Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It's the one time in the year where Raw and SmackDown compete head to head for brand supremacy. What a special time to be alive. Forget all your rivalries. Ignore every story that came before. When it's Survivor Series time, you compete for your brand or you are a traitor.
As much as WWE likes to hype it as a special event and, to be fair, Survivor Series is a bigger deal now than it was for much of the mid-2000s and early 2010s, this is the least Big Four show of the Big Four. It's a mess to book, showcased especially this year.
The card stood out most for its potential dream matches, first time clashes that could only happen with the brands competing. Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan, Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. These were potential showstealers.
The rest of the show was a hodgepodge of contests that barely mattered, but at least we also had NXT TakeOver. With this much wrestling, something had to make an impact.
As much as WWE likes to hype it as a special event and, to be fair, Survivor Series is a bigger deal now than it was for much of the mid-2000s and early 2010s, this is the least Big Four show of the Big Four. It's a mess to book, showcased especially this year.
The card stood out most for its potential dream matches, first time clashes that could only happen with the brands competing. Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan, Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. These were potential showstealers.
The rest of the show was a hodgepodge of contests that barely mattered, but at least we also had NXT TakeOver. With this much wrestling, something had to make an impact.
"If Becky can do it, I can do it better!"
Survivor Series 2018
Raw Sweeping SmackDown Was an Idiotic Move
Overview: After the Kickoff where The Usos won for the tag team elimination match, Raw pulled off a clean sweep on the main show. Nia Jax was sole survivor in the women's elimination. Seth Rollins caught Shinsuke Nakamura with a Curb Stomp to win. Drake Maverick distracted The Bar by pissing himself to set up Authors of Pain's victory.
Braun Strowman almost sweeped Team SmackDown on his own by eliminating four men, last being Shane McMahon. Charlotte Flair got disqualified against Ronda Rousey. Brock Lesnar barely survived a rally from Daniel Bryan with an F5.
Analysis: This was meant to be a one-sided showcase of brand dominance, but it made no sense. Raw looked disorganized and distracted throughout yet won nearly everything. Moreover, there was no fallout to the win. No one benefited from the sweep when SmackDown (now 0-3 at Survivor Series) could have used the rub.
The whole thing reeked of WWE not even caring. It made a night with some great matches feel hollow and threw out the whole purpose of the night.
WWE Does Listen to Fans But Only with the Women's Division
Overview: In a bloody brawl, Rousey fought valiantly after taking an early elbow to the face that busted her mouth open. Charlotte continued to press the advantage, but Rousey would not stay down.
Eventually, The Queen snapped, assaulting The Baddest Woman on the Planet with a kendo stick and continuing to attack her after the referee called for a disqualification.
Analysis: This was technically a heel turn, but it felt more like a straight return to form for Charlotte who was languishing as a face. She started the night with a lukewarm reception and ended it as over as she has ever been. She followed the Becky Lynch blueprint with less success but still clear success.
It was a rare moment of WWE really seeing a direction change was needed even for arguably the company's most pushed female star. Now a rematch between Charlotte and Rousey is inevitable and should be far better hyped. This first was already a great match.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe Will Never Be as Great in WWE as They Were Outside the System
Overview: Nakamura battled with a distracted Rollins in a match that went over 20 minutes before The Architect managed to go on an impossibly dominant streak and connected with the Curb Stomp to win. Samoa Joe lasted 35 seconds in the men's elimination match, the fastest elimination for anyone on the night.
Analysis: Nakamura and Joe are among the most impressive performers WWE has ever brought on. Their work preceded them before they stepped into a WWE ring. They have not added much to their legacy since then. The Artist goes about 50-50 these days on whether he'll actually show up, which he only kind of did on Sunday.
Joe shows up, but he's slowed down so much due to recent injuries that all he has left is veteran instincts and great promo skills. While they have not been complete busts (both had match of the year contenders with AJ Styles this year), neither has been as good as they should have been or ever will be.
Conclusion
As an event focused on brand supremacy, this event was a farce. The booking was atrocious. The matches primarily focused on whether SmackDown or Raw was better were almost universal disappointments. However, this show did have three fantastic matches.
Rousey vs. Charlotte was a great first chapter that should set up a showstopper soon. Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy was as good as the two cruiserweights have ever been, and they've already had a match of the year contender together. Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan was as good a match as The Beast has had in years.
