WWE Survivor Series 2013 Review

The 27th WWE Survivor Series came at a time when the WWE roster was mixing in new talent along with some of the veterans in the company.

Some of those new talents were The Shield trio of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, who debuted in WWE one year earlier. In addition to The Shield, The Wyatt Family trio led by Bray Wyatt made a big impact immediately upon their arrival. Meanwhile, veteran main eventers WWE Champion Randy Orton and World Heavyweight Champion John Cena were busy on this show with title defenses.

Here’s the WWE Network synopsis on the show.

“Randy Orton puts the WWE Championship on the line against The Big Show. John Cena defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio. CM Punk & Daniel Bryan battle the Wyatt Family. WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Goldust team with The Usos & Rey Mysterio to compete in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match.”

This was originally written in 2013 when the show took place and I’ve added some additional thoughts in blue font as well.

Here’s the banner I used at the time of the show and the DVD.

WWE Survivor Series
From TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
November 24, 2013

The Kickoff Match was The Miz defeating Kofi Kingston. After the match, Kingston slapped Miz in the face when Miz wanted a handshake, so that story is continuing. Congrats to The Miz for continuing to be the most “must see” Kickoff Match wrestler in WWE.

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were the first people we saw as they delivered a promo by the entrance. They welcomed us to the show and guaranteed no interference in the WWE Title match. Hunter said there would be no physical interference in any match. He mentioned the first match is the 5 on 5 elimination match. Good choice. He asked Boston if they’re ready and that set us up for the video package. I like that they only spoke for two minutes.

The video package set up some of the key events for the show. As they showed shots of the crowd, Michael Cole welcomed us to the show. Joining him on commentary are Jerry Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield like usual.

The order of entrants for the 5 on 5 elimination tag was as follows: Rey Mysterio, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Goldust & Cody Rhodes. The Spanish announce team is there with Ricardo Rodriguez joining them. Good luck to their table surviving the event. The Real Americas were first for the heel team as Zeb Colter did a promo mocking the people of Boston. He mocked them for cheering a foreign guy like David Ortiz. Good heat for that. Cody Rhodes cut him off saying nobody wanted to see him talk or twerk and he even twerked. Can somebody let me know when the word “twerking” goes away? Please and thank you. The Shield entered last.

Elimination Tag Team Match: Rey Mysterio, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. Antonio Cesaro, Jack Swagger, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns

Cody and Dean started it off as Cole mentioned that The Shield debuted at Survivor Series last year. Ambrose was really aggressive. He got in the ref’s face and Cody rolled him up to eliminate Ambrose after just three minutes of action.

Dean Ambrose eliminated by Cody Rhodes

I didn’t expect that quick elimination. The action broke down with the faces clearing the ring of the heels. The Usos hit dives on the four heels left in the match. Jey connected on one side of the ring and Jimmy hit his dive on the other side. Swagger isolated Goldust in their corner as the heels made some quick tags to control the action. Swagger Bomb and then a Cesaro tag leading to a double stomp on Goldust. Goldust hit a backslide for two and then a DDT on Cesaro, but Cesaro prevented a tag with a gutwrench suplex. Goldust fought out with an impressive sunset flip. Goldust tagged in Mysterio, who took it to Swagger with his bulldog and a headscissors. Mysterio hit the 619 to Swagger, then Jimmy Uso hit a superkick and Jey Uso tagged in with a splash to pin Swagger.

Jack Swagger eliminated by Jey Uso

Cesaro nailed Jey with a huge uppercut for two. Cesaro Swing time as the crowd counted along for about 15 times. Jimmy ran in and Cesaro gave him the Cesaro Swing too for about 20 times. Cody tagged in, he gave Cesaro a sunset flip and that was enough to pin him. That was about 11 minutes into the match.

Antonio Cesaro eliminated by Cody Rhodes

It’s now 5 on 2 for the babyfaces. Reigns and Rollins were alone for their team. Perfect way to build the heels into bigger stars. Lots of quick tags for Reigns & Rollins as they worked over Jey in their corner. Back body drop to Rollins outside the ring. Jimmy tagged in to face off with Reigns, who he put down with a Samoan Drop. Running corner splash by Jimmy with Cole mentioning that they are Rikishi’s sons like he always does. Reigns countered Jimmy’s top rope splash by getting his knees up. Reigns hit a Spear on Jimmy to eliminate him after 15 minutes.

