WWE Survivor Series 2016: Match-by-match predictions for the show
For the first time in a long time, WWE has actually made Survivor Series feel like one of its traditional "big four" pay-per-views.
The event itself features a match with a pair of marquee names in the main event and a trio of traditional five-on-five Survivor Series matches pitting the brands against each other.
On top of that, there is an NXT Takeover the night before, which, believe it or not, enhances the entire weekend.
With the news that WWE is looking to produce a full weekend of shows for all four of its major pay-per-views moving forward, Survivor Series may finally begin to regain some of the luster it has lost over the years.
With that said, let's get to some predictions, shall we?
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg
Whether you think this match is going to be good or whether you think it is going to be even worse than their encounter at WrestleMania 20, Lesnar versus Goldberg is still a match you have to see.
You may want to watch it because you view it as a dream match that was poorly executed 12 years ago or you may be watching it simply to see how much of a proverbial car wreck is going to be.
Either way, wrestling fans young and old are going to want to watch this match.
WWE did a good job of increasing that anticipation with a very good segment between these two this past Monday on Raw and now at Survivor Series, these two will finally get their hands on each other after more than a decade.
So what will happen when these two finally go at it? Lesnar wins.
That may sound very simple, but I really don't see any other outcome. If this is Goldberg's final match, which he indicated when returned to Raw a couple of weeks ago I don't see a reason for him to beat Lesnar.
Even if he was sticking around to take part in another match or two I'd feel the same way.
The real prediction is what the match will look like. Will it resemble their lackluster match from WrestleMania?
I don't think so. I think it'll actually be better this time around, but that does not mean it will be a technical masterpiece. It will be a brawl so that means fans should expect a lot of punches, kicks and since Lesnar is in the match, suplexes.
At the end of the day, I believe fans and skeptics alike will walk away from this match pleased with what went down.
It won't receive five stars from any other wrestling pundits out there, but it will be at least good.
Prediction: Lesnar def. Goldberg
Men's Survivor Series match – Team Raw (Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman) vs. Team Smackdown Live (AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Shane McMahon, Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt
I think the outcome of this match was sort of sealed when Team Raw chased off Team Smackdown Live last Monday.
In following with WWE's typical booking style, since Team Raw stood tall on Monday, that means they are going to fall at the pay-per-view, meaning Smackdown Live will come away victorious.
Since I think this match will be the deciding one in who wins the Survivor Series contests, look for Smackdown Live to claim brand supremacy moving forward.
Prediction: Team Smackdown Live def. Team Raw
Women's Survivor Series match – Team Raw (Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Nia Jax & Alicia Fox) vs. Team Smackdown Live (Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, Naomi, Alexa Bliss & Carmella)
The same philosophy I used for the men's match is the same one I am using for the women's one. Since Smackdown Live fended off Raw's attack on Tuesday, I think that means Raw's women is walking away victorious at Survivor Series.
Plus, I think this match evens up the series because…
Prediction: Team Raw def. Team Smackown Live
Tag Team Survivor Series match – Team Raw (The New Day, The Shining Stars, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Sheamus, Cesaro, Enzo Amore & Big Cass) vs. Team Smackdown Live (Heath Slater, Rhyno, The Hype Bros, American Alpha, The Usos & Breezango)
I'm going with Smackdown Live to win the tag team Survivor Series match. Smackdown Live doesn't have as many marquee tag teams as Raw, which in my mind, means it needs the win more than Raw.
Prediction: Team Smackdown Live def. Team Raw
WWE Intercontinental championship – The Miz (c) vs. Sami Zayn
I believe this match has a chance to steal the show because you have a babyface in Zayn that will be even more over than he already is in his home country of Canada against a fantastic heel in The Miz.
This may come as a surprise, but I believe Zayn will win, but Raw will not end up with the Intercontinental championship. I believe Smackdown Live will execute some sort of trade that will send The Miz to Raw and Zayn and maybe even Cesaro to Smackdown Live so that the brand keeps the title.
I understand that in reality Raw would want to keep the Intercontinental title, but logic doesn't always come into play with WWE.
Also, Raw already has the United States championship that is currently held by Reigns. I'd be shocked if he went to Smackdown Live so look for that title to stay on Raw.
Prediction: Sami Zayn WINS the Intercontinental championship
WWE Cruiserweight championship – The Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Kalisto
I also believe Smackdown Live is going to get the Cruiserweight championship and the entire cruiserweight division along with it, which means Kalisto is winning the title.
I believe that to be the case because 205 Live, the new cruiserweight show, will be produced after Smackdown Live. There will be no need for them to appear on Raw as well.
Even if Kendrick wins, I still believe the Cruiserweight title is headed to Smackdown Live when it is all said and done.
I'm picking Kalisto because it is the most seamless way for it to happen.
Prediction: Kalisto WINS the Cruiserweight championship