Together, these matches made this a passable show, barely. WWE can do its best to ruin the work of all these great stars, but ultimately talent prevails.
Overview: After the Kickoff where The Usos won for the tag team elimination match, Raw pulled off a clean sweep on the main show. Nia Jax was sole survivor in the women's elimination. Seth Rollins caught Shinsuke Nakamura with a Curb Stomp to win. Drake Maverick distracted The Bar by pissing himself to set up Authors of Pain's victory.
Braun Strowman almost sweeped Team SmackDown on his own by eliminating four men, last being Shane McMahon. Charlotte Flair got disqualified against Ronda Rousey. Brock Lesnar barely survived a rally from Daniel Bryan with an F5.
Analysis: This was meant to be a one-sided showcase of brand dominance, but it made no sense. Raw looked disorganized and distracted throughout yet won nearly everything. Moreover, there was no fallout to the win. No one benefited from the sweep when SmackDown (now 0-3 at Survivor Series) could have used the rub.
The whole thing reeked of WWE not even caring. It made a night with some great matches feel hollow and threw out the whole purpose of the night.
WWE Does Listen to Fans But Only with the Women's Division
Overview: In a bloody brawl, Rousey fought valiantly after taking an early elbow to the face that busted her mouth open. Charlotte continued to press the advantage, but Rousey would not stay down.
Eventually, The Queen snapped, assaulting The Baddest Woman on the Planet with a kendo stick and continuing to attack her after the referee called for a disqualification.
Analysis: This was technically a heel turn, but it felt more like a straight return to form for Charlotte who was languishing as a face. She started the night with a lukewarm reception and ended it as over as she has ever been. She followed the Becky Lynch blueprint with less success but still clear success.
It was a rare moment of WWE really seeing a direction change was needed even for arguably the company's most pushed female star. Now a rematch between Charlotte and Rousey is inevitable and should be far better hyped. This first was already a great match.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe Will Never Be as Great in WWE as They Were Outside the System
Overview: Nakamura battled with a distracted Rollins in a match that went over 20 minutes before The Architect managed to go on an impossibly dominant streak and connected with the Curb Stomp to win. Samoa Joe lasted 35 seconds in the men's elimination match, the fastest elimination for anyone on the night.
Analysis: Nakamura and Joe are among the most impressive performers WWE has ever brought on. Their work preceded them before they stepped into a WWE ring. They have not added much to their legacy since then. The Artist goes about 50-50 these days on whether he'll actually show up, which he only kind of did on Sunday.
Joe shows up, but he's slowed down so much due to recent injuries that all he has left is veteran instincts and great promo skills. While they have not been complete busts (both had match of the year contenders with AJ Styles this year), neither has been as good as they should have been or ever will be.
Conclusion
As an event focused on brand supremacy, this event was a farce. The booking was atrocious. The matches primarily focused on whether SmackDown or Raw was better were almost universal disappointments. However, this show did have three fantastic matches.
Rousey vs. Charlotte was a great first chapter that should set up a showstopper soon. Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy was as good as the two cruiserweights have ever been, and they've already had a match of the year contender together. Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan was as good a match as The Beast has had in years.
Together, these matches made this a passable show, barely. WWE can do its best to ruin the work of all these great stars, but ultimately talent prevails.
Grade: C+
Good of War Raiders to finally do something in NXT after almost a year.
NXT TakeOver: WarGames II
WarGames May Be the Most Polarizing Match Type in WWE
Overview: Adam Cole and Ricochet started WarGames and did not hesitate to go at each other. As the ring filled with stars, The Undisputed Era took over, managing to trap Pete Dunne in his cell long enough to completely take over. The Bruiserweight though managed to escape and even the odds.
After a grueling war with multiple insane spots, Dunne hit Cole with the Bitter End before Ricochet hit a 450 splash with both taking the pin and the victory.
Analysis: 45 minutes of WarGames was too much for me. I found myself tuning out even through the best moments, but I know many loved the match. It was a brutal spotfest that threw out all concepts of pacing and story to just bring fans on a journey. It wasn't for me, but I think that just comes down to this being such a unique stipulation.
Some will love it. Some will hate it. There's certainly no doubt it was entertaining in its best moments.
The Velveteen Dream's Loss May Be a Sign He's Headed to the Main Roster, Unfortunately
Overview: Velveteen Dream played mind games with Tommaso Ciampa and pushed him to his limit. However, the NXT champion refused to stay down.
