WWE Superstar Power Rankings for 11/23/2015: WWE Survivor Series 2015 Edition
WWE Survivor Series 2015 is in the books, and the WWE Superstar Power Rankings have been shaken up quite a bit in the wake of the event. Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Sheamus and others all shined at Survivor Series, but only one man could walk out as WWE world heavyweight champion.
Kane and The Undertaker battled The Wyatt Family in celebration of Undertaker's 25 years in WWE. The WWE Divas Championship was also on the line. Aside from the Divas title and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, though, no other titles were defended at Survivor Series.
There was also more injury news out of WWE this past week. Sunday afternoon, legendary announcer Jim Ross posted to Twitter that Cesaro had suffered a shoulder injury:
"Hearing that @WWECesaro is having shoulder issues that will likely require surgery soon. If true, we wish him our best. Quality person.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) November 22, 2015"
Shortly thereafter, Bill Hanstock at SB Nation's Cageside Seats reported that the issue may be a rotator cuff injury. If so, that likely means four to six months of recovery time for Cesaro. WWE has yet to comment officially as of this writing, but with this news, Cesaro has been removed from the rankings.
This comes in the wake of other Superstars either taking time off or suffering injuries. Rusev and Randy Orton are currently out due to injuries, as is Daniel Bryan. And John Cena has missed time as well. Cesaro's injury adds to a growing list of Superstars who have recently been sidelined.
We'll get into all this past week's events, including results for Survivor Series, more thoroughly throughout the following slides. But beforehand, please read the "How These Rankings Work" slide for more information on how the rankings are determined...
How These Rankings Work
1 of 12
These rankings are not a popularity contest and are not designed to determine who has the best matches or the most ability. These rankings are strictly in-storyline power rankings.
All active Superstars and Divas on the WWE roster are considered, excluding talents who primarily or exclusively perform in NXT. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, but any NXT Superstar deemed eligible for these rankings will remain on the Watchlist until officially named a part of the main roster.
Holding a championship, being a No. 1 contender or holding a Money in the Bank briefcase counts for much of a wrestler's ranking, and these honors are therefore the most heavily weighted components.
If a Superstar is deemed to be tied with another, holding a title will be the primary tiebreaker. However, holding a championship, being a No. 1 contender or holding the Money in the Bank briefcase in no way guarantees a spot in the top 10.
Wins and losses account for the bulk of the week-to-week movement and, after championships, are the most important components of the rankings. The quality and rank of a wrestler's opponents are considered in the week-to-week movement.
Getting the better of someone—such as beating someone down—also counts, though not nearly as much as wins and losses. Being over with the fans (i.e., getting a strong reaction) is not heavily weighted in the ranking decisions; it is effectively the last tiebreaker. Pay-per-view wins and losses take on added importance.
Only the top 10 wrestlers are ranked. Wrestlers on the Watchlist were considered for top-10 status but were ultimately nixed. They are unranked, and their listing is in no particular order.
Generally speaking, these rankings do not break kayfabe. However, any major non-storyline information—serious injury, wellness policy violations, suspensions, legitimate hirings, firings, contract information and "sabbaticals"—may be taken into consideration, but only if WWE confirms or addresses it publicly.
WWE's non-televised domestic and international live events are not included in these rankings unless WWE incorporates them into television storylines or acknowledges them on WWE television. Also, nothing that could be explicitly considered a spoiler is included unless WWE acknowledges it as well.
In short, all WWE main-roster shows—televised or digitally distributed—as well as anything from WWE.com, the WWE mobile app, the WWE Network and any WWE-affiliated or Superstar accounts on social media that don't break kayfabe, may be taken into consideration.
These may include but are not limited to Raw, SmackDown, Main Event, WWE Superstars, NXT, pay-per-views, WWE Network specials and any other storyline-driven content from the WWE Network.
Watch List
2 of 12The Usos
Jimmy and Jey Uso haven't been back in action very long, but they're making waves in the tag team division and look to be back to their championship form. They lost a six-man tag team match on Raw due to Ryback's frustration, but bounced back with a victory over The Ascension on Raw.
Then, they were part of the winning team on the Survivor Series Kickoff show's five-on-five Survivor Series elimination match. They could be gearing up for a run at the tag titles sooner rather than later.
