Cue the William Regal, because it is time for: WarGames.
Held every year since 1987, WWE Survivor Series will be Saturday night with five bouts scheduled to take place, headlined by the match stipulation that has become synonymous with the event. There will be two WarGames matches, including the one between the new Bloodline vs. old Bloodline that much of the WWE Universe is eagerly waiting for. Three championships will also be on the line in the final main roster premium live event of the year as the road to WrestleMania approaches when 2025 begins.
USA TODAY Sports provided highlights and analysis for Survivor Series 2024:
Men’s WarGames match: OG Bloodline vs. New Bloodline
Jey Uso and Tama Tonga started the war, and with The New Bloodline having the advantage in the match, Bronson Reed was the first one to come from the cage and he went straight to brutalizing Uso. It was stopped when Jimmy Uso came in and the Usos showed they haven’t missed a beat as one of the tag teams in WWE history. Jacob Fatu emerged from the cage and showed off what makes him such a terrorizing figure in wrestling. He got up from any move the Usos delivered, and he used his mixture of power and athleticism in a match that was made for him.
In the midst of the match, there was clear friction between CM Punk and Roman Reigns. Reigns had Sami Zayn go into the match instead of Punk, and when Reigns made his way out of the cage, Punk cut him off and clearly frustrated the “Tribal Chief.”
Once Solo Sikoa entered and The New Bloodline was all in, they terrorized everyone else in the rings before Reigns could enter. But Sikoa wouldn’t let it happen by locking the door. Reigns couldn’t get in, so he decided to climb the cage and wouldn’t let anyone stop him from entering the match. And he did it emphatically by leaping off the turnbuckle and taking out all of The New Bloodline. Everyone got back up on their feet, with Paul Heyman coming out to advise Punk and Reigns, and the match was officially on.
The first big moment when everyone was in the ring was Reigns inadvertently delivering a spear to Punk after Sikoa dodged the move. Shortly after, Fatu tried to take advantage of the offense but hurt his knee when he came off the turnbuckle.
Reed tried to steal the show by delivering a tsunami off the top of the cage onto Reigns, but there was clearly some teamwork; Punk grabbed Reigns and saved him from the attack while Reed went right through the table. Reigns recognized the move, and put his hand out for Punk to show they were in fact on the same team.
It was then a finisher flurry, which included the Usos going old school by bringing back the 1D on Fatu. Jimmy Uso then reached to the top of the cage and delivered an Uso splash onto Fatu in a classic WarGames spot.
With all of The New Bloodline down, Sikoa found himself standing alone with the entire OG Bloodline ready to attack like a pack of wolves. Sikoa got three super kicks from the Usos, a helluva kick by Zayn, a Go To Sleep from Punk and a spear from Reigns to brutally beat Sikoa, get the win and get the OG Bloodline on top.
Analysis: Another classic in The Bloodline is delivered.
The war going on with The Bloodline had been leading to this night for months and it finally culminated with a major match that delivered in all phases. There were questions as to whether the addition of Reed and Punk would water-down the main event, but they actually provided much more substance into the bout and did their jobs in bringing the hype. The match showed the best within The Bloodline, from Fatu’s explosiveness, the Usos showing how good they are together and the star-power between Reigns and even Sikoa.
Having Sikoa take all the finishers was a powerful moment, showing how much the old Bloodline clearly dislikes the new man with the ula fala. It was questionable as to why Reigns didn’t decide to grab it considering the new group went down, but clearly there are future battles between the two self-proclaimed heads of the table. But we also can’t forgot the favor Heyman owes to CM Punk, which he reminded the world of leaving the ring.
While the match was great, lots of people are likely disappointed there was no surprise return of The Rock or someone else, or a turn on Reigns. It will leave a sour taste in some people, but it shouldn’t take away from the stellar main event match.
CM Punk angers The New Bloodline
In case you’re wondering if CM Punk is invested in the WarGames match, he let the whole world know he’s ready for a big battle. He made his entrance and went to stir the pot with his opponents.
The Bloodline gives their introductions
In “Sunday Night Football fashion,” each member of The Bloodline recorded their own introduction ahead of their main event WarGames match, with some hilarious “schools” each star comes from.
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest
Damian Preist had pointed out Gunther hasn’t been the same dominant superstar he was, and Priest went out to prove it early by taking an early advantage against the champion. The early stages consisted of Preist frustrating Gunther in sequence-after-sequence.
