WWE Survivor Series 2015: Biggest Themes Established in Build to Event

WWE Survivor Series is upon us, and as fans have been anticipating what will happen on Sunday, the company has laid out an interesting night of action.  

The drama surrounding The Brothers of Destruction is very much there, as Undertaker and Kane face off against The Wyatt Family. The Divas Championship is up for grabs, and a new WWE world heavyweight champion will be crowned as well.

WWE's job as a pro wrestling company is to present intriguing storylines and angles that will bring fans in, and that's exactly what's happened here. Whether Survivor Series will be a hit in terms of fan response is unknown, but there's no doubting themes have been established to make it happen.

The Future Is Now

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WWE fans know the impact NXT has made on the product, and it's an impact that's being felt in a very big way. From the NXT program itself to the influx of talent to the main roster, it's become very clear the company is intent on building for the future.

Tyler Breeze is the latest NXT star to be included in that building process. Breeze's heat with Dolph Ziggler has been simmering for quite a while, and the man known as Prince Pretty gets his shot at one of WWE's best on November 22.

Ziggler is a workhorse, a truly talented star respected by fans and peers alike. He brings so much effort and so much intensity to his matches that he's must-see TV every time he's in the ring.

In many ways, Breeze resembles a younger Ziggler, both in his gimmick and his ring work. Breeze is cocky and brash, yet he's also focused and selfless in the ring. He is showing the trademarks of Ziggler in that he's willing to sell for his opponent and do whatever he can to get the match over instead of just thinking of himself.

Though Ziggler cannot be considered past his prime, he is a veteran, and in this rivalry, he is the elder statesman. He can give Breeze the rub and finally have the opportunity to work with a guy who's as selfless as he is. Ziggler may not be the main event megastar many fans feel he should be, but he is in a great position to help a younger star as he begins his own journey to that status.

This Is Personal

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When WWE Divas champion Charlotte invoked the name of brother Reid during an edition of Monday Night Raw, fans were taken aback. What was the point of mentioning him in a storyline that had nothing to do with him or anyone in the Flair family except for Charlotte herself?

But when Paige took a shot at Reid, the answer suddenly became very clear.

All of this was done in an effort to sell the Divas Championship match at Survivor Series. When the spot happened, it was obvious that the crowd had bought in. Suddenly, the contract signing no one seemed to care about was in all the headlines by the next morning.

Now this bout is a must-see match. Despite the controversy over Reid's memory being on display, the fact is fans are more invested in this one than they were before. For fans cheering Paige prior to Raw, the tide has turned.

Paige is the heel in this rivalry, and she must be presented as such. For the crowds supporting her and cheering her despite her character's disdain for them, there is every reason to hate her now. While no one knows what the reaction to Charlotte will be at Survivor Series, the truth is if she gets a great pop, the spot on Raw will likely be recognized as the reason why.

Fans must have a reason to emotionally invest in a rivalry for it to truly be successful, and whether fans love it or hate it, that's exactly what WWE has achieved for Survivor Series with Charlotte versus Paige.

The Masters of Darkness

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Very rarely do fans get a chance to witness Superstars fight over something substantial other than championship belts these days. But that's what we're getting with The Brothers of Destruction versus The Wyatt Family.

Undertaker and Kane have owned the darkness in WWE for 25 years. Other guys such as Mankind and Sting have shared in it from time to time, but there has never been a doubt as to the masters of that realm. But The Wyatts have staked their claim and now must give the devil his due.

This may not be the traditional five-on-five match that Survivor Series is famous for, but it's got all the drama and intrigue that fans could hope for. Taker and Kane are looking for revenge on Bray Wyatt while The Eater of Worlds wants to be the new Phenom.

Wyatt has invaded their territory and is seeking to become the leader of the underworld. That cannot happen with The Deadman and The Big Red Monster in the way. Survivor Series may not be the night that Undertaker passes the torch and leaves the business, but it's definitely the night when Wyatt has the opportunity to shine.

Regardless of whether he physically competes, Wyatt will be the man calling the shots. His family serves at his discretion, and they are totally committed to him, which means they will be willing to do anything to please him.

This one should be rough, it should be destructive and it should be intense; it's a very fitting match for all involved.

A New Day Is Dawning

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For the first time in recent memory, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship will be decided on a night that does not involve Seth Rollins or John Cena. It's for that reason Survivor Series can be considered the start of something new for WWE.

Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Alberto Del Rio and Kevin Owens will be competing for the vacant championship, and in many ways, it's an example of some very good booking.  

Ambrose and Reigns are in the mix because they are the future and because they have each put in an impressive body of work since debuting on the main roster in 2012. Owens is there because he's new, he's fresh and WWE seems to be testing the waters for him in terms of a top main event spot. Del Rio is there for star power and because the semi-finals needs another strong heel presence.

Fans may have their favorites to go over in this match, but despite what their choices are, there's no doubting this is a night of new beginnings. A new champ means a new set of storylines and a new set of opponents, and that's good for the company.

Many of the complaints from fans center on the fact the product has become stale and predictable; this is definitely not the case for Survivor Series.

Cena will be back eventually, and so will Rollins. But until the company has the chance to perhaps restart the title scene with either man, a new guy will take the spot and a new day will dawn on November 22.

Tom's work can regularly be found on Bleacher Report, and his podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Windows Phone, Amazon Android and online here.