Survivor Series is one of the most prominent premium live events in WWE and could give huge momentum going into the new year.
So, who will seize the opportunity?
There will be plenty of big names in the two WarGames matches taking place in San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 29, and each of them needs a victory to maintain their status in the pecking order of the company. Meanwhile, can John Cena go into the final match of his career with the Intercontinental Championship in his possession? That, plus Stephanie Vaquer defending her title against Nikki Bella, could lead to ramifications for the Royal Rumble in January.
What will happen at Survivor Series 2025? USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling experts gives their predictions on what will happen at Petco Park:
Men’s WarGames match
Jordan Mendoza: Even with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns leading a stacked squad, The Vision desperately need to assert themselves as an elite group without Seth Rollins. The addition of Brock Lesnar makes a big difference as WWE doesn’t seem interested in him looking inferior. Winners: Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
Richard Morin: Team Vision has the advantage and simply possesses too much firepower to lose this match. Infighting between Rhodes, Punk and Reigns will ultimately fell their team. Winners: Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
Women’s WarGames match
Jordan Mendoza: We know one thing is going to happen: Iyo Sky is going to fly in a match she thrives in. She and Rhea Ripley really want to best The Kabuki Warriors, and this match felt like it could go either way for a while. But when AJ Lee joined the fold, that sealed the result. Winners: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and AJ Lee.
Richard Morin: It’s a shame this story didn’t get the proper build due to Ripley’s injury, but what we got is still great. Ripley and Sky are deserving of a major tandem push and that should be the focal point in wake of this match. We should also set up an entertaining singles feud between Lee and Lynch. Winners: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and AJ Lee.
Women’s World Championship match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Nikki Bella
Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer’s meteoric rise on the main roster has kind of calmed down, which presents a prime opportunity for a veteran like Nikki Bella to knock her from the top of the women’s division. Bella will have some chances with some sneaky tactics, but Vaquer is just too dominant in the ring. It be a bad mistake to strip her of the title, as this win likely means Vaquer heads into WrestleMania season as a champion. Winner: Stephanie Vaquer.
Richard Morin: Keeping the belt on Vaquer might seem like the logical move, but there is an opportunity here to build a fun, long-term story and give Petco Park a shocking result. Vaquer never got a proper championship build — due to Naomi vacating the title — so the best long-term play may actually be for a heel Bella to steal the title and for Vaquer to chase it back down. Bella has said this will be her final run in WWE, so it isn’t crazy for WWE to give her one more title reign before putting over Vaquer down the road. Winner: Nikki Bella.
Intercontinental Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio
Jordan Mendoza: We’ve known this was the path for Cena for awhile. Cena finally got the one title that’s eluded him, but does it make sense for him to still hold the title going into his final match? It doesn’t make much sense, and should be the chance for Mysterio to shine back in his hometown. He reclaims the title and get thrusted further to stardom by pinning the 17-time WWE Champion, even if it takes some lying, cheating and stealing. Winner: Dominik Mysterio.
Richard Morin: Cena putting over Mysterio in the former’s final PLE appearance is the correct call. WWE undoubtedly views Mysterio as someone who can be the company’s top heel for the next 20 years. The only wrinkle here is Mysterio’s father, Rey Mysterio, who does not have a match at his hometown Survivor Series. The guess here is Rey attempts to help Cena but has his efforts ultimately thwarted. Winner: Dominik Mysterio.