WWE Survivor Series 2016: Predicting Most Likely Swerves at Marquee PPV

While WWE has many pay-per-views each year, few are bigger than Survivor Series, especially this year, with Raw and SmackDown facing off in a brand war. The best of the best on each roster will clash in traditional elimination matches, as well as two championship showdowns.

This leaves quite a few opportunities for WWE to make major, memorable moves that could reshape WWE going forward. While WWE will not always make drastic moves, there are always potential opportunities for swerves that would both be surprising and make sense for WWE's direction.

This year's show could dramatically change the fortunes of both Raw and SmackDown, so any swerve by the company beyond typical booking could make a lasting impact on the balance of power between the brands.

The following are the potential swerves WWE could employ to make Survivor Series more memorable and exciting. While some or all might not happen, they are situations that seem possible and would make major impacts.

Sami Zayn Brings the Intercontinental Championship to Raw

Credit: WWE.com

While it would be surprising to see Raw take on another major championship, a move like this could shake up the brand war for a while, potentially forcing Raw and SmackDown to stay in conflict all the way to the Royal Rumble and perhaps beyond. More importantly, it would give Sami Zayn, a wrestler who has been tragically underutilized, more to do.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zayn sounds like a match that could steal the show. Some of the best matches from Ziggler have been against similarly built performers to Zayn, and the two have never faced off to date. It is rare that a perfect match of styles is so fresh in this day and age. However, it will only affect the future if Zayn takes the win.

This would also add to the feud between Ziggler and The Miz, with Ziggler's recent failings continuing. Miz would blame Ziggler for hurting SmackDown, and general manager Daniel Bryan might just have to listen. Ziggler wouldn't have just lost a championship; he would have cost his brand one of its few titles.

Meanwhile, Zayn winning the championship would add fuel to his rivalry with Braun Strowman, with the former Wyatt Family member finally having a reason to face his smaller adversary one-on-one.

Raw Pulls a Clean Sweep over SmackDown

Credit: WWE.com

There is no doubt WWE still sees Raw as the bigger brand, and it may try to show that at Survivor Series by letting Raw take a victory in dominant fashion. WWE could easily let Raw win the men's, women's and tag team elimination matches in succession, hopefully in close fashion.

In the men's elimination match, Strowman has never been pinned or submitted, and Roman Reigns has already had one of the most dominant showings in the history of Survivor Series. Charlotte Flair is on one of the longest pay-per-view win streaks in history. Meanwhile, The New Day is on track to become the most prodigious tag team in history.

This is a group WWE may be invested in protecting because, while SmackDown has many talented performers, no one has proved dominant. While the brand could use the rub here, it seems more likely WWE will seek to protect the dominance of Raw, which is still the higher-rated show.

It would be better for both brands if SmackDown at least put in an even showing because it is still on the rise and could eclipse Raw in ratings with time. Still, a move of this caliber would be memorable and effective if WWE means for Raw to remain dominant.

Goldberg Loses to Begin Multiple-Match Comeback Tour

Credit: WWE.com

While Goldberg coming back to lose would not be completely surprising, a win seems just as likely if there is not a follow-up. The only way Goldberg's story could continue is if a loss causes him to feel he left his own legacy unfulfilled. This way, WWE could sign the former WCW legend to a longer-term deal.

This opens up Goldberg for a host of interesting matches where he may be able to get in better shape. Goldberg has already teased a potential clash with Seth Rollins, and rumors have circulated of WWE wanting Goldberg to face The Undertaker. Who knows if Goldberg couldn't also face off with Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns or John Cena?

This comes down to how physically able Goldberg still is. WWE sees money in the veteran, or he wouldn't have been signed for a match in the first place. Still, if his match against Brock Lesnar is a disaster, it will be difficult for WWE to justify bringing him back for a full run.

This prediction may be the most likely, but it also will not be defined by the whims of WWE Creative. Goldberg must prove he is worthy of a final run, and if he is, it will give WWE another big-match part-timer.

Show Ends with Shane McMahon Face-to-Face with Brock Lesnar

Credit: WWE.com

On SmackDown, Shane McMahon replaced Baron Corbin as the final member of Team SmackDown. This may have come off as odd, with WWE taking out a young newcomer for an aging, part-time character, but it may also be a sign of WWE's plans for WrestleMania.

Back at SummerSlam, Lesnar used an F5 on McMahon when he attempted to check on SmackDown wrestler Randy Orton. Lesnar was never properly reprimanded for the action, which easily points to a future match between the two veterans.

There are few reasons McMahon would intentionally choose to get in the ring again, but one explanation may just be that he is getting tuned up for a battle with The Beast Incarnate. If so, it only makes sense for McMahon to stand up to Lesnar at the end of the night to remind him that he has not forgotten about the attack at SummerSlam.

If WWE is feeling particularly strong about the star power of a McMahon vs. Lesnar clash, this could even be the moment Shane-O-Mac challenges Lesnar to a match, setting the clash as a main event for The Showcase of the Immortals over four months ahead of time.