WWE Survivor Series 2021: 5 last-minute changes that can be made to the pay-per-view – Roman Reigns pulls off a surprise, big 'screwjob' on the cards? 

We are hours away from WWE Survivor Series 2021. The match card for the pay-per-view is stacked, featuring several high-profile clashes. There’s also a massive Battle Royal scheduled to take place at the event. With seven matches planned for the show, we expect the upcoming pay-per-view to be short.

Here, we look at some of the last-minute changes that can be made to Survivor Series 2021. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

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#5 Roman Reigns adds an interesting stipulation to his match against Big E at Survivor Series

The biggest match scheduled to take place at Survivor Series 2021 will witness the clash between Universal Champion Roman Reigns and WWE Champion Big E. Both superstars are the top titleholders from SmackDown and RAW, respectively.

Since it is one of the most highly-anticipated matches ahead of the pay-per-view, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect a surprise.

It is no secret that the company did not invest a lot of time in the build-up to Survivor Series this year. We barely saw any interactions between the top champions from both main roster brands.

Even Big E and Reigns had their own messages for each other limited to final episodes of RAW and SmackDown before the event. Yesterday, there were reports claiming that last-minute changes were made to the feud between Roman Reigns and the New Day member.

It appears that initially, there were no plans to bring the two superstars face to face on Friday night. However, The Tribal Chief demanded a change in the script last week. He wanted the creative team to use his match against King Woods and the subsequent attack on the latter to make the champion vs. champion feud appear more personal before Survivor Series.

The idea worked well as Big E returned to help Woods against Reigns and The Usos the following week. He even got the better of the Universal champion, making it a more well-balanced contest.

Thus, it would be fair to imagine Roman Reigns getting a stipulation added to his match against Big E at the pay-per-view. The biggest heel in the business can fetch more heat if he undermines atop babyface due to his backstage pull.

He could also get their in-ring bout to be governed by the rules of a No-DQ, or No Holds Barred match. This would allow both competitors to use weapons in the main event.

Woods has called out The Tribal Chief for always relying on The Usos to win his matches. This could prompt Reigns to refuse any help from his cousins while cleverly substituting them with low blows and steel chairs. It will be interesting to see what’s in store for this bout at Survivor Series.

#4 Potential 'screwjob' in Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair at Survivor Series

While the build-up to Survivor Series 2021 hasn’t been the best, one match has undoubtedly been personal. Former best friends Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair are no longer on speaking terms. There were reports of WWE potentially planning a 'screwjob' for their match, associating yet another controversial moment with the pay-per-view.

Rumors started doing the rounds when the company extensively showed the montages of Montreal Screwjob earlier this month. It is something that isn’t often mentioned on television. Moreover, reports have claimed that the finish to Lynch vs. Flair has been highly debated in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series.

The writers need to avoid booking an underwhelming finish to one of the most believable feuds we have seen in a while.

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#3 Non competing members barred from traditional Survivor Series elimination match

The men’s five-on-five elimination match at Survivor Series will see top superstars represent RAW and SmackDown in the battle for brand supremacy.

Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and Austin Theory will represent the Red brand. On the other hand, Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, Happy Corbin, Sheamus, and King Woods will fight for the Blue brand. But these aren’t the only people who will be present during this bout.

MVP will accompany the RAW team, while SmackDown will have Ridge Holland and Madcap Moss at ringside. The external factors could disrupt the balance inside the ring, and thus, we might see them barred from ringside at Survivor Series.

That said, it would be rather entertaining if we see the referee send them away mid-match. The match official sending superstars backstage always makes for an enjoyable spot.

#2 Naomi forces herself into the Survivor Series team

WWE SmackDown women's team for Survivor Series include Shotzi, Toni Storm, Shayna Baszler, Natalya, and Sasha Banks. They will face RAW's Queen Zelina, Carmella, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Liv Morgan. While the match looks excellent on paper, we might still see a last-minute change made to the booking right before the show.

Former women's champion Naomi is not a part of Team SmackDown. WWE official Sonya Deville has left no stone unturned in sabotaging her over the last few weeks, constantly abusing her power to weaken Naomi's credibility.

Hence, the latter might have enough motivation to attack a member of the Survivor Series team and insert herself into the five-on-five elimination match. If they don't win, Deville will have enough ammo to go after Naomi as she would blame her for the loss.

On the other hand, Naomi can take the credit if SmackDown ends up winning the Survivor Series match. This could also help her turn heel and eventually become a part of The Bloodline.

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#1 The Rock makes a surprise return at WWE Survivor Series 2021

This year’s Survivor Series pay-per-view will also feature a 25-man dual-brand Battle Royal to mark the 25th anniversary of The Rock’s debut. This match has several big names, including AJ Styles and Sami Zayn, listed to compete inside the squared circle.

Given that the multi-man encounter is intended to honor The Rock, could we see him make a surprise appearance on the show?

He recently said that there might be another match left in him, and WWE Superstars have done a lot to pay their respects to one of the greatest performers. The Great One has been busy promoting his new movie on Netflix and could make a brief stop to elevate the second-oldest pay-per-view in WWE history.

While this scenario is plausible, one can’t deny that the company would have heavily promoted The Rock’s appearance at Survivor Series if it was in their plans. Thus, all hopes pertaining to this iconic return should indeed be kept in check.