WWE Survivor Series: Biggest X-Factors Who Will Make a Massive Impact

Heading into Survivor Series later this month, there are numerous wildcards on the roster who could drastically change the landscape of the pay-per-view and alter WWE’s programming for the next several months.  

A lot hinges on this event—the company is building it up to be a major show, and you should expect the writing crew to go all out in making it as memorable as possible. That means lots of shocking twists and turns.

So, in order of importance, here are the top five performers who could make a huge difference to the show in Boston.

5. The Miz

Is The Miz turning heel?

After a year on the babyface side, is The Miz turning heel again?

It looks that way. There have certainly been hints of it, with the star taking to Twitter and WWE online show Backstage Fallout to bitterly complain about losing the fan vote on Monday’s Raw. A turn makes sense: The Miz has always been far better as a smug, arrogant heel.

If a trip to "The Dark Side" is in line for the 33-year-old, don’t be too surprised if he flat-out turns at Survivor Series and costs CM Punk and Daniel Bryan their (presumed) match with the Wyatt Family.

4. Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman with Curtis Axel

Wrestling’s most duplicitous manager has been off of television recently, selling the brutal beating he received from CM Punk at Hell in a Cell. 

He did, however, resurface on Monday’s Raw via a live phone call to Michael Cole.  A distraught, weeping Heyman informed the announcer that he was currently in Europe seeking “alternative treatments” for his various injuries.

Of course, knowing the former ECW owner, he won’t be off television for long. He could even return at Survivor Series.

One potential plot development could have Heyman be revealed as the man pulling the Wyatt family’s strings. It would certainly explain the trio targeting Punk over the last few weeks.   

3. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns could be a good babyface

There have been a few indications on Raw and SmackDown recently that Roman Reigns may be growing tired of The Shield and The Authority.  Most notably, those exasperated looks he’s been throwing towards the increasingly arrogant Dean Ambrose.  

Thanks to his size, in-ring skills and physical presence, it seems almost certain the 28-year-old is set for a major babyface run, sooner or later; likely sooner considering WWE’s booking team isn't exactly known for its patience.

Could the highly-anticipated break-up of The Shield happen at Survivor Series, with Reigns turning on his two teammates once and for all?   

2. Kane

Kane has had a major makeover

Former WWE champion Kane emerged at the end of Monday’s Raw, with a drastic new look. Unmasked and clad in a bland-looking suit and tie, it appears “The Big Red Machine” has gone corporate and joined the ranks of The Authority.

It’s a welcome change for the veteran, who has been essentially playing the same monster character since 1998. At least now we’ll get a chance to see what else he can do as a performer. 

Can we expect Kane to get involved in the just-announced Big Show/Randy Orton bout at Survivor Series?

It seems possible, maybe even likely. One thing is for sure: Big Show should definitely be worried.

1. Vince McMahon

Where is Vince McMahon?

WWE owner Vince McMahon has been notably absent from television throughout the Authority storyline.

It’s been widely speculated that McMahon is the secret backer to The Big Show in his battles against Triple H and Stephanie. Why else has Big Show spent the last few weeks strutting around WWE like he owns the place?

And reports (from F4Wonline via WrestlingInc) have indicated that McMahon is due to make his return to television at some point soon.

Could the boss reemerge at Survivor Series and help Big Show win the WWE Championship in his match against Orton, causing a huge rift between him and his immediate family in the process?