Clearly frustrated, Gunther decided enough was enough and went on the full assault on Priest. He mixed some of the brutal shots and his skilled technical game to put a strong grip on the match. Still, Priest was able to get out of it and matched Gunther’s game with some loud chops to the chest.
Priest got Gunther into a triangle choke that Gunther was able to get off of, and the champion went right into the sleeper hold. When Priest got out of it, Gunther used the power bomb that had put away so many people before. However, Priest kicked out, something he continued to do each time Gunther tried to put him away.
After Priest ended up on the floor outside of the ring and Gunther was inside, Finn Balor came out and landed a stomp on Priest while the referee wasn’t looking.
Gunther took advantage by first delivering a punishing kick to the Balor before he brought Priest into the ring for a powerbomb and then finished it off with a sleeper hold. Priest was knocked out, and the referee ended the match with the champion as the victor.
Analysis: Damian Priest is becoming a big-time star as the weeks go, but he still has his past to deal with before he comes back into the title picture.
Priest did a great job of exposing the cracks in Gunther’s game and showing that he is capable of taking him down in the future. Yet Finn Balor is still creeping and taking any chance he can to ruin the career of his former friend of The Judgment Day. It’s gotten a bit boring, but clearly it needs to be settled at some point in the future.
While Gunther won’t be pleased that his win had to be by interference, but he’s still a solid choice to be world champion. With Priest likely to go back to focusing on Balor, it’s unclear who will be the next challenger, but Gunther needs to make sure he dominates after a shaky streak of performance.
Triple threat match for Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
Even though it’s a triple threat match, Bron Breakker and Sheamus shared a common distaste for Ludwig Kaiser and Gunther’s right-hand man understood to get out of the way. Even when he tried to get in the match, the other two competitors ganged up on him.
Breakker appeared to be going for his signature running spear outside of the ring, but Kaiser caught him in the middle of it to stop it. Kaiser then did his own running knee to Sheamus on the steel steps for the brutal hit. Don’t worry, Breakker made sure to get involved with a vicious hit. He later jumped from the apron of the ring to the table to take out the challengers in another amazing display of athleticism. Sheamus was able to play some offense with some of his chops outside of the ring. Kaiser tried to use a shillelagh to stop the momentum, but it ended up being used on him.
It was then Sheamus and Breakker battling it out in the ring, and Sheamus avoided a spear and landed the Brogue kick. He was headed straight for a win, but Kaiser pulled the referee out of the ring before he could count to three. In disbelief, Sheamus tried to attack Kaiser but the shillelagh was used.
Kaiser was closing in on a victory before he forgot how explosive Breakker is. The champion landed a spear to take him out, and then hit another spear on Sheamus to get the pin and retain.
Analysis: When Sheamus is involved, just know it’s going to be a banger.
Each competitor got the chance to play toward their style, but Breakker remains on top and continues his rise on the main roster. It didn’t feel like Sheamus or Kaiser would be able to pull off a win, but the near pin Sheamus had got the whole crowd ready to crown another new champion.
It’s tough to see Sheamus fall just short of winning his first Intercontinental title, but stripping it away from Breakker quickly once more made no sense. It’s highly unlikely both stars are going to continue to chase Breakker for the championship, and it should be Sheamus that continues his pursuit of it.
United States Championship match: LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
It was Shinsuke Nakamura’s first televised match in some time, yet the “King of Strong Style” showcased the abilities that makes him such a talented performer. He presented a unique challenge to the champion, but LA Knight didn’t back down from it.
Neither star could really generate much momentum throughout the first half of the match because of so many counters. Understanding how quickly the tide was shifting, there were pinfall attempts to try and sneak a victory, only for them to be unsuccessful. LA Knight looked to be closing in on a victory, but the veteran Nakamura used the unique situation of the two rings to his advantage by dropping the champion’s head on the steel plate in between the rings.
The hit shook LA Knight, and Nakamura executed a Kinshasa to the back of his head to officially wrap it up. He got the pin and is the new United States Champion.
Analysis: The “King of Strong Style” is back.
The first surprise of the night comes with the returning Nakamura reclaiming some hardware in his return to the ring. As much of a shock it is, you have to appreciate Nakamura is back to being a champion. He has been on the wrong end of so many moments throughout his WWE career, and it’s nice to see him get a big-time victory.
