WWE Survivor Series: WarGames
November 25, 2023 | Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Women’s WarGames Match: Damage CTRL (WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky, Bayley, Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair & Shotzi
Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair got huge reactions from the crowd. Shotzi got a great reaction. Damage CTRL came out together and got a great heel reaction. They were all spotting masks. Lynch started the match for her team. Bayley started the team for Damage CTRL. The babyface team had the advantage after a Ruffles fan vote. Bayley and Becky exchanged big strikes. Becky sent Bayley flying with an Exploder Suplex. Bayley responded planting Becky with a suplex in-between the two rings. Becky responded delivering a dropkick sending Bayley into the cage. Becky placed Bayley in the Dis-Arm-Her. Dakota Kai appeared ringside attacking Becky with a kendo stick. The crowd chanted for tables. Shotzi entered next slamming the cage door into Bayley’s face. Shotzi grabbed chairs and a trash can. Shotzi leaped off a chair delivering a flying senton. Shotzi went for a tope but Bayley caught her with a Cutter between the two rings. Becky attacked Bayley with a kendo stick. Bayley went to climb the cage but Becky and Shotzi stopped her. Becky and Shotzi delivered a double flying forearm to Bayley. Iyo Sky attacked Bayley and Shotzi with a chain. Sky rocked Becky and Shotzi with a Springboard Dropkick. Big chants of Sky from the crowd. Bayley and Sky connected with a double Superplex to Becky. Bianca Belair entered the match next to a big reaction. Belair whipped both Bayley and Sky with her braids. Shotzi connected with a flying senton splash to Sky. Becky connected with a flying leg drop to Bayley. Kairi Sane marched to the ring. Sane grabbed a trash can lid. The crowd chanted for tables. Sane rocked Belair with a Sliding D. Sky launched Sane who delivered a Popup Elbow Drop to Shotzi onto a stack of chairs. Belair responded press slamming Sane onto Sky. Big chants of EST from the crowd. Charlotte Flair entered the match next to a big reaction. Charlotte delivered a fallaway slam launching Sane into the cage. Sky went for a Flying Hurricanrana but Charlotte countered by Powerbombing her into the cage. Crowd chanted for tables. Charlotte delivered a double Natural Selection to Bayley and Sane. Becky and Charlotte had a stare down. Sky knocked Charlotte off the ropes as she was being carried up the cage. Sky dropped a chain down. Kai hooked the trash can onto a chain. The crowd cheered as Sky stood on top of the cage. Sky placed the trash can over her head delivering a dive onto everyone. Huge chants of “Holy S*it” from the crowd. This was an awesome spot. Asuka entered the match last. Asuka placed kendo sicks into the match. The crowd cheered as Asuka brought a table into the match. Asuka also brought a fire extinguisher into the match. WarGames Begins: The crowd chanted “This Is Awesome.” Damage CTRL delivered stereo dropkicks to Becky and Belair. Asuka blew mist into Shotzi’s face. Asuka delivered a missile dropkick to Becky for a two count. Becky and Belair delivered a Double Powerbomb to Bayley and Sky. The crowd cheered as Charlotte climbed the top of the cage. Charlotte delivered an incredible Flying Moonsault onto Damage CTRL. Charlotte covered Bayley for a two count. Becky and Charlotte planted Sane with a Double Powerbomb. Becky and Charlotte hugged. This got a huge reaction from the crowd. Becky placed Asuka in an arm bar. Charlotte placed Sky in the Figure-8-Leg Lock. Bayley delivered a flying elbow to Charlotte to make the save. Sane called for her InSane Elbow but Becky got her knees up. Becky placed Sane in the Dis-Arm-Her but Bayley made the save. Belair and Shotzi delivered a Doomsday Device to Asuka but Bayley made the save again. Bayley delivered the Rose Plant to Becky. Shotzi caught Bayley with Sliced Bread. Belair blew fire extinguisher into Asuka. Sane used a trash can lid rocking Shotzi with a spinning back fist. Charlotte went for a spear but Bayley shoved Sane out of the way. Shotzi delivered a flying senton splash. Belair delivered the K.O.D. Becky delivered a Super Manhandle Slam sending Bayley crashing through the table for the win.
WINNERS: Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair & Shotzi
Rating: ****1/2
Amin’s Thoughts: This was just an awesome match. The level of talent in this match was absolutely incredible. There were just so many incredible spots with everyone getting a chance to shine. Iyo Sky was simply awesome. Sky delivering her amazing dive showing why she’s the Queen of the WarGames. Charlotte delivering her signature Moonsault off the cage looked amazing.The payoff with Becky and Charlotte hugging coming together was fantastic and crowd reacted as it was a huge moment. Bayley was the MVP for Damage CTRL. Bayley continuously making the save was great showing what her creation of Damage CTRL means to her. Bayley taking the pin was needed to progress the story forward. This was the next step to being the Bayley babyface turn and possibly lead to a huge WWE Women’s Championship match with Iyo Sky.
