Twice in a lifetime? In a rematch of their WrestleMania XX bout, pro wrestling legend Goldberg returns to the WWE ring on Sunday to take on the “Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar on Survivor Series at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
With the brand extension, Raw is set to take on SmackDown Live in a battle for bragging rights — and more — as the two shows set to embark in three different Survivor Series elimination matches.
Here’s my breakdown of who should win and who will win come Sunday.
LISTEN: Hugh Johnson and Joe Nguyen break down their picks for WWE’s Survivor Series in their latest podcast:
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Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Kalisto
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Singles match
Who should win
Kalisto. The cruiserweights are moving to SmackDown. The WWE Network exclusive “WWE 205 Live” program is set to debut on Nov. 29 — a Tuesday — so it feels like it’s set up for Kalisto to win for the division to make the transfer. Plus outside of Neville, he’s the most talented cruiserweight in the company right now.
Who will win
Kalisto.
The Miz (c) vs. Sami Zayn
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Singles match
Who should win
Zayn. The talented Canadian-born wrestler is fighting for the IC title in his home country. No doubt, he’s going to have a huge pop from the Toronto fans — one that’s similar to the in May 2015 in Montreal. A victory would be the icing on the cake.
Who will win
Miz. OK, hear me out. Even with the cruiserweight division, SmackDown needs that secondary belt to the world title. Also, it’s been a while since a WWE star has won a title in their hometown — See: Sasha Banks at last month’s Hell in a Cell. Miz has the advantage of having Maryse on the outside to help him garner a win, just like she did on SmackDown to help him win the title.
Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown
10-on-10 Survivor Series tag team elimination match
Who should win
Team Raw. On paper — and this is purely looking through the eyes of kayfabe — Raw has the stronger team. The New Day is on the cusp of breaking Demolition’s record for the longest tag team championship reign; Enzo and Cass, Gallows and Anderson, and Cesaro and Sheamus are all legitimate threats. On SmackDown, only Heath Slater and Rhyno, The Usos and American Alpha are quite on that level. My money’s on Raw to take this bout.
Who will win
Team Raw.
Women’s Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown
5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match
Who should win
Team SmackDown. Admittedly, Raw has the stronger talent on paper — Charlotte, Bayley and Sasha Banks are at the top of the card and Nia Jax is a monster — but SmackDown seems to have more parity. And a coach.
Who will win
Team SmackDown.
Mens’s Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown
5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match
Who should win
Team SmackDown. Well, more importantly the fans. This should have a bevy of nonstop fun and entertainment, created by intriguing matchups, from Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton against Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, Shane McMahon against, well, anyone on Raw. With nothing really on the line except for pride, I’m giving the edge to SmackDown and their slightly more cohesive team dynamic.
Who will win
Team Raw. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho will be left standing alone tall in the ring. It is in Canada.
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg
Singles match
Who should win
Lesnar. For Goldberg, this feels like a one-shot. A victory over Lesnar does little to help the product. A win for Lesnar adds another level of invincibility for the former UFC heavyweight champ.
Goldberg’s runs in WCW and WWE we’re marked with pure dominance. I get that he hasn’t been in the company for 12 years. I get that Lesnar has been an absolute force since his return. But this feels like Goldberg’s swan song, his farewell from the world of wrestling before retiring. A loss doesn’t diminish his legacy, but a match that takes both men to the limit would cement him as one of the most dominant ever before going into the WWE Hall of Fame — perhaps as the marquee name in the 2017 class?
Who will win
Lesnar.
