John Canton: Welcome to the WWE Survivor Series PPV preview written by the staff of TheJohnReport.net. As always, there will be 14 of us guiding you through Sunday’s PPV. It’s a big one because The Rock is back in the ring for the first time since WrestleMania 20 in 2004 and he’s teaming with his rival John Cena in New York City of all times. Personally, I’m very excited about it. I expect a really hot crowd, some babyfaces getting booed and a show where a lot of talent steps up to deliver the goods. I’m a bit disappointed that the likes of Daniel Bryan and Zack Ryder are not advertised for the show. You’d think they would want DBry on a major show like this considering he won MITB, but I guess not. It makes me worry about the future. Enough of that, let’s get on with it.
Here are the standings since we started doing the staff previews in July. The way the points work is you get 1 point for each correct match and 2 points for each correct WWE or World Title match.
25 pts: Cody “Wednesday” Dodson, Laurence “Tuesday” Salford
24 pts: Matt “ROH” Seagull, Thomas “Sunday” Briggs, Matty J “Monday” Douglas
23 pts: Mike “Friday” Aires
22 pts: Christian “Smackdown” Michael, Kenny “Superstars” Latham
20 pts: Andrew “Headlines” Johnson, John Canton
18 pts: Lonestar “NXT”, Jacob “Thursday” Lindsey
17 pts: Eric “Tough Enough” Keith, Marc “TNA” B
I’m below average. Ready to make my move! Haha. There have been six matches announced by WWE. Let’s begin.
US Title: Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison
Cody Dodson: Really strange booking here. I have no idea why Horowitz is suddenly getting a title shot after months of looking like crap. By all reports, Barry is on his way out the door. We know Vince likes to do bizarre things, so I can see Barry getting a few wins on his way out, but he won’t be winning the title here. I think it’s time for Ziggler to lose the title so that he can move on to bigger and better things, but it won’t be on this night. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Laurence Salford: This match makes storyline sense for the continued push of Zack Ryder, and actually makes me think that the WWE finally understand why people cheer for him. He is the underdog, the self made man, someone who has pulled himself up from jobberville into a valued company wrestler, all off his own back. People cheer for him not because he is handed everything on a silver platter, but because he has to work for what he gets, and when he is rewarded, then the fans feel like they are rewarded as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if he is added to this match late on and wins the title, but as that is not confirmed, then I’m going to have to predict a Ziggler retain. Winner – Dolph Ziggler
Matt Seagull: You wanna know what’s cool? I’m going to be there LIVE at Madison Square Garden Sunday night! You wanna know what’s not cool? John Morrison got the U.S. Title match and not Zack Ryder. I fear for Morrison this Sunday. The crowd will be all over him with Melina chants and chants of “We Want Ryder!” I was okay with Ryder not winning the belt at Vengeance because I figured they’d save the big title win for MSG, which just a LIRR train ride from Long Island. This is just awful. I can still hold out hope that this is all part of a storyline and Ryder will be added to the match either before the show or on the show. Aside from Punk winning the WWE Title at Money in the Bank, which was awesome, we haven’t really had any of these “big moments in a big setting.” Ever since Rey Mysterio back in 2006, guys who have won their first World Titles have done so either by cashing in MITB on Raw or at the end of a Pay Per View match (so it’s not advertised), or on some B-show PPV (like Jeff Hardy winning at Armageddon 2008). For once, I’d like to see a big moment on an A show in an A arena. What better place than MSG for the ultimate underdog (sorry Rey) in Zack Ryder to win his first singles title? Yes, I’m an admitted huge Ryder mark, but I think from a live sense, Ryder vs. Ziggler would have had the classic heel/face dynamic, and the heat would have been molten. I guess I can thank my lucky stars it wasn’t Mason Ryan in this match. Eh. Ziggler FTW unless Ryder gets added, then Ryder wins. Since I guess we can’t predict somebody getting added to the match, I’ll go with Ziggler. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Thomas Briggs: This is an interesting match-up in that Zack Ryder isn’t involved. As crazy as it may sound, few superstars are as over as Ryder right now. Still, he’s not included in this match as a part of the Johnny Ace storyline, so it’s not too egregious of a shunning. Do I think Morrison can win? Sure. Do I think he will? No. The US Title may be insignificant, but until Dolph Ziggler is elevated to main event status, I don’t think he’s dropping the belt. