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Introduction:
Survivor Series has long been one of my favorite PPV’s of the year. There have been many great moments in the events franchise history. From the Gobbly Gooker to the debut of the Undertaker to Hell in a Cell matches to the old school four man team battles it has been a great night on many occasions. And now, without further a due, here is PPB by the Numbers…
Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels (WWE Championship)
This match I think will be the one putting the butts in the seats yet I am not so sure if it is going to live up to expectations. With the DQ vs. Super Kick stipulation and the fact that Michaels was eluding to the fact that he may use “submission” style tactics, this just seems to reek of the Montreal Screwjob. It would be more than appropriate since it is the anniversary of the Hart/Michaels match. However, the one thing I am unclear of is who will be screwed. It would be an interesting storyline either way. Michaels repeating his “stealing” of the belt (whether he knew it or not) or Orton “stealing” the win to finally have what happened to Bret, happen to Shawn, is a good story. My bet is that Vincent K is going to be involved in this match at the end; I’m just not sure which side he’ll be on. As far as the in-ring performance goes, these two have given great matches before and will again.
3/5 Bonsai Drops
10 Divas Tag Match
I like the idea of a female survivor series match on the card. Unfortunately, the talent pool right now is lackluster at best. Beth Phoenix to me is still very green. McCool, Maria, and Jillian Hall just can’t seem to get athletically better. Torrie Wilson used to be a fair competitor but she seems to have reversed to her old “playboy” days. Mickie James and Victoria are going to really have to hold this thing together to make it work at all.
2/5 Bonsai Drops
Batista vs. Undertaker (Hell in a Cell, World Championship)
In the past I have been rather hard on Batista and his in-ring work. However, I must say he really has brought his “A” game to this angle and the “A” stands for Animal. I am looking forward to this match now. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until last night that I really became sold on this match. Undertaker’s promo seemed to jump of the screen, I felt like I was watching him 15 years ago and his opponent was Hogan, Foley, or HHH. He made this feel like a really big deal and it helped the angle along a lot. I think these two may actually “steal” the show. I realize they are supposed to be the show in and of itself but I really think many people aren’t expecting much from them and anticipate that the Michaels/Orton match will be the best one on the card. This one is going to give them a run for their money.
4.5/5 Bonsai drops
10 Man Survivor Series Match
I like that we have a traditional survivor series match as I think the female contest may have a one fall stipulation to it that they haven’t played up. This contest however will have the old school rules. I like the teams they have picked, all though after watching Smackdown I suspect Matt Hardy may be out and someone else may be in his place or it may be 4 on 5. This will be a solid bout as in my opinion with the exception of Michaels; this match has the ten best WWE workers on any roster right now. Look for Big Daddy V to end up the sole survivor of this one as I think WWE may want to push him farther up the popularity ladder.
3/5 Bonsai Drops
Morrison vs. The Miz vs. CM Punk (ECW Championship)
These three are hot and cold to me. Some days they are completely on together and some days they aren’t. It has been reported on several wrestling websites that Morrison has been shooting his mouth off back stage (Now, I wasn’t there and cannot confirm that but that is what is being said), he may be excluded from this bout as a result. Personally I would love that because I really think his character needs to be revamped before he gets the title back. I would replace him with either Burke or a star from RAW or Smackdown. If it does end up happening the way it is written then it will be a good technical bout with a little Miz thrown in.
3/5 Bonsai Drops
Hornswoggle vs. The Great Khali
I am honestly looking forward to this match. Why? You might ask, because Hornswoggle can carry a bout, even with the Great Khali. I have a feeling this one might be the place where we see a run-in or something. I can’t imagine Khali winning because the whole David vs. Goliath thing would be ruined.
3/5 Bonsai drops
Cade and Murdoch vs. Holly and Rhodes
I am really looking forward to this bout. Cody Rhodes has been loosing that green luster very quickly. Hardcore Holly is in great shape. Cade and Murdoch have been telling a very interesting story with the help of one Mickie James. I am very glad the Highlanders didn’t get this spot. Look for James to get involved somehow, for Cade and Murdoch to split up, and for Holly and Rhodes to become the new tag team champions. I think before all that happens though we are going to see a fantastic match as these four individuals are going to line up nicely together in the in-ring chemistry department.
4/5 Bonsai Drops
In Closing –
When we tally it all up we get a 22.5/35 Bonsai Drops. Regularly, with the numbers coming out like this, I’d say don’t buy the PPV. I try to give my “thumbs-up” if the totals are within 7-9 points of each other and in this case they aren’t. However, there are a few other factors going into this that aren’t defined by the matches. 1st off, Survivor Series is one of the “Big 4”. It has a long legacy and things usually “happen” at the Series in that “You never know what’s going to happen in the WWE” kind of way. Also, we have no idea what Edge’s role is going to be in the event but it seems he will be there. To me, Edge was the best worker of this past year, maybe the past two, and whenever he is on a card it lifts it that much higher. Also, the cell match or the Raw title match is going to make history. In one of those matches I truly believe the title will change hands, my bet is it will be the Undertaker’s night. And then there is the whole
So, putting the numbers aside, I am going to go ahead and recommend this PPV. I hope it lives up to the hype... Have a great weekend fans!
