Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of Triple Threat from Smark Out Moment, where three of us get together to discuss three questions based on one big topic going down in the week of professional wrestling.

This week, Dallas Allsopp, Ben Williams and Callum Wiggins will be giving their opinions on Survivor Series 2019, an event in which Raw took on not only SmackDown, but NXT too.

NXT reigned supreme at Survivor Series, securing the highest amount of victories in a what was a dominant overall performance. NXT not only proved they are a viable third brand within WWE, but also proved the future of WWE is bright.


ALLSOPP: I honestly did not expect this match to main event, but I’m happy it did. Shayna Baszler winning was unexpected for me as I didn’t believe WWE would pull the trigger and have her submit one of the more established champions, but in doing so, it legitimised Baszler as a badass. Yes, she didn’t tap out Becky Lynch, but that means we now have a future match set. The logical thing would be for Baszler to move up to Raw and decimate the entire division, before dethroning Lynch at WrestleMania 36.

WILLIAMS: The main event of Survivor Series was a massive let down in my opinion. Shayna Baszler is fantastic in matches against flashier opponents, however neither Becky Lynch nor Bayley particularly fulfil that role. The fact that the 15 women tag team match far outshined a match featuring all 3 current women’s champions is slightly worrying, especially in the case of Lynch, who has had a streak of very underwhelming matches this year, outside of her battles against Asuka and Sasha Banks. Shayna Baszler desperately needs to drop the NXT Women's Championship to Rhea Ripley and hopefully end the increasingly tiresome Raw Women's Championship reign of Lynch.

WIGGINS: In terms of build, this match was the most fitting choice to headline Survivor Series, as the clash of the three women's champions merited the top slot. In hindsight though, this match was hideously boring and was performed in front of a mostly dead crowd. It appears triple threat main events with Becky Lynch involved have a pattern to them. Still, it was a good pick to give Shayna Baszler a win as it sets her up for a potential Royal Rumble win, and therefore a main roster championship match at WrestleMania 36. It will make it an even bigger deal when Rhea Ripley defeats Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship.


WILLIAMS: The inclusion of NXT at Survivor Series this year has been ideal for all 3 brands, as they’ve all received a big boost in ratings and online engagement, with the product generally feeling more must see. The likes of Adam Cole, Keith Lee, Rhea Ripley and Candice LeRae have gained massive exposure to a wider audience, and thus will draw new eyes to the weekly NXT product.

WIGGINS: Let's not kid ourselves. NXT was added to Survivor Series because WWE wants to beat AEW in the ratings war. Having said that, having NXT win is a good way to get some exciting names over to an audience that might only typically watch Raw or SmackDown. I wouldn't go so far to say WWE made stars at Survivor Series, as they haven't made a star since the early 2000's, but it was a good boost for the yellow brand.

ALLSOPP: NXT invading Raw and SmackDown made the weekly shows feel more unpredictable and exciting to watch, but I would never have imagined NXT would be victorious overall at Survivor Series. This was a real statement of intent for building NXT as a viable third brand, and by winning, WWE has a new set of stars fully established and legitimised. I wear my NXT colours with pride, and I could not be happier to see them reign victorious.


WIGGINS: First of all, for the sake of Adam Cole, he should never make it to the main roster. I don't know if it's because of his size or just WWE's hideous track record with NXT graduates, but I don't have a good feeling about his prospects on Raw or SmackDown. And frankly, with NXT on the same network as Raw and competing with AEW, why would you move someone who is a potential draw to another brand, especially when you don't have a ready made top heel to replace him? Cole is certainly one of the best performers in WWE right now, and hopefully he continues to be one of the best as part of the NXT roster.

ALLSOPP: Adam Cole is simply on another level. Despite currently suffering with a fractured wrist, he is able to put on performances that eclipse anyone in NXT or the main roster. Cole has always been talented, but his in ring style has been finessed to perfection during his NXT tenure. In terms of being promoted to the main roster, I feel it would be wasted if he wasn’t still affiliated with The Undisputed Era, as this would allow him to continue excelling as a talented but cocky heel, which is a role sorely needed on the main roster.

WILLIAMS: Whilst I think it might be a stretch to call Adam Cole the best performer in WWE today, he’s certainly in the top 5 at least on the men’s roster. Cole had a stellar weekend, and continues to back up every bit of hype he brought with him from the independent scene. Whether he makes the move to the main roster or spends a little more time in NXT, expect Cole to continue stealing the show wherever he goes.