5 Things WWE got right at Survivor Series 2024
Survivor Series 2024 is in the history books. The final premium live event of the year had a fine balance of great in-ring action, drama, and storytelling. As indicated by their consistent enthusiasm, Vancouver was treated to a wonderful show.
Aside from two highly anticipated WarGames matches, the World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and United States Championships were also on a stacked card.
On that note, let's look at five things WWE got right at Survivor Series 2024.
#5. The Women's WarGames match kicked off the show in style
As has become the tradition in the last few years, the Women's WarGames kicks off Survivor Series. Once again, this was the correct decision, as the ten women in the ring set the tone with an amazing clash.
There were some dull moments during the match, which is natural considering the length of the bout. However, the memorable high-risk compensated to elevate the overall quality of the segment.
IYO SKY's Moonsault and Tiffany Stratton's nearly simultaneous Swanton from atop the cage were one of the show's highlights. Rhea Ripley's Riptide to Liv Morgan through the table to seal the win was an understandable booking decision.
#4. Shinsuke Nakamura won the US Title at Survivor Series
When Shinsuke Nakamura was announced as LA Knight's opponent, fans had some reservations. However, WWE did a commendable job booking and protecting Nakamura leading up to his clash against Knight.
Despite initial reservations, Nakamura dethroning Knight at Survivor Series was the right call. The King of Strong Style and The Megastar worked a great match with some memorable spots, including a Reverse Exploder from the top rope.
In the end, a Kinshasa spelled the end of Knight's US Title reign. The Artist's win revived his position on the main roster, giving him a fresh perspective in WWE. Furthermore, a new champion presents new challenges and opportunities.
As for Knight, the loss could be his ticket to the main event scene. Dropping the US Championship could allow him to move on to bigger and better things, potentially challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
#3. Bron Breakker retained the Intercontinental Championship
The Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental Championship was one of the most highly-anticipated clashes of Survivor Series as three of RAW's most physical men- Bron Breakker, Sheamus, and Ludwig Kaiser battled for the workhorse title.
Although Breakker could have dropped the championship without eating the pinfall, Triple H reaffirmed his faith in Bron as he nailed a massive Spear to retain the IC Title.
The crowd backed the sentimental favorite Sheamus, who nearly pinned Breakker with the Brogue Kick before Kaiser pulled the referee out of the ring. The Celtic Warrior's crowning moment will come, but a Triple Threat was not the way to accomplish the feat.
Kaiser, despite his initial boom as an emerging singles talent, was relatively inexperienced to hold the IC Championship. Hence, Breakker going over the challengers was the right booking decision.
#2. WWE protected Damian Priest in defeat
Damian Priest vs. Gunther ended on a similar note to their initial clash at SummerSlam 2024 as Finn Balor interfered to cost Priest the World Heavyweight Championship. The Ring General repaid Balor with the Big Boot, but the interference allowed him to retain the World Title.
In the build-up to Survivor Series, The Archer of Infamy was built as a credible top star with a legitimate shot at dethroning Gunther. Priest had a strong mental advantage heading into his clash with The Ring General.
Triple H had invested much effort in building Priest, and a clean loss to the World Champion could have derailed the Punisher's momentum. Hence, WWE revisited his rivalry with Balor, who stuck his nose in Priest's business again.
#1. Triple H nailed the storytelling element of the Men's WarGames match
The Men's WarGames match had several combustible elements: the lingering tension between Roman Reigns and his family, Paul Heyman's allegiance to both Reigns and CM Punk, and the perpetual animosity between The OTC and The Second City Saint.
Most WarGames matches rely on brutality and high-risk spots to steal the show, but this one will be remembered for its brilliant storytelling. Initially, there was much friction between Reigns and Punk.
A scuffle almost ensued as both men got into each other's faces inside WarGames, but Heyman emerged to save the day. The Wise Man pleaded that his clients work together. This turned the tables. Punk saved Reigns from a massive Tsunami from the top of the cage.
Meanwhile, a Superman Punch to Jacob Fatu saved Punk from a lot of misery. In the end, two Superkicks, a Helluva Kick, a GTS, and a Spear to Solo Sikoa earned the babyfaces a massive win at Survivor Series.
The OG Bloodline and Punk celebrated to close the show as The OTC and The Straight Edge Superstar shook hands as a sign of respect. However, Punk reminded Heyman of a certain favor before the show went off-air.