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Matty J. Douglas: Much like everyone else, I really did expect to see Ryder in this match against Ziggler, where he would finally pick up the big win and US Title in his home state. Instead it’s John Morrison, which possibly means that he’s been inked to a new deal, or that they’re going to get one more PPV Match out of him before he goes. These two work well together so if the match is simply JoMo vs Ziggler, it should be fun to watch. I say IF because the WWE could throw Ryder in last minute. To me the primary function of this match should be to get the title off Ziggler so he can move up the card. If Ryder got added, I’d love to see him pick up the win and the title, Morrison turn heel, and Ziggler move forward with his promising career. But as the match stands now, the best decision is still to move the US Title off of Dolph (although WWE’s judgment has been suspect of late). Winner: John Morrison (Gambling on this pick)
Mike Aires: I honestly STILL see Ryder getting into this match somehow, someway. He and Dolph have an actual feud going on so for him to not be involved is insane. If he doesn’t, it will still be a fantastic match between these two. I’m going to cheat on this one. If Ryder doesn’t get involved, then Ziggler retains. If Ryder gets a shot, then you are looking at the new US Champion. Winner – Ziggler/Ryder
Christian Michael: WWE has had Zack Ryder petitioning for a Championship match so what happens? John Morrison gets one. Ryder is in his home state of New York and the crowd at MSG would have been white hot for the match but WWE slaps the fans in the face again. As for the match they actually booked, if given time it could be great. Ziggler may be the best in ring worker the company has and the time is now for him to move up the ladder. Morrison may have gotten this match by resigning with WWE and hopefully they’re ready to commit to him heading into 2012. It’s a tough pick but I think Morrison grabs the gold and Ziggler gets ready for bigger things. Projected Winner and NEW United States Champion- John Morrison
Kenny Latham: WE WANT RYDER! I’m holding out hope that somehow, someway, Ryder walks out of MSG with the US Title, whether it be in a triple threat, fatal 4 way or just taking on the winner of this match. My official pick here is Ziggler, however I want a point if Ryder walks out of the Garden with the title. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Andrew Johnson: I try to keep these short for the sake of the reader, but I could honestly go on for a few paragraphs why I hate this match. I’ll sum it up in one sentence though; anything with John Morrison in it has a 85% chance of getting a “worst” from me, and Dolph Ziggler deserves better than to be forced in a match with a guy who’s only real positive is “jumps well”, which is an attribute that he shares with Super Mario. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
John Canton: They always have good matches. This won’t be any different. Will Zack Ryder ultimately get added to it and win the title? I think so, but we can’t predict that unless it’s official. I’ll go with Ziggler winning here although like a lot of people I expect Ryder to be added to this too. Why not announce a triple threat beforehand? Weird. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Lonestar: This matchup was not what I expected, though I’m not sure why that is; Morrison has been messing with Ziggler more than Ryder has as of late. Still, this match represents an extreme change in Morrison’s booking and I can’t help but think it might be a sign that John is winning the US title. Winner: John Morrison
Jacob Lindsey: I don’t see Ziggler losing the belt to Morrison. I could imagine a scenario where Ryder gets added and picks up the win, but I don’t think that’s happening, either. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Eric Keith: Seriously, if WWE doesn’t really care who gets the title shot, why should I? I think that eventually Ryder will be the one to win the belt from Ziggler, not JoLess. I’m sure it will be a solid match though. If you really pay attention, you’ll notice just how much better Dolph is than Morrison. Sorry JoMorons. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Marc B.:I think it’s insulting that Vince McMahon won’t put Zack Ryder in this match, in his home state. I guess he has something against having a match people want to see. I mean seriously, what’s the point of having that whole storyline with the petition and have no payoff? Makes no sense.Morrison hasn’t had many victories over anyone, but Ryder has pinned Ziggler on more than one occasion. I could see them making it a triple threat, and Morrison is there just to take the fall from Ryder, but unless that happens, Ziggler should win. Winner: Dolph Ziggler (unless it’s a triple threat, in which case Ryder wins the belt.)
