10 Incredible Last Minute PPV Changes You Never Saw Coming
Difference Makers
Jason Jordan probably didn't deserve his face planting in the mat to put a finer point on the announcement, but Triple H's Raw revelation that he'd be the fifth member of Kurt Angle's Survivor Series team completed (?) a line-up that looks on paper to be one of the best main events ever.
In the inter-brand mens match, WWE have assembled several of the company's biggest ever stars, the finest full-timers on the roster outside SmackDown Live!'s heavyweight Champion, and offered up Shane McMahon to have his ankle broken/head left on a platter (delete as appropriate) should the red brand be successful on the night.
Adding 'The Game' on the go-home was a tasty treat, especially considering his recent tear through the ranks on house shows and a planned contest with Jinder Mahal when the crew tour there in December. It reflected the broader chaos in general that has enveloped this pay-per-view since Vince McMahon elected to shake things up with less than a fortnight to go.
Three matches have already shape-shifted since the original card was announced, with the potential for others to follow right up until showtime. Stacked to the gills as most 'Big 4' shows are now, the company have over-stuffed each battle wherever possible in order to fill the mammoth six hours blocked out on the Network for the November classic. And it's not first time the they've employed an explosive adjustment to avoid accidentally bombing.
10. Kurt Angle (Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2017)
Though he looked as though he was about to chaperone Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose on a Halloween candy expedition, Kurt Angle’s out-of-nowhere October 2017 could really be split into three I’s. It’s safe to assume it’s what he’d want, too.
Insanity - As with a major contest elsewhere on the TLC card (more on that later), the sudden exclusion of Roman Reigns a mere 48 hours before ‘The Big Dog’ was supposed to join his Shield brothers in action for the first time in three years was less shocking than the news of his replacement. With credit to Kurt, it raised anticipation for an already hot match tenfold.
Injury - Or more specifically, the fear of picking one up. Though clearly excited to be there, Angle wore the look of a man nervous to be back in front of a WWE crowd in the opening exchanges, targeting Kane in some ultra-safe fisticuffs before falling foul of a Braun Strowman powerslam and a mid-match rest.
Impact - Not to be confused with Kurt’s former employer, whatever the hell they’re even calling themselves now. Angle’s return from the beating saw a reversion to the real Kurt. A sh*t-kicking ‘Wrestling Machine’, he blasted through The Bar in ferocious fashion before surviving a Skull Crushing Finale to lead his team to victory.