10 Things WWE Regrets About Survivor Series

3. Vladimir Kozzzzzlov

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WWE.com

Was Vladimir Kozlov the worst ever 'Vince McMahon Guy'? Re-watching the semi-main event of Survivor Series 2008 - about the only time I actively resent covering pro wrestling as a job - answers that loaded question.

Even the crickets couldn't be arsed to chirrup as the Moscow Mauler made his entrance. Months of televised wins, and one major victory over the Undertaker (with a power slam, condemning him as a 1980s-style bust) was all for nothing. Nobody took Kozlov, the gurning paper challenger, seriously. Prior to Edge's arrival into the match - a nominal heel move the Boston Crowd received as the second coming of Christ - Trips and Vladimir couldn't even bore the crowd to tears. The grunting, arthritic mat slog was that dry.

WWE lore stipulates that Triple H is a super-worker to the level of his idol, Ric Flair. Embarrassment was etched all over the man's face throughout because he, not for the first time, wrestled his stubborn, methodical match to pure apathy.

As 'Games' go, this was Euro Truck Simulator.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!