He even kicked out of the Purple Rainmaker with Dream going for a second on the apron only to crash and burn before taking an elevated DDT on the metal divider connecting the two rings. Ciampa got the pinfall after that without question.
Analysis: This was a good match, but it was a prime example of the fundamental problem WWE main event matches can often face. It relied too heavily on big nearfalls, which led to it feeling too long. Dream ended up looking good, but he hit too much not to win.
The loss means that Dream is not going to get another title opportunity. He went down clean. There's now nothing more for him to do. He will likely move up to the main roster, but I dread what the company will do with him after that.
NXT is Not Giving Enough Credit to Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane
Overview: Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane opened the show with Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir getting involved early. They helped Baszler take an early decision with the Kirifuda Clutch before Sane took out all three and tied it up 1-1 with an Insane Elbow.
Baszler's backup tried to get involved again before Dakota Kai and Io Shirai got involved to take out the heels. This set up another Insane Elbow from Sane that Baszler reversed into a roll up for three.
Analysis: Baszler and Sane have been fantastic together lately, so it was disappointing to see them only get 10 minutes in a Two-Out-of-Three Falls match. This was rushed and relied too heavily on outside interference. It was a waste of a great rivalry that is clearing reaching its last act.
I don't know why this card gave so little focus to the women. This show had 2 overlong matches right at the end that could have been shortened up to benefit the women's title match that was supposed to be the final clash between Sane and Baszler.
Conclusion
This was the weakest TakeOver of the year, but it was a better WarGames than last year. Some of this comes down to personal preference for me. I found much of the night a bit overwrought. Matches were either too long or driven by messy booking that brought down great action.
NXT though always delivers, and a weak TakeOver is still better than the average WWE pay-per-view. That was certainly true going up against Survivor Series, which was much than exciting to watch than TakeOver.
It just felt like this card had huge potential. For those that liked WarGames, it probably did live up to that potential.
Overview: Adam Cole and Ricochet started WarGames and did not hesitate to go at each other. As the ring filled with stars, The Undisputed Era took over, managing to trap Pete Dunne in his cell long enough to completely take over. The Bruiserweight though managed to escape and even the odds.
After a grueling war with multiple insane spots, Dunne hit Cole with the Bitter End before Ricochet hit a 450 splash with both taking the pin and the victory.
Analysis: 45 minutes of WarGames was too much for me. I found myself tuning out even through the best moments, but I know many loved the match. It was a brutal spotfest that threw out all concepts of pacing and story to just bring fans on a journey. It wasn't for me, but I think that just comes down to this being such a unique stipulation.
Some will love it. Some will hate it. There's certainly no doubt it was entertaining in its best moments.
The Velveteen Dream's Loss May Be a Sign He's Headed to the Main Roster, Unfortunately
Overview: Velveteen Dream played mind games with Tommaso Ciampa and pushed him to his limit. However, the NXT champion refused to stay down.
He even kicked out of the Purple Rainmaker with Dream going for a second on the apron only to crash and burn before taking an elevated DDT on the metal divider connecting the two rings. Ciampa got the pinfall after that without question.
Analysis: This was a good match, but it was a prime example of the fundamental problem WWE main event matches can often face. It relied too heavily on big nearfalls, which led to it feeling too long. Dream ended up looking good, but he hit too much not to win.
The loss means that Dream is not going to get another title opportunity. He went down clean. There's now nothing more for him to do. He will likely move up to the main roster, but I dread what the company will do with him after that.
NXT is Not Giving Enough Credit to Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane
Overview: Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane opened the show with Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir getting involved early. They helped Baszler take an early decision with the Kirifuda Clutch before Sane took out all three and tied it up 1-1 with an Insane Elbow.
Baszler's backup tried to get involved again before Dakota Kai and Io Shirai got involved to take out the heels. This set up another Insane Elbow from Sane that Baszler reversed into a roll up for three.
Analysis: Baszler and Sane have been fantastic together lately, so it was disappointing to see them only get 10 minutes in a Two-Out-of-Three Falls match. This was rushed and relied too heavily on outside interference. It was a waste of a great rivalry that is clearing reaching its last act.
I don't know why this card gave so little focus to the women. This show had 2 overlong matches right at the end that could have been shortened up to benefit the women's title match that was supposed to be the final clash between Sane and Baszler.
