WWE Survivor Series 2017: Star Ratings For All 7 Matches

7. The Shield Vs. The New Day

In which a d*mn good match was also something of a let down.

The psychology was a bit off. Clearly, the team with Roman Reigns on it was always going to be presented as the babyfaces, but it was difficult to genuinely buy Big E et al. as heels - especially to such an extent that would excuse the protracted Dean Ambrose beatdown spot. This was problematic in itself, and dragged on far too long for an opening match, the all-action nature of which is in danger of becoming a lost art in WWE.

Much of the work was excellent - Xavier Woods sold beautifully for Roman Reigns' Superman punch, the various melees were performed with that awesome Shield-worthy carnage - but moments of hesitation and clumsiness were enough to remove the audience from the action at times. The all-important, triumphant finish was undermined with a miscommunication. It was an apt visual.

Great as it was in patches, we know the Shield have wrestled better, more hermetic matches than this. Ditto the New Day: the best of their work with the Usos earlier this year eclipsed this worthy, if relatively disappointing, opener. That curve was considered when assigning the rating.

Star Rating: ***3/4