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Survivor Series is usually one of the most highly anticipated PPVs of the year. Even though it is still considered to be one of the big four WWE events of the year, this once-great PPV has clearly lost its sheen in recent time.
Also read: 5 better alternative Raw v/s Smackdown matches for Survivor Series.
The match card for this year's Survivor Series leaves a lot to be desired. The champion vs champion gimmick has resulted in matches that nobody, except the WWE, cares about. Brock Lesnar vs Jinder Mahal is the prime example of a match that everybody knows will not deliver. But there is one match that might save the day for the WWE. And it is the traditional Survivor Series elimination match.
The traditional 5 vs 5 Survivor Series elimination match is often a 'match of the year' candidate. And this year is not expected to be any different. Both Raw and SmackDown are going to come out with all their guns blazing. Randy Orton delivered a thundering RKO to Sami Zayn to seal his berth on Team Smackdown. And with two qualifying matches set for Tuesday night, the blue brand's team is shaping up already. Thus, here are four wrestlers who are likely to be Randy Orton's teammates at Survivor Series.
#1 Bobby Roode
Ever since his much-anticipated move to SmackDown, Bobby Roode has been criminally underutilized. The 'Glorious One' has been feuding with Dolph Ziggler in a rivalry marred with sub-par matches. Let's hope that their rubber match this Tuesday, with a spot on Team Smackdown for Survivor Series on the line, does not disappoint. Both these competitors are extremely gifted wrestlers and are capable of working magic in the ring together.
But it is crystal clear that Dolph Ziggler is not a priority for WWE at the moment. While on the other hand, Bobby Roode is a relatively new addition to the blue brand and the WWE wants to establish him as a main eventer.
Bobby Roode also brings immense star power to the table which 'The Show-off' simply can't. So, until the WWE makes a bewildering booking decision of making Bobby Roode lose his very first rivalry on Smackdown, Bobby Roode will sport the blue colour at Survivor Series.
#2 AJ Styles
Nobody deserves to be called the 'Phenomenal One' more than AJ Styles. He is hands down the best wrestler in the world at the moment. AJ also recently proved at TLC that he is the most hardworking and dedicated wrestler on God's green earth as well. WWE is lucky to have AJ Styles, and Team SmackDown will be extremely blessed to have him on their side as well.
AJ Styles is one of the biggest crowd pullers for the WWE. His star power cannot be matched by many. Thus, the inclusion of AJ Styles on Team SmackDown is a no-brainer. His involvement in the traditional Survivor Series match will raise the level of the battle by at least a million times. He is not involved in any other rivalry at the moment, and thus his inclusion to Team SmackDown looks certain.
#3 Shinsuke Nakamura
The king of strong style is one of the best things to happen to WWE in a long time. Shinsuke Nakamura is without any shadow of a doubt, once in a lifetime superstar who has succeeded in every company he chose to wrestle in. Even though he was recently involved in a lacklustre feud with Jinder Mahal, his stardom is at an all-time high. Thus, his inclusion in Team Smackdown will improve the blue brand's chances of winning the match.
Nakamura is all set to clash with Kevin Owens for a place on team blue. And if the present storylines are anything to go by, he will most likely defeat KO on Smackdown. Post which the recently reunited team of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are expected to get their revenge by costing team blue the match at Survivor Series.
Shinsuke Nakamura also needs the win much more than KO at the moment. But whatever the reason maybe, Nakamura will be a welcome addition to Team Smackdown.
#4 Rusev
Not so long ago, 'The Bulgarian Brute' was established as a force to be reckoned with by the WWE. He completely annihilated all his opponents inside the ring. Rusev was on his way to achieving greatness and superstardom, but then something changed. SmackDown was in dire need of a good heel and Rusev could have been exactly that. But instead, he was relegated to being a jobber on the blue brand.
The manner in which WWE has booked Rusev recently makes absolutely no sense. But Survivor Series is the perfect opportunity for the WWE to right their wrong. If Rusev becomes a part of Team SmackDown, then it will be great for his tumbling career. Rusev has immense potential, and the fans want to see him in brutal matches. Thus, Rusev deserves a push and to be on Team SmackDown for Survivor Series.
Let's hope that all the matches on the card, despite being not so great on the paper, deliver. The fans deserve a bang for their buck and WWE should not disappoint their ardent followers.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