Conclusion
This was the weakest TakeOver of the year, but it was a better WarGames than last year. Some of this comes down to personal preference for me. I found much of the night a bit overwrought. Matches were either too long or driven by messy booking that brought down great action.
NXT though always delivers, and a weak TakeOver is still better than the average WWE pay-per-view. That was certainly true going up against Survivor Series, which was much than exciting to watch than TakeOver.
It just felt like this card had huge potential. For those that liked WarGames, it probably did live up to that potential.
Grade: B-
Apparently Randy Orton isn't the only guy on SmackDown hearing voices in his head.
Monday Night Raw November 19, 2018
Dean Ambrose Has No Character Beyond Being the Guy That Brings Up Roman Reigns
Overview: Dean Ambrose called out Seth Rollins to come fight him backstage with The Lunatic Fringe barely avoiding The Architect backstage. Rollins got frustrated especially after Ambrose made another comment about Roman Reigns.
In the end, Rollins seemed to be leaving, so Ambrose headed to the ring. When the Intercontinental Champion returned and stormed the ring, his former best friend was ready, hitting a low blow and Dirty Deeds.
Analysis: I have been enjoying Rollins and Ambrose feuding so far, but a lot of that comes from expectations. The two are too good not to work together. Their last feud was consistently great. This time, they're in reverse positions that may be better for them.
However, it is starting to get all too obvious that WWE has no idea where to take this story. The Lunatic is talking in circles and pulling off the same stunts over and over. The only thing that stands out is how he continues to rely on The Big Dog for heat. It's all getting a little tiring and lazy.
Braun Strowman Will Lose Everything If His Popularity Is Not Capitalized On Soon
Overview: Braun Strowman interrupted Stephanie McMahon and Baron Corbin to get his promised matches confirmed. Stephanie gave Strowman a TLC match with Corbin where a win would give him a shot at The Beast Incarnate while a loss would allow the acting GM to become the permanent GM.
In an elimination six-man tag match, Finn Balor and Elias were both eliminated by Corbin, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley before McIntyre decided to forget the contest and got himself disqualified to brutalize The Monster Among Men. The three heels trapped Strowman's arm between steel steps, shattering Strowman's elbow.
Analysis: This was a long segment to open the show, and it did not accomplish a lot in that time. The Monster continues to be massively over, but there's no getting around how much the company is hedging with him. He apparently is legitimately injured and needs surgery that shouldn't keep him out long.
The problem is that injury or not time is running out with Strowman. The company has to commit. Give him the Universal Championship soon before he's just another guy.
Conclusion
This was a terrible show that completely missed the point of having Raw win on Sunday. The brand basically ignored the entire event beyond vague references to celebrations after the sweep. This could have been the same show if Raw had lost.
No one was truly rewarded. Strowman got his matches, but he also got badly injured and was left with the caveat he'd lose his title shot against Lesnar if he defeated Corbin. Corbin, who was the GM when Raw swept, has been set up to lose his power entirely just one day later.
The stories all lacked any hook, and even the good stories seems to be circling the drain. I hope that WWE has some plan to spice things up, but this is Raw at its worst. Painfully long matches followed by frustratingly short ones with no promos that really move anything along for three full hours.
Overview: Dean Ambrose called out Seth Rollins to come fight him backstage with The Lunatic Fringe barely avoiding The Architect backstage. Rollins got frustrated especially after Ambrose made another comment about Roman Reigns.
In the end, Rollins seemed to be leaving, so Ambrose headed to the ring. When the Intercontinental Champion returned and stormed the ring, his former best friend was ready, hitting a low blow and Dirty Deeds.
Analysis: I have been enjoying Rollins and Ambrose feuding so far, but a lot of that comes from expectations. The two are too good not to work together. Their last feud was consistently great. This time, they're in reverse positions that may be better for them.
However, it is starting to get all too obvious that WWE has no idea where to take this story. The Lunatic is talking in circles and pulling off the same stunts over and over. The only thing that stands out is how he continues to rely on The Big Dog for heat. It's all getting a little tiring and lazy.
Braun Strowman Will Lose Everything If His Popularity Is Not Capitalized On Soon
Overview: Braun Strowman interrupted Stephanie McMahon and Baron Corbin to get his promised matches confirmed. Stephanie gave Strowman a TLC match with Corbin where a win would give him a shot at The Beast Incarnate while a loss would allow the acting GM to become the permanent GM.