Becky, Charlotte, Belair and Shotzi all celebrated on top of the WarGames cage after the match. That was a cool moment.
There was backstage sponsorship comedy segment with Otis, Maxxine Durpi, Pretty Deadly and the returning R-Truth which was nice to see. Akira Tozawa appeared doing his comedy dance. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn were backstage. Sami told Jey that Randy Orton isn’t here yet. Jey spoke about The Bloodline past history taking Orton out of action. You could hear the crowd in the background chanting “CM Punk” Sami told Jey this wasn’t his fault and he had his back in the match.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther [c] vs. The Miz
The Miz received a great reaction. Gunther received a strong heel reaction from the crowd. Gunther took control early rocking Miz with a huge chop. Miz fired up rocking Gunther with big strikes. Miz smacked Gunther across the face. Miz caught Gunther by the legs. Miz placed Gunther in a Figure-4-Leg Lock around the ring post which got a nice reaction. Miz went for a Springboard but Gunther caught him with a big boot. Gunther took back control rocking Miz with huge chops. Gunther planted Miz with a German Suplex. Gunther went for a Powerbomb but Miz countered into a Hurricanrana. Miz battled back delivered a knee drop to Gunther’s knee. Miz rocked Gunther with YES Kicks. Miz planted Gunther with a Satellite DDT for a two count. Miz called for Skull Crushing Finale but Gunther broke free. Gunther sent Miz flying with a Woo Dropkick. Gunther connected with a Stack Powerbomb for a two count. Gunther went for a Sleeper. Miz grabbed hold onto the turnbuckle padding. This distracted the referee. Miz nailed Gunther with a low blow. Miz delivered the Skull Crushing Finale but Gunther kicked out for a great two count. The crowd chanted “one more time.” Miz went back for the Skull Crushing Finale but Gunther broke free. Gunther applied a Sleeper. Miz broke free running Gunther into the exposed turnbuckle. Miz applied a reverse rollup for a close two count. Gunther rocked Miz with a huge lariat. Gunther followed with a Super Splash. Gunther placed Miz in the Liontamer for the submission win.
WINNER: Gunther retained the WWE Intercontinental Title
Rating: ***1/4
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really well laid out match. They had the crowd bitting at those near falls thinking Miz might dethrone Gunther for the IC Title. A nice showing from Miz who worked hard. This was on the lower level of Gunther matches from what we’ve seen in his title defences. Another strong win for Gunther continuing to showcase him a dominant champion.
Judgment Day were backstage in their locker room. Dominik Mysterio spoke about hearing Orton wasn’t here yet. Finn Bálor noted either it’s 5 on 4 for Judgment Day. Balor noted Orton takes out the babyface from the inside.
Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
Santos Escobar came out to his Legado Del Fantasma theme to a strong heel reaction. Dragon Lee received a nice babyface reaction. Escobar took control early stomping away at Dragon Lee in the corner. Escobar connected with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. Escobar rocked Dragon Lee with a running dropkick for a two count. The action moved to the floor as Escobar placed Dragon Lee’s leg in the ring post. Dragon Lee broke free. Dragon Lee battled back delivering a Flying Hurricanrana from the ring sending Escobar crashing to the floor. Dragon Lee followed hitting a Tope Con Hilo to the floor. Big chants of Dragon Lee from the crowd. Dragon Lee connected with a running knee strike for a two count. Escobar stopped Dragon Lee from climbing the ropes. Escobar battled back hitting a Super Hurricanrana for a two count. The crowd booed as Escobar pull away at Dragon Lee’s mask. Dragon Lee responded catching Escobar with a flying double stomp for a two count. Dragon Lee charged into a Superkick for Escobar. They exchanged big strike. Dragon Lee caught Escobar with a Jumping Powerbomb for a good two count. Dragon Lee called for Destino but Escobar broke free hitting a Canadian Destroyer. Escobar connected with the Phantom Driver for the win.
WINNER: Santos Escobar
Rating: ***1/2
Amin’s Thoughts: I would’ve loved if this match got some more time on the show. Dragon Lee and Escobar worked a great action packed match for the time given. It was nice to see Dragon Lee get some shine as the crowd reacted to him a babyface on the rise. Escobar looked great working heel. The way he was pulling at Dragon Lee’s mask was a nice touch. A strong win for Escobar to continue his rise as a heel up the ranks.