Divas Title in a Lumberjill Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Eve
Cody Dodson: At least Eve is more talented than Kelly Kelly? I don’t know. I can’t decide, probably because I don’t care. Beth should definitely win this one and move on to Alicia Fox or one of the Smackdown divas. However, we probably will get Beth vs. Eve at three straight pay per view events now that I’ve said that. Shit. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Laurence Salford: I literally couldn’t care less. Eve is in this match by de-fault (the two sweetest words in the English language) due to the lack of good diva babyfaces. If Eve wins, then she has been rewarded for being poor in general. Winner – Beth Phoenix
Matt Seagull: I have a prediction I know is going to come true…this is the match I’m going to the concession stand and picking up another mug of beer with a pretzel stick in the mug handle. Yes, MSG has those, and they’re awesome. Either that or the frozen margarita in the light-up cup. That’s too hard to predict. As for the match, I could see Eve winning the belt but I don’t think it’ll do anything for anyone, so just play it safe and stick with Beth. Kharma, you tired of being a mommy yet? Winner: Beth Phoenix
Thomas Briggs: I’ll keep this simple: Beth Phoenix is great at what she does, Eve isn’t. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Matty J. Douglas: I should feel a little bad for not caring about this match at all shouldn’t I? Hopefully it’s decent. At least I know I’ll have some time set aside for a piss break. Hopefully we get Beth vs Natalya at some point. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Mike Aires: Lumberjills? Really? Don’t care. All they do is look pretty and watch as Beth works her ass off in the ring to make Eve look decent. Winner – Beth Phoenix
Christian Michael: Ugh. Who cares? Eve is awful. Turn Natalya back to a babyface and let her feud with Beth. Otherwise don’t bother me. Projected Winner and STILL Divas Champion- Beth Phoenix
Kenny Latham: We’ve had this before, right? I really don’t get the booking, but I guess I go with Beth. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Andrew Johnson: MOVING ON. Winner: Beth Phoenix
John Canton: Beth already beat Eve on PPV. She gets another title shot on the basis of them not having any other faces they really like although they are pushing Alicia a bit while Kelly was previously pushed. It’s too early for the Beth/Natalya feud, but I’d love to see that down the road. I wish the babyfaces in WWE were better. Part of it is management’s fault for not having enough talented face divas on the roster. Part of it is some of the girls just aren’t good enough. Eve is very average at best. I wouldn’t be shocked if the crowd booed Eve here. They know she’s not great. Beth wins clean again. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Lonestar: There’s so much to hate about this storyline and there are only so many words I care to commit to it. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Jacob Lindsey: Ugh. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Eric Keith: Does the term “Lumberjill” really inspire any thoughts of hotness for any straight guys? When I think of a Lumberjill, I think of Chyna with a hardhat on. [insert dirty porn joke here] I can hear her theme song now… “She’s a MAN, such a MA-A-A-N!!!” As far as the real match, I’m gonna go with Beth because frankly, the thought of Eve being the champ again makes me sad. Winner: Beth Phoenix
Marc B.: Beth wins.That’s all I have to say about that. Winner: Beth Phoenix
5 on 5 Elimination Match: Team Orton (Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston, Sin Cara, Sheamus & Mason Ryan) vs. Team Barrett (Wade Barrett, Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes & Hunico)
Cody Dodson: These are always hard to predict. I think it makes more sense for the heels to win, as they are definitely pushing Barrett and several other guys on that team. On the other hand, it’s hard to bet against a team that has Randy Orton, Sheamus, and the inexplicably pushed Mason Ryan. I think the story being told here is Orton vs. Barrett more than anything. Randy Orton will probably be the sole survivor, which will lead to a one-on-one contest between the two captains at TLC. Winner: Team Orton
Laurence Salford: I’d imagine this match will be the best on the card if given some time, and as I’m assuming they are gearing Barrett up for a big push (hopefully against ‘Taker at ‘Mania), he should be involved till the end here, but they need to show that he isn’t quite on Orton’s level yet. Winner – Team Orton
Matt Seagull: Ah, the traditional Survivor Series tag. It doesn’t mean what it used to, because ever since 2006, it’s just been thrown together and tacked on. Somebody quick, without looking it up, tell me what two teams were involved in the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 5-on-5 tags! Hell, I can’t even remember who was on the teams LAST YEAR! Team Orton wins. Randy continues to dominate in these types of matches, so I predict he’ll be the sole survivor. Winner: Team Orton
