WWE Survivor Series Predictions: The NWO of Bleacher Report's Take on the PPV

This Sunday marks the 25th anniversary of Survivor Series, and it is set up to be huge.

So far, there are six matches that have been lined up for the event, including four title defences and, of course, a traditional five-on-five Survivor Series match. On top of this, we also have The Rock's return to in-ring action following a seven-year absence.

With me for this month's predictions, I have long-time wrestling fans Darryl "Fayte" Rolandsen and Sam Green.

Let's take a look at the card.

Beth Phoenix (C) vs. Eve for the Divas Championship

Beth Phoenix has been the proud owner of the Divas title since the Hell in a Cell PPV, but it seems that interest in the Divas division is at an all-time low. Will there be an upset at Survivor Series?

Rikki: Please, please, please WWE Creative, do something with the Divas division. It all started so brightly with the turns of Beth and Natalya, but it's just gone nowhere. This has got to be a straight-up win for Beth Phoenix, because there's been no real build-up, and it just isn't productive to move the title. There's so little interest in the Divas division nowadays that I don't think anyone would be overly fussed if they just gave the title to Hornswoggle and had done with it.

On a separate note, with the whole movement that was the Divas of Doom, why did Beth not replace the "Barbie Doll" Divas title with the original women's title to start a new era in the Divas division?

Rikki's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Fayte: As much as the Divas division is getting a bit more attention, Beth's run has been awful. Just when I thought Creative were finally giving deserved wins to heels, they’ve decided to not book Beth as strong as she should be. I'm sure she’ll somehow come out on top in this one.

Fayte's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Sam: I'm going with Beth on this one. There's been barely any build-up with just the two of them, and it just seems as though Creative went with the next big thing while Kelly Kelly was off doing various other bits.

Sam's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Dolph Ziggler (C) vs. John Morrison for the United States Championship

For the second time in a row, Dolph Ziggler will be in two seperate matches in a PPV. As well as being Christian's replacement in the five-on-five match, he will have to defend his US title against John Morrison. Will the Prince of Parkour end Dolph's five-and-a-half month reign?

Rikki: I think we all know that Morrison should not be in this match. However, I'm convinced that this is a ploy to draw a bit of heat on Ziggler and maybe even Laurinaitis because the Zack Ryder petition is being ignored.

Despite this, I think it's going to be a great match with some cool spots, which will eventually result in a Ziggler win. I think reversing a Starship Pain into a Zig Zag is asking a bit much. Therefore, I'll be looking for Ziggler to use the super-kick for the win to cement this as a new signature move.

On a separate note, for those of you who watch Z!TLIS, how good would it be for Zack's dad to be in the front row cheering on Morrison?

Rikki's Pick: Dolph Ziggler

Fayte: I’ve got my fingers crossed for Ryder to get added to this match. Regarding the actual match, I expect Dolph to drop the belt here and move on to bigger and better things. Ryder being involved in the match would allow for Dolph to drop the belt to Morrison without getting pinned. If Ryder isn’t included, then I can see some mishap with Vickie costing Dolph the match. Morrison to walk out as US champ one way or another.

Fayte's Pick: John Morrison

Sam: John Morrison instead of Zack Ryder? #areyouseriousjomo? Ziggler to win this one. If there is any other outcome then I have lost what little faith I have in WWE Creative.

Sam's Pick: Dolph Ziggler

Mark Henry (C) vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship

Mark Henry and the Big Show put on an impressive match at Vengeance, which eventually resulted in a no contest when the ring collapsed following a super-plex. Will they put on an equally impressive match at Survivor Series?

Rikki: Maybe it's just me, but I think making the Big Show the world heavyweight champion would be very unproductive in terms of future storylines. Rumour has it that these two are already booked to face each other at TLC next month therefore this feud is obviously set to continue.

I could see Big Show laying the smack down on Mark Henry before Henry gets himself disqualified to save the title. I think this feud needs to finish at TLC so Mark Henry can start thinking about Daniel Bryan's MITB briefcase.

Rikki's Pick: Big Show (Henry Retains)

Fayte: I don’t think Henry and Show are going to top their match from Vengeance, but for two big men, these two can put on a good show. In the end, I think Show is taking a World's Strongest Slam to the back of the queue.

Fayte's Pick: Mark Henry

Sam: I still can't look past Mark Henry for this one (pardon the pun). I love Henry's gimmick, but it seems Creative are making him look weaker and weaker. I still think he'll manage the win, but there will definitely be some dirty tactics involved.

Sam's Pick: Mark Henry

Team Orton vs. Team Barrett

This year's traditional Survivor Series match sees Team Orton (Orton, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Kofi and Ryan) battle it out with Team Barrett (Barrett, Rhodes, Ziggler, Swagger and Hunico). The outcome of this match will affect several current feuds, so who will take the upper hand? The faces or the heels?