WWE Women’s World Championship Match: Rhea Ripley [c] vs. Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark came out wearing face paint. Ripley received a great reaction. Ripley and Stark began exchanging strikes. Stark connected with a flying clothesline to Ripley on the floor. Stark followed with a springboard drop kick for a two count. Stark went for a springboard but Ripley caught her with a head butt. Huge chants of Mami from the crowd. Stark responded catching Ripley with an Apron DDT. Stark connected with a Slingshot Corkscrew Senton. Ripley rolled to the floor. Ripley took control planting Stark with a face buster on the ring apron. Ripley connected with a cradle suplex for a near fall. Ripley connected with a basement dropkick. Ripley and Stark exchanged strikes on the ropes. Ripley grabbed Stark and spun her off the ropes as they both went down to the mat. They both stood on their feet at the same time. Stark caught Ripley with a Superkick for two. Ripley responded catching Stark with a rolling kick. Ripley connected with a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Stark told Ripley to bring it. Stark caught Ripley with a German Suplex. Stark followed with a basement dropkick for two. Stark went for Z360 but Ripley blocked. Stark connected with a Hook Kick. Ripley responded with a head butt. Ripley hit RipTide for the win.
WINNER: Rhea Ripley remained the WWE Women’s World Title
Rating: **3/4
Amin’s Thoughts: The match itself was good as both Ripley and Stark worked hard. Stark is a really good wrestler but didn’t feel like a ready babyface who was going to dethrone Ripley for the title. WWE has kinda placed themselves in this problem. Ripley feels like the actual leader of Judgment Day and is part of the main event act. It’s going to be a challenge to build up challengers for Ripley. The challengers right now that come to mind are Becky Lynch and Nia Jax. The crowd would most likely be cheering for Ripley if she faces Jax. They are likely saving the Becky match for possibly WrestleMania. Ripley looked impressive in the match as she just knows how to present herself like a star. Cole and Graves did a great job on commentary putting Ripley over as one of the biggest stars in the company.
Seth Rollins was backstage with Sami Zayn and Jey Uso. They were wondering whether or not Orton would show up. Jey continued to blame himself for Orton not being there. Cody Rhodes told everyone that Orton would be there. Orton told the group let’s go to war. Rollins left and Jey left. Sami told Cody that they are trusting him. Cody told a gulp showing some concern on his face.
Men’s WarGames Match: Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre & Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)
Cody Rhodes received a huge babyface reaction. Jey Uso received a huge reaction. Jey stood on top of the cage delivering his hands pose with the crowd joining along. The visual looked awesome. Sami Zayn got an awesome reaction. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins received a huge reaction. The crowd loudly sang along to Rollins theme. Drew McIntyre and Judgment Day came out to strong heel reaction. Balor and Rollins started the match. McIntyre and Priest had a big stare down before entering the cage. Rollins leaped off the one ring delivering a huge dive onto Balor. Rollins went for a Buckle Bomb but Balor broke free. Balor took control running Rollins into the cage. Balor connected with a Slingblade to Rollins. There was a CM Punk chant but was drown down by boos. Balor called for a Woo Dropkick but Rollins intercepted him with a Superkick. Rollins caught Balor with a Slingblade. JD McDonagh entered the match next whacking Rollins with a kendo stick. Balor and McDonagh whacked Rollins with kendo sticks. McDonagh connected with a Springboard Moonsault to Rollins. Jey Uso entered next to a big reaction. The crowd chanted YEET as Jey rocked Balor and McDonagh with strikes. McDonagh caught Jey charging with a Spanish Fly. McIntyre wanted next. Priest stopped McIntyre telling him to “Stick to the plan.” Priest entered next. Priest whacked Jey and Rollins with a baton. Priest connected with a flying cannonball. The crowd cheered as Sami Zayn entered next to a big reaction. Sami swung the cage door into Balor’s face. Sami grabbed a table which got a huge chant. Huge chant of “Usey” from the crowd. Sami planted Balor with a Blue Thunder Bomb. The crowd booed as McDonagh stopped Sami from climbing the cage. The crowd cheered as Sami grabbed a pipe. Drew McIntyre entered next to a strong heel reaction. McIntyre sent Sami flying with an overhead suplex. McIntyre planted Rollins with a reverse Alabama Slam onto Sami. McIntyre planted Jey with a neck breaker. McIntyre rammed Jey into cage. He told Jey to “Acknowledge” what he did. McIntyre called for the Claymore Kick. Jey stopped him with a Superkick. Sami and Jey delivered the 1D to McIntyre. Cody Rhodes entered next to a huge reaction. Michael Cole spoke about Dusty Rhodes inventing the WarGames match. Cole also spoke about Cody inventing a special show here in Chicago. Cody grabbed a bull rope. Rollins grabbed the bull rope as