In an elimination six-man tag match, Finn Balor and Elias were both eliminated by Corbin, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley before McIntyre decided to forget the contest and got himself disqualified to brutalize The Monster Among Men. The three heels trapped Strowman's arm between steel steps, shattering Strowman's elbow.
Analysis: This was a long segment to open the show, and it did not accomplish a lot in that time. The Monster continues to be massively over, but there's no getting around how much the company is hedging with him. He apparently is legitimately injured and needs surgery that shouldn't keep him out long.
The problem is that injury or not time is running out with Strowman. The company has to commit. Give him the Universal Championship soon before he's just another guy.
Conclusion
This was a terrible show that completely missed the point of having Raw win on Sunday. The brand basically ignored the entire event beyond vague references to celebrations after the sweep. This could have been the same show if Raw had lost.
No one was truly rewarded. Strowman got his matches, but he also got badly injured and was left with the caveat he'd lose his title shot against Lesnar if he defeated Corbin. Corbin, who was the GM when Raw swept, has been set up to lose his power entirely just one day later.
The stories all lacked any hook, and even the good stories seems to be circling the drain. I hope that WWE has some plan to spice things up, but this is Raw at its worst. Painfully long matches followed by frustratingly short ones with no promos that really move anything along for three full hours.
Grade: D
SmackDown Live November 20, 2018
Daniel Bryan Needed a Reset, But This Full Character Changes Was Unexpected
Overview: Daniel Bryan finally explained his actions but only to himself, addressing himself in a discussion of exactly why he turned against the fans. He thanked Lesnar for beating the weakness out of him, helping him become a new man who no longer needed the yes movement.
Analysis: This reminded me of some of Chris Jericho's character shifts over the years. It was sudden and pronounced but grounded in real story. Bryan needed to start over, but I did not expect him to go this far. He is now playing a brand new character.
Defining who he is now is difficult. He came off here as eccentric if not flat out insane. His character seems to be playing on the idea that all those concussions he suffered truly did affect him mentally. If he pull it off, it could be the start of his best run yet in WWE. If he can't, this will get awkward fast.
It's Hard to Tell if Randy Orton is Being Overpushed or Barely Used
Overview: Randy Orton fought Rey Mysterio in the main event and quickly showed the almost discourtesy by trying to rip his rival's mask. He ended up succeeding by tearing
Analysis: Orton has always been an enigma in WWE. He's too talented not to use but rarely actually showcases that talent. He's inconsistent to an absurd degree. Right now, he seems to be on, but it's hard to tell with how he's being used. He disappears for stretches then suddenly squashes top guys.
Mysterio was supposed to be heavily protected this early in his new WWE run, but The Viper didn't just defeat him. He won clean then humiliated him. Clearly Orton is being treated as a major attraction on SmackDown, but it's weird how that has manifested with him repeatedly missing major events.
Conclusion
Honestly, I was checking out on this show early. Before the last two segments, there wasn't much here. Charlotte's opening segment went too long, and there was a lot of silliness thereafter. With no Becky Lynch or AJ Styles, this show felt a bit empty.
The New Day continue to add a heightened level of humor to everything they do, which is getting tiring. Couple that with The Miz suddenly becoming a Shane McMahon fan boy, and it doesn't leave a lot to be taken seriously.
This was about as bad as SmackDown has been for months, making 2 hours feel as long as 3 does on a typical Monday Night Raw. It was an ugly show that barely got by thanks to Orton vs. Mysterio and Bryan's promo.
Overview: Daniel Bryan finally explained his actions but only to himself, addressing himself in a discussion of exactly why he turned against the fans. He thanked Lesnar for beating the weakness out of him, helping him become a new man who no longer needed the yes movement.
Analysis: This reminded me of some of Chris Jericho's character shifts over the years. It was sudden and pronounced but grounded in real story. Bryan needed to start over, but I did not expect him to go this far. He is now playing a brand new character.
Defining who he is now is difficult. He came off here as eccentric if not flat out insane. His character seems to be playing on the idea that all those concussions he suffered truly did affect him mentally. If he pull it off, it could be the start of his best run yet in WWE. If he can't, this will get awkward fast.
It's Hard to Tell if Randy Orton is Being Overpushed or Barely Used
Overview: Randy Orton fought Rey Mysterio in the main event and quickly showed the almost discourtesy by trying to rip his rival's mask. He ended up succeeding by tearing
Analysis: Orton has always been an enigma in WWE. He's too talented not to use but rarely actually showcases that talent. He's inconsistent to an absurd degree. Right now, he seems to be on, but it's hard to tell with how he's being used. He disappears for stretches then suddenly squashes top guys.
