applied the dreaded sleeper on Priest. Gunther gave Priest a Powerbomb with a leaning pin for a two count.
Gunther went to the top rope to attempt a move, but Priest was there to stop him. Priest hit an impressive hurricanrana off the top rope. Priest hit a Razor’s Edge for a two count. Priest covered with his back on Gunther and a weak leg hook. Priest went for South of Heaven, but Gunther slipped out of it and Gunther hit a chop. Priest went for South of Heaven again and Priest couldn’t lift him. Gunther took down Gunther with a Kimura Lock on the left arm along with Gunther wrapping his legs around the head, but Priest fought back and got his hand on the bottom rope to break the hold. Gunther was back up with a lefty clothesline along with a righty clothesline. Priest avoided a clothesline leading to Priest hitting his own clothesline. Priest hit a running clothesline for two. Priest went up top, so Gunther hit the ropes to trip up Priest on the top turnbuckle. Gunther wanted a superplex, Priest shoved him down and Priest bumped to the floor. Priest said “give me a second” to the referee. Graves said he thought Priest said “it’s out” referring to the shoulder. The referee was checking on Gunther, so Finn Balor showed up and hit a double foot stomp off the steps onto Priest on the floor. Gunther hit a running boot on Balor on the floor. Back in the ring, Gunther hit a Powerbomb. Gunther nailed Priest with repeated elbows to the chest. Gunther applied a sleeper while trapping the left arm and Priest passed out, so the referee called for the bell to give Gunther the win. It went 19:21.
Winner by submission: GUNTHER
Analysis: ***3/4 I liked the match since there was a story from beginning to end with Priest selling the left shoulder/arm injury throughout the match. When Gunther beat Priest for the World Title at SummerSlam, he got the win because of Finn Balor in that match and Gunther beat Priest again in part because of Balor getting involved in the match. Gunther has shown he can win a match in a lot of different ways and he proved it again here with a sleeper while also trapping the arm at the same time. I was not surprised by Gunther winning because I expected that. I thought the Priest-Balor rivalry may have been done, but I guess not.
After the match, Gunther stood proudly in the ring with the World Title while Balor looked on from the aisle. Priest was in the ring holding onto his left arm to sell the injury
There was a commercial for Saturday Night’s Main Event in two weeks on December 14th on NBC and Peacock. I love that classic music.
There are two matches confirmed for the Saturday Night’s Main Event show.
* Women’s US Title Tournament Finals
* Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship vs. Kevin Owens
Here is what WWE is advertising for Monday’s Raw:
* The New Day’s 10-year anniversary celebration. The graphic just has Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, but not Big E.
* Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament begins.
There was a Slim Jim commercial featuring LA Knight and Jey Uso. Yeah. Yeet. Oh yeah.
A video aired showing the ten men in the WarGames Match introducing themselves similar to NFL games on NBC. Some of them were funny like Jacob Fatu shouting “I love you, Solo.” It was a good idea to do that.
The video package aired for the Men’s Wargames Match.
Solo Sikoa led his version of The Bloodline for the match and all of them walked out to the arena together. It was Solo Sikoa along with Tama Tonga, Tonga, Loa, Jacob Fatu and Bronson Reed. They chose to send Tama Tonga to the ring to start the match.
Sami Zayn was up first and he got a huge pop from his fellow Canadians. Graves criticized The OG Bloodline team for entering individually while Solo’s team entered the arena together. Jimmy Uso was up next to a mind reaction. There was a huge pop for CM Punk making his entrance for his first WWE Wargames Match. Punk returned to WWE one year ago at Survivor Series. Punk shoved Fatu in the face while he was in the shark cage. Roman Reigns was next for his team, which might surprise people who think that maybe he should have gone on last. A lot of fans acknowledged Reigns for his entrance. Jey Uso was up last for his team and the fans loved him as always. Jey went down to the ring to start the match.