well. Cody and Rollins agreed to work together for one night. Rollins asked Cody if Randy was coming. The crowd chanted “Dom You Suck!” Huge boos as Dominik entered the match. Dominik went for the 3 Amigos. Everyone worked together attacking Dominik. McIntyre and Judgment Day got the advantage back. Huge chants of Randy from the crowd. There was a CM Punk chant as well. McIntyre and Priest delivered a Triple Chokeslam to Cody, Rollins and Sami. McDonagh hit a Moonsault onto Sami. Balor hit the Coup De Grace onto Rollins. Dominik hit a Frog Splash onto Cody. Priest delivered a Razor’s Edge sending Rollins crashing through a table. The crowd counted down. Rhea Ripley came out holding the Money in the Bank briefcase with a referee. Then we heard. I Hear Voices In My Head. Randy Orton came out to a massive babyface reaction. Orton looked to be in incredible shape. WarGames began. Orton planted both Dominik and McDonagh with powerslam. Orton planted Balor with a Draping DDT. The build was going outta control for Orton. McIntyre and Orton exchanged strikes but Priest joined in. The crowd cheered as babyface made the save. Everyone delivered Orton signature Draping DDT to McIntyre and all Judgment Day. The crowd went nuts as Orton called for the RKO. Orton looked towards Jey Uso. Orton told Jey he remembered what happened. Priest charged but Jey caught him with a Superkick. Orton hit an RKO on Dominik. Rollins hit a Curb Stomp to Priest in-between the two rings. Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Balor. Sami hit a Helluva Kick on McIntyre. Jey followed with an Uso Splash. JD McDonagh tried to climb the cage. Sami and Rollins chased JD up the cage. Rollins and Sami launched JD right into an RKO from Orton. This was the highlight reel spot of the match. The crowd chanted “Holy S*it.” Orton gave Cody a high five. Orton handed Priest to Cody. Cody delivered Cross Rhodes for the win.
WINNERS: Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn & Jey Uso
Rating: ****1/2
Amin’s Thoughts: They told two separate stories in the match. The first story was having Cody & the babyface go into WarGames and work a blowoff match with Judgement Day and McIntyre. The action was great as everyone looked great and got a chance to shine. The second story was the highlight of the returning Randy Orton. Orton looked like a million bucks as the crowd treated him as their returning superstars. The closing moments with Orton hitting that RKO to McDonagh looked incredible. There were also some key moments in the match. Jey and Orton having a stare down which could lead to a match. Damian Priest who was named Judgement Day leader took the pin in the match. This could be the beginning of the start of Priest leaving Judgment Day. They gave Cody Rhodes the big win in the match. This looks clear that WWE hasn’t changed their plans at all. They gave Cody the win to keep him strong for the rematch with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Overall. a really good WarGames match highlighted by the return of Orton.
CM Punk returns to WWE
The crowd cheered as the babyface celebrated after the match. The closing graphic appeared at the bottom of the screen. The graphic went away as Cody’s music kept playing. Triple H did this in NXT with the closing graphic coming up before going away. Cody’s music played. We heard a static. It happened. CULT OF PERSONALITY played. The crowd at the Allstate Arena went completely insane as CM Punk made his return to WWE for the first time since 2014. There were thunderous chants of CM Punk. Punk got his knees. He looked at his watch. The crowd yelled “It’s Clobbering Time.” Punk looked at the ring and smiled. Punk then hugged some fans. The show came to a close.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was without question the highlight of the show. This was an incredible moment to see CM Punk back with WWE after his long history with the company. The question is when was the right time to make it happen? Survivor Series taking place in Chicago felt like the right time to happen. I gotta give HHH tons of credit as and Punk kept this hidden until the day of the show. This just felt like a bigger moment. I always thought Punk would return to WWE after he got fired with cause from AEW. I want to mention one thing. Punk deserves blame for how is run in AEW ended. To be fair, Tony Khan, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page and Jack Perry also deserve blame as well. The big question is what happens now? I have a feeling Punk will do what it takes to make sure things work out in WWE. Time will tell.
Overall Thoughts
This was a two match show. Both the Men’s and Women’s WarGames matches were fantastic. The Men’s WarGames was highlighted by the return of Randy Orton. The undercard matches were good. The undercard matches didn’t get enough time to stand out. The highlight of the show was the return of CM Punk to WWE. Punk’s returns to WWE showed how great professional wrestling can truly be. Overall, Survivor Series: WarGames had some great matches and some memorable moments and returns which wrestling fans will be talking about for a long time. A memorable show.