Thomas Briggs: Just like Bret Hart, I think traditional Survivor Series matches are a waste of time. Sure, the concept was cool way back when the WWF introduced the pay-per-view, but it quickly wore out its welcome. And that’s partially because the outcomes are so predictable. You have good vs. evil here, and I can almost guarantee you that the last two men in the ring will be Randy Orton and Wade Barrett. Honestly, I’d rather see a singles match between the two. Being that this is the only 5 on 5 match on the card, the WWE will book the babyfaces to go over here. Winner: Team Orton
Matty J. Douglas: The build up to this traditional Survivor Series match couldn’t have been more boring. They need to do something to create a better narrative for these matches. For instance, of the top of my head, why not have held a 5 man over the top rope challenge for each team’s captaincy, and have someone like Kofi win it. Now he must get his team on board, which is easier said than done when Randy believes he should have been captain. Create more conflict for a better narrative WWE. Back to the match itself I’m inclined to take Team Orton because their team has Orton and Sheamus on it. WWE doesn’t like us to see them lose very often. That being said, they have a chance to create a new star Heel, and shouldn’t waste it. If I were in charge, this match would come down to Ziggler vs. Orton, with Ziggler getting his first big win over Orton, pulling out a surprising victory from the inappropriately named Team Barrett. At the end of the day, any member of Team Barrett benefits more from winning this match than any member of Team Orton. Does that mean anything? History would dictate that it doesn’t to the WWE, but it does to me. Winner: Team Barrett
Mike Aires: This really could go either way. Both teams have guys on the verge, or currently in pushes. I see it coming down to Orton for his team, and Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes on their team. At some point, Orton hears voices in his head that talk to him and tell him that he doesn’t lose. Winner – Team Orton
Christian Michael: The bigger stars are on Team Orton but the people in most need of a push are on Team Barrett. I was a huge fan of these matches as a kid but they’ve lost some luster recently. I think that since WWE is on a kick right now of pushing Barrett I see his team winning and him being the sole survivor. I wouldn’t be shocked if Wade Barrett found his hands on the World Heavyweight Championship before the year ended. Projected Winners- Team Barrett
Kenny Latham: Not much to say, it’s a standard Survivor Series match, I’m going with Team Orton with Orton and Sheamus being the sole survivors. Winners: Team Orton
Andrew Johnson: I’d like to say that this match ends with Cody Rhodes doing his spinning death special on Randy Orton through six announces tables, but I think that would be a DQ finish and I f*****g hate those. Winners: Team Orton
John Canton: It’s tough to pick this one. The babyface team has two guys in Orton & Sheamus who almost never lose. If they do lose it’s rarely clean. They are two of the most protected guys on the roster. With that said, I think the heel team has three guys in Ziggler, Barrett & Rhodes that are ready to be key main event players immediately. They need to push them. All three guys deserve it. If Orton & Sheamus lose here it won’t hurt them. It’s a tag match. They can book a DQ or countout finish for each guy or some kind of cheap pin. It would benefit the heels to win more. I am going to have faith in the booking team (a big reach on my part) and go with the heel win because the three of those guys would benefit huge from it. Faces are going to do well later in the show (in my opinion), so let the heels win here. Winners: Team Barrett
Lonestar: Now we’re talking. I heart elimination matches: so many possibilities and so many chances for people to impress. Still, as much as I like four out of the five wrestlers on Team Barrett, I don’t see them standing much of a chance against the assembled forces on Team Orton. This match seems pretty one-sided on paper. Winner: Team Orton
Jacob Lindsey: Orton’s team has more store power. I would like for Barrett’s team to win here, because that makes things interesting. Instead, barring some sort of DQ, Sheamus and Orton will likely be the survivors. Winners: Team Orton
Eric Keith: I’d say the smart money here is on Orton, since he’s practically Mr. Survivor Series. If I was booking this, I would have Orton be the first person eliminated and make this match really interesting. Kofi and Cara could really get their asses handed to them and build up for the hot tag to Sheamus. Eventually, the match would come down to Sheamus vs. Barrett/Rhodes, with the heels winning it. But, since this is WWE, it will probably be Orton and Sheamus (and possibly Kofi) standing at the end. Winners: Team Orton
Marc B.: With the continuing pushes of Ziggler, Rhodes, and Barrett, I can see the heels going over in this match. WWE loves to have their faces look good, especially in big moments, but the heels need the win more. Winners: Team Barrett
World Title: Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Cody Dodson: I never thought I’d say this about a feud involving Mark Henry and Big Show, but I really like the story they’ve told here. Henry has obviously been awesome in the past few months and Big Show has shown some intensity he’s been lacking recently. I’ve heard reports of seeing Big Show vs. Mark Henry in a Tables match at TLC. Given where I think they are going with Mark Henry (giving someone a rub at Wrestlemania), I think that they will continue to have him dominate everyone, and defeating Big Show in three straight pay per view matches feels like a great way to build him up. Winner: Mark Henry
