Survivor Series 2010: Strong Wrestling, One Traditional Match and a Cena Story That Swallows the Show

Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase open Survivor Series with a focused championship match that gives Bryan another useful defense during his first United States title reign. DiBiase controls early stretches with heavier offense and even suplexes Bryan from the apron to the floor, giving the challenger a believable advantage before Bryan begins targeting openings. The match improves as DiBiase tries to set up Dream Street and Bryan counters into faster submissions and strikes. The finish is decisive when Bryan traps DiBiase in the LeBell Lock and forces the submission. There is no interference and no protected escape. The match is not long enough to become a classic, but it is technically sound, well paced and an effective opener for a card that needs early momentum.

John Morrison and Sheamus turn a straightforward singles match into one of the card's better competitive bouts. Sheamus brings the power advantage and repeatedly cuts Morrison off with strikes, while Morrison survives by creating quick angles and forcing the former champion to chase him. The closing sequence gives both wrestlers believable chances without relying on outside help. Sheamus misses the Brogue Kick and gets caught in the ropes, Morrison lands the Flying Chuck and then connects with a running knee for the clean pin. The result matters because Morrison beats a recent world champion without a fluke, giving their rivalry a real escalation toward the King of the Ring tournament and TLC. The match is crisp, decisive and better than its modest placement suggests.

Dolph Ziggler and Kaval bring enough athletic contrast to make the Intercontinental Championship match feel fresher than several surrounding programs. Kaval attacks with quick kicks and aerial offense, including a diving moonsault that creates one of the match's best near-falls, while Ziggler slows the pace whenever the challenger begins building momentum. The final sequence is competitive but deliberately protected. Kaval attempts an inverted roll-up, Ziggler counters and grabs the tights for extra leverage to secure the pin. The champion retains and the challenger remains credible, though the shortcut keeps the finish from feeling fully satisfying. The wrestling is strong enough to overcome that limitation. It is a good nine-minute title match that makes efficient use of both wrestlers' strengths.

The traditional elimination match gives Survivor Series the identity its name requires and becomes one of the card's strongest attractions. The format creates steady movement through eliminations without becoming rushed, and several wrestlers receive distinct moments. Alberto Del Rio removes Chris Masters before Big Show knocks Del Rio out of the match, Kofi Kingston eliminates Tyler Reks, and Jack Swagger later submits Kingston. The finish narrows the contest to Rey Mysterio and Big Show against Drew McIntyre after Mysterio eliminates Swagger. Mysterio lands the 619, Big Show follows with a chokeslam, and Team Mysterio wins with two survivors. The result is clean, the match feels appropriately traditional, and the structure gives the event a much-needed connection to Survivor Series history.

Natalya's first Divas Championship victory is more important than the match quality because the two-on-one handicap structure lasts less than four minutes. Layla and Michelle McCool use their numbers advantage immediately, forcing Natalya to create quick openings rather than build a conventional title match. The challenger survives long enough to isolate Michelle and apply the Sharpshooter, forcing the submission and finally ending LayCool's control of the championship. The title change receives a useful post-match boost when Beth Phoenix returns to rescue Natalya from another attack. The moment is satisfying and historically meaningful for Natalya. The match itself is too brief and crowded to become substantial, so the grade reflects a good payoff delivered through a very limited wrestling segment.

Kane and Edge carry a storyline built around Edge psychologically tormenting Kane and kidnapping Paul Bearer, but the championship match never receives a decisive payoff. The wrestlers work a methodical heavyweight structure with Edge trying to create openings for the Spear while Kane uses power offense to keep control. The final pinning sequence produces confusion when both men's shoulders are down and the referee counts three. The official draw allows Kane to retain the World Heavyweight Championship without a winner. Edge's post-match attack, including putting Kane in a wheelchair and sending him through the barricade, provides a more memorable visual than the match itself. The rivalry continues, but the non-decision makes the pay-per-view title match feel like an intermediate chapter rather than a destination.

Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel defend the WWE Tag Team Championship in a five-minute match that exists mostly to keep Nexus visible before the main event. Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov provide the comedy and power contrast, but the challengers never receive enough time to create a sustained title threat. The Nexus members at ringside repeatedly influence the match, giving the champions an advantage beyond their own teamwork. Slater and Gabriel eventually retain after the interference creates the opening they need. The result is consistent with the faction's presentation, yet it offers little competitive payoff and makes the championship feel secondary to the larger Cena-Barrett story. The wrestling is functional, the crowd understands the roles, and the match ends before it can become either especially good or especially damaging.

Randy Orton and Wade Barrett close Survivor Series with the night's biggest storyline stakes because John Cena's future depends on the result. If Barrett wins the championship, Cena is freed from Nexus; if Barrett loses, Cena is fired. The Nexus is barred from ringside and the match can end only by pinfall or submission, putting Cena's referee decisions under constant scrutiny. Barrett repeatedly tries to force Cena toward the outcome he wants, while Orton builds toward the RKO. In the finish, Cena shoves Barrett directly into Orton, who hits the RKO and retains. Cena counts the pin and is fired under the stipulation. The emotional stakes are strong and the logic is clear, but the wrestling remains secondary to the referee story.