Jimmy Uso eliminated by Roman Reigns

Cody entered for his team as Rollins tagged in for his. Moonsault by Cody got him a two count. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Rollins, but Reigns made the blind tag. Reigns Spear on Cody eliminated him after 16 minutes.

Cody Rhodes eliminated by Roman Reigns

Jey Uso entered for his team and he threw Reigns into the barricade outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jey missed the top rope cross body block. Rollins tagged in and hit a curb stomp on Jey to eliminate him after 17 minutes.

Jey Uso eliminated by Seth Rollins

It was 5 on 2. It’s now 2 on 2. Three quick eliminations in a row. Mysterio with a hard kick to the head of Rollins for two. Rollins hit a running dropkick in the corner. Reigns tagged in and threw Mysterio out of the ring under the bottom ropes with Mysterio taking the bump on his chest as he’s been known to do. Back in the ring, Reigns missed a corner charge. Rollins tagged in, Mysterio went on his shoulders and rolled him up to eliminate him via pinfall at 20 minutes.

Seth Rollins eliminated by Rey Mysterio

Rollins got in some cheap shots on Mysterio before leaving. Reigns was the last guy left for his team. Reigns trash talked Rey by saying “you came all the way back for this – to get jobbed out.” Maybe you shouldn’t say “jobbed out” but that’s okay. Mysterio enziguiri created some space. Drop toe hold by Rey and he tagged in Goldust. Goldust was on fire with ten punches in the corner as well as a powerslam for two. Top rope cross body by Goldust. Reigns broke free of a bulldog, they ran the ropes and Reigns hit a Spear on Goldust to eliminate him at 23 minutes.

Goldust eliminated by Roman Reigns

Rey jumped off the top rope on Reigns’ shoulders. He gave him the headscissors to set up the 619. Reigns was able to quickly recover and when Rey came bouncing off the ropes, Reigns destroyed him with a Spear. That was it at 23:23.

Rey Mysterio eliminated by Roman Reigns

Winner & Sole Survivor: Roman Reigns

Post match, Reigns received an ovation from the crowd out of respect. The announcers put over how incredible Reigns was in the match. They replayed the four Spears that Reigns used to win the match.

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a very good match as expected. I love these elimination tags, which is why I wish they did more of them on this show. Reigns was the expected survivor by me and most people that know how WWE tends to book these matches. Reigns is a star on the rise that was in there at the end with two veterans that have over 20 years of experience. It’s not like you should be putting over the older guys in a match like this. Veteran guys putting over young guys – that’s what the business is about. Reigns eliminated four guys in the match with a Spear. It reminded me of ten years ago when Randy Orton was in an elimination match like this, he was the sole survivor and obviously went on to great things including his first World Title in less than a year after that moment. This is the start of a push for Reigns, likely as a babyface. Ambrose could be jealous of him. Maybe Rollins stays heel. There are many ways they can go with it.

(This was when the monster push of Reigns was becoming obvious. The crowd liked The Shield even though they were technically heels going into this match, but they would become a face group over the next few months. Reigns was also impressive at the Royal Rumble two months later when he finished second to Batista and the crowd was strongly behind him in that match too.)

There was a commercial for the WWE 2K14 video game.

The Authority was in their office with Triple H, Kane & Stephanie McMahon talking about things. WWE Champion Randy Orton showed up. He asked if they’re all on the same page. Hunter gave him a pep talk saying he’s the WWE Champion and face of WWE. Stephanie told him to prove it. Randy left. Kane said nothing, but he had a nice red tie of course.

Intercontinental Championship: Big E Langston vs. Curtis Axel

There was a slow start to the match as Axel had trouble getting an advantage due to Langston’s power. Running shoulder tackle by Langston. Clothesline got him a two count. Axel escaped to the floor, then went back and sent Langston out of the ring after a shoulder block. Clothesline off the apron by Axel. Chinlock by Axel in the ring. Langston powered out, hit a couple of clotheslines and a belly to belly suplex. Big splash to the back by Langston. Axel kicked him in the knee and hit the Perfectplex for a two count. Axel wanted his neckbreaker finish, but Langston shoved him off and finished him with the Big Ending at 7:02.

