WWE Survivor Series 2018: Ranking Matches By Expected Quality
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com
4. Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy
Earlier in the week, I wrote about why Mustafa Ali should become the new Cruiserweight Champion, but won’t. Within that piece, I referred to this contest as a possible sleeper for Match of the Night. While things have changed with the card, I still maintain this stance, but realistically, I think this is the right spot on the list for it.
Go back and watch the No Disqualification Match between Ali and Buddy Murphy from July. The entire WWE Universe knows what’s in store for Sunday at Survivor Series. These two superstars have a long history on 205 Live, and this is just the next chapter in their stellar story.
The looming specter of Cedric Alexander looking to keep Murphy as champion just so Alexander can be the one to defeat him is a wild card, but Ali, The Heart of 205 Live, is clicking and firing on all cylinders right now. Murphy is just kicking off his title reign, so he’s going to be ready to extend it for as long as possible.
Photo Source: WWE.com
3. Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Here’s another match that I want to rank higher, but honestly, how much higher can it go? A closer inspection reveals it might fall short of those lofty expectations, even if it is a top three match on the evening.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Dean Ambrose is 100% interfering in this match in some way, shape, or form. It’s the same likelihood as the bell ringing to start the match. There’s too much animosity between Ambrose and Seth Rollins right now that to keep them separate will feel like a cheat. Either Rollins wins despite Dean, or loses because of him.
What about Shinsuke Nakamura? Well, what about him? Since winning the United States Championship, has he done anything? His promos are good, his character is great, but my freshest memory of Nakamura in the ring is his appendages striking AJ Styles below the belt.
Rollins is entering the match saying he doesn’t “care about Shinsuke,” and Nakamura got sad about it. Excellent, A+ build, everyone. Don’t be surprised if the match is a letdown (even though I REALLY hope it’s a potential MOTN).