Tyler Breeze
Tyler Breeze is showing he belongs in WWE. He defeated R-Truth on Raw, Zack Ryder on SmackDown and then defeated Dolph Ziggler at Survivor Series. All three men are former champions, and Ziggler is a former world champion. So in a short time period, Breeze has shown he can hold his own against tough competition. But is this the end of his rivalry with Ziggler?
Neville
Neville had big plans for Survivor Series, but after losing to Kevin Owens on Raw in the quarterfinals of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tournament (or simply "the tournament" in this article), he had to regroup. He teamed with The Dudley Boyz on SmackDown in a win over Stardust and The Ascension and joined four other men in a victory at Survivor Series. What's next for Neville, though?
The Dudley Boyz
Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley continue to pick up wins. On SmackDown, they teamed with Neville in a win over The Cosmic Wasteland and picked up a Survivor Series win in a traditional five-on-five elimination match. They are still among the top contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships. But with The Lucha Dragons hot and The Usos returning, they have stiff competition.
10. The Lucha Dragons
3 of 12Previous Rank: 8
Movement: Down 2
Kalisto and Sin Cara had a mixed week. On Raw, Kalisto faced Alberto Del Rio in the tournament but lost, ending his quest for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. But even in the loss, Kalisto proved he has a bright future.
Later in the week, Big E faced Kalisto on SmackDown and won, dealing Kalisto his second singles loss of the week. But at Survivor Series, they teamed with Ryback and The Usos against Sheamus, King Barrett and The New Day. Their team won.
The Lucha Dragons might well be the next in line for a shot at The New Day and their titles. But will they get the opportunity?
9. The Wyatt Family
4 of 12Previous Rank: 5
Movement: Down 4
The Wyatt Family doesn't wrestle often. So when they do, they have to win. Unfortunately for them, it seems they can't win with any consistency. Such was the case this past week.
The Wyatts and The Brothers of Destruction faced off both verbally and physically. But when it came time to actually compete in a match, Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper were unable to overcome Kane and The Undertaker, even with heavy interference from Braun Strowman.
With yet another loss, will Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman find new victims to torment, or will they seek retribution against Kane and Undertaker?
8. The Brothers of Destruction
5 of 12Previous Rank: Unranked
Movement: Into Top 10
Kane and The Undertaker have a long and storied history, both together and on their own. Lately, they have joined forces once more to fight against the power of Bray Wyatt and his Family. Amidst claims by Bray Wyatt that he had consumed their souls and taken their powers, they fought back.
And at Survivor Series, they stared into the eyes of The New Face of Fear and defeated The Wyatts. What's next for the two legendary Superstars? Will they continue their rivalry with The Wyatts, or will they move on to other things?
7. Charlotte
6 of 12
Previous Rank: 9
Movement: Up 2
WWE Divas champion Charlotte had a solid but emotional week. On Raw, she and Survivor Series opponent Paige faced off at a contract signing, and things got very personal when Paige mocked her deceased brother. Charlotte was furious, and the ensuing brawl had to be broken up by numerous WWE officials.
Then on SmackDown, Charlotte faced Brie Bella. She won the match and looked ready for Survivor Series. And on Sunday, she proved she was up to the task.
She faced Paige and took out all her frustration on her. She eventually forced Paige to submit to the Figure 8 submission, retaining her title. But even with the win, the personal nature of the rivalry may signal that Charlotte and Paige have unfinished business.
6. The New Day
7 of 12Previous Rank: 4
Movement: Down 2
It was a mixed week for the reigning WWE tag team champions. On Raw, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E all teamed up against The Usos and Ryback. They won the match by disqualification when Ryback intentionally shoved a referee. On SmackDown, Big E got a win over Kalisto as well.
At Survivor Series, though, they couldn't keep up their winning ways. Partnering with Sheamus and King Barrett, they lost to The Usos, Ryback and The Lucha Dragons. Their team lost in large part due to the fact that they walked out on the match after Big E was eliminated, even though Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were still in the match.
Regardless, they now likely have to look at possible challengers for their tag titles. What team will separate themselves from the pack and earn a title shot?
5. Alberto Del Rio with Zeb Colter
8 of 12Previous Rank: 3
Movement: Down 2
WWE United States champion Alberto Del Rio got off to a strong start this week, but his momentum faltered on SmackDown and at Survivor Series. He defeated Kalisto on Raw to advance to the semifinals in the tournament.
On SmackDown, he was a guest on MizTV alongside Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Unsurprisingly, the segment turned into a massive brawl, leading to a tag team match. He and Owens teamed up against Reigns and Ambrose. His team lost.