Winner by pinfall: Big E Langston

Analysis: *1/2 They worked hard and did their best, but the crowd didn’t care too much. Nobody thought Axel was going to win, nor should they have. Langston winning in six minutes is better than going 12 minutes, though, so I liked that aspect of it. I’m not sure who Langston’s next feud is going to be with, but I expect a lengthy IC Title reign for him.

(It was a mini push for Big E as a singles guy. It didn’t last that long and he obviously found the best role for him with The New Day.)

Post match, the lovely Renee Young showed up to interview Langston in the ring. Langston sucked up to the Boston fans by saying their city’s name a couple of times and said when he won the IC Title it was like when the Boston Red Sox became World Series champions.

Analysis: That was page one out of the “wrestling cheap pops” book. Mick Foley must be proud of him.

Backstage, AJ Lee spoke to the women on her team while holding the butterfly Divas Title. She asked them if they’re ready. They let Rosa Mendes talk. She still works there? Kaitlyn spoke up to wonder why anybody would help AJ Lee. AJ said it’s not about whether they like her – it’s about them going against the Total Dias. “Start your own show by stealing this one tonight.” Pretty sure they won’t steal the show, but it’s a nice line anyway.

The Total Divas girls came out together to the Total Divas theme song. The heel team walked out to AJ Lee’s song. Light it up and so on.

Tag Team Elimination Match: Natalya, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Eva Marie, Jojo, Naomi & Cameron vs. AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Summer Rae & Aksana

Alicia hit a backbreaker on Naomi. Running boot to the face by Alicia, but Naomi came back with a back elbow. A split-legged moonsault by Naomi pinned Alicia. Alicia Fox eliminated by Naomi

Cameron tagged in against Rosa. The Funkadactyls hit a double suplex and a tag team leg drop. Cole talked about how Cameron has a few different personalities. I don’t think any of them can wrestle. Anyway, Cameron missed a corner charge and Rosa covered after that to win. Yes, that was an elimination. Wow. Cameron eliminated by Rosa Mendes

Nikki Bella walked in, gave Rosa the Bella Buster and pinned her. Rosa Mendes eliminated by Nikki Bella

Summer Rae entered the ring and danced to a big reaction. Nikki did a reverse worm. Summer danced like an idiot some more, so Nikki hit a dropkick to the face to pin her. A dropkick? Yes. That was also an elimination. Summer Rae eliminated by Nikki Bella

Eva Marie faced off with Kaitlyn. Fans were booing Eva Marie as she entered. Eva got no offense in as Kaitlyn hit a Gutbuster and pinned her. Eva Marie eliminated by Kaitlyn

Naomi hit a boot to the face of Kaitlyn. She went for an attack, but Kaitlyn caught her and hit a Gutbuster to pin her. Naomi eliminated by Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn went for a Spear on Brie Bella, but that didn’t work as Kaitlyn went crashing into the middle turnbuckle. Brie hit a missile dropkick to the ribs and that was enough to pin Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn eliminated by Brie Bella

Aksana faced off with Brie. AJ kneed Brie in the back when she was running the ropes. Aksana hit a Spinebuster on Brie to eliminate her. Brie Bella eliminated by Aksana

Nikki entered for her team, put Aksana on her shoulders and gave her a modified backbreaker. She covered for the win. Aksana eliminated by Nikki Bella

Tamina entered for her team against Nikki and used her power early on with a suplex. Nikki hit a kick to the arm to free herself. She was looking for Natalya, but Tamina knocked her off the apron. Jojo tagged in as Cole mentioned she doesn’t have a lot of experience. Yeah, but she’s on a reality show so she gets to be in a PPV match. It’s WWE logic. The crowd cheered as Jojo went for a cross body block and a rollup got her a two count. Good spot. Clothesline by Tamina. Samoan Drop by Tamina, who tagged in AJ for her first action of the night. She covered Jojo to eliminate her. Jojo eliminated by AJ Lee