Mysterio was supposed to be heavily protected this early in his new WWE run, but The Viper didn't just defeat him. He won clean then humiliated him. Clearly Orton is being treated as a major attraction on SmackDown, but it's weird how that has manifested with him repeatedly missing major events.
Conclusion
Honestly, I was checking out on this show early. Before the last two segments, there wasn't much here. Charlotte's opening segment went too long, and there was a lot of silliness thereafter. With no Becky Lynch or AJ Styles, this show felt a bit empty.
The New Day continue to add a heightened level of humor to everything they do, which is getting tiring. Couple that with The Miz suddenly becoming a Shane McMahon fan boy, and it doesn't leave a lot to be taken seriously.
This was about as bad as SmackDown has been for months, making 2 hours feel as long as 3 does on a typical Monday Night Raw. It was an ugly show that barely got by thanks to Orton vs. Mysterio and Bryan's promo.
Grade: D+
Don't do it, Candice! You're so close to Johnny going to the main roster where you can finally be the top babyface in the women's division in NXT.
NXT and NXT UK November 21, 2018
Johnny Gargano Continues to Define Candice LeRae's Lack of an NXT Run
Overview: Driven by Nikki Cross's antics and her own frustrations, Candice LeRae showed more aggression in this match. However, Cross still escaped with the win by getting to the ropes out of the Gargano Escape then connected with a draping neckbreaker.
Analysis: LeRae is one of the most talented women in NXT, but she continues to be defined as Gargano's wife. Now she looks to be slowly turning heel since her husband already went to the dark side. This was a solid if too short match, but it was disappointing as a set up for an unnecessary slow turn.
The Future of NXT UK Is Bright But Inexperienced
Overview: Toni Storm and Rhea Ripley marched to the finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship tournament. Ripley put down Xia Brookside followed by Dakota Kai with the Riptide. Storm defeated Isla Dawn then Jinny in the main event of this week.
Analysis: This week's quarterfinals and semifinals proved just how much talent the UK women's division has. While Storm and Ripley are the obvious stars while Kai has been really good for a while, Brookside and Jinny showed some serious potential in their matches with Storm vs. Jinny the best women's match on the brand so far.
A lot of the Superstars in the division are talented but also clearly inexperienced. Ripley's still got to work on her transitions. Jinny has the highlight reels moves down but needs to improve her character work. Most of the rest of the division has fundamentals but not much else yet. It's a true rising brand that will be fun to watch.
Overview: Driven by Nikki Cross's antics and her own frustrations, Candice LeRae showed more aggression in this match. However, Cross still escaped with the win by getting to the ropes out of the Gargano Escape then connected with a draping neckbreaker.
Analysis: LeRae is one of the most talented women in NXT, but she continues to be defined as Gargano's wife. Now she looks to be slowly turning heel since her husband already went to the dark side. This was a solid if too short match, but it was disappointing as a set up for an unnecessary slow turn.
The Future of NXT UK Is Bright But Inexperienced
Overview: Toni Storm and Rhea Ripley marched to the finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship tournament. Ripley put down Xia Brookside followed by Dakota Kai with the Riptide. Storm defeated Isla Dawn then Jinny in the main event of this week.
Analysis: This week's quarterfinals and semifinals proved just how much talent the UK women's division has. While Storm and Ripley are the obvious stars while Kai has been really good for a while, Brookside and Jinny showed some serious potential in their matches with Storm vs. Jinny the best women's match on the brand so far.
A lot of the Superstars in the division are talented but also clearly inexperienced. Ripley's still got to work on her transitions. Jinny has the highlight reels moves down but needs to improve her character work. Most of the rest of the division has fundamentals but not much else yet. It's a true rising brand that will be fun to watch.
205 Live November 21, 2018
There's Still Time for Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships
Overview: Buddy Murphy helped Tony Nese defeat Noam Dar before it was announced that they would face Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali next week. Akira Tozawa and Brian Kendrick defeated local competitors. TJP lost to Gran Metalik by roll up, but Mike Kanellis helped TJP lay out Lucha House Party with chair shots afterward.
