Opinion

Does NXT Need to Dominate at WWE ‘Survivor Series’?

Does NXT need to dominate their Survivor Series matches to remain a third legit brand? Tom Clark takes a look!

Published

6 years ago

November 24, 2019

Tom Clark

Does NXT need to dominate their Survivor Series matches to remain a third legit brand? Tom Clark takes a look!

WWE’s NXT brand is rolling into Survivor Series on November 24 with a ton of momentum. The men and women of the black and gold brand have enjoyed more main event spotlight lately than ever before, thanks to the abundant push they’ve received on both Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. All three brand have battled for dominance as WWE has gone to war from within.

For the first time, the NXT roster has been acknowledged by WWE as being on par with anything that Raw and SmackDown can produce. NXT stars have stood head and shoulders above their main roster counterparts and fans have loved every second of it. But does NXT need to win the day at Survivor Series to truly make an impact?

Longtime NXT fans are surely thrilled with what the’ve been seeing in recent weeks. The Undisputed Era has made a massive impact, comparable only to The Shield in its prime. Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic have been hailed as the most athletic and physically impressive big men that the company has perhaps ever seen. Shayna Baszler doesn’t just look like she belongs on the main roster, she looks like she’s ready to take over.

At the top of it all is Triple H, who’s marching into battle with arguably the hottest brand in the professional wrestling industry today. Even the most jaded WWE critics have a hard time finding fault with NXT, which they view as the single best collection of technically sound workers in the business. Only New Japan Pro Wrestling could perhaps compete with NXT in that regard.

Even AEW, which starred off red hot, now seems to have cooled down quite a bit. It’s not that the company has lost so much ground that it cannot be regained. But the deficiencies in AEW’s talent roster have become painfully obvious now. It looks as though Tony Khan’s company is having a hard time keeping up with NXT.

Of course, the ratings win of NXT over AEW Dynamite on November 20 came in large part thanks to the addition of stars from both Raw and SmackDown. The red and blue brand’s heavy hitters showed up and showed off, as chaos ensued. All of this boosted NXT to levels that the brand has previously not known before.

The planning was strategic and the execution was bold. WWE threw everything it had at NXT in order to get the brand over and they more than accomplished that mission. The idea that Raw and SmackDown are no longer the main rosters is not just a selling point for NXT. It’s become a mantra repeated by fans all over the world. So what happens now?

The fact is that yes, NXT is heading into Survivor Series as the top brand in the company. But that also means expectations for NXT are higher than they’ve ever been before. After all, why would WWE go to such great lengths to get NXT over, only to squash its rise at one of the company’s landmark events?

But therein lays the issue, because no matter how good NXT looks right now, every fan paying attention to the overall WWE product knows that it can all come crashing down within a matter of minutes. Every NXT Superstar on the Survivor Series card can lose on November 24. While that sounds like a virtual impossibility, longtime fans know to never say never when it comes to WWE’s booking.

Black is white, left is right and up is down. There’s just no better way to describe it. Every time fans have it figured out, WWE goes in another direction. While there’s something to be said for the company keeping its audience guessing and pulling the occasional surprise, the fact is that’s typically not what WWE does.

Abandoned storylines, convoluted characters and pointless angles have all become the norm over the past couple of years. WWE has always been guilty of the aforementioned sins on any given day, but it does seem as though all of these sins combined have never been on such permanent display as they are now. Fans have learned not to trust WWE on much of anything, because just when it appears something is or isn’t going to happen, the opposite is true. Logic and common sense storytelling are thrown out the window and that’s just how it is.

But would WWE inflate NXT to the level it has, only to pop its progress with a needle from Creative at the last moment? What would be the point of that, especially since NXT is competing with AEW, which was winning The Wednesday Night War until November 20?

Then there’s the other train of thought that suggests NXT should go in and sweep every match on the Survivor Series card. Why not load the black and gold brand with such momentum that it’s then viewed as the No.1 brand in WWE? The company’s two longest running programs would come in second and third to the brand that is now being fully endorsed as the best in the game today. Why not?

But as good as that idea may sound to longtime NXT fans, the fact is that may not be such a great idea either. If the NXT roster is so good that it dominates at Survivor Series, then why wouldn’t those stars simply bounce from one brand to the next every week, in order to show off their skills? What would be the point of keeping NXT as its own separate entity if everyone on the program is obviously so much better than everyone else? Why not invade Raw and SmackDown permanently?

The truth is that this situation is a bit tricky for WWE. If NXT is squashed, then it ruins any progress made to this point. If NXT dominates, then it may create a level of expectation that’s virtually impossible to live up to. If NXT goes 50/50 with the stars of Raw and SmackDown, then Survivor Series will be viewed as a series of pointless exhibition matches that didn’t settle anything. It’s a war with that ends with a peace treaty instead of a victory by anyone.

Maybe the whole point of Survivor Series is exactly what many fans saw from day one: elevation. Maybe the idea of promoting NXT as a legitimate and eventually self-sustaining brand, was the mission from the very beginning. What was once refereed to as “developmental” is now thought of as deserving. NXT has arrived and despite what happens at Survivor Series, it definitely seems to be here to stay.

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1