Dear WWE Creative: Survivor Series Desperately Needs A Buildup

Dear WWE Creative Team,

I’m going to cut to the chase this week guys, the buildup for Survivor Series 2020 has been awful.

I know you are juggling a lot, and perhaps the reason why there hasn’t been as much inter-brand banter this time around is COVID-19 and pandemic restrictions; however, I felt as though I was simply going through the motions this week with WWE TV. I wasn’t overly entertained; I wasn’t overly interested, and I am not overly excited about Survivor Series 2020.

We are about one week away from a Big Four pay-per-view (PPV), and Survivor Series is close to my heart because I remember it being rolled 34 years ago, and as a young girl, I recall being so excited about the concept. I know, I know, I just revealed my age there, but I just remember being so excited when it was announced. I remember begging my dad to purchase the PPV, and I remember my eyes being glued to the TV set when it came on.

This event has a history, and with two brands consistently competing for the title of number one show, there’s a lot of pull there when it comes to building this PPV up. Something I have seen none of that this year. With the exception of the Big E and Street Profits backstage promos, which are a highlight, there has been no anchor around rival brands. Nothing to pull me in.

This is a shame on so many levels. When the brands split in 2016, the rebirth of the RAW versus SmackDown Survivor Series rivalry was reborn, and fans have been privy to some explosive brand-attacking-brand build up. It’s what a lot of us look forward to when November rolls around. Who could forget Shane McMahon’s mission to bring the Red brand down, circa 2017, or Becky Lynch standing atop the stairs in the crowd with a bloody nose for the 2018 Survivor Series buildup. HHH and the NXT crew invading both shows last year. These were epic moments, I’ve felt none of that energy these past few weeks.

Right now, there’s nothing to get overly excited about. SmackDown’s women’s and men’s teams aren’t even finalized. I’m not overly excited about Randy Orton versus Roman Reigns (or Drew McIntyre, or even The Miz, at this point). Not overly keen on Sami Zayn versus Bobby Lashley, and I should be excited about Sasha Banks versus Asuka; however, I’ve seen nothing or felt nothing to really dive into that. I’m sure I’ll be pleasantly surprised when these two ladies lock up.

I’m slightly invested in the tag team match, but truly could care less about the traditional matches set, which is a shame, considering the history of Survivor Series, and the legacy that is tied into these elimination matches.

As for the Undertaker tribute, I am excited to see this, and I believe in taking any opportunity to honor the Phenom; however, I also can’t help but think this is a ploy to harbor interest in the PPV, without really doing anything massively creative with the event.

Sorry if that seemed like a dig, but being 7 days away from one of the biggest events in WWE’s calendar year, I can’t help but be a bit cynical. The lack of effort to truly create something special here has been frustrating to watch.

With that said, perhaps I’ll sing a different tune next week. Two go-home Survivor Series shows are waiting in the wings, and I truly hope they don’t disappoint.

Signed,

Me.