Vincent Michaels
My weapon of choice? A green onion.
WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett (with special guest referee John Cena)
At Survivor Series, Nexus leader Wade Barrett will once again clash with WWE Champion Randy Orton for sports-entertainment’s top prize in a match officiated by none other than John Cena. As stipulated by Raw’s anonymous General Manager, there will be no count-outs and no disqualifications in this high-stakes encounter, meaning that victory can only be attained via pinfall or submission. In addition, all other members of The Nexus will be barred from ringside. Barrett earned the right to choose the special guest referee in this WWE Title rematch on Monday Night Raw, when his intervention in a bout between Cena and Orton led to The Viper’s disqualification. Ultimately, Barrett chose Cena to don the black-and-white stripes, decreeing that if Cena raises Barrett’s hand in victory at Survivor Series, the nine-time World Champion will be freed from The Nexus. However, if the Nexus leader doesn’t win, then Cena will be fired. As much as Barrett’s motives run contrary to Cena’s basic virtues of hustle, loyalty and respect, being partial to Barrett in this bout will guarantee the Legendary star his freedom. Defiance will result in Cena saying farewell to the WWE Universe once and for all. Should Cena award Barrett the WWE Title at Survivor Series, this will be the second time he has helped The Nexus capture championship gold. At WWE Bragging Rights, Cena shockingly teamed up with David Otunga to win the WWE Tag Team Titles, championships that were later turned over to fellow arm-banded rebels Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater. This victory has only fueled Barrett’s thirst for the WWE Title and the power that comes with it. Even though the odds are clearly stacked against Orton, The Viper – a six-time WWE Champion - has established himself as one of the most dominant and dangerous competitors in WWE history. As the seriously injured Chris Jericho and any number of Superstars can attest, one does not tempt the animalistic aggression of WWE’s Apex Predator. With liberation from The Nexus on the line, will Cena help Barrett win his first WWE Title? Or will a three-count for Orton signal the end of Cena’s WWE career?
World Heavyweight Champion Kane vs. Edge
At Survivor Series, World Heavyweight Champion Kane will face Edge for the World Title. Could The Ultimate Opportunist reclaim the “holy grail” from the darkest reaches of hell at WWE’s second longest-running pay-per-view? Edge captured his championship opportunity in a whirlwind Triple Threat No. 1 Contender’s Match against Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio on SmackDown. Kane has indeed proven himself to be the “Devil’s Favorite Demon.” After punishing The Undertaker in both No Holds Barred and Hell in a Cell Matches, the horrific Superstar triumphed over his legendary brother for the last time, burying him alive at WWE Bragging Rights. By vanquishing The Demon of Death Valley, Kane stands unchecked to utilize the full “power” of the underworld. And with Paul Bearer by his side, The Big Red Monster seems virtually unstoppable. However, even against the evil Kane, The Master Manipulator may be able. On the same night that The Big Red Monster was bringing about the demise of The Deadman, The Rated-R Superstar was working to win the 7-on-7 Tag Team Elimination Match for Team SmackDown. Moreover, not only is the nine-time World Champion no stranger to the illustrious title that Kane possesses, but he has also stared into the face of the very forces of darkness the frightening champion now lays sole claim to. Two of Edge’s World Titles were captured when he pinned The Undertaker’s shoulders to the mat – cashing in his Money in the Bank championship opportunity in 2007 and winning a brutal Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match at One Night Stand in 2008. Could the same fate await The Phenom’s Big Red successor?
Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Kaval
At Survivor Series, Kaval will rise up to challenge Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler. But, has the enthusiasm of the dynamic “World Warrior” caused him to jump the gun? Since coming to SmackDown, Kaval has struggled in his unwavering quest for success. Despite a tenacious attitude and some exciting moments, he had lost every one of his matches since joining the Friday night roster. His only triumph came when he won a spot on Team SmackDown at WWE Bragging Rights by heroically lasting five minutes with the gigantic Big Show – an honor the war torn Superstar lost minutes later after impulsively accepting a challenge from the unpredictable Tyler Reks. But, Kaval’s fortune changed dramatically – just two days before Survivor Series – when he used his amazing athletic ability to turn the tides on Ziggler and pick up his first victory on SmackDown in a non-title match. However, rather than take some time to think about his next move, the hasty grappler once again rushed into the fire. Leaping onto the broadcast table, he proclaimed that he was ready to use the championship opportunity he earned by winning WWE NXT season two to challenge Ziggler at WWE’s second longest running pay-per-view. His lack of caution begs the question: Will Kaval’s impetuous nature once again prove to be his undoing? Dolph Ziggler has become an extremely dangerous competitor since capturing his illustrious title and should not be taken lightly by any opponent. Aligning himself with his powerful girlfriend – SmackDown Official Consultant Vickie Guerrero – and through his expert utilization of both the sleeper hold and the Zig Zag, the bleach blond champion has truly become a force to be reckoned with. There is no denying that Kaval is a purely dynamic Superstar, with a huge heart, an amazing supply of energy and an arsenal of devastating maneuvers. He is an explosive talent who is not afraid to go head-to-head with anyone. But, will his blind bravery be enough to topple such a dangerously calculating champion?