Natalya entered as Cole said she was trying to be the sole survivor for her team. I guess he forgot about Nikki. Tamina attacked Natalya in the corner. She went for a Superfly Splash, but Natalya moved out of the way. Natalya applied the Sharpshooter. Tamina tapped out. Tamina eliminated by Natalya

AJ attacked Natalya immediately. Cole said AJ and Natalya were trying to be sole survivors. He forgot about Nikki, who was there on the apron to prevent Tamina from interfering. Natalya was able to counter a rollup attempt into a Sharpshooter. AJ tapped out. The match went 11:29. AJ Lee eliminated by Natalya

Winners: Natalya & Nikki Bella

Analysis: * That was one of the most rushed elimination matches you’re ever going to see. There were 12 eliminations in 12 minutes. The last three women that took part in the match were three of the better ones, so in terms of organization it was done the right way. Some of the eliminations were on really basic moves that it didn’t come off that well. At least it ended on the right note. Natalya winning should lead to another Divas Title shot for her in the near future.

(I think one star might be generous. It was way too rushed.)

The WWE Champion Randy Orton walked up to referee Charles Robinson. He spoke to him about how they’re buddies. Orton asked Robinson to call his WWE Title match right down the middle. Orton: “You get what I’m trying to say, right?” Robinson told him he’ll do what The Authority said.

The next PPV is TLC on December 15 in Houston. I usually like that event with the stipulation matches. It has a different feel to it.

The Survivor Series panel is made up of Josh Mathews, Mick Foley, Booker T and Bret Hart. It’s three Hall of Famers plus Josh Mathews. The biggest ovation was for Bret Hart. They were about to talk when Ryback’s music started up. Ryback said he was there to shut up the old-timers on the panel. He said he can intimidate everybody, but he wasn’t a bully. He issued an open challenge to anybody that wants to come out to face him. Long pause.

Mark Henry’s music started up as the World’s Strongest Man made his return. It’s a WrestleMania rematch. Remember when Henry won that match and Ryback ended up getting a WWE Title shot? That was some WWE logic flashback for ya. Henry’s been out with a torn hamstring. He shaved his head, which is a good move because it was receding for many years. Just saying.

Mark Henry vs. Ryback

Henry shoved Ryback down. Ryback came back with a splash and some boots to the face to keep Henry down. Suplex by Ryback as the announcers were shocked he could hit a suplex. A Ryback charge missed due to Henry moving out of the way. Henry hit a JYD-like headbutt. That’s a nice tribute to the late Junkyard Dog. Ryback clipped the back of his knee. Henry hit a clothesline followed by a powerslam for two. Ryback hit a spinebuster that was very impressive. Ryback went for the Meat Hook Clothesline, but Henry countered by leaping with a cross body block. That was unique! Henry finished him off with the World’s Strongest Slam at 4:46.

Winner by pinfall: Mark Henry

Analysis: * Henry’s better as a heel, but it makes sense that he’s a babyface because he’s been in the company for over 17 years. Fans know him. They’re going to cheer him if he’s booked the right way. I’m not sure what is in Ryback’s future. Ryback has lost so much of late that he’s lost a lot of credibility. A face turn may happen, but I’m not sure if that is the plan.

(Boring match and the younger guy did the job. These guys did not have good chemistry together.)

The Hall of Fame panel spoke about what’s happened. Booker said people should look out because Mark Henry is back. Bret said Del Rio is going to try to exploit Cena’s injury. Foley spoke about Cena’s heart and will.

The Cena/Del Rio match gets a video package. I hit fast forward. When we returned back to the show, Cena was talking to a trainer about not wearing a sleeve on the surgically repaired elbow. Del Rio made his entrance followed by Cena, who was in his hometown or at least his home state. Lilian Garcia did the introductions with both guys in the ring at the same time.

World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio was aggressive early on as the dueling Cena chants started up with Del Rio hitting a suplex and then a clothesline. Double axehandle off the top rope by Del Rio onto the left arm of Cena. Outside the ring, Del Rio whipped Cena into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Del Rio hit the double ax again for two. Cena fought back, but then he missed a charge in the corner. Del Rio with a kick to the arm. Cena hit one shoulder tackle, but Del Rio ducked out of the way of another one. Outside the ring, Del Rio threw Cena into the security wall. Back in the ring, clothesline by Del Rio for two. Backstabber by Del Rio for two. Del Rio went to the top, but that didn’t lead to anything because Cena connected with a dropkick.