Men’s WarGames Match: The Original Bloodline – Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & CM Punk vs. The New Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, Tonga Loa & Bronson Reed
It was Jey Uso starting for the OG Bloodline and Tama Tonga for the new Bloodline team. Tama took his time starting the match. Jey worked over Tama with uppercut punches along with an enziguri kick. Tama avoided Jey’s move leading to a running clothesline. Tama hit a slam that was like a Falcon Arrow. Tama worked over Jey with punches. Tama did a slingshot senton on Jey. There were some punches by Jey and Tama came back with a whip into the turnbuckle. Tama hit a running splash along with a pin attempt, but there are no pins until everybody is in the match. The fans chanted “you f**ked up” at Tama. That was funny by the fans. Jey came back with an enziguri kick to the back along with a running hip attack against the turnbuckle.
Next up for the heel Bloodline group was the Australian powerhouse Bronson Reed. When Reed got to ringside, he sent a half dozen chairs into the ring. Jey threw two chairs at Reed and Reed punched a third chair. Reed ran over Jey with a running body attack. Reed beat up Jey with some chair shots to the body. Reed slammed Tama onto Jey and Reed hit a senton back splash on Jey. Reed and Tama worked over Jey with kicks. Tama and Reed each hit running splashes on Jey.
Jimmy Uso was next for the babyface OG Bloodline group. Jimmy got into the ring where he delivered kicks for both opponents. The Usos hit some double team kicks and uppercuts. Jimmy kicked Reed and hit an uppercut on Tama. Jimmy hit a corkscrew moonsault off the top onto both opponents. Jey hit a corner splash on Reed. Jimmy and Jey each did the classic ten punch combo on their opponents. The Usos sent Reed crashing into the cage.
It looked like Tonga Loa would be next, but Solo called for Jacob Fatu to enter the match. Fatu is cousins with The Usos and they all have the same last name. Fatu sent Jimmy over the top into the cage. Jey hit a Samoan Drop on Fatu, who kipped up and Fatu hit a spinning elbow smash. Fatu hit a running splash on Jimmy against the cage. Fatu: “I love you Solo!” It sounded like a “f**k you Solo” chant from the crowd. Fatu hit an incredible cartwheel on Jimmy leading to a moonsault on Jey. Reed and Tama got back into it leading into a triple team back body drop on Jey. Reed, Fatu and Tama all hit charging attacks on Jimmy against the cage.
The third man for The OG Bloodline looked like it might be CM Punk, but Roman Reigns blocked Punk from leaving and Sami Zayn made his entrance as the sixth man in the match. Zayn was aggressive with a leapfrog over Tama leading to a clothesline. Zayn trapped Reed against the turnbuckle leading to repeated punches. Punk was shown in the cage standing away from Reigns. Zayn tried a cross body block on Fatu, but Fatu caught him, so Jimmy nailed Fatu with a superkick. Zayn and Jimmy did their classic handshake leading to a hug. The fans chanted “Sami Uso” while Punk and Reigns waited in their cage. Reed worked over Jimmy with punches and Fatu knocked Zayn down. Reed headbutted Jey down. Fatu hit an Implant DDT on Jimmy. That led to the next entrant.
The fourth entrant for the new Bloodline was Tonga Loa, who is the brother of Tama Tonga. Loa brought a table into the ring. Loa grabbed another table from under the ring and handed it to Fatu. The heels were in control with a 4-on-3 advantage. Reed kicked Jey to knock him down. Fatu sent Jimmy against the cage. Loa splashed Zayn against the cage. Fatu hit an impressive double jump moonsault off the top rope. That guy is incredible and makes it look so easy. Tama hit a running kick on Jimmy. The clock ticked down for the next man.
It was CM Punk time because he stepped in front of Roman Reigns, who looked like he wanted to get in there. Punk went on the steel steps, then he stopped himself and went down to the floor. Punk brought a toolbox into the ring. Punk used the toolbox to hit all four members of the new Bloodline team. Punk hit Loa with the toolbox repeatedly. Punk hit a running knee on Reed. Punk hit running knees on Tama and Fatu as well. Punk hit a bulldog on Fatu, but Fatu no sold it (don’t try to hit a Samoan in the head!) and Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop on Punk. Reed hit a running forearm on Zayn and tossed Zayn into the cage. The heels worked over Jey with punches and chops.
