This Sunday marks the 25th anniversary of WWE Survivor Series, along with the anniversary of the debut of The Undertaker, one of professional wrestling’s most revered performers. Survivor Series has served as one of WWEs premiere events, and while in recent years it has not been seen in the same light as SummerSlam or the Royal Rumble, this years’ event has the potential to be a stand out.
The main attraction of the evening are the finals of a tournament to determine the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The reason for the tournament is because Seth Rollins, the former WWE Champion, suffered a serious knee injury November 4 during a match in Dublin, Ireland, leaving him unable to compete.
Through the years Survivor Series has also debuted some of the WWEs biggest stars. The Rock, Kurt Angle, and the group formerly known as The Shield, which the former champion Seth Rollins, and two of the finalists in the ongoing tournament for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, worked together as a team. Four finalists are left and will be competing to claim the title on Sunday night. Alberto Del Rio will face Roman Reigns, while Dean Ambrose squares off against Kevin Owens.
Alberto Del Rio
Photo: World Wrestling Entertainment
Son of Dos Caras and nephew of the legendary Mexican wrestler Mil Mascaras, Del Rio is the dark horse in this tournament. Recently returned to the WWE, having left in 2014 due to an altercation with a WWE employee over alleged racial remarks, Del Rio is probably the most technically sound performer in the field. His adaptability and a cross ambreaker submission make him a solid bet, but as he is already the United States Champion, he may go home with only one title come Sunday.
Dean Ambrose
Having worked his way through various independent promotions like CZW and Dragon Gate USA, Ambrose is the loose change in this tournament. Dubbed ‘The Lunatic Fringe’, Ambrose brings a manic energy, an unusual moveset, and a fervent desire to hurl himself into a match to get the job done. He is the WWE version of Daryl Dixon, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Roman Reigns
Photo: World Wrestling Entertainment
Positioned to be “the man” in the WWE some time in the near future, Reigns is part of the Anoa’i family. A family that includes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Usos. Reigns has been proving himself to the WWE fans and slowly winning them over with solid performances in big events this past year. Quite possibly has the wettest hair in the field tonight.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens, also known as Kevin Steen, is the current Intercontinental Champion. Much like Del Rio, he is a fundamentally sound wrestler who is already a champion and is looking to add another. Owens is a better performer than his physique would suggest, and also has the personality of that guy on your softball team who takes things a bit too seriously. Possibly the biggest crowd favorite behind Dean Ambrose, you’ll hear chants of ‘FIGHT OWENS FIGHT’ and he’ll be looking to plant his opponent with a Pop Up Powerbomb to walk away victorious.
Who goes home with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tonight? Tell us your pick in the comments.
WWE Survivor Series will be on PPV (check your cable provider) this Sunday night at 7pm Eastern and also on the WWE Network, available on most streaming platforms.