Laurence Salford: I feel as if I could cut and paste my text from Vengeance and put it here, as I can’t see what the difference in matches will be, aside from that the ring won’t break this time. D-Bry might stick his beard into this match and get involved somehow, but I still hope that Henry will hold onto the title till ‘Mania, where he loses to D-Bry, as that is the better story. Fingers crossed. Winner – Mark Henry
Matt Seagull: Last time Show challenged for a World Title at Survivor Series in MSG was the last time he won a World Title, and no, I’m not counting the ECW Title, even though he had a good run. Henry’s starting to slow down on the momentum, because they’re starting to make him into a chicken-shit heel a little, although I have no idea why. Plus, he’s been picking on my boy D-Bryan the Superhero for the past few weeks, and that gets under my skin, you dig? I’m tempted to pick Show only because Henry’s had the belt longer than two months and I’m sure the creative team is starting to get antsy, but I’ll again err on the side of caution and think that they’re going to give Mizark a lengthy run with the belt. Will he make it to Wrestlemania as champion? Doubtful, but I think he’ll be close. He’s walking out of MSG with the belt. Winner: Mark Henry
Thomas Briggs: Surprisingly, I’ve been very happy with how this feud has been handled. If you would’ve told me a year ago that I would be invested in a feud between Sexual Chocolate and the Giant, I’d call you nuts. But here we are, and I’m looking forward to their follow up bout. This match is fairly predictable though. I expect to see Henry carry his title until maybe Wrestlemania. Winner: Mark Henry
Matty J. Douglas: Word is this match might take place again at TLC in a Table Match. While I actually liked their last encounter, I don’t think they deserve a three match series. I think Henry wins here, which would be the right call. Winner: Mark Henry
Mike Aires: Rematch of the century! Or not. Henry will retain. I just don’t see them putting the title on Show. But I could see this match ending funky again, with Henry winning by DQ or something screwy. Winner – Mark Henry
Christian Michael: This feud has been well booked for the most part, I just can’t get into it because it’s The Big Show vs. Mark Henry and the matches are slow and plodding. They should have added a gimmick to this one after the ring broke in their last match. The last time Survivor Series was at MSG Big Show stunned the WWE and won the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar. Will history repeat itself? I can’t see it happening. The payoff of Henry’s monster run has to be putting a young guy on the map. Show does not fit that mold. Projected Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion- Mark Henry
Kenny Latham: I hope they ‘reinforce the ring’… that was a joke. I think Mark Henry’s run continues. Winner: Mark Henry
Andrew Johnson: I hear they are planning to have Mark Henry vs. Big Show XXIII at TLC next month, so they need a logical reason to get them to that point. I personally would rather watch Mark murder smaller guys until Mania, but I’m also kind of unbalanced so what do I know. Winner: Big Show (by countout)
John Canton: The feud has been better than I thought it would be, so kudos to all involved from the booking team to Henry & Show as talents. With that said, I don’t need to see more than one more match between them. A Henry win is the right move. Give them about 10-12 minutes, book it in a smart manner and have the heel retain his title. Winner: Mark Henry
Lonestar: Well it’s the Big Show! It’s the big bad show tonight! Mark Henry is having the run of his life and there’s no reason on God’s green earth that Mark should drop the title to the Big Show, a 39 year-old man wrapping up his lengthy and successful career, instead of a younger star that could use the notoriety. I really hope what I want to happen and what will happen is the same thing for once. Winner: Mark Henry
Jacob Lindsey: Last month’s No Contest and a possible match at TLC lead me to believe that this won’t be a clean finish. Both guys are doing well in their roles right now, and it’s nice to get a break from the usual suspects. Winner: Big Show by DQ
Eric Keith: My prediction is that these two will scrap like Sasquatches. This feud has been far better than it had any right to be. I think at this point the only thing that could add to it would be a title switch. I see D. Bryan coming to the aid of Show and setting up a knockout punch and the start of a NEW, one-month reign of the Big Nasty Bastard. Winner: Big Show
Marc B.: The build to this match is probably going to be remembered more than the match itself. Mark Henry should retain here, plus look for a returning Kane to start a program going into TLC. Winner: Mark Henry
WWE Title: Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk
Cody Dodson: I was a big fan of Alberto Del Rio when he first debuted, but CM Punk is right. He’s become boring, and that sucks because he’s on a show with plenty of other colorful personalities who outshine him. CM Punk has proven that he can carry the title picture while Cena is off dealing with Rock. Hell, Punk could carry the whole show if they let him. We have to assume that these two are going to have another match at TLC, which will obviously be some kind of gimmick match. It makes sense in that scenario for a pissed off Del Rio using his rematch and wanting to seriously hurt Punk. Plus, I need a face to get a win in my predictions. Winner: CM Punk
Laurence Salford: I very much approve of CM Punk being in the WWE Title picture for this PPV, as the continual insertion of Punk into the main event is really helping his babyface push. I saw this match at a house show last week, and they put on a good show, so hopefully the match will deliver. I’m torn on who should win though. Hmmm. Ah sod it, let’s go with the saviour. Winner – CM Punk
Matt Seagull: We may not have Ryder to cheer, but we’ll definitely have Punk. With the tag team outcome in very little doubt, I think this match will have the most heat of the night. MSG’s love of Punk I feel will rival Benoit’s at Wrestlemania XX. And if they built Del Rio better, I’d say Punk has no chance. But something about how they’ve treated Alberto…I think Punk gets the gold. Call it a complete homer pick. I never pick against the New York Giants in football pick ‘ems, no matter who they face (and I ended up cashing in quite well on the Patriots game as a result), and I just can’t pick against Punk in MSG. Go Punker! I’ll be there in my “Best in the World” shirt cheering you on! Winner: CM Punk
Thomas Briggs: I fully believe that CM Punk will be the WWE Champion in the next six months. Will he win the title at Survivor Series, the Royal Rumble, or Wrestlemania is the real question. Personally, I’d like to see the WWE hold off on crowning Punk until Wrestlemania. There are few ways better to show the arrival of a new champ. Unfortunately, the WWE has been rushing through angles as of late, and I’d expect them to want the title on Punk by the time they next visit Chicago. Winner: CM Punk
Matty J. Douglas: I’m surprisingly interested in this match, more so than any match that’s been part of an Alberto Del Rio feud. I don’t fin his feuds to be compelling or gripping, but CM Punk has delivered a couple of strong promos during this one that have kept me interested. I expect to see some John Laurianitis shenanigans that cost Punk the match. Punk’s going to get the title, but not on this night. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Mike Aires: Such a hard match to predict, honestly. Is it Punk’s time to shine again? My heart says Punk wins somehow and the crowd goes nuts. My head tells me that Berto will pull off a win by interference by Ricardo, or the Funkman, or even Kevin Nash. But my heart is in it to win it, peeps. Winner – CM Punk
Christian Michael: This is the rare match where I want both guys to win. I want Del Rio to win because he hasn’t really gotten the chance to shine as Champion and a good win over Punk at a Big 4 PPV and a prolonged run would do him wonders. I want Punk to win because he’s the freakin’ man and deserves the spotlight. Del Rio got the last laugh on RAW which leads me to think that Punk will take the gold home but Del Rio really needs the win more especially since Punk has really put him down in promos leading up to the match. I know Punk has the “pipe bomb” but it was almost done to the point of hurting Del Rio’s credibility. This is a tough one to call but should be a great match if given ample time. Projected Winner and STILL WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio
Kenny Latham: The Title is changing hands here. CM Punk is going to win by ‘defying the odds’ of Ricardo Rodriguez and getting the victory over ADR. Winner: CM Punk
Andrew Johnson: I don’t know how it happened, but I really can’t stand this CM Punk that refuses to be a star and makes fun of Alberto for being Mexican. The good news is, this feud still has legs and Alberto seems capable of holding onto the hot potato that is the WWE title for a little longer than most. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
John Canton: I’ve been torn on this one. I think Punk winning the WWE Title before year’s end is an inevitability. The question is does it happen here, at the TLC PPV in December or at the last Raw of the year on December 26th in his hometown of Chicago? Ultimately I decided to go with Survivor Series as my choice. I think TLC will see a rematch between these two and then in the new year Punk will have a new heel challenger like The Miz or Dolph Ziggler. This should be an entertaining match. They’ve had good ones before, but never at this level or one that will likely go as long as this one. I’ll go with Punk getting the clean win to a huge pop. Seems like the right move to me. Winner: CM Punk
Lonestar: I’ve been impressed with this feud and the way it has turned progressively personal. Punk continues to do everything at a high level and has brought Del Rio up a bit in the process. On a side note, anytime a wrestler throws another wrestler into a catering table full of popcorn and bananas is ok by me. That being said, my gut instinct is telling me that Punk will win the title on Sunday, which could take the wind out of Del Rio’s sails a bit. Depends on how they work it, as ever. Winner: CM Punk