Team captain Solo Sikoa was last for his new Bloodline team. Solo left the cage and told Reigns he’ll show him what the Tribal Chief is. When Solo got down to the ring, he slammed the door on his brother Jey and Solo slammed the door on his brother Jimmy as well. Solo hit a Spinning Solo slam on Zayn. Tama & Loa hit a double team neckbreaker on Jimmy and Tama & Loa did it to Jey as well. Fatu hit a double jump moonsault onto both Usos at the same time. Reed hit a Tsunami splash off the top rope onto Zayn. Punk was surrounded by the five heels and they beat up Punk with strikes. Solo had a steel chain and used it to lock the door. It was Solo’s own lock. The clock ticked down from there for Roman Reigns up last.
Roman Reigns was the last man up for his OG Bloodline team. When Reigns got down to the ring, he tried to open the door, but it was locked. Reigns realized he had to climb over the top of the cage to get into it. When Reigns reached the top, he was met by Tama and Loa, so Reigns punched them. Reed went after Reigns and Reigns sent Reed face first into the cage. Reigns hit a cross body block off the top rope onto the five opponents. Reigns was in the cage so let the WarGames officially begin.
Reigns was standing tall in the near ring as he picked up the members of his OG Bloodline team. Reigns helped The Usos back up to their feet, but he didn’t help Punk, so Punk got in Roman’s face. The Wise Man Paul Heyman made his way down to the ring with a suit. Heyman shouted that they bring the best out of eachother and “this is WarGames” without a microphone and the ring announcer Alicia Taylor announced: “Let the WarGames begin.”
The ten wrestlers faced off in the two rings and then they started fighting in the middle of the two rings. Zayn chopped Reed followed by Zayn hitting an impressive Tornado DDT off the top rope. The Usos hit superkicks on Tama and Loa at the same time. The Usos each went up top and hit Uso Splashes on Tama & Loa at the same time. Fatu headbutted Jey while Solo sent Jey into the cage. Solo and Fatu faced off against Reigns and Punk in the far ring. Reigns avoided a Samoan Spike while Punk countered Fatu. Punk lifted up Fatu, Reigns ran the ropes and Reigns hit a Spear on Punk by accident because Solo moved. Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Reigns for a two count. Reed hit a Death Valley Driver on Punk. Fatu went for a move off the top, but he slipped and Fatu was grabbing his right knee like it was hurt. Reed hit a splash on Punk after that. Loa tossed Jimmy into the steel cage. Fatu stayed against the turnbuckle in front of the cage. Fatu was limping around on his bad right knee and Reigns hit a low blow on Fatu. Reigns hit a Spear on Solo. Reed hit a superkick on Reigns. Reed set up Reigns on a table. Reed climbed to the top of the cage where a platform was. Reed jumped off the top of the cage, Punk pulled Reigns off the top and Reed hit a Tsunami Splash through the table! That was a crazy leap by Reed while Punk helping Reigns shows that Punk helped Reigns when he needed it most. The fans chanted “CM Punk” for Punk while Reigns looked around. Reigns picked up Punk off the mat. Fatu was back up with a forearm to Reigns and a superkick to Punk. Reigns knocked down Fatu and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Reigns. The Usos broke up the pin attempt with a double superkick. Fatu was hobbling around on the bad right knee and The Usos hit the 1D on Fatu. The fans popped huge for that. Jey put Fatu on a table in the ring, but Loa was back up and Jey hit Loa with a Spear. Tama punched Jey and sent Jey into the cage. Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on Tama. Jimmy was on the top rope and then he went to the top of the cage. Jimmy took a long time to get up there and he jumped off with an Uso Splash to put Fatu through the table. I thought for sure Fatu was going move there, but he took it. That was a great spot.
Zayn picked up both Usos and they went into the ring where Reigns and Punk here. Zayn picked Punk back up while the Usos helped cousin Reigns up. Jey said: “Let’s finish this shit.” Solo was surrounded by the OG Bloodline and Punk while Solo’s teammates were down. Solo claimed he was still the Tribal Chief so each Uso hit a superkick and then there was a double superkick. Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Solo. Punk hit GTS on Solo. Reigns hit a Spear on Solo for the one…two…and three. It went 41:55.