Team Mysterio vs. Team Del Rio (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match)
The Undertaker’s Dark Side squad in 1995. The Rick Martel-led Visionaries in 1990. The Alliance in 2001. The enduring Survivor Series tradition of Superstar squadrons competing in team-on-team elimination tag confrontations continues in Miami’s American Airlines Arena this Sunday as Team Rey Mysterio clashes with Team Alberto Del Rio. Since the scorching summer months earlier this year, when Del Rio debuted in WWE and targeted none other than The Master of the 619, a cultural contrast has yielded the quintessential rivalry on Syfy’s Friday Night SmackDown. After sidelining the masked former World Champion, the Mexican elitist instantly established himself as an enemy to the WWE Universe as well as a number of Superstars in the SmackDown locker room. At Survivor Series, however, Del Rio will need to rely on a slew of the most despicable and untrustworthy rogues the blue brand has to offer: “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger and Tyler Reks. Forming an offensive against this unquestionably aggressive assembly, Mysterio is flanked by formidable allies in Big Show, Kofi Kingston, MVP and Chris Masters. The five-man militia – who represent some of SmackDown’s most popular and decorated combatants – will need to stand united against Alberto Del Rio’s crew of cunning ring warriors, trading blows and tags until each member of the opposition has been successfully dispatched. Amid several interweaving conflicts across both sides, who will survive and earn their team the decisive victory?
WWE Tag Team Champions Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov
One of the most unlikely (and humorous) tandems in WWE history, Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov, will prove their mettle when they collide with WWE Tag Team Champions Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater of The Nexus for their titles at Survivor Series. Since uniting as a tag team earlier this year, Santino & Kozlov have established themselves as worthy opponents, but their greatest accomplishment came during the unprecedented "old school" edition of Monday Night Raw. During that historic broadcast, they defeated Jimmy & Jey Uso to earn a WWE Tag Team Title opportunity at Survivor Series thanks to the power of the "Cobra." The Nexus originally captured the coveted championship at WWE Bragging Rights, but it was not Slater & Gabriel who earned the notorious faction’s first title win in WWE. Rather, it was the impromptu team of David Otunga & John Cena who bested former WWE Tag Team Champions “Dashing” Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre that fateful October evening in Minneapolis. However, the following night on Raw, Nexus mastermind Wade Barrett decided that combustible partnership of Cena & Otunga could not be trusted to work as a unit. After all, Cena was brought into The Nexus against his will, while Otunga has brazenly opposed Barrett on numerous occasions. Therefore, Barrett ordered Otunga to lay down for Nexus allies Gabriel & Slater, who became the new WWE Tag Team Champions just 24 hours after that initial victory. Though they won their titles in a dubious fashion, Gabriel & Slater have proven themselves a formidable team in recent weeks, capitalizing on the growing tension between Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith of The Hart Dynasty, themselves former champions. Knowing that defeat could result in exile from The Nexus – or worse – neither Gabriel nor Slater will be taking the goofball-and-goliath team of Santino & Kozlov lightly. Will The Nexus continue to dominate WWE’s tag team division? Or will international oddballs Santino & Kozlov celebrate their first WWE Tag Team Title reign?
Self-professed "Co-Divas Champions" Layla & Michelle McCool vs. Natalya (2-on-1 Handicap Match)
Self-professed “Co-Divas Champions” Lay-Cool may have made the gravest mistake to the besties’ title reign when they gave Natalya one more opportunity to become the first female Hart family descendent to wear championship gold in WWE. At Survivor Series, Michelle McCool and Layla will look to defend the Divas Title in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match against a No.1 contender who’s proven herself capable of unseating WWE’s Mean Girls. Natalya, who’s spent weeks enduring the condescending and high-pitch insults of Lay-Cool, has gotten the best of both co-holders of the lustrous prize on separate occasions. By defeating McCool, she earned a title bout at the 23rd annual Survivor Series. The Hart descendant even came within inches of securing the butterfly-emblazoned title at WWE Bragging Rights. The craven co-champions’ use of their signature underhandedness saved their brass – and their championship gold – just weeks ago, but nothing has impeded Natalya from positioning her crosshairs squarely on the coveted prize. The Sharpshooter has forged countless memorable feats in the Hart family legacy, including the Intercontinental, United States, European and even WWE Championships. If the pink-and-black adorned Diva can lock in her lineage’s most lethal weapon, Natalya could excellently execute the grandest accomplishment in her career. Will Survivor Series mark the end of a “flawless” reign or will Lay-Cool continue their sexy, smart and powerful supremacy in sports-entertainment? Who will survive and leave Miami’s American Airlines Arena as WWE’s top Diva … or Divas?