Jacob Lindsey: I have high hopes for this match. It seems like a toss-up to me. Either way, there’s a rematch at TLC. I was gonna apologize for my brevity in these, thus far, but you guys have been following the story. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Eric Keith: No matter what, I don’t think that Punk is leaving with the belt. He will probably get screwed over and get another shot in a ladder match in December. I’m actually hoping for that because I have tickets. Yeah, I’m selfish like that. I think this will be the best match of the night as far as in-ring action. Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Marc B.: I think I like the fact that Cena is in no way involved in this match. Punk has been watered down since the summer, but he is still arguably the big star in this match. Del Rio has been so-so as champ, and they really haven’t made him look all that strong. I say Punk wins, and MSG goes crazy. Winner: Punk
John Cena & The Rock vs. The Miz & R-Truth
Cody Dodson: Here’s the real main event of the show. This match will tell a few stories. The first is about The Rock getting back in the ring after seven years. Will he be rusty? He looks to be in great shape and I’m sure he’s at least worked out in a ring a few times before getting back in for a match. The other story here is about how The Rock and John Cena will work together. I see them going the traditional route of having tension throughout the match only for one of them to cost the other the win. Yep, I’m going with The Miz and R-Truth winning here. It’s hard to bet against the two goliaths, but the heels desperately need the win. The heels winning also makes sense for The Rock and Cena, because it gives them something else to be angry at each other about. I’ll probably be the only one to lose points on this, but my prediction is… Winner: Miz & R-Truth
Laurence Salford: Here it is, the big one, the main event, the wrestling return of the Great One himself, and I feel slightly underwhelmed about the whole situation. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Rock as much as the next man, and his promo on Raw helped me get a bit more excited, but since the focus is on will they/won’t they get along for Rock/Cena, I’m not sure how good this match will actually be. There will be a twist though, and this won’t be a simple Cena pins Truth after AA, Rock and Cena reluctantly shake hands, only for Rock to deliver Rock Bottom type situation either. I think something big might go down here, but I’m not sure how big. Whispers of a Cena heel turn are bound to surface, and I think they might tease it here, but not go through with it eventually. I predict Cena will AA the Rock, and leave him to get pinned by the Miz, to finish with Miz/Truth celebrating, and a stare down between Rock/Cena to get people excited about the possibilities that may occur. Winner – Awesome Truth
Matt Seagull: A better prediction should be how many Twitter references they’ll be able to fit into the commentary for this match. Let’s set the over/under at 40. Go! Anyway, this pairing of Rock and Cena reminds me of when Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect formed The Perfect Team at Survivor Series 1992, so consider Miz and Truth the Ric Flair and Razor Ramon of 2011. That match ended in a shmozz, but I feel this one will have a definitive ending. I’m sure much will be said about the writers’ inability to even give a shred of credibility to Awesome Truth as a force that could take out Rock and Cena. It’ll be a spectacle. I’ll enjoy the hell out of it live. It’ll even be an entertaining match. But there’s no way Rock and Cena are losing this. I’d bet the house if I had one. Winners: Rock and Cena
Thomas Briggs: Unlike most, I don’t think this match has the most obvious outcome of the night. I could easily see the WWE throwing fans a curveball with Miz and R-Truth scoring a win. Of course, in order to do so, Cena and Rock have to be at odds. I think that’s going to be the true theme of the match. Rock and Cena aren’t going to get along, yet don’t expect either to turn heel. Although I could see the match going either way, I am going to have to go with the crowd on this one. Winners: Cena and Rock
Matty J. Douglas: There sure are a lot of trap matches on this card. I could take a dip in the TJR PPV Picks rankings after this one for sure. I can’t think the WWE would have the Rock wrestle a match before the much-anticipated Wrestlemania showdown with John Cena, and lose. I just can’t. Truth is, I don’t see R-Truth and Miz winning here, although it technically is a possibility. If Awesome Truth do pick up the win, it would be due to Rock and Cena not being able to get along, and the fall would likely be on Cena. That being said, I would probably have Cena cost Rock the match, not turning heel per say, but returning the favor to the Rock who cost him the Main Event of Wrestlemania against the Miz. I just don’t see that happening so my choice is fairly simple. Winners: Rock and Cena
Mike Aires: The more I think about this match, the more I’m actually surprised how many ways it could go. There are plenty of plausible ways that Awesome Truth win. I just find it hard to believe that WWE would let the Rock lose in his first match back. Doesn’t mean the proverbial poo won’t hit the rotating blades. Seems like Rock always upstages Cena. I see Cena upstaging the Rock this time to jump start their feud by taking him out at the end of the match, then dragging him over to pin an unconscious Miz/Truth. Winner – John Cena and The Rock
