WWE held the 38th edition of its second-longest-running PLE event on Saturday at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Three title matches were bookended with the women’s and men’s WarGames matches. Due to increased ticket prices, Survivor Series marked Canada’s highest-grossing WWE event.
Women’s WarGames Match: Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Naomi, Iyo Sky, and Bayley defeated Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LaRae. Rhea Ripley hit Liv Morgan with Riptide off the top rope through a table to pin the Women’s World Champion and secure the win for her team.
United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated LA Knight to become the new champion. On one hand, Nakamura’s win was a surprise since he only returned to television nearly three weeks ago. On the other hand, it was almost expected since WWE put a lot into Nakamura’s new wayward samurai character.
The closing moments of the bout saw Nakamura counter a vertical suplex from Knight and hit a Scorpion Death Drop on the steel plate between the two rings. Knight was rocked, and Nakamura drilled him in the back of the head with a Kinshasa for the win.
Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker defeated Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser in a Triple Threat Match to retain the title. Would Shaemus finally capture the one title that has alluded him throughout his career was the story that all three wrestlers served well. Kaiser is highly underrated and deserves his flowers here for a standout performance.
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther choked out Damian Priest to retain the title. In a repeat of SummerSlam, Finn Balor cost Priest the match when he hit the Coup de Grâce off the ring steps. Gunther kicked Balor in the face for the interference and applied the choke that ended Priest’s night. It was hard for me to get into this match because I never bought the storyline of Gunther being intimidated by Priest.
It’s easy to understand why Gunther was hesitant to fight Sami Zayn since he ended Gunther’s record-breaking IC Title reign. With Priest, there was nothing to be afraid of since he beat him to become the world champion. Commentary making a big deal of Gunther wanting to win the match without Balor’s help makes me wonder if a babyface turn is in store for the “Ring General.”
Men’s WarGames Match: (OG Bloodline) Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & CM Punk defeated (The New Bloodline) Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Bronson Reed, Tama Tonga, & Tonga Loa. Action drama and suspense all led to Sikoa being alone with The OG Bloodline. Double Superkicks from The Usos and a Helluva Super Kick from Sami Zayn rocked Sikoa. CM Punk was next with a GTS before Roman Reigns finished Sikoa with the Spear. The natural tension between the two Bloodlines while wondering if Punk or Reigns would throw the first punch at the other kept fans on their toes in the best possible way.
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