John Morrison vs. Sheamus
John Morrison has thwarted Sheamus’ many attempts to antagonize the much smaller (and decidedly non-confrontational) Santino Marella on Raw, so it’s likely The Celtic Warrior will be thirsty for vengeance when he battles The Monday Night Delight at Survivor Series. Just 24 hours after the red brand’s devastating loss to Team SmackDown at WWE Bragging Rights, Sheamus was even more cantankerous than usual. Looking for an outlet to vent his numerous frustrations, the irate Irishman challenged Santino – whom he viewed as an “embarrassment” and Team Raw’s weak link – to a match that very night on Raw. To the WWE Universe’s (and Santino’s) surprise, it was The Italian Stallion whose hand was ultimately raised in victory when Morrison interfered on his behalf, saving Santino from Sheamus’ infamous Brogue Kick and helping the comical Superstar score a surprise pinfall. This upset loss didn’t sit well with the ginger-headed juggernaut, who made it his mission to torment Santino at every turn, both in and out of the ring. Disapproving of Sheamus’ bullying tactics, Morrison has taken it upon himself in recent weeks to protect Santino from the devious Dubliner’s attacks. But The Shaman of Sexy will need to rely solely on his natural athleticism and parkour expertise to protect himself from the two-time WWE Champion at Survivor Series. Will Morrison take Sheamus for a ride on Starship Pain? Or will The Celtic Warrior’s brute strength and relentless in-ring style prevail?
United States Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase
In search of the kind of success money just can’t buy, affluent third-generation Superstar Ted DiBiase will challenge Daniel Bryan for the prestigious United States Championship at Survivor Series, live from Miami’s American Airlines Arena. After Ted DiBiase relinquished the Million Dollar Title to its original owner – his WWE Hall of Fame father, The Million Dollar Man – The “Fortunate Son” made it clear that he wanted a championship that wasn’t a “hand-me-down,” immediately setting his sights on Bryan’s title. While Bryan was celebrating a hard fought win over SmackDown’s Jack Swagger during Raw’s historic “old school” night on Nov. 15, DiBiase assaulted the submission specialist with Dream Street and laid the U.S. Title across the battered champion’s chest. This heinous, unprovoked attack proved that DiBiase will stop at nothing until he becomes the new U.S. Champion, earning the first (sanctioned) singles title of his WWE career in the process. A two-time World Tag Team Champion alongside his Legacy cohort “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, DiBiase received his father’s iconic Million Dollar Title – along with access to his trust fund – last spring. Enlisting the aid of the gorgeous Maryse as his personal assistant, DiBiase had diligently protected the diamond-encrusted family heirloom until it was shockingly stolen from him by Goldust. After the title proved to be more troublesome than he’d expected, The Bizarre One returned the Million Dollar Championship to the elder DiBiase, who then attempted to give it back to his son. The “Fortunate Son” promptly refused his father’s unsanctioned championship, instead issuing a bold challenge to Bryan for his United States Title, held in the past by such WWE Legends as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Booker T, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Dean Malenko, Sgt. Slaughter and Bret “Hit Man” Hart. Since winning the United States Championship by defeating his NXT season one Pro The Miz, Bryan has cemented himself as one of the most exciting and technically sound Superstars on the roster. With the excruciating LeBell Lock in his arsenal, Bryan will have retribution on his mind following DiBiase’s treacherous attack just six days before Survivor Series. Will DiBiase attain a “priceless” U.S. Title victory? Or will Bryan make the trust-funded Superstar pay dearly for his recent actions?
Find out by tuning in to Survivor Series, Nov. 21, only on pay-per-view!
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Last Week on Raw and SmackDown!:
Old Schooled mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmBig Showing
For one night only, WWE went "old school" and John Cena - on his final Raw as a Nexus member - showed his true colors as the yellow-and-black bedecked Superstar served both Survivor Series WWE Title combatants - The Viper and Wade Barrett - an Attitude Adjustment on "Piper's Pit."
Working together, Rey Mysterio and Big Show won a 10-Man Battle Royal against Team Alberto Del Rio. And in a bid to get inside World Heavyweight Champion Kane's head, Edge tormented a helpless Paul Bearer.