Christian Michael: The Rock and Cena winning isn’t as much of a foregone conclusion as you’d think. Could this be it? Could this finally be the day? Is John Cena going to turn heel? I could see a scenario where Rock is taking the babyface beatdown and looking to make the hot tag but Cena drops off the apron and leaves The Rock or takes the tag and hits him with the AA and then leaves and let’s Rock get pinned. I could see WWE being WWE and just having Rock and Cena squash Miz and Truth and have nothing remotely exciting or intriguing happen. I think the most likely scenario is the two of them reluctantly getting along and picking up the win and after the match Cena hits the AA on The Rock as they are celebrating. Why does Cena do this? Because he’s mad that Rock wouldn’t let him AA Miz and stole the spotlight away from Cena. I expect this match to go on last and the New York crowd to be booing their heads off as the PPV fades to black. Projected Winners- The Rock and John Cena
Kenny Latham: Oh boy, this could go in a lot of directions. The one that I am going with is with John Cena turning on The Rock allowing the Awesome Truth to win (and perhaps turning Cena heel). Winners: The Awesome Truth
Andrew Johnson: There is no reason for Cena and Rock to win. It doesn’t progress their story, and it buries their opponents who for the past few months have been stuck between bad ass invaders getting handcuffed and dragged of by the cops and whipping boys for racists John Cena and whoever he’s tagging with that week. The only way everyone comes out the better here is for Awesome Truth to win, but since this is WWE that means the opposite is probably going to happen. Still, I smell an upset. Winners: Miz & R-Truth
John Canton: The Rock and John Cena are wrestling in the main event of WrestleMania 28. This is a fact that we know. With that said, do you really think Vince McMahon would book them to lose a match to two guys that haven’t been prevented as threats? A Rock/Cena match is less appealing if they are remembered as the guys that lost to The Miz & R-Truth. The Garden will be electric for it. I’ll be excited watching Rock in action again too. I doubt I’m alone when I say that. How do you book it? How’s this for a finish: Rock hits Rock Bottom on Truth. Cena tags him in the back, slides in, puts the STF on Truth and he taps out. The jobbers are out of the picture. Rock gets in Cena’s face for stealing the pin. They start shoving, they start punching, the crowd is going wild and it gets broken up. The PPV ends with those two yelling at eachother to end the night. Tune into Raw for more. End scene. I wish JR was there to call it. Winners: Rock & Cena
Lonestar: Awesome Truth is like a caveman with a stick to Rock and Cena’s atomic bomb. Faces win. The real question is how do they push the big match for Mania 28 forward? I don’t foresee any heel turns but I do think Cena and the Rock will try to show off against Miz and Truth and antagonize each other throughout the match. There might even be a tense moment or fisticuffs after they win, but I wouldn’t expect either man to walk out of Survivor Series as the bad guy. Winner: The Rock and John Cena
Jacob Lindsey: I’ve been trying to imagine a scenario where the heels win. The Mania match needs Rock and Cena to hate each other. This is where it starts. I can see a repeat of Mania this year, where Cena accidentally hits Rock, Rock hits the Rock Bottom, and Miz steals the win. Is that likely? No. The faces will probably win, and then brawl after the match. I’m gonna be different though, and go with the heel team. Winners: The Miz and R-Truth
Eric Keith: I don’t think there is any way that Rock/Cena don’t win this match and then have some sort of scuffle afterwards. I think they should have Cena win the match with an AA 60 seconds into the match before Rock even has a chance to tag in. Heh. That would be hilarious. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. Heh. Sorry, I thought about it again. Winners: The Most Charismatic Tag Team of All the Times: The Rock and John Chaina
Marc B.: Man, WWE really has booked themselves into a corner here, haven’t they? Awesome Truth has been made to look weak by the two Alphas, and they have been treated as an afterthought. But what if they are doing that only to have Awesome Truth pull the upset. It would be interesting to see what happens, but the only way I see Awesome Truth winning is if either Rock or Cena turns on the other. Conventional wisdom says Rock walks out, but man, wouldn’t it be great if it was Cena. It would actually be awesome. I still think that Awesome Truth can pick up the win. Winner: Awesome Truth.
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That’s a wrap. It’s really late. I’m too tired to do the summary of who picked who. In 2012 we won’t have the whole staff preview PPV. It will either be just myself or I’ll choose two others to join me. We’ll see how it goes. One more PPV left in 2011 called TLC in December. We’ll reconvene again for that one.
I’ll be back on Sunday night for live Survivor Series coverage at thejohnreport.net as always. Yes, I’m doing it live this month. It’s The Rock’s return and I need to see it live. Any questions or comments? Send them to [email protected].
Thanks for reading. Enjoy WWE Survivor Series.