At Survivor Series, he was unable to defeat Roman Reigns in the semifinals, though he put up a strong fight. The loss dashed his dreams of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for now, but with Zeb Colter by his side representing "Mexamerica," Del Rio looks to be in prime position to rebound.
4. Kevin Owens
9 of 12Previous Rank: 2
Movement: Down 2
WWE intercontinental champion Kevin Owens' week almost precisely mirrors Albert Del Rio's. He defeated Neville on Raw to advance to the tournament semifinals and teamed with Del Rio in a losing effort against Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose following the brawl on MizTV. Then at Survivor Series, he was unable to defeat Ambrose, losing in the semifinals.
With no clear challenger for his title, Owens might be looking to secure another WWE World Heavyweight Championship opportunity soon. But if he's not careful, he may look past challengers for the title he holds and lose a match he should otherwise win.
3. Dean Ambrose
10 of 12
Previous Rank: 6
Movement: Up 3
Dean Ambrose had a great week but couldn't secure the fairytale ending. On Raw, he defeated Dolph Ziggler in the quarterfinals, securing his spot at Survivor Series in the semis. Then on SmackDown, he teamed with Roman Reigns in a win over Alberto Del Rio and Kevin Owens, two reigning champions.
At Survivor Series, he defeated Kevin Owens to advance to the finals. His opponent: Roman Reigns. Ambrose fought hard, but Reigns overwhelmed him, and Ambrose fell to his friend. But even in defeat, The Lunatic Fringe has much to celebrate. He showed he belongs in the main event and deserves championship opportunities. No longer is he to be overlooked. He's a legitimate threat to any champion.
2. Roman Reigns
11 of 12
Previous Rank: 1
Movement: Down 1
Roman Reigns finally made it. He finally won the big one, securing his first world championship. After defeating Cesaro in the quarterfinals on Raw and Alberto Del Rio at Survivor Series in the semifinals, he faced his friend and ally Dean Ambrose in the finals. The winner would be crowned champion.
Reigns has come close before. He was holding his own at WrestleMania 31 against Brock Lesnar when Seth Rollins blew up his match and won the title. And he could have been Mr. Money in the Bank were it not for Bray Wyatt. And after securing a shot at Seth Rollins, Rollins got hurt and vacated the title, leading to Triple H forcing him to compete in the tournament (though Reigns did reject an offer that would have prevented that).
he made it through the tournament, defeating Big Show in the opening round, Cesaro in the quarterfinals, Alberto Del Rio in the semifinals and, finally, Dean Ambrose in the finals. After almost a year of trying, he finally became champion. But it would not last.
As Reigns stood triumphant, with the confetti falling and the crowd cheering, Triple H emerged. He wanted to shake Reigns' hand, but Reigns refused and Speared him instead. Whether Sheamus was under orders to attack Reigns if he harmed Triple H or if Sheamus was going to attack no matter what is unknown. But the attack was successful.
The Celtic Warrior dealt Reigns two stunning blows, and with that, Reigns' reign had ended. He joins just 11 other men to hold a world championship in WWE for less than one day, the most recent being Daniel Bryan in 2013.
As he just lost a title match, he's due a rematch. So all is not lost for Reigns. He's physically up to the task of taking on Sheamus. But can Reigns overcome the psychological trauma of continually being denied the one thing he wants above all else?
1. Sheamus
12 of 12
Previous Rank: 7
Movement: Up 6
Sheamus wasn't supposed to be the WWE world heavyweight champion after Survivor Series. He lost in the opening round of the tournament to Cesaro, and that was that. He hasn't been on an impressive win streak and wasn't making any proclamations. He had, to a certain extent, faded into the background.
But perhaps that was for the best. He stood by and watched as top Superstars battled in a grueling tournament that pitted WWE's best against each other. And after Reigns, a power wrestler not known for his stamina, won two matches, Sheamus struck.
The exhausted Reigns tried fighting back, kicking out of a pin after a Brogue Kick. But the second Brogue Kick was too much. Sheamus connected, and within minutes, he had ended Reigns' reign.
Sheamus looks to be the man for The Authority now that Seth Rollins is out. And he's no slouch. He's highly decorated, and this most recent title reign marks his fourth world championship in WWE. Will Reigns wither in the face of this turn of events, or will Sheamus face the full wrath of an opponent with nothing left to lose?
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