Analysis: Everyone on 205 Live is still paired up with someone, and there was even a mention by Murphy this week of the fabled 205 Live tag titles. This division could use them even if Lucha House Party have started to compete for the Raw tag titles instead. The potential division is more competitive right now than Raw.
Overview: Buddy Murphy helped Tony Nese defeat Noam Dar before it was announced that they would face Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali next week. Akira Tozawa and Brian Kendrick defeated local competitors. TJP lost to Gran Metalik by roll up, but Mike Kanellis helped TJP lay out Lucha House Party with chair shots afterward.
Analysis: Everyone on 205 Live is still paired up with someone, and there was even a mention by Murphy this week of the fabled 205 Live tag titles. This division could use them even if Lucha House Party have started to compete for the Raw tag titles instead. The potential division is more competitive right now than Raw.
Match of the Week
Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan, Survivor Series 2018 (Rating: 9.5/10)
Lesnar vs. Bryan is a match that has long been discussed. Given how good Bryan is, many fans were clambering for the contest, but there were naysayers that questions how The Beard could possibly compete with a legit beast. No one wanted this match more than Bryan though.
He had long talked about how he would fight Lesnar, calling it his dream match. It showed once they got in the ring just how long he had been preparing for this fight. This was old school, old school enough that it felt like we were seeing Bryan Danielson in the ring rather than WWE's star version of the great performer.
With a brilliant story that both men completely committed to, this was as good as Lesnar has looked in a long time. He bumped like he was fighting Kurt Angle in 2003 and seemed to be pushed to greater heights by the stiff shots Bryan gave him. It was awesome and proof that The American Dragon is still one of the best in the world.
Honorable Mention: Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali, Survivor Series 2018 (Rating: 9.25/10)
It was so great to see the cruiserweights shining in front a huge crowd again. The fans were not committed to the action at first, but Murphy and Ali pulled off the most impressive turnaround of the night, convincing the huge Survivor Series crowd to chant 205 Live through the home stretch.
Ali and Murphy are just about the most consistently excellent performers in WWE this year, and this was another showcase. The spots were top notch. The story was never lost. It was a crowd pleaser that almost lived up to the insane legacy of their previous rivalry.
Honorable Mention: Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver WarGames II (Rating: 9/10)
Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano are fantastic, and it was no surprise they were good together. As a pure wrestling exhibition, this was absolutely the best work of the weekend. These two have impossibly smooth chemistry together that hopefully won't be wasted.
I did find this contest a bit disconnected despite its incredible action. The two men tried to tell a story, but most of the time they seemed to just be looking for another great offensive move. There's nothing wrong with that, but it did take away from the greatness of a contest that should have been a little more vicious.
Lesnar vs. Bryan is a match that has long been discussed. Given how good Bryan is, many fans were clambering for the contest, but there were naysayers that questions how The Beard could possibly compete with a legit beast. No one wanted this match more than Bryan though.
He had long talked about how he would fight Lesnar, calling it his dream match. It showed once they got in the ring just how long he had been preparing for this fight. This was old school, old school enough that it felt like we were seeing Bryan Danielson in the ring rather than WWE's star version of the great performer.
With a brilliant story that both men completely committed to, this was as good as Lesnar has looked in a long time. He bumped like he was fighting Kurt Angle in 2003 and seemed to be pushed to greater heights by the stiff shots Bryan gave him. It was awesome and proof that The American Dragon is still one of the best in the world.
Honorable Mention: Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali, Survivor Series 2018 (Rating: 9.25/10)
It was so great to see the cruiserweights shining in front a huge crowd again. The fans were not committed to the action at first, but Murphy and Ali pulled off the most impressive turnaround of the night, convincing the huge Survivor Series crowd to chant 205 Live through the home stretch.
Ali and Murphy are just about the most consistently excellent performers in WWE this year, and this was another showcase. The spots were top notch. The story was never lost. It was a crowd pleaser that almost lived up to the insane legacy of their previous rivalry.
Honorable Mention: Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano, NXT TakeOver WarGames II (Rating: 9/10)
Aleister Black and Johnny Gargano are fantastic, and it was no surprise they were good together. As a pure wrestling exhibition, this was absolutely the best work of the weekend. These two have impossibly smooth chemistry together that hopefully won't be wasted.
I did find this contest a bit disconnected despite its incredible action. The two men tried to tell a story, but most of the time they seemed to just be looking for another great offensive move. There's nothing wrong with that, but it did take away from the greatness of a contest that should have been a little more vicious.
