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Countdown to Survivor Series 2005
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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Can it possibly be?
Yes, as hard as it is to imagine, WWE has done a killer job of storyline writing
leading up to the Survivor Series, arguably the fourth biggest pay-per-view
of the year.
The once "Thanksgiving Day tradition" is no longer such, but the
spirit of the original contests has been rejuvinated in recent years. This
time around, we get a true contest between heated factions, as Smackdown and
Raw collide. Not since WWF vs. WCW/ECW has there been such vivid lines drawn
in the sand.
Let's take a look at what we can expect this Sunday.
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SURVIVOR SERIES MATCH
Shawn Michaels, Chris Masters, Big Show, Carlito & Kane
vs.
JBL, Rey Mysterio Jr., Bobby Lashley, Batista & Randy Orton
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The natural inclination here is for Smackdown to win, since they have the bigger
babyface presence. You almost have to figure that there will be the double turn
involving Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton, at least for one night, since just
about everyone else is clearly (or reasonably clearly) defined as being heels
on Raw and faces on SD!. In the end, we'll know who is getting the "god
push" on the winning team, and I expect Rey Rey to be the sole survivor.
Chris Sokol
It will be interesting to see whether or not Batista is included in the inter-promotional
melee. It's no secret that his muscle injury will prevent him from competing
actively for quite a period of time, but will he actually wrestle at Survivor
Series, or get "attacked" again? SmackDown! will pull this one out,
showing that the underdog can win, leading to more inter-promotional matches.
Greg Oliver
It's a good mix of the old (Michaels, JBL, Kane, Big Show) and the next
gen (Carlito, Masters, Orton, Lashey). Now to the process of elimination: Something
undoubtedly goes down that puts Batista out of action, since he's hurt; Carlito's
jobbed to everyone lately, so he's out; Lashey isn't ready; Kane and Big Show
are boring, and Michaels is yesterday's news. I really only see Masters as a
Survivor is Raw goes over. But I think Smackdown will take it, with Orton and
Mysterio the last two left. By the way, who's the face team and who's the heel
team??
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WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SPECIAL REFEREE MATCH
John Cena vs. Kurt Angle
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Well, unless they're setting Angle up as fodder for Trippy, Cena's going over
here. You know that one way or another, Daivari will screw things up for Angle.
Anyone else feel like they've just subbed Kurt in for the spot in planning left
vacant by Muhammad Hassan?
Chris Sokol
Daivari can manage, wrestler and referee; he's a triple threat! With the odds
firmly stacked against Cena, there's no doubt in my mind that he will pull out
yet another victory. With Batista having to drop the belt soon, it would make
sense to keep the WWE Championship on Cena a little longer to separate the title
losses.
Greg Oliver
If Angle was going to be made champion again, it would have happened by now.
They need to have Cena go over, probably with Daivari messing up, then move
on to another challenger. One thing I enjoy about TNA is that you get new contenders
battling up to the top for the belt every so often, as opposed to the same opponents
PPV after PPV.
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LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Ric Flair vs. Triple H
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
We all know Trippy wins here. Why? Last time these two fought, the IC title
was on the line; now it's not. Trippy sees himself as being above the rank of
IC champ, so winning it is not an option in his eyes. Methinks this leads to
Flair's last retirement match at 'Mania.
Chris Sokol
Triple H cuts some of the best promos in the wrestling business; that is one
thing I have thoroughly enjoyed about this feud. The matches have been solid
as well. This is one I am looking forward to on all levels. Expect it to be
a blood bath that puts Triple H over "The Nature Boy," extending their
feud.
Greg Oliver
Triple H gets his payback for putting Flair over at the last PPV, in a cage
to boot. If Triple H is going to get back into the thick of things, he needs
to go over strong, but not too strong. Flair still has legs, but even
I feel that the Naitch as I-C champ is pushing the limits of credibility a bit.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Trish Stratus vs. Melina - My girl Trish wins again, but Melina makes
it close enough for a Women's Division to be explored for Smackdown.
Eric Bischoff vs. Teddy Long - There will be shenanigans here. Either a
new wrestler debuts for Bischoff (Nash) or Long gets the Juniors involved.
Chris Benoit vs. Booker T - Chris deserves better, Booker needs to retire,
and Sharmell is approaching the Stephanie level of annoyance.
Chris Sokol
Trish Stratus vs. Melina - Should be a good match, Trish retains the
championship nonetheless.
Eric Bischoff vs. Teddy Long - Gimmick match all the way. I'll take Bischoff
in this one.
Chris Benoit vs. Booker T - Chris Benoit picks up win number one in the
Best of Seven.
Greg Oliver
Trish Stratus vs. Melina - Trish retains, but we see whether Melina will
be a player in the future or kept as a manager.
Eric Bischoff vs. Teddy Long - Yikes. They should be paying US to watch
this. Go Long.
Chris Benoit vs. Booker T - Since this the start of a best-of-seven, it's
almost meaningless. Booker T.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
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Pre-order WWE Survivor Series 2005 DVD
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