Rikki: The first two out will be Hunico and Sin Cara, following an opening five minutes of luchadore-based entertainment. Hunico will be eliminated by Sin Cara, who is then immediately eliminated by Dolph Ziggler via a super-kick. As Sin Cara makes his way up the ramp, he is ambushed by Epico and Primo, who are then joined by Hunico in a three-on-one beat-down, which results in Hunico removing Sin Cara's mask.

Back to the match, where Kingston is out next, thanks to a missed Trouble in Paradise which is reversed into an Ankle Lock by Jack Swagger.

The next elimination comes as a shock as Randy Orton gets himself disqualified following a baiting from Cody Rhodes. Orton ignores the count as he tears into Rhodes at the corner turnbuckle. We're left with four-on-two; Ryan and Sheamus against Barrett, Rhodes, Ziggler and Swagger.

Swagger and Ziggler are disposed of by Mason Ryan, whose feud with Vickie's stable appears to be growing by the minute. The Barrett Barrage then makes mincemeat of him to assert Barrett's sheer power.

Sheamus has recently been groomed into being one of the biggest faces in the company and will seem to be mounting a Cena/Orton-esque comeback before interference from an "injured" Christian causes the distraction, which sees a Cody Rhodes Beautiful Disaster lead into the Wasteland.

The final picture of the match is two of the biggest stars of the future, Rhodes and Barrett, with their arms held aloft.

Rikki's Pick: Team Barrett

Survivors: Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes

Fayte: I expect this matchup to be one of the most important matches for future storylines. The way I expect these eliminations to go are Hunico taking the first bow to Ryan displaying some major power. After this, I expect a bit of a heel run with Ryan, Kingston and Sin Cara all being sent packing one way or another, leaving four-on-two.

At this point, I’m hoping for another Vickie or Swagger mistake costing Ziggler his spot in the rest of the match and in return, Ziggler costing Swagger his spot. Sheamus and Orton left with Barrett and Rhodes would be perfect for starting two more intense feuds.

My prediction for the ending would ideally go to Rhodes getting DQ’d for annihilating Orton, who would take a swift Wasteland, leading into Barrett and Sheamus being able to provide a grounding to a future feud. My prediction is for the Barrett Barrage to get a cheap win over The Great White.

Fayte's Pick: Team Barrett

Survivors: Wade Barrett

Sam: Hunico will be the first out, definitely via Sin Cara, and while Sin Cara's celebrating, Swagger will sneak in for an ankle lock very shortly after.

Mason Ryan will come in and dominate, getting rid of Swagger. Ziggler will enter the fray, and Ryan will get distracted by Vickie so Dolph can get the 1-2-3 on the big Welshman.

Kofi will lose out to Barrett, and Sheamus will be next out through a Christian interference. If my math is correct, this will leave Orton in a three-on-one situation. Ziggler will be next to the door through a very well-timed RKO after being distracted by Vickie.

Now, here is where I see Barrett feigning an injury, leaving Rhodes and Orton to go at it. I'm hoping this will be an epic fight, with Rhodes just losing out, making way for Barrett to come in and get another dirty win like we've seen in previous weeks.

Sam's Pick: Team Barrett

Survivors: Wade Barrett

Alberto Del Rio (C) vs. CM Punk for the WWE Title

This is the first WWE title match in months that hasn't involved one John Cena. Has Del Rio got something up his sleeve for this one, or will the Best in the World emerge victorious?

Rikki: The WWE title has finally found a bit of stability, which leads me to believe that things are going to get shaken up this Sunday. There's only so many times in a row that we can watch interference give Del Rio the victory, so I think this one is Punk's.

This would also give the feud a bit more longevity, and we'd see an inevitable ladder match at TLC where ADR gets his rematch (and dutifully reclaims his title).

Rikki's Pick: CM Punk

Fayte: At Survivor Series, Alberto Del Rio has his chance to solidify himself as a main event heel. With Punk, Del Rio has a great chance to put on a five-star match, and that will work in his favour. I can’t see WWE giving Del Rio another short reign, and there is potential with this rivalry; that’s why I’m giving this one to Del Rio.

Fayte's Pick: Alberto Del Rio

Sam: Every fibre of my being wants CM Punk to win this one. Del Rio is so one-dimensional and brings nothing to the WWE championship whatsoever. The thing is, I just can't see it happening.

For someone of Punk's calibre, it just seems they haven't built it up enough. All we've had is a few weeks of "Battle of the Arm Submissions" and a couple of backstage attacks. Survivor Series is just a stepping stone for something bigger in this story.

Sam's Pick: Alberto Del Rio

The Rock and John Cena vs Awesome Truth

FINALLY, The Rock has come back to...in-ring action, and he's teaming up with the "Fruity Pebble," whom he despises. Can the heroes of two generations coexist to pull a win over Awesome Truth?

Rikki: This match could be everything that we all want and expect it to be, or it could be a huge disappointment. The fact is, The Rock hasn't wrestled in seven years, so the question is whether he's going to be a little rusty or whether he's going to come back better than ever.

It's inevitable that one will screw over the other. Either someone will bow out of a tag, or one will take out the other. It's going to happen.