Cena hit the spinning suplex. He wanted the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Del Rio countered with a kick and hit a DDT for two. The story of the match has been about how every time Cena tries to come back, Del Rio slows him down. Del Rio missed a charge against the ropes, which sent him crashing on the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Cena with another spinning suplex and Five Knuckle Shuffle. Del Rio escaped the AA attempt and hit a bridging German Suplex for two. Each guy hit some counters until Cena won that battle with a Tornado DDT off the ropes for two. Good nearfall with that one. Cena went up top, so Del Rio kicked him in the head for a two count of his own. Del Rio missed a corner charge that saw him crashing into the spot. That spot has been popular on this show. Cena to the top and he hit a leg drop to the back of the head for two. Lawler was shocked that wasn’t a three count. Lawler has apparently forgotten the thousands of Cena matches he’s seen where Cena never won with that move. Del Rio with a backbreaker. Cena countered Del Rio into the STF, but Del Rio was able to make it to the ropes. Another nearfall for Del Rio after a hard kick to the face. Cena hit his full nelson slam into a neckbreaker for two. Cena went for a cross body block off the top, but Del Rio countered into the Cross Armbreaker on Cena’s left arm. Super Cena powered out of it. He doesn’t need the ropes. Del Rio went for the Cross Armbreaker again, but Cena escaped and hit the Attitude Adjustment. He covered for the pinfall at 18:49. I liked that “Jericho invented Boston” sign in the crowd. Just saying.

Winner by pinfall: John Cena

Post match, Cena greeted some friends and family at ringside including his father. Then he went to the back to watch Total Divas. Maybe.

Analysis: *** A long match that was very competitive and full of nearfalls. It was the easiest prediction to make on a show full of easy predictions. I’ve seen these two wrestle dozens of times including in person at multiple house shows. They even did that finish at a house show. It felt like one of those matches, but I give them credit for working hard for nearly 20 minutes. The problem is the crowd really didn’t believe Del Rio’s nearfalls or submission attempts. People don’t win rematches for a title. Fans are smart enough to know that. Del Rio will likely move out of the World Title picture, which he’s been a part of for most of this year. Cena moves on to the next one, whoever that may be.

(It was just an average match. There wasn’t a Cena vs. Del Rio match that ever really stood out even though they worked together a lot. The chemistry was okay, but not great.)

The guest host on Raw is Michael Strahan.

Backstage, Santino Marella and R-Truth were playing with WWE Power Slammers. Los Matadores showed up with El Torito. Fandango showed up too. John Laurinaitis showed up. He said “people power” and the adults continued to play their games.

Analysis: Laurinaitis showing up was a nice surprise. That’s about all I got from that other than it being an advertisement for some WWE toys.

Cole mentioned that Nikki was a survivor in the Divas match earlier along with Natalya. It took them a long time to correct that. Cole has heat with Cena now. I’m kidding.

There was a video package to set up the Wyatt Family vs. CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. The babyfaces made their intro first. Bray Wyatt did a promo about how there was nowhere left for them to run. The Wyatt Family made their entrance. Cole talked about how Punk & Bryan had the same kind of upbringing in sports entertainment. That’s true except you should say WRESTLING there. I know Cole is like a robot programmed to say things.

(Rest in peace, Luke Harper. Such a good man and a talented wrestler that is gone far too soon.)

