Quick Links

In 2016, WWE brought back the Raw vs SmackDown battle for brand supremacy gimmick for the Survivor Series PPV following the brand split during that year. Much like in 2002, Raw and SmackDown felt like two firmly separate brands, and it felt like a big deal to see the stars on different shows go head-to-head. However, after the botching of the brand split and hosting six straight events in which this was the theme of the show, WWE ruined the draw and appeal of Survivor Series. For one of their “big four” PPVs, this was an unforgivable thing for WWE to do, especially since the show is a favorite of many fans.

WWE’s Raw Vs SmackDown Theme Got Off To A Good Start

In 2016, the rosters from Raw and SmackDown had been kept firmly apart, meaning that Survivor Series was a highly anticipated event. WWE put all the World Champions in the traditional five-on-five matches, making those bouts feel significant, and there were brilliant storyline threads told throughout these matches. Intriguing matches were held, and WWE allowed themselves to not necessarily book solely Raw vs SmackDown contests by main eventing with Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg.

RELATED: 10 Things WWE Fans Should Know About Survivor Series 2003

wwe-survivor-series-2016-raw-vs-smackdown

The 2017 event was a step down, with the main men’s match being dominated by part timers such as Shane McMahon, Triple H, and Kurt Angle, taking all the focus away from the brand vs brand warfare. The event was still solid though, with great matches like AJ Styles vs Brock Lesnar and The Shield vs New Day. 2018 was fine, especially with the Lesnar vs Daniel Bryan main event. The concept was dying though with a lack of interest, but WWE managed to salvage it for one more year by adding NXT to the occasion. In 2020, it was Raw vs SmackDown once again, and this time it was hard to watch.

The 2020 And 2021 Survivor Series Events Were Terrible

By the time 2020 rolled around, most superstars on the roster had been on both Raw and SmackDown several times over the last four years, making it pretty much meaningless for them to represent their own brand, especially since WWE began hosting “Superstar Shake-Ups” just prior to Survivor Series in a completely baffling decision. There were zero stakes to the matches by that point, and the brand split was becoming looser as time went on, with superstars going from brand to brand even when they were on opposing rosters.

RELATED: Team Austin Vs Team Bischoff At Survivor Series 2003: A Forgotten WWE Classic

Roman-Reigns-Vs-Big-E-Survivor-Series

In 2021, it was arguably the worst one yet. WWE didn’t even bother building Survivor Series properly on TV, with the announcements for teams happening on social media, making it feel as though there were even less stakes. In many ways, WWE used the Raw vs SmackDown theme to offer them the chance to not have to bother booking storylines ahead of a PPV event. This was a slap in the face to both the fans and the performers, as it made everyone question why the event was even happening. Once again, WWE shook up the rosters just before the event for no reason.

WWE Looks To Have Finally Fixed Survivor Series In 2022

The lack of interest in the 2021 Survivor Series and the disapproval towards the show was evident, with the rating of the show on cagematch.net making it among the worst rated editions of the event of all time. The wrestlers tried their best at making the show watchable, all putting in good performances, but with no storylines and nothing to gain from winning, it was hard to make the fans care about anything that was happening.

RELATED: 10 Things WWE Fans Should Know About Survivor Series 2008

The excitement for Survivor Series had diminished due to WWE’s reluctance to change things for the show, with this obsession for the battle for brand supremacy completely ruining the PPV. If Vince McMahon were still in power, and despite the growing mix between those on Raw and those on SmackDown, Survivor Series would likely have followed the exact same formula again this year. Thankfully, things have changed.

survivor series wargames
via WWE

In 2022, Vince McMahon stepped down from power in WWE, and Triple H took command over creative duties. This has led to a whole manner of different changes for the product, and one of those has seen a complete revamp of Survivor Series. Gone is the battle for brand supremacy, with the introduction of War Games at the show looking to replace the traditional five-on-five elimination tag team matches. Thankfully, these matches are made up of wrestlers who are actively feuding with one another, and not made up of superstars from Raw and SmackDown. Of course, Survivor Series may not be a success, but any change from WWE’s unhealthy obsession with brand supremacy is a welcome one.