WWE Survivor Series 2011 Review

Never before, never again!

Photo Credit: WWE.com/World Wrestling Entertainment

[Editor's Note: I attended Survivor Series live at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, so don't mind my two cents every now and then regarding chants, chants, more chants, etc. Enjoy Jimmy Dylan's great recap! - Fred Richani]

By Jimmy Dylan

We are just a few hours removed from the 25th Anniversary of the Survivor Series, broadcast from the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. This was WWE's Fall Classic, and a lot of people were looking for WWE to deliver in many ways last night. The history and magic made in this arena speaks for itself, and the matches set up allowed for more history to be made at the Silver Anniversary of this great event. I made predictions prior to the show going live and by the end of the night, I was 3-3 on my predictions. That's not too bad, but I'll need to improve that record moving forward in the blog series.

On to the 2011 WWE Survivor Series review.... Buzz-kill delivered right from the start when Interim Raw GM, John Laurinaitis, made his way out to the set to address the masses about the Survivor Series and put himself over about this being his tenth anniversary with the company. Let's not forget, New York is one of the great wrestling cities in the world with some of the greatest fans. Nostalgia reigned supreme last night, making for a very unique experience from the raucous crowd with interesting reactions. I love a crowd like this because their engagement tells you exactly what they want to see, and it started right off the bat with Johnny Ace.

United States Championship: Dolph Ziggler {C} def. John Morrison (My Pick: Dolph Ziggler) 

*I was glad they chose to put this match on first as every show needs a hot opener and these two can go. Considering Ziggler had to wrestle twice last night, I figured one of his bouts would open the show. Since there was only one 10-man elimination match this year, I kinda wanted to wait on that one. It was a great match from start to finish. Speculation surrounding Morrison's current contract situation will continue until concrete news comes out. What's important here is that JoMo continues to turn in money performances when it counts most.

I enjoyed this match even with that feeling that the writing may already be on the wall. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag after countering the Starship Pain to retain his title. I for one would like to see John Morrison stay with the company. His style compliments several other Superstars on the roster whom he has yet to really encounter. If he does leave, I hope he keeps his nose clean so he can return at some point and finish climbing the ladder.

-The crowd had been screaming for Zack Ryder during and after the match, and they got treated to an appearance by their native son...who was clearly upset about his Twitter petition being denied by Laurinaitis despite having 15,000 strong behind him. The brief scrimmage ended with a Ruff Ryder on the champ, much to the delight of the jam-packed crowd. [Editor's Note: the crowd chanted for Ryder throughout the night, including during an off-air promo by The Rock, in which he responded he likes him and didn't realize he was so tall].

Lumberjill Divas Title Match: Beth Phoenix {C} def. Eve (My Pick: Beth Phoenix)

*Again, your typical showing here, especially in a match like this. I'm begging WWE to use the girls that can wrestle and deliver the goods. Let's see Tamina IN the ring, instead of outside as an enforcer. I didn't see any reason to dethrone Beth Phoenix or the #PinUpStrong movement here at Survivor Series, and in the preview I mentioned Kharma. I know we're still a long way from her return, and that's fine. I'm a fan of long term programs and what Beth and Natalya are doing can carry this division for a while...definitely into WrestleMania season, which then wouldn't be so far off for a return from the monstrous "Diva."

Big ups to Beth for an amazing display as she destroyed Eve with a Super Glam Slam from the top rope to finish Eve and retain her prized possession! Talk about highlight reels. This is one that will be played for a long time to come! Props to both competitors for delivering a lasting moment at one of the least-expected times.

We go backstage with CM Punk. David Otunga enters and says John Laurinaitis wants Punk to apologize to Michael Cole tonight. Punk says he will think about it, after he defeats Alberto Del Rio and becomes the new WWE Champion.

Cameras cut to the interview area where The Rock is standing, dressed for combat. As I said, nostalgia was king last night, as shown here with a vintage, classic Rock promo that only he could deliver for his millions...and millions. This promo had it all from old catchphrases to an impromptu Rock concert. It even had a trip down memory lane, which they tell me somewhere near the corner of Know Your Roll Blvd. & Jabroni Drive. Rock delivered a passionate message from the heart as this was truly a homecoming of sorts...going back to The Rock's WWF(E) debut at the 1996 Survivor Series, ironically at Madison Square Garden. The stage was set for the evening's main event. Never Before. Never Again.

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match: Team Barrett (Wade Barrett, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes & Hunico) def. Team Orton (Randy Orton, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Mason Ryan & Sin Cara) (My Pick: Team Orton)