Nakamura’s new persona is still a mystery, but represents a whole new dark side that we haven’t seen much of during his time with WWE. It’s one thing for him to be frightening presence, but it’s a whole other thing for him to be a frightening champion. Now the mid-card division has to deal with a sinister presence.
As for LA Knight, it’s a tough ending for a man that was bringing back relevance to the United States title. He made good with the time he had as champion after spending so long trying to get his first, but it ended rather abruptly after just three months with the gold. It won’t be surprising for him to chase the title back, or perhaps be next in line for a world title shot.
Women’s WarGames match: Team Liv vs. Team Rhea
It was Nia Jax and Bayley that started off the night, and the longtime foes wasted no time going after each other even though the match was far from over. Bayley took off her shoulder sleeve and used it as a weapon, only for Jax to turn it around and use it to her own advantage.
Since Team Rhea has the advantage, the birthday girl Naomi was the first person out of the cage, and she brought a kendo stick into the fold. Then there was a toilet lid Naomi hilariously used on the WWE Women’s Champion.
The tide changed as each competitor from each side came in, alongside new weapons to bring the mayhem. Liv Morgan was the final star to enter, and Rhea Ripley stood tall and awaited her rival. The Women’s World Champion looked frightened to enter, and she was headed back to the locker room, only to come out with a bat. By the time she got in, Morgan’s teammates helped her by holding her down while Morgan took a few swings at Ripley’s midsection.
Once everyone got back on their feet, Iyo Sky and Tiffany Stratton climbed on top of the cage on opposite sides. Sky, with her signature trash can, did a backflip and took people out, while Stratton did her own flip on the other ring.
With the carnage there, Stratton reached into a trash can and revealed she had her Money in the Bank contract, looking to cash in on her teammates. She got distracted, and Sky used a fire extinguisher to stop the threat, while Raquel Rodriguez got handcuffed to the ropes.
Jax had Bianca Belair and Naomi on the table ready to drop an Annihilat-her, but the two stars reversed it and sent the champion through the table.
As expected, it came down to Morgan and Ripley, and Ripley ended it in dramatic fashion. She took Morgan up the turnbuckle, used the Riptide and sent the champion through the table and got the pin for the win.
Analysis: What a start to the night with another amazing showing in the women’s WarGames match. There wasn’t much storyline other than Morgan and Ripley, but every star got their chance to shine with dramatic, brutal spots.
Like she has done before, Sky stole the show with her leap off the top of the cage and she continuously showed why she is one of the best performers on the roster. It’s these showings that will start the campaign to make her a champion once more.
It was fitting for the match to end between Ripley and Morgan, and Ripley’s emphatic finish adds another element to the long-running rivalry. Expect a championship match in the coming months, perhaps as early as Saturday Night’s Main Event.
When is Survivor Series: WarGames 2024?
Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 is Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
Where is Survivor Series: WarGames 2024?
Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 will take place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. It will be the first premium live event to take place in Vancouver since 1998.
How to watch Survivor Series: WarGames 2024: TV channel, streaming
The event can be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on WWE Network.
Is there a Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 preshow?
Yes. The preshow for Survivor Series: WarGames will begin at 4 p.m. ET and will air on Peacock, WWE’s YouTube and social media accounts.
Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 match card
Matches not in order
- Men’s WarGames match: Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and CM Punk vs. Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu and Bronson Reed.
- Women’s WarGames match: Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae vs. Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Iyo Sky and Bayley.
- World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest.
- Triple threat match for Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser.
- United States Championship match: LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.
Jordan Mendoza Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 predictions
- Men’s WarGames match: What more surprises are in store for the next chapter of The Bloodline? The formation of the OG Bloodline made it appear as if they’d cruise to victory, but the addition of CM Punk and return of Paul Heyman complicates things. However, OG Bloodline stands tall, but don’t be shocked if something happens afterward. Winner: OG Bloodline
- Women’s WarGames match: It’s really Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. As much as Ripley will want to unleash a brutal assault against them, her focus costs her team as Team Live sneaks by with a victory. Winner: Team Liv.
- Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest: Damian Priest has been on a heater recently and this won’t be near the same matchup as the SummerSlam one. While he continues to reach superstar-levels, Gunther’s reign won’t end this quickly. Winner: Gunther.
- Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser: This match has the opportunity to steal the show with the absolute talent each person possesses. Ludwig Kaiser would compliment Gunther if he were to win, but the chaos of a triple threat favors the champion. Winner: Bron Breakker.
- LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: It’s been a mysterious return for Shinsuke Nakamura. The new personality is great, yet he hasn’t actually had a match in a long time. Nakamura does have the potential to take the title away, this is just too soon. Winner: LA Knight.
James H. Williams Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 predictions
- Men’s WarGames match: It will be interesting to see how the OG Bloodline can come together and overcome the differences they’ve had in recent years. The New Bloodline has come together fairly well in recent months which should serve as an advantage. The additions of CM Punk and Bronson Reed make for interesting additions to the match but may not have a dramatic impact on the ending result. Winner: The New Bloodline
- Women’s WarGames match: Rhea Ripley has the star power on her team but her downfall could be the desire to get her hands on Liv Morgan and not the match itself. Also, keep an eye out for Nia Jax to record multiple eliminations. Winner: Team Liv
- Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest: Gunther will continue to look strong and push toward WrestleMania as the champion despite a solid outing from Priest. Winner: Gunther
- Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser: There’s an opportunity for Ludwig Kaiser to have a breakout performance and raise his stock as a promising star but it will be Breakker who retains the title. Winner: Bron Breakker
- LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: LA Knight has held the championship since August but could see the reign end against the returning Nakamura. A loss for Knight could provide him with options to enter the heavyweight championship scene or give chase to Nakamura. Winner: Nakamura
What are WarGames?
Created by Dusty Rhodes in 1987, WarGames is one of the most unique matches in WWE in that it involves two rings side-by-side, and has become a staple in the company since its introduction into NXT in 2017.
The two rings are surrounded by a roofless steel cage, and are contested by two or three teams. The match begins with one competitor from each team starting in the ring. After five minutes, another competitor from one team enters the match to give a brief 2-on-1 advantage. Two minutes afterward, a competitor from the disadvantaged team enters to even the odds. Teams then alternate entrants until all competitors are in the match.
A team wins by pinning or submitting any member of the other team.
Survivor Series history
Survivor Series is the second-longest running pay-per-view in WWE behind WrestleMania. The event first took place in 1987 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.
While most premium live events typically have a championship match as the main event, Survivor Series has been known for having tag team matches headlining the event. Often five-on-five elimination tag team matches, there have been matches that include stars forming teams or brand matchups like Raw vs. SmackDown.
Survivor Series started using the WarGames matches in 2022 after it was first used in NXT. This year’s event will mark the fifth and sixth WarGames matches to take place in Survivor Series history.
The Bloodline reaches a new chapter
The OG Bloodline is back and ready to take on the new iteration as Roman Reigns tries to retake the title of Tribal Chief away from Solo Sikoa. Reigns was reunited with Jimmy Uso at Bad Blood, and after weeks of pleading, the duo finally got the other Uso, Jey, to rejoin the group. The original trio then added Sami Zayn, who was part of the group in late 2022 and was a successful member.
The new Bloodline of Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu added the needed fifth member of the match in Bronson Reed. Needing another member, the OG Bloodline got the return of Paul Heyman a week before Survivor Series, who revealed CM Punk would be the fifth person on the team.
Saturday night’s match may finally determine who is the real Tribal Chief, but the feud between the two sides is far from over and will likely continue into the new year.
Will The Rock return?
Is The Rock coming back?
After months away from WWE, The Rock appeared at the end of Bad Blood in October, eyeing down Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. It is unclear why he was there, but it likely showed he is watching what is happening unfold between The Bloodline, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets involved.
There have been no confirmed reports of The Rock returning, but don’t turn off the stream even after the final match ends.
Shinsuke Nakamura debuted his new theme song
Roman Reigns and CM Punk still at odds
Paul Heyman returned to reunite with Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline. With the family needing another partner for the WarGames match, Heyman reached out to an old friend in CM Punk to help bolster their chances against the New Bloodline.
Naomi will participate on birthday
Naomi will compete in the Women’s WarGames match tonight on her 37th birthday. She received social media shoutouts from fans and wrestlers, including her partner Bayley.
Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser ready for Survivor Series
The two superstars spoke with backstage correspondent Cathy Kelly before their respective championship matches at Survivor Series.
Vancouver wants WrestleMania
Vancouver serves as the host for Survivor Series tonight but the fans in the Canadian city would like to see WWE’s biggest event in their area next.
Women’s WarGames match will kick off Survivor Series
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