CM Punk & Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan (w/Bray Wyatt)

Bryan and Rowan started it off. Usually, the babyface team is on the side of the ring facing the camera, but for this match the heels are. That’s likely because of Wyatt sitting in the rocking chair. Punk and Harper got their turn in there with Punk hitting a cross body block off the top. Rowan tagged in for his team and applied a bearhug on Punk. Tag to Bryan, but Rowan countered them with a double suplex. Bryan hit a series of kicks on Rowan leading to “yes” chants. Double back suplex by Bryan and Punk. More tag team moves by Bryan and Punk, but that ended after a Harper boot to Punk’s face. The heels made a lot of quick tags as they isolated Punk in their corner. While Rowan was standing on the apron, he was talking to his sheep mask. That’s madness. The quick tags continued as they prevented Punk from tagging in Bryan. Punk hit a Tornado DDT on Rowan. Punk made the hot tag to Bryan, who unleashed some kicks on Harper. Leaping clothesline by Bryan. Harper charged in, Bryan ducked and Bryan hit a Flying Goat dive on Harper outside the ring. Back in the ring, missile dropkick by Bryan. Bryan hit the running dropkick in the corner. Harper prevented the hurricanrana off the top with a Powerbomb. Great spot right there. Punk saved Bryan, so Rowan dumped Punk outside the ring. The crowd chanted “this is awesome” for that.

Rowan hit a big splash as the heels isolated Bryan followed by three body slams in a row. Is this a Big John Studd match? Harper tagged in to give us the matchup of “yes” vs. “yeahyeahyeah” with Harper hitting an impressive Dragon Suplex. What a spot. Harper went after Punk, but Punk kicked him in the head. Bryan made the hot tag to Punk, who hit a jumping side kick to Harper’s face, then the running knee, clothesline and then a dive onto Wyatt & Rowan on the floor. Back in the ring, neckbreaker for Harper followed by the Flying Elbow off the top rope for two. There was a “Randy Savage” chant for that. Good work, Boston. Rowan interfered, so Bryan hit him with his running knee. Harper went for his clothesline, but Punk caught him and hit the Go To Sleep. He covered for the win at 16:51.

Winners by pinfall: CM Punk & Daniel Bryan

Post match, it looked like Wyatt was going to confront Bryan and Punk. He stood on the apron as Bryan led the crowd in “yes” chants. Punk joined in on the yes chants as Wyatt left. That could be a future triple threat match.

Analysis: *** That was a really fun tag match with two big guys going against two talented smaller guys. Harper continues to really impress me with his array of offensive moves. Of course, being in there with Punk and Bryan helps anyone. Rowan is more of the traditional big guy that has power moves. My original thinking was that the Wyatt Family would go over, but after the way Smackdown ended with the heels having the advantage I went with the babyface team. It’s nice to see Bryan actually win a match clean on PPV without somehow getting screwed after it.

(It was upsetting that the popular duo of Punk and Bryan weren’t in a bigger match, but that’s what it was at this point. Punk quit the company two months later because he hated how things were going and he was too banged up to deal with the bullshit. Bryan ended up winning the Rumble…no wait…that didn’t happen. He should have won the Royal Rumble! Instead, they had him not even participate in the match and Bryan eventually found his way to the WrestleMania 30 main event where he became the WWE Champion again.)

There was a commercial for the “Christmas Bounty” movie starring The Miz that is on ABC Family channel for the next month.

John Cena was in The Authority’s office with the trainer that told them that Cena would be fine for Raw. Randy Orton walked in with the WWE Title. Cena left. Orton wondered what Cena was doing there.

Analysis: If Orton is worried that Cena will be picked as the “face of WWE” instead of him then he should have been paying closer attention for the last 8 years or so.

There was a video package for this Orton vs. Show feud that feels like Triple H vs. Show. Big Show made his entrance. I had a reader mention to me that they had a match at Extreme Rules earlier this year. I don’t even remember it. Orton made his entrance second. The champion should enter last even though WWE doesn’t always do that. Show’s reaction was okay, but guys like Punk, Bryan and Cena received bigger ovations during the show.

