5 Backstage developments that could impact Survivor Series 2020: Former Universal Champion to leave WWE after PPV; Released 6-time World Champion set to return; Big plan for The Fiend?

WWE Survivor Series has become that time of the year when we see Superstars from RAW and SmackDown go head to head in an attempt to establish brand supremacy. This year will be no different as both squads are ready to head to battle this Sunday.

However, this year's Survivor Series will be much more special as WWE has organized The Undertaker's 'Final Farewell' at the pay-per-view. The Undertaker had revealed during his WWE Network documentary that he will no longer be wrestling. It is ironic that The Undertaker will be getting his farewell exactly 30 after he debuted at Survivor Series 1990.

So without further ado, let us take a look at five backstage news stories that could significantly affect the outcome of Survivor Series.

---

#5 Seth Rollins to likely leave after Survivor Series

'The Messiah' Seth Rollins is one of the members of the men's team of the five-on-five Survivor Series match. However, this may be the former Universal Champion's last match for the foreseeable future. It has been reported that Rollins will be absent from WWE for some time as he will be taking paternity leave to be with his fiance Becky Lynch who is expecting a baby.

''Becky Lynch is about to give birth within a week or two. That’s why they blew off the Rey thing this week and they’re gonna do the Seth Rollins and Murphy match next week and then the Survivor Series and probably after Survivor Series, maybe a week after [he will stick around]. He’s gonna be gone probably until the first of the year maybe. I don’t know if there’s a definite date but that’s out and that story is out and that story is true.'' H/T: WrestlingNewsCo

With Seth Rollins on his way out, it can be expected that The Messiah will not have a very strong showing during the match and may take an early pin to get someone from the RAW side over.

#4 Kurt Angle may return at Survivor Series

Kurt Angle was one of the Superstars who was released by WWE early this year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Angle's departure from the company was amicable as the former WWE Champion has made a few appearances after his release as well. As per reports, the Olympic Gold Medalist will be returning at Survivor Series.

PWInsider has reported that Kurt Angle is likely to be part of The Undertaker's farewell celebrations. Kurt Angle and The Undertaker have had a storied past and it will be great to see them reunite at the show.

''WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle is scheduled to be in attendance at the Survivor Series this Sunday, PWInsider.com has confirmed. It is likely that Angle is being brought in for the Undertaker's Final Farewell. As previously reported, Kane, The Godfather and Savio Vega will also be in attendance at the PPV.''

The report also says that it is not known if the legends will be seen on camera and they might just be coming to Survivor Series to shoot a documentary. But we can certainly expect Kurt Angle to make an an-screen cameo on the pay-per-view.

#3 The Fiend to confront The Undertaker at Survivor Series?

The Fiend recently posted a cryptic tweet which gave spark to rumors of a possible clash between The Undertaker and Bray Wyatt at Survivor Series. In a post made by WWE, The Fiend commented insinuating that The Undertaker has never faced him.

While Bray Wyatt and The Undertaker have gone head to head in the past, Bray Wyatt's The Fiend character has never confronted WWE's ultimate supernatural character - The Undertaker.

Speaking to the Bump, The Undertaker also expressed interest in a possible feud with The Fiend.

"I would love to have been able to work a program with The Fiend. I mean my goodness, there's no telling what kinda matches we'd come up with. You know, just due to the strength of his character and obviously The Undertaker character. It would have been something else. It might have been a buried alive swamp match from Alcatraz. The possibilities would be limitless with those two characters."

We may not get to see a match between The Fiend and Undertaker but a possible confrontation between the two iconic characters at Survivor Series would be something the fans will remember for a long time.

#2 Drew McIntyre to defeat Roman Reigns at Survivor Series?

Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton to become the WWE Champion on RAW this week. Now, The Scottish Psychopath will be taking on 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns at Survivor Series.

It has been reported that the primary reason for Randy Orton losing the WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre was because there was a belief backstage that Orton would be losing to Roman Reigns at Survivor Series. It was stated that while both men would have had a good match, no one would have truly benefitted. Here is what Dave Meltzer of WON had stated:

''It’s more interesting, not just because you have a face vs. heel dynamic, but the belief was Reigns would beat Orton, while with McIntyre, you have the two most protected guys on the roster facing each other. Of course with no title at stake and a high chance of interference, the result isn’t all that important.''

Having Drew McIntyre win the WWE Championship in order to face Roman Reigns gives the message that the company is keen to continue pushing McIntyre and the two-time World Champion will likely go over at Survivor Series.

#1 Team SmackDown to win at Survivor Series?

The best part about Survivor Series is to see which brand WWE has more focus on. While RAW is the so-called flagship show of the company, it has been evident since SmackDown's move to FOX that WWE has been treating the Blue brand as the A-brand.

It has been reported that WWE is continuously looking to please FOX which could be one reason that Team SmackDown will come out on top at Survivor Series. Another reason for this decision could be that USA Network is allegedly changing its priorities and will not be giving too much focus to RAW.

Here is what Vince Russo told SportsKeeda:

''I had somebody tell me this past week, when it comes to the TV side of it, and I'm not going to speak for Fox. I don't know about Fox, but I was told that WWE is not even a priority for the USA Network anymore. And if it's not a priority, I can't imagine USA (Network) is going to sign them up again after this deal. Now, don't get me wrong, Chris. You and I both know wrestling. They will find another sucker. They will find a Network who thinks they are buying Rock and Austin. That's what they do."

It has also been stated by Vince Russo that Vince McMahon may have to look for a new network for Monday Night RAW soon. So it is likely that Team RAW will lose at Survivor Series.