Winners by pinfall: The Original Bloodline – Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & CM Punk
Analysis: ****1/4 I enjoyed the match quite a bit. These matches are always good when the men do it and this one didn’t disappoint. They did a lot of high spots and used weapons throughout the match. I thought Jacob Fatu was the star of the match even though his team didn’t win. I also am concerned that Jacob may have hurt his knee hitting that twisting move off the turnbuckle, so I hope Jacob is going to be okay after that. Anyway, there was that tense moment where Reigns hit Punk with a Spear by accident, so that was a good spot to do because it teases that there could have been issues. Moments later, Punk saved Reigns from a Tsunami through the table, so it showed that Punk was a good guy after all. I like how the finish was done with the Reigns team all hitting their big moves on Solo to put him away decisively. Reigns getting the win on Solo was the right way to end it. I thought Roman’s would win, so I’m glad they did.
After the match, the foursome of Roman Reigns, both Usos and Sami Zayn had a group hug. Jimmy hugged Punk and Jey hugged Punk too. Zayn also hugged Punk. Zayn and The Usos hugged Punk together while Reigns watched from a distance.
There were replays of the key spots of the match.
As the winners stood together, Zayn told Reigns they won the match and they won with him (Punk) by their side. Reigns extended a hand to Punk and Punk shook the hand. The fans popped for that while Paul Heyman was in the background looking happy about it.
Roman Reigns held up his hand in the air while Zayn and The Usos did as well. Punk did his “go to sleep” hand gesture. Cole said that The Original Bloodline won the match, but Solo Sikoa wears the Ula Fala and is still the Tribal Chief.
The five winners all left the ring and CM Punk hugged the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman. Punk said when he needs the favor, he’s going to come ask. Heyman told Punk “it’s yours.” Zayn hugged Heyman also. Reigns was last to leave the ring, the touched Heyman on the side of his head and Heyman appreciated that. Roman Reigns walked up the aisle followed by The Usos and Zayn. Jimmy was selling a bit of a knee injury. Reigns hugged Jimmy.
The five-man team of Roman Reigns, The Usos & Sami Zayn did their “acknowledge” pose again while Punk had his hand in the GTS position. Paul Heyman was standing by with them. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: For the people hoping for some surprise turn or attack between this babyface team, it didn’t happen. There was a lot of staring and acknowledging, but that was it.
☝️☝️😴☝️🙏☝️#SurvivorSeries#WarGamespic.twitter.com/l4MBjdghAJ
— WWE (@WWE) December 1, 2024
A video package aired showing highlights of the show.
WWE Survivor Series had a runtime of 3 hours, 35 minutes.
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Five Stars of the Show
- The Original Bloodline Team
- Bron Breakker/Sheamus/Ludwig Kaiser
- Gunther
4, Team Ripley
- Damian Priest
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Final Thoughts
I’m going 7.75 out of 10 for this show.
I enjoyed the show, but it didn’t blow me away as some all-time great show or anything like that. The Men’s WarGames match delivered a clean win for the faces without any controversy or surprises. The Women’s WarGames match wasn’t as good, but I admire some of the risks that were taken and the effort by everybody involved.
For the fans who want twists, turns, and surprises, there wasn’t any of that. Last year we got CM Punk’s return at Survivor Series and this year it was lacking in surprises. It doesn’t bother me, but I know some fans love that stuff.
Since this is the last main roster WWE PLE of the year, I’ll also add that I think this was one of the strongest years in WWE PPV/PLE history in terms of how good these shows were. My lowest rated is a 7.25, and my highest is 8.5, so it shows how close a lot of them were.
Here are my rankings of WWE PLE’s in 2024:
WrestleMania 40 – 8.5 (out of 10)
SummerSlam – 8.5
Backlash France – 8
Bash In Berlin – 8
Money in the Bank – 7.75
Royal Rumble – 7.75
Survivor Series – 7.75
King And Queen Of The Ring – 7.75
Bad Blood – 7.5
Elimination Chamber – 7.5
Crown Jewel – 7.25
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As a reminder, I have a listing of every WWE PPV that I reviewed in order by year. Thank you for supporting us at TJRWrestling. We appreciate you.
Thanks for reading this review. My contact info is below.
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
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