WWE Championship: Randy Orton vs. Big Show

As the match began, Cole said that the WWE Title is the most coveted championship in WWE that is 50 years old. That’s a fair point. Orton tried to escape early on. He even got caught on the bottom rope trying to escape at one point. When Show got a hold of him, he hit some big chops to the chest. Some in the crowd were chanting “Daniel Bryan” as Show dropped an elbow to the chest. Show hit a splash in the corner, but when he ran the ropes Orton was able to recover with a dropkick. Orton applied a sleeper hold to help kill this crowd that actually woke up with a “boring” chant. Show fell back to break the hold. Show hit a shoulder block and wanted a Chokeslam, but Orton went outside the ring to escape. Show threw Orton into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Show tried to climb to the top rope and that was just a setup for Orton to hit his DDT off the ropes except Show’s feet touched the mat. The crowd booed that. Show recovered with a Chokeslam. That only got a two count. Orton escaped to the floor, the ref told them to get back in the ring and Show threw Orton into the ropes, which knocked down Robinson. Orton shoved Show into the ring post. Orton grabbed a chair, Show knocked it out of his hand and sent Orton over the railing. Orton stunned him on the security wall. Show gave Orton the KO Punch outside the ring. The ref was still down while the wrestlers were on the floor. Show rolled Orton back in the ring as Triple H’s music started up. Hunter walked out with Kane and Stephanie. Show was distracted by it. He turned around right into the RKO. Orton, who was just knocked out a minute earlier, stared at him while the crowd chanted for Daniel Bryan again. Orton hit the Punt kick to the skull and covered for the win at 11:10.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: *1/4 That didn’t feel like the main event of a major PPV. It felt like a TV match. It was short and below average. I wasn’t a big fan of the Triple H music playing to lead to the distraction. Even though Big Show has been wrestling for nearly 20 years he’s obviously distracted easily. That’s a problem with a lot of things in WWE lately – the babyfaces are booked like such idiots. When the fans are chanting “boring” and the names of other people it should tell WWE that what they put in the main event spot at Survivor Series didn’t work. I don’t mind Show, but he’s better as a heel at this point in his career.

(One of the most boring PPV main events you’re ever going to see.)

There was no physical interference as Triple H said. There was a visual interference, but they didn’t hit anybody. Orton posed with the WWE Title in the ring.

John Cena’s music hit and the World Champion walked down to the ring with his title. Cena went face to face with Orton while Hunter, Stephanie and Kane looked on from ringside. Orton held up the WWE Championship. Cena held up the World Championship.

Analysis: John Cena and Randy Orton on top. It’s not new. It’s not that fresh. But that’s how it is in WWE right now. I’m sure there are people thinking that they might have a unification match soon. That’s what some have thought for like 11 years. At some point, those people will be right. I think it’s okay to tease it at Survivor Series. They wanted to end the show with something fans might like rather than a heel ending. Nothing wrong with that. I’m going to wait until how they follow up on Raw before trying to figure out what’s next. We can all throw our theories out there, but there are so many ways that it can go that I think it’s a waste of time trying to guess.

(They ended up doing Orton vs. Cena at the next PPV in December called TLC and it unified the two World Titles that WWE had going at the time. Orton won that match.)

Final Thoughts

I give it a 5 out of 10. It was a very average show with three matches around the three-star level, but nothing was that memorable. The only thing I’ll really remember is that it was a big night for Roman Reigns. I hope WWE follows up on that.

If you read my PPV preview you would know I got every match correct. I didn’t get the exact survivors in the tag matches, but I got their teams right and specifically mentioned Reigns as well as Natalya as winners. I know it was an easy show to predict. I’m sure people reading this got perfect too. The reason I mention it is to point out that it was a very predictable show.

What this show did was set things up for the future. There’s going to be some sort of Orton vs. Cena match soon. It’s certainly possible for WrestleMania. Also, guys like Reigns & Langston are going to be a big part of things going forward. They’re the next “chosen ones” it looks like. It’s not about reading spoilers or rumors. Watch the shows. You can see it.

If you paid for this show were you happy with it? I didn’t love it. I watch it because I review it. I like writing about the product. My contact info is at the bottom of this column so let me know what you thought about the show and if you liked watching it or if you’re glad you avoided it.

Best Match: Antonio Cesaro, Jack Swagger, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns vs. Rey Mysterio, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Goldust & Cody Rhodes

Worst Match: Mark Henry vs. Ryback

Most Memorable Moment: The performance of Roman Reigns in the elimination tag team match.

Five Stars of the Show

1. Roman Reigns

2. Daniel Bryan

3. CM Punk

4. Luke Harper

5. John Cena

That’s all for me. Check out the full list of my WWE PPV Review archive right here. Thanks for reading.

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My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com