I could see the Rock walking out after some sort of altercation, allowing Awesome Truth to beat down on Cena, before Little Jimmy's Finale leads to the one-two-three.

Rikki's Pick: Awesome Truth

Fayte: I can only see two outcomes to this match; either The Rock costing the match for Cena and then laying the smacketh down on Awesome Truth; or John Cena screwing The Rock and completing the most anticipated heel turn in the business.

If I had to choose those, I’d go with the Rock taking the role of the bad guy; the fans aren’t going to stop loving him.

Fayte's Pick: Awesome Truth

Sam: There is no way Rock and Cena are losing this match. However, there are so many more ways WWE Creative can go if Awesome Truth get the win. With arguably two of the biggest stars in the industry on the card, it's a face win all the way. Definitely a show-stealer.

Sam's Pick: The Rock and John Cena

Bonus Question

With the card currently looking thin at six matches, which Superstars do you think are missing from the card?

Rikki: I'm not going to bother complaining about the lack of Ryder because I think he has been omitted as part of the storyline (the whole petition thing, etc.). The real question is, where the hell is D-Bry? Mr. Money in the Bank should have been a main-eventer ever since his historic win, but instead, he's been floating around the mid-card and regularly losing. He was on Superstars the other week. Superstars! 

Fayte: I’m going out on a limb here by saying that six matches is enough. It gives the wrestlers more time in the ring and should especially allow for a lot of good moments in the five-on-five elimination match. This aside, Ryder needs to be added to the US title bout.

Sam: I can't really see any more matches happening. Pretty much every wrestler that's had air time since vengeance already has a match (including Ziggler being booked for two matches. Two PPVs in a row? Really?). The most I can see happening is Zack Ryder getting involved in the US title match. This should hopefully open a bit of a feud with both Ryder and Morrison gunning for Ziggler's gold.

Bonus Question

Do you think Survivor Series should still be considered "big four" material?

Rikki: This year, WWE had the perfect Survivor Series match drop straight into their laps, and they ignored it. We could have had Team Lauranitus (Kevin Nash, Del Rio, Mark Henry and Awesome Truth) facing Team Triple H (HHH, Cena, Rock, Punk and Orton) in a fight for power in the WWE. It could have really put Survivor Series back on the map, but they've passed it up for a rag-tag lineup.

I don't think there is a "big four" anymore. You've got Wrestlemania, and possibly the Royal Rumble. King of the Ring only happens every other year now, so it can barely count as one of the big PPVs of the year. If I was pushed, I'd say MITB and Elimination Chamber would join these two as the "big four."

Fayte: If anyone doubts why Survivor Series is part of the "big four," they will be blown away Sunday night. Especially being at Madison Square Garden, the show is going to be off the hook.

Sam: If Survivor Series is to be considered among the "big four," it needs some improvement. For starters, actually having decent Survivor Series-style matches. One elimination tag match is nowhere near enough. Not to mention the fact that there is no feud between the teams, only individual feuds that Creative have decided to slap together because it's Survivor Series. Nevertheless, I am still very much looking forward to this match. It should be an absolute spot-fest and hopefully give Barrett the push he needs.

In my opinion, Survivor Series should be replaced with Money In The Bank in the class of "big four."

Bonus Question

With The Rock making his full return to the ring, which other past superstars would you like to see return to the WWE?

Rikki: Everyone's been waiting on the return of Chris Jericho, although he's recently said that he'd be more likely to return to dancing rather than wrestling. I'd love to see Kurt Angle come back to the WWE because he could really show the heels of the WWE how to draw heat.

Aside from this, I would also like to see a classic tag team return to bolster the division. If the Hardys hadn't disgraced themselves, then they would have been a great addition, but more realistically, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas could really offer something to the division.

Fayte: Spoilt for choice right here. But if I had to spoil myself, I’m going to go with Shawn Micheals, hands down. At this point I would love to see the in-ring magic between him and Ziggler; the matches would be awesome. Plus, we’d have Mr. Wrestlemania back, and who wouldn’t want that?

Sam: Rocky's return to the ring has been the most anticipated event since the rumour of him presenting Wrestlemania 27 wormed its way onto the Internet and into the eyes and ears of the IWC. Every PPV in 2011 has seen rumours of someone's comeback, whether it be coming out of retirement, coming from a different promotion or simply from injury. With that in mind, I have three wrestlers I would love to see return to WWE. First of all, quite simply is Kane. And not the fat bald man we see floating around the mid-card. I'm talking about the masked, tormented psycho that used to scare the pants off me as a kid.

Secondly, is The Dudley Boyz. Bubba Ray and D-Von had the best in-ring chemistry (bar maybe The Hardys), constantly igniting and defining the tag team division. Creative do seem to be, slowly but surely, doing something about the tag division, but for it to really explode, it needs big names. And I'm afraid Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne just aren't enough.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to drop us a comment if you've got something to say about our predictions. We'll see you next